Philip Breitmeyer was born on May 13, 1864, and died on November 8, 1941. He was a florist who helped start Florists' Telegraph Delivery, a company that now operates as Florists' Transworld Delivery, or FTD. He also served as the mayor of Detroit, Michigan.

Biography

Philip Breitmeyer was born in Detroit on May 13, 1864, to John and Fredericka Schneider Breitmeyer. He attended public schools in the city and later worked in his family’s florist business, John Breitmeyer & Sons. He became president of the company, and after his father’s death, he purchased his brothers’ shares to become the sole owner. The business expanded quickly, and a new building was constructed to house the firm, now known as the Breitmeyer-Tobin Building.

Breitmeyer helped organize Florists’ Telegraph Delivery, which is now called Florists’ Transworld Delivery (FTD), and served as its president. He also held leadership roles in several organizations, including president of the American Society of Florists, president of the Michigan Cut Flower Exchange, vice-president of the German-American Bank, director of the Lohrman Seed Company, and president of the Detroit National Fire Insurance Company.

In 1886, Breitmeyer married Katie Grass. The couple had three children: Philip Jr., Harry G., and Katherine.

Politics

Breitmeyer was appointed by George P. Codd as Commissioner of Parks and Boulevards for the city of Detroit. He served in this position for two years. He performed so well that he was nominated as the Republican candidate for mayor and was elected to serve a term from 1909 to 1910.

Breitmeyer ran again for mayor in 1933 but was defeated decisively by Frank Couzens, the son of James Couzens. He also served on the Detroit City Council for two years, from 1938 to 1939.

Philip Breitmeyer died on November 8, 1941.