Representative Edward Julius Elsaesser

Edward Julius Elsaesser (March 10, 1904 – January 7, 1983) was an American politician and lawyer who served as a Republican U.S. Representative from New York’s 43rd congressional district from 1945 to 1949. Over the course of two terms in the House of Representatives, he contributed to the legislative process during a significant period in American history, representing the interests of his constituents in western New York in the immediate aftermath of World War II.

Elsaesser was born in Buffalo, New York, on March 10, 1904, the son of John and Ida (Steinke) Elsaesser. Raised in the Buffalo area, he was educated in local schools before pursuing legal studies. He attended the University at Buffalo Law School, from which he graduated in 1926. The following year, in 1927, he was admitted to the bar and commenced the practice of law in Buffalo, establishing himself in the legal profession. On December 6, 1933, he married Anna Hossack, and they made their home in the Buffalo region as his legal and political careers developed.

Elsaesser’s early political activity was rooted in Republican Party affairs in Erie County and New York State. In 1936 he was the Republican candidate for the New York State Assembly from Erie County’s 3rd District, an early bid for elective office that helped raise his profile within the party. He went on to serve as a Republican State committeeman from 1937 to 1945, participating in the organization and direction of party activities at the state level. In 1940 he was a delegate to the Republican National Convention, further solidifying his standing as an influential party figure in New York.

Building on this foundation, Elsaesser was elected to the United States House of Representatives as a Republican in 1944 from New York’s 43rd congressional district and was reelected in 1946. He served two consecutive terms in Congress, from January 3, 1945, to January 3, 1949. His tenure coincided with a transformative era in American history, encompassing the final months of World War II and the beginning of the postwar period. As a member of the House of Representatives, Edward Julius Elsaesser participated in the democratic process, contributed to the legislative work of the chamber, and represented the interests of his constituents in New York during debates over postwar reconstruction, veterans’ issues, and domestic economic adjustment.

Elsaesser sought to continue his service in Congress but was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1948. He again pursued federal office in 1950, seeking the Republican nomination for his former congressional district, but did not secure the nomination. After his departure from Congress in 1949, he returned to private life and resumed the practice of law in the Buffalo area, maintaining his professional involvement in legal affairs while remaining identified with the Republican Party and public service.

Edward Julius Elsaesser died in Williamsville, New York, on January 7, 1983, at the age of 78 years, 303 days. He was interred at Williamsville Cemetery in Williamsville, New York.