Augustus Garrett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Augustus Garrett
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 7th and 9th Mayor of Chicago | |
| In office March 10, 1845 – March 3, 1846 |
|
| Preceded by | Alson Sherman |
| Succeeded by | John Putnam Chapin |
| In office March 7, 1843 – April 2, 1844 |
|
| Preceded by | Benjamin Wright Raymond |
| Succeeded by | Alson Sherman |
| Chicago Alderman from the 2nd Ward | |
| In office 1840–1841 Serving with James Carney
|
|
| Preceded by | Eli S. Prescott/ Clement C. Stose |
| Succeeded by | Jason McCord/ Peter Page |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1801 New York, United States |
| Died | November 30, 1848 (aged 46–47) Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Resting place | Rosehill Cemetery |
| Political party | Democratic Party |
| Spouse | Eliza Clark |
| Residences | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
Augustus Garrett (born 1801 – died November 30, 1848) was an important American politician. He served as the Mayor of Chicago two times, first from 1843 to 1844, and then again from 1845 to 1846. He was a member of the Democratic Party.
Early Life and Moving to Chicago
Augustus Garrett married Eliza Clark in 1825 in Newburgh, New York. They had a daughter named Imogene in 1830. The family later moved to Cincinnati. After facing some challenges, Augustus and Eliza eventually reunited in Chicago in 1835.
In Chicago, the Garretts became very successful in real estate. Augustus opened a small auction house near the Chicago River. By 1836, he had partnered with the Brown Brothers. This partnership helped him become a leading land speculator and auctioneer, selling over $1.8 million worth of land by October 1836.
From 1840 to 1841, Augustus Garrett also served as an alderman for Chicago's 2nd Ward. An alderman is a local politician who represents a specific area of a city.
Becoming Mayor of Chicago
Augustus Garrett first ran for Mayor of Chicago in 1842 but did not win. However, he tried again in 1843 and was successfully elected as mayor.
In 1844, Garrett initially won re-election for his second term. But this election was later cancelled because of "illegal proceedings." Garrett then ran in a second election that same year, but he lost to Alson Sherman.
Despite this, Garrett was elected mayor again in 1845, serving his second term. During his time as mayor, Garrett suggested that Dearborn School, which was the first brick school in Chicago, should be used for something else, like a warehouse or a hospital for people with mental health issues. He thought the building was too big just for a school.
Death and Lasting Impact
Augustus Garrett passed away in Chicago on November 30, 1848, at the Sherman House Hotel. He was buried in Rosehill Cemetery.
After his death, his wife, Eliza, created something very special to honor him. She established the Garrett Bible Institute, which is now known as Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. This important school is located in nearby Evanston, Illinois.
