Fithian, Edwin J., 1863-1953.

Edwin John Fithian (medical doctor, industrialist, governor and senator) was born on July 1, 1863 in Portersville, Butler County, Pennsylvania. He was educated at Grove City College and received A.B. and A.M. degrees in 1889. Dr. Fithian attained his M.D. at the West Pennsylvania Medical College (University of Pittsburgh) in 1892. He practiced medicine until 1898 in Portersville and Zelionople. In 1898, Edwin co-founded the Bessemer Gas Engine Company and served as its President. In 1929, the Bessemer Gas Engine Company merged with the Cooper Company to form the Cooper-Bessemer Corporation and Fithian became Chairman of the Board, a position he held until 1940. Fithian was a Trustee of Grove City College and was President of the Board of Directors of Grove City National Bank in Burgess. He was a member of of the First Presbyterian Church, Lodge 603 F. & A.M. of Grove City Knights Templars and the Shrine. Fithian was a Prohibition Party candidate in the election campaigns of 1918 and 1932. He was elected Governor of Pennsylvania in 1918 and U.S. Senator in 1932. Fithian died at Oak Hill, Grove City, Pennsylvania on May 15, 1953.