• Biography

John Wentworth was an American politician and newspaper editor who served as the mayor of Chicago from 1855 to 1858. He was born in 1815 in New Hampshire and was the son of a prominent lawyer. He attended Dartmouth College and graduated in 1835. After college, he moved to Chicago and began working as a lawyer.

Early Political Career

In 1841, Wentworth was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives. He served in the House for two terms and then was elected to the Illinois Senate in 1845. During his time in the Senate, he was a strong advocate for the expansion of the railroad system in the state. He also supported the construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal.

In 1851, Wentworth was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He served in the House for four terms and was a strong supporter of the Union during the Civil War. He was a vocal opponent of slavery and supported the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment.

Mayor of Chicago

In 1855, Wentworth was elected mayor of Chicago. During his tenure, he was a strong advocate for public works projects such as the construction of the Chicago Water Tower and the Chicago Public Library. He also supported the expansion of the city's public transportation system.

Wentworth was a strong supporter of the Republican Party and was a vocal opponent of slavery. He was a strong advocate for the rights of African Americans and supported the passage of the Fourteenth Amendment. He also supported the creation of the Freedmen's Bureau, which provided assistance to newly freed slaves.

Later Life

After leaving office in 1858, Wentworth returned to his law practice. He also served as the editor of the Chicago Times from 1864 to 1872. In 1872, he was elected to the United States Senate and served until 1883. He was a strong advocate for civil service reform and supported the passage of the Pendleton Civil Service Act.

John Wentworth died in 1888 at the age of 73. He was remembered as a strong advocate for civil rights and public works projects. He was also remembered for his strong support of the Union during the Civil War. He is remembered as one of the most influential politicians in Chicago's history.

Date modified: Apr 5, 2023
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