Background
Berwind was the son of German immigrants, and he was born in Philadelphia in 1848.
Berwind was the son of German immigrants, and he was born in Philadelphia in 1848.
Berwind entered the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland in July 1865 and graduated in June 1869 as a midshipman.
He was head of the company from 1886 until 1930. He was promoted to ensign in July 1870 and to master (equivalent to the modern rank of lieutenant, junior grade) in March 1872. He was placed on the Retired List in May 1875.
Berwind worked closely with Justice of the Peace Morgan in the consolidation, reorganization, integration, and expansion of his coal mining operations.
In his day he was also considered to be the world"s largest individual owner of coal mining properties. Berwind also refused to bargain with his employees, making his mines among the last open shops in the coal fields.
He built the Edward J. Berwind House in New York City and The Elms in Newport, Rhode Island.