Amos G. Throop facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Amos Gager Throop
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Throop in 1840
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| 3rd Mayor of Pasadena | |
| In office 1888–1890 |
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| Preceded by | M. M. Parker |
| Succeeded by | T. P. Lukens |
| City Treasurer of Chicago | |
| In office 1865–1867 |
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| Preceded by | David Allen Gage |
| Succeeded by | William F. Wentworth |
| Chicago Alderman | |
| In office 1876–1880 |
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| Preceded by | S. F. Gunderson |
| Succeeded by | Thomas N. Bond |
| Constituency | 11th ward |
| In office 1849–1853 Serving with Robert H. Foss (1849–1852)
Charles McDonnell (1852–1853) |
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| Preceded by | Charles McDonnell |
| Succeeded by | William Kennedy |
| Constituency | 4th ward |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Amos Gager Throop
1811 Chicago, Illinois |
| Died | 1894 (aged 82–83) |
| Political party | Temperance |
Amos Gager Throop (1811–1894) was an important American businessman and politician. He lived in Chicago, Illinois, for many years before moving to California. He is best known for being a strong supporter of ending slavery before the American Civil War. He also played a big role in rebuilding Chicago after a huge fire. Later, he founded a famous university in California.
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Early Life and Political Career
Amos Gager Throop was born in 1811. He became a well-known businessman and politician in Chicago during the 1840s and 1850s.
Fighting for What's Right
Throop was a very strong abolitionist. This means he believed that slavery should be ended completely. He spoke out against slavery before the Civil War began.
Serving Chicago as an Alderman
He served as a Chicago alderman from 1849 to 1853. An alderman is like a city council member who helps make decisions for the city. He tried to become mayor of Chicago twice, in 1852 and 1854. In these elections, he ran for the Temperance Party. This party focused on reducing or stopping the use of alcohol.
Helping Chicago Rebuild
During the Great Chicago Fire, Throop was the City Treasurer of Chicago. This job meant he managed the city's money. The fire destroyed much of Chicago, which was mostly built of wood. Throop was very important in getting money from New York to help rebuild the city with stronger materials like brick. Because of his help, Chicago renamed one of its streets "Throop Street" in his honor.
Becoming a Mayor in California
Many years later, Amos Throop moved to California. In 1888, he was finally elected mayor of Pasadena, California.
A Vision for Education
Amos Throop was a very religious person. He started a Universalist group in Pasadena in 1886. This church is still active today and is called Throop Unitarian Universalist Church.
Founding a Famous University
Throop is most famous for founding the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in 1891. He gave over $100,000 to start it, which was a huge amount of money back then. Today, Caltech is one of the best universities in the world.
How Caltech Got Its Name
For its first 30 years, the university was known by different names, such as Throop University and Throop Polytechnic Institute. In 1920, it officially became the California Institute of Technology. Part of the original institute was also the Polytechnic School. This school separated in 1907 and is now a private school for students from kindergarten to 12th grade. It is located right across the street from Caltech. Throop's motto for his school was "learn by doing."
Lasting Legacy
Several places are named after Amos Gager Throop.
Natural Landmarks
Throop Peak is a beautiful mountain known for its amazing 360-degree views. You can see from the Mojave Desert all the way to the Pacific Ocean from its top. This peak is part of the Pacific Crest Trail and is named after him.
Other Landmarks
- Throop Unitarian Universalist Church: This church in Pasadena was founded in 1923 and continues his religious legacy.
- Throop Street in Chicago: This street, located at 1300 West, was named to honor his efforts in rebuilding the city after the Great Chicago Fire.
