Edward Eastman
Edward Eastman (February 22, 1806 – February 23, 1870) was an American merchant, politician, and pioneer settler of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He was active in civic and territorial affairs, and known as a Democrat and Free Soiler. In 1847 he was one of a partnership approved by the territorial legislature to build the first bridge across the Fox River in Oshkosh.
Edward Eastman | |
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Photo of Edward Eastman, from a visiting card circa 1867 | |
| 1st Mayor of Oshkosh, Wisconsin | |
| In office April 1853 – April 1854 | |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Joseph Jackson |
| Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the Winnebago County district | |
| In office January 6, 1851 – January 5, 1852 | |
| Preceded by | Leonard P. Crary |
| Succeeded by | Dudley Blodget (Winnebago–Waupaca) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 22, 1806 Randolph, Vermont, U.S. |
| Died | February 23, 1870 (aged 64) Oshkosh, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Resting place | Riverside Cemetery, Oshkosh |
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| Spouses |
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| Children | 6 |
| Occupation | Merchant |
After the city was incorporated in 1853, Eastman was elected as the first mayor of Oshkosh. He also served several years before and after that by appointment as its postmaster. In 1850 he was elected and served a single one-year term in the Wisconsin State Assembly as a Free Soil Party member.
After his political career, he became a bookseller in Oshkosh. In the mid-1850s, he was named to the board of directors of two railroads formed in Oshkosh: the Oshkosh & Portage City, and the Winnebago railroads.