Henry Crosby Emery (June 11, 1861 – October 2, 1924) was an American economist, academic, and public policy advisor. He is known for his contributions to the study of economic history, tariff policy, and for his tenure as a professor of economics at Columbia University.
Early life and education
Emery was born in New York City. He earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard College in 1882 and subsequently pursued graduate studies in economics, receiving a Ph.D. from Columbia University in 1894.
Academic career
Following the completion of his doctorate, Emery joined the faculty of Columbia University, where he served as a professor of economics from 1894 until his retirement in 1914. During his tenure, he taught courses on economic theory, economic history, and public finance, and supervised numerous graduate students who later became prominent economists.
Public service and policy work
Emery was active in government advisory roles, most notably as a member of the United States Tariff Commission (later the United States Tariff Board) established during World I to review and recommend tariff reforms. He also contributed to the United States Census Bureau’s statistical efforts and participated in various commissions addressing trade and industrial policy.
Professional affiliations
- President of the American Economic Association (1911).
- Elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (1915).
Publications
Emery authored several influential works, including:
- Principles of Economics (1902), a textbook that presented contemporary economic theory and its applications.
- History of the United States in Commerce and Industry (1912), an extensive survey of American economic development.
- The Tariff and the United States (1916), which examined the impact of tariff policy on national economic performance.
Legacy
Henry Crosby Emery’s scholarly contributions helped shape early twentieth‑century American economic thought, particularly in the areas of economic history and trade policy. His involvement in public commissions bridged academic economics with practical policy formulation, influencing tariff legislation during a critical period of industrial expansion.
