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Hempstead Washburne
Hempstead Washburne Portrait.jpg
32nd Mayor of Chicago
In office
April 27, 1891 – April 17, 1893
Preceded by DeWitt Clinton Cregier
Succeeded by Carter Harrison Sr.
Personal details
Born (1851-11-11)November 11, 1851
Galena, Illinois
Died April 13, 1918(1918-04-13) (aged 66)
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Resting place Graceland Cemetery, Chicago
Political party Republican
Spouse Annie M. Clarke (m. 1883)
Children 4
Alma mater University of Wisconsin Law School
Union College of Law
Profession Attorney

Hempstead Washburne (born November 11, 1851 – died April 13, 1918) was an important American politician. He was a lawyer and a member of the Republican Party. Washburne served as the Mayor of Chicago from 1891 to 1893. His father, Elihu B. Washburne, was also a well-known figure who served as the United States Secretary of State.

Early Life and Education

Hempstead Washburne was born in Galena, Illinois, on November 11, 1851. As a young student, he attended the Kents Hill School in Maine. He then traveled to Germany to study at the University of Bonn.

After returning to the United States, Washburne continued his education. He earned his law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1874. The next year, in 1875, he completed more legal studies. This was at Union College of Law, which is now known as Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law.

Becoming a Lawyer and Public Servant

After finishing his studies, Washburne began working as a lawyer in Chicago. He quickly became known for his skills. In 1880, he was given a special job. He was appointed as a "master in chancery" for the Superior Court of Cook County. This role involved helping judges with legal cases.

Washburne then decided to run for public office. In 1885, he was elected as the city attorney for Chicago. This meant he was the main lawyer for the city government. He was reelected to this position in 1887. However, he chose not to run for the job again in 1889.

Serving as Mayor of Chicago

In 1891, Hempstead Washburne ran for mayor of Chicago. He won the election, defeating the current mayor, DeWitt Clinton Cregier. Other candidates in the race included former mayor Carter Harrison Sr. and Washburne's cousin, Elmer Washburn.

Washburne officially became the 32nd Mayor of Chicago on April 27, 1891. During his time as mayor, he oversaw important city projects. One of his biggest tasks was helping to prepare Chicago for the World's Columbian Exposition. This was a huge world's fair held in Chicago in 1893.

Washburne decided not to seek reelection in 1893. He finished his term and was succeeded by Carter Harrison Sr. on April 17, 1893.

Later Life and Family

After leaving the mayor's office, Washburne went back to practicing law. He also became involved in several business projects. He continued to serve the city by working on Chicago's civil service commission. This group helps make sure government jobs are given fairly.

Hempstead Washburne passed away in Chicago on April 13, 1918. He was 66 years old. He was buried at Graceland Cemetery in Chicago.

Graves of Anne M. Washburne (1856–1939) and Hempstead Washburne (1851–1918) at Graceland Cemetery, Chicago
Graves of Anne and Hempstead Washburne at Graceland Cemetery

In 1883, Hempstead Washburne married Annie M. Clarke. She was a stage actress and the daughter of a well-known banker in Chicago. Hempstead and Annie had four children together.

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