American lawyer; born at Lynchburg, Va., July 20, 1846. His family originally settled in Virginia, where his father was engaged in the cultivation of tobacco. Guggenheimer removed to New York city in 1865, and entered the law school of the New York University, graduating in 1869. Making a specialty of corporation and real estate law, he soon built up a considerable practise. In 1882 he formed a partnership with Isaac and Samuel Untermyer; by the accession of Louis Marshall in 1893 the firm became known as "Guggenheimer, Untermyer & Marshall." Guggenheimer in 1887 was appointed commissioner of the common schools, an office he held for nine years, during which he originated the evening high-school system peculiar to New York city. The establishment of the system of free lectures is likewise due largely to his efforts; and he secured the retention of the German language as a part of the school curriculum.
Guggenheimer was the pioneer in introducing large office-buildings on Broadway, New York. In 1897 he was nominated by the democracy of Greater New York to the office of president of the municipal council, and was elected. In that capacity Guggenheimer acted as mayor of New York city during the absence of the incumbent.
- Who's Who in America, 1901-02.