U.S. Presidential Cabinet Secretary. Immigrating to America with his with the family in 1852, he graduated from Columbia University in 1871, from its law school in 1873 and practiced law in law in New York City, until 1881. He became president of the American Jewish Historical Society and published the book, “The Origin of Republican Form of Government of the United States” in 1886. Entering politics, he was a member of the Permanent Court of International Arbitration and was appointed U.S. Minister to Turkey, serving (1887-1900, 02). In 1906, he became the first Jewish Presidential Cabinet member when President Theodore Roosevelt appointed him as a Republican, the 3rd United States Secretary of Commerce and Labor, serving until 1909. After leaving office, President William Taft appointed him Ambassador to Turkey, serving (1909-10). Returning to the practice of law, he arbitrated the dispute between the engineers and managers of the eastern railroads, in 1914 and became chairman of the public service commission of New York State, in 1915. Retiring from public service, he engaged in the mercantile business and literature interests until his death. His brother was U.S. Congressman and Macy's Department Store owner, Isidor Staus, whom perished aboard the RMS Titanic, on April 15, 1912.

U.S. Presidential Cabinet Secretary. Immigrating to America with his with the family in 1852, he graduated from Columbia University in 1871, from its law school in 1873 and practiced law in law in New York City, until 1881. He became president of the American Jewish Historical Society and published the book, “The Origin of Republican Form of Government of the United States” in 1886. Entering politics, he was a member of the Permanent Court of International Arbitration and was appointed U.S. Minister to Turkey, serving (1887-1900, 02). In 1906, he became the first Jewish Presidential Cabinet member when President Theodore Roosevelt appointed him as a Republican, the 3rd United States Secretary of Commerce and Labor, serving until 1909. After leaving office, President William Taft appointed him Ambassador to Turkey, serving (1909-10). Returning to the practice of law, he arbitrated the dispute between the engineers and managers of the eastern railroads, in 1914 and became chairman of the public service commission of New York State, in 1915. Retiring from public service, he engaged in the mercantile business and literature interests until his death. His brother was U.S. Congressman and Macy's Department Store owner, Isidor Staus, whom perished aboard the RMS Titanic, on April 15, 1912.

Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith