JOHN HEGEMAN - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 04/04/1893 - HFSID 17972

J. R. HEGEMAN
As President of Met Life, he writes to Edward Bok, editor of the Ladies Home Journal, informing him that his new office is ready, and requesting an introduction to Prime Minister Gladstone
Typed Letter signed: "J. R. Hegeman", 1 page, 6x9½. New York, 1893 April 19. On his letterhead as President of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company to Edward W. Bok, Ladies Home Journal, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In full: "Thank you for your letter of the 13th. Everything will be ready for you in the new building May 1st. The building will not be finished - though your part will be, and you will have all the facilities you need to be comfortable. You wisely selected two of the finest rooms in the edifice - it ought to add twenty years to your life. Yours truly". [signature] "P.S., I may want a letter of introduction from you to your old boyhood friend and schoolmate, Mr. Gladstone." John Rogers Hegeman (1844-1919) became Secretary and Vice President of Metropolitan Life Insurance in 1870, and its President in 1891, holding that post until his death. Hegeman was indicted in 1907 for false filings with the New York State Insurance Commission, but was cleared of the charges. He owned an extraordinary collection of Colt pistols, many of which were custom manufactured for him. Dutch born Edward Bok (1863-1930) was editor of Ladies Home Journal for 30 years (1889-1919). His autobiography, The Americanization of Edward Bok (1920), won a Pulitzer Prize, and Bok coined the term "living room" for what had previously been called a parlor. One horizontal mailing crease through center. Lightly creased and toned. Corners lightly creased. Otherwise, fine condition.