Honorable Edward N. Breitung: with Son Edward and Granddaughter Juliet

The Edward N. Breitung family was larger than life. They seem to have had it all, only to have to it squandered within two generations.

The story begins with the patriarch, Edward N. Breitung Sr., who purchased tens of thousands of acres, and had ownership or interests in several dozen of iron mines, starting in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. He also served in the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate, as Mayor of Negaunee, and as a Representative in the 48th US Congress.

But a fault was a wandering eye, which may have contributed to his wife Mary’s reported infidelity, his failing health, and his death.

Both Edward’s widow and his only surviving son Edward Jr. married into the Samuel Kaufman family. The blended family branched out into the banking, hotel, railroad, and automotive businesses. However, Mary determined that her second husband was siphoning profits to the Kaufmans. Nathan passed away during the court case. Two brothers consecutively took over from Nathan in the running of the Congress Hotel, but both soon died, at the hotel.

Edward Jr. attempted to profit from WWI. Worse, his cousin was involved in bombing plots against American targets. This same cousin siphoned off the family riches for himself and three co-conspirators.