Background
Rudolph Blankenburg was born on February 16, 1843, in Barntrup, Germany, the son of the Rev Ludwig and Sophie (Goede) Blankenburg. He spent his early years in Hillentrup, where his father's church was.
Rudolph Blankenburg was born on February 16, 1843, in Barntrup, Germany, the son of the Rev Ludwig and Sophie (Goede) Blankenburg. He spent his early years in Hillentrup, where his father's church was.
Rudolph was educated under private tutors and at the Real Gymnasium in Hillentrup.
Blankenburg preferred business to the ministry and went to an uncle in Lipstadt where he received the basis of what was to prove a uniquely successful business career. What he had heard of America, and especially his reading of Uncle Tom's Cabin, gave him an interest in this country which could only be satisfied by making it his home, which he did in 1865, seeking naturalization at the earliest possible day. On arriving in Philadelphia he secured a position with an importer and manufacturer of yarns and notions. Then he became successively a traveling salesman and European buyer for the concern. In 1875 he established the firm of R. Blankenburg & Company, at the head of which he remained until it was incorporated in 1905. After that he continued as a member of the board of directors.
Blankenburg was a champion of the rights and privileges of the people rather than a reformer, although he possessed a large measure of reforming zeal. He early manifested an interest in public affairs, an interest that was increased and fashioned by his association with the Society of Friends shortly after his arrival in the United States. His voice was early heard in behalf of the downtrodden and oppressed, and this led him to oppose those forces in public life which he believed to be responsible for their condition. In 1881 he was one of the leaders in the formation of the famous "Committee of 100" in Philadelphia, from which however he promptly resigned when it endorsed the sitting mayor (William D. Stokley) for another term. Within a month he was invited to return to the Committee, which reconsidered its endorsement of Stokley and nominated Samuel G. King, a Democrat, who was elected. This action established Blankenburg as a leader among the reform forces.
His most picturesque fight was his organized attack on Quay in 1897 and 1898. Quay supported Boies Penrose and Blankenburg supported John Wanamaker in his unsuccessful attempt to win the election to the United States Senate. In 1906 he was compelled, against his wishes and vigorous opposition, to accept the Independent nomination for county commissioner. He and his colleagues were elected over the regular Republican candidates, he leading the ticket by a majority of over 50, 000. In 1911 he was persuaded to become an Independent candidate for mayor and was elected over the regular Republican candidate by the narrow margin of 5, 000 votes.
Another phase of public activity to which Blankenburg made a large contribution was in the realm of public charity. He organized the Citizens' Permanent Relief Committee which contributed largely to affording relief in disasters like the Charleston earthquake, the Russian famine, and the Johnstown flood. He was the animating leader of the warfare on the "loan sharks, " recovering many thousands of dollars for those who would otherwise have been helpless. He also organized a philanthropic pawnshop.
A Republican in national affairs, he was in almost constant opposition to the dominant Republican organization in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania.
Blankenburg had a ready wit, a fearless courage, a commanding presence and personality, and an imagination that added fire and color, if not always accuracy, to his addresses. So picturesque was he as a crusader that he was popularly known by the sobriquet "The Old War Horse of Reform. " He was an accomplished phrase-maker and his designation of his opponents as "the powers that prey" has become a part of the language of politics.
Blankenburg was married on April 18, 1867, to Lucretia, daughter of Dr. Hannah Longshore of Philadelphia.