Rekindled: H.S. Edler - Pioneering Nacogdoches’ Tobacco Legacy and Continuing His Impact Beyond Texas (Part 3)

H.S. Edler's Continued Influence on Tobacco in Nacogdoches

By all accounts during this time, it seems H.S. Edler was still working hard in the tobacco industry, and promoting Nacogdoches tobacco everywhere he went. Newspaper articles document some of his accomplishments. The Bowie Blade, the newspaper for Bowie, Texas, mentions Mr. Edler, in a clip, dated September 30, 1904, which stated:

"W.S. Patton has been experimenting with tobacco this year, and has just gathered from four acres 3,200 pounds of fine tobacco, which is now ready for the sweating process. A little of this tobacco, which has been thoroughly examined by H.S. Edler, a tobacco expert and cigar maker. Mr. Edler rolled a few cigars from it, which he pronounced equal to the best cuban leaf. Mr. Patton has an offer of 25 cents a pound on the entire crop, which will net him a handsome profit, as well as add a valuable page in his book of experience with the weed."

Edler’s Expertise: Elevating Tobacco to New Heights

It seems sometime late in the first decade of the 20th century, Mr. Edler, along with his family, and for reasons unknown, moved back to Wisconsin. Records show that Edler’s son graduated from high school in Janesville, WI, in 1913. Perhaps Edler decided it had become too competitive in Nacogdoches, or he received a lucrative business incentive, or he moved back to be closer to his brother. We don’t know for certain. What we do know is that after he left Nacogdoches, he stayed very active and involved in the tobacco and cigar industry.

A clipping from The Duluth Herald newspaper dated August 6, 1912, shows that after leaving Texas, he moved back to Janesville, Wisconsin, and took over local management of the A. Hussey Leaf Company, which had offices in St. Louis, Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia. Another business directory which appears to have been published by the First National Bank of Janesville, Wisconsin, in 1913, confirms this move back to Wisconsin:

"Edler Henry S. tobacco buyer, h. 509 AV. Milwaukee.

Edler Raymond, student, h. 509 W. Milwaukee."

Newspaper clippings throughout the 1910’s show him continuing to work in the tobacco industry and managing even more areas for the A. Hussey Leaf Tobacco. He took over management of their Chippewa Falls location which is a little more than three hours from Janesville, which was published by The Wisconsin Tobacco Reporter, on June 2, 1915.

Edler’s Role with the A. Hussey Leaf Company

Below are a few more of the clips I found that documented Edler’s career. One of them illustrates the impact he had through his work, "Herman A. Wiche, of Chicago, one of the directors of the A. Hussey Leaf Tobacco Co., and H.S. Edler, the local Manager of the A. Hussey LeTobacco Co., have spent the past week in the surrounding country interviewing the tobacco growers. They have bought 1,000 acres of tobacco, spending in all about a quarter of a million dollars.

This is three times as much as they have ever bought in this country, and what is still more remarkable is the fact that most of this crop comes off of land that a few years ago was thought impossible to develop. The company is now arranging for extensive improvements to be made on the local plant. Next winter they expect to employ 150 girls and will spend about $40,000 in labor."

Mr. Edler was a respected and accomplished tobacco expert and cigar maker even before he came to Texas. Without the years of hard work of Mr. Edler, it’s unclear whether tobacco would have ever turned into such a viable industry in Nacogdoches. East Texas, and Nacogdoches, have a lot to be grateful to him for.

Step Back in Time at the La Havana Lounge

Why just read about history when you can experience it? Come into the La Havana Lounge, where the legacy of East Texas tobacco is woven into the very atmosphere. Relax, unwind, and savor a fine cigar in a space that honors the craftsmanship and dedication of pioneers like H.S. Edler. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or simply looking to connect with the past, our lounge offers the perfect setting to relax in a rich historical environment. Step into history, one cigar at a time. We look forward to seeing you.