Evald Relander
A Finnish educator and banker whose legacy was ultimately defined by raising a son who became president.
1856–1926 (age 70)·Finnish teacher and bank manager·Birthday: January 7
Biography
Evald Relander's story is one of steady, respectable service in the fields of education and finance in a rapidly modernizing Finland. He worked as a teacher, shaping young minds, before transitioning into the world of banking, where he managed financial institutions and earned the honorary title of agricultural councillor. His life, while successful, would likely have remained in the annals of local history were it not for the trajectory of his son, Lauri Kristian Relander. The elder Relander's dedication to learning and civic duty undoubtedly provided a foundation for his son's political ascent. He lived to see Lauri elected as the second President of Finland, a point of immense personal pride that forever linked his name to the nation's highest office.
#1 When Evald Was Born
The biggest hits of 1856
Evald's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1856Born
1861Started school
President: Abraham Lincoln
1869Became a teenager
President: Ulysses S. Grant
1872Could drive
President: Ulysses S. Grant
1874Could vote
President: Ulysses S. Grant
1877Turned 21
President: Rutherford B. Hayes
1886Turned 30
Statue of Liberty dedicated in New York Harbor
President: Grover Cleveland
1896Turned 40
First modern Olympic Games held in Athens
President: Grover Cleveland
1906Turned 50
San Francisco earthquake devastates the city
President: Theodore Roosevelt
1916Turned 60
The Battle of the Somme claims over a million casualties
President: Woodrow Wilson
1926Turned 70
Robert Goddard launches the first liquid-fueled rocket
President: Calvin Coolidge"Baby Face" — Jan Garber
Key Achievements
- Received the honorary title of 'maanviljelysneuvos' (agricultural councillor) for his service.
- Had a career spanning education as a teacher and leadership in banking as a manager.
- Was the father of Lauri Kristian Relander, who served as the second President of Finland from 1925 to 1931.
Did You Know?
His son, Lauri Relander, was president during the period of the Prohibition era in Finland.
He lived through Finland's transition from a Grand Duchy of Russia to an independent republic.
The Relander family name became nationally prominent because of his son's presidency.
“A bank's stability rests on the same principles as a good lesson: clarity, diligence, and trust.”
