ADLER, EMANUEL PHILLIP
Emanuel Phillip Adler, as president of the Lee Newspaper Syndicate, represents that spirit of organization and coordination of forces that constitutes one of the most forceful and vital elements in the business life of the times. It is but another expression of the truth of the old adage that "in union there is strength," for with combined interests the expenditure of time, labor and material is reduced to a minimum in the accomplishment of maximum results. Bending his efforts to administrative direction and executive control as head of the Lee Newspaper Syndicate, Mr. Adler has justified his adoption of the printing business as a life work, for in this field he had advanced from a humble position to one of leadership. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, September 30 1872, and was taken to Ottumwa, Iowa, by his parents, P. E. and Bertha Adler, in 1874. His youthful days were therefore passed in this state, and in Ottumwa he pursued his education in the common schools to the age of fourteen years, when he began learning the printer's trade. He afterward secured a position in a Chicago newspaper office as "sub" when seventeen years of age, and later, returning to Ottumwa he secured a position as printer on the Ottumwas Courier. In 1894 he was given a trial as "cub" reporter on the Courier and proving his worth was promoted from time to time serving successively in the position of editor, managing editor and business manager. In 1900 A. W. Lee, publisher of the Courier, purchased the Davenport Times and established the Lee Newspaper Syndicate, and in January, 1901, Mr. Adler was sent to Davenport as publishier of the Times. The policy which he inaugurated in its management made it one of the profitable journals of the state and the evidence of business ability which he thus displayed led to his election to the presidency of the syndicate upon the death of Mr. Lee in 1907. Five daily papers constitute this syndicate: the Davenport Times; the Ottumwa Courier; the Muscatine Journal; the LaCross Tribune; and the Hannibal Courier-Post.
Mr. Adler's activities extend to political circles, wherein his labors have largely advanced the interests of the republican party in Iowa. He was made state central committeeman from the second district, was chosen secretary of the committee and given charge of the press bureau in the Taft campaign. To practical politics he brings the results of business experience and that wise direction of forces which have been salient elements in the general movement toward placing the republican party in Iowa beyond the pale of possible diminution of power.
On the 5th of February, 1902, occurred the marriage of Mr. Adler to Miss Lena Rothschild, a daughter of the late David R. Rothschild, president of the Rothschild Grain Company. Their only son, Phillip David Adler, is now a lad of six years. Mr. Adler's social nature finds expression in his membership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Arsenal Golf Club, the Outing and Rock Island Clubs - associations which also indicate the nature of his recreation. Moreover, he is prominent in the Davenport Commercial Club, serving as its vice president and as a member of its board of directors. He is active in all projects looking to the development of the city along many lines of general improvement and has done much in promoting desired results.
This bio was extracted from the History of Davenport and Scott County, Vol. I and II, by Harry E. Downer, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. It was transcribed by Deborah Clough Gerischer.