James Hutchinson Woodworth facts for kids

Quick facts for kids James H. Woodworth
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 2nd district
In office March 4, 1855 – March 3, 1857
Preceded by	John Wentworth
Succeeded by	John F. Farnsworth
12th Mayor of Chicago
In office March 14, 1848 – March 12, 1850
Preceded by	James Curtiss
Succeeded by	James Curtiss
Member of the Chicago City Council from the 1st ward
In office 1845–1848 Serving with Peter Updike
Preceded by	Levi Boone/ George Manierre
Succeeded by	Edward Manierre
Member of the Illinois House of Representatives
In office 1842–1847
Member of the Illinois State Senate
In office 1839–1842
Personal details
Born	(1804-12-04)December 4, 1804 Greenwich, Washington County New York
Died	March 26, 1869(1869-03-26) (aged 64) Chicago, Illinois, United States
Resting place	Oak Woods Cemetery
Political party	Independent Democrat
Other political affiliations	Republican
Spouse	Almyra Booth
Children	Virginia W Van Wyck, Julia M, Lucius B
Residences	Chicago, Illinois
Signature

James Hutchinson Woodworth (born December 4, 1804 – died March 26, 1869) was an important leader in Illinois and Chicago. He served in the Illinois State Senate and the Illinois House of Representatives. He was also a Chicago Alderman and was elected Mayor of Chicago, Illinois, for two terms (1848–1850). Later, he served one term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Woodworth ended his career as a well-known banker in Chicago.

Early Life and Family

James Woodworth was born in Greenwich, New York. His father died when James was young. He had limited schooling and finished his formal education by age 14. His brothers often helped him find jobs and supported his career changes.

Woodworth moved westward as the United States grew. He eventually settled in Chicago. He helped make Chicago a very important trading city in the Midwest.

In Chicago, Woodworth married Almyra Booth. They had three children, but two died when they were babies. Their daughter, Virginia Almyra Woodworth, had one child who survived, Virginia Almyra Van Wyck.

Woodworth is buried in the Oak Woods Cemetery in Chicago. His wife, three children, and a brother are also buried there.

Starting a Career

Woodworth began his career helping his older brother on the family farm in New York. When he was 19, his brother helped exchange their farm for a new one. James worked on this new farm until he was 21.

After farming, he tried running a dry goods business. Even with little education, he became a school teacher. In 1826, he was made an inspector of local schools. He also considered becoming a doctor while working for another brother.

In 1827, he started working along the Erie Canal. He and another brother ran a small trading business there. From 1829 to 1832, he served as a justice of the peace in Pennsylvania.

Moving to Chicago

Woodworth arrived in Chicago in 1833. At that time, Chicago was a new city with only about 500 people. He immediately started a dry goods business. In 1835, he got permission to build wharves (docks) for ships.

He also worked on building the Illinois and Michigan Canal. He briefly moved away from Chicago to oversee his saw-mills. These mills were very advanced for their time. He returned to Chicago in 1842 after the mills were destroyed in a fire.

After returning, he bought a flour milling business. He was often asked to serve the community in elected political roles.

Political Career

Woodworth began his political journey in Chicago in 1839. He first served in the Illinois State Senate from 1839 to 1842. He filled a vacant spot for the Chicago area.

Then, he served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 1842 to 1847. He represented several counties, including LaSalle and Kendall.

He became a Chicago Alderman from 1845 to 1848. This meant he was a member of the Chicago City Council.

Mayor of Chicago

Woodworth ran for mayor in 1848 and won by a lot. He was re-elected for a second term with strong support. He was the first person to be elected mayor of Chicago two times in a row. He ran as an Independent Democrat.

Woodworth became mayor on March 14, 1848.

As mayor, Woodworth oversaw the opening of the Illinois and Michigan Canal in April 1848. He helped open Chicago to all major railroads. His decisions allowed each railroad to have its own station. This made Chicago a central trading spot for the entire Midwest.

He also helped set up telegraph lines to the west. The first telegraph message arrived in Chicago in January 1848. By 1849, Chicago became a major center for people heading west to find gold. During his time as mayor, Chicago's population grew to 20,000 people.

Chicago faced several problems during Woodworth's time as mayor. There was an outbreak of cholera, a serious disease. Woodworth responded by building a city sewer system. In March 1849, a big flood happened because of too much ice. In July 1849, a major fire destroyed many buildings.

Woodworth focused on improving Chicago's finances. He also asked for more money for the Fire Department. He wanted to hire doctors for city hospitals and fix roads and wharves. He also supported the city jail, cemetery, and public schools.

In 1850, as mayor, he led a meeting of anti-slavery citizens. They voted against any plans that would allow slavery to spread further.

His time as mayor ended on March 12, 1850. James Curtiss took over as mayor.

Serving in Congress

The Whig Party in Illinois later became the Republican Party. Woodworth was against slavery. His Independent Democrat party in Chicago joined with the Whigs to form the Illinois Republican Party.

Woodworth did not run for mayor again in 1850. He worked as a banker for a short time. In 1853, he returned to public service as the Water Commissioner.

In 1854, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He represented the Second District of Illinois. He served one term from 1855 to 1857 as a Republican. After his term, Woodworth decided not to run again. He wanted to return to his private life as a banker in Chicago.

Later Business Career

Banking became very important as Chicago grew. In the 1850s, many banks faced problems.

Merchants & Mechanics Bank

After being mayor, Woodworth became President of the Merchants & Mechanics Bank of Chicago. People said he helped the bank become strong again. This was during a time when many banks were struggling. His good reputation and business connections helped the bank. His time at this bank ended in 1855 when he went to Congress.

Treasury Bank of Chicago

After his term in Congress, he returned to banking. He became President of the Treasury Bank of Chicago. During the Civil War, Woodworth was a private citizen. He did not hold a political or military job.

However, he accepted a part-time role from Governor Richard Yates. He helped oversee federal money transfers to Illinois during the Civil War. He was part of the Board of Auditors of War Claims. He continued as President of the Treasury Bank until he passed away.

Lasting Impact

Many things in Chicago today show Woodworth's contributions. He worked well with both Democrats and Republicans.

Civil War Era in Chicago

Woodworth did not serve in the military during the Civil War. He was a banker by then. But he did help the state manage war funds. He was strongly against slavery. He believed that Chicago's future as a big city depended on everyone being free. This idea was different from the farming areas in the South that relied on slavery.

Supporting Education

Even though he had limited schooling, Woodworth cared about education. As mayor, he sought funding for public schools. Later, as a banker, he helped create Chicago's first university. This school is now known as "Old" Chicago University.

He was a founding trustee of Chicago University. He also served as its treasurer. He helped the university financially during its early, difficult years. After his death, the university faced financial problems. Parts of it later became the new University of Chicago and Northwestern University's School of Law.

Chicago's Growth as a Center

Woodworth played a key role in making Chicago a major economic center. As mayor, he allowed railroads to have a central station. This made it easy to move goods between different railroads. He also supported the Illinois and Michigan Canal. He strengthened Chicago's waterways and wharves. This made Chicago a unique transportation hub.

The first telegraph message arrived in Chicago when he was mayor. Also, the first trading of commodity futures began in Chicago at this time. As a banker, Woodworth's successful bank helped make Chicago a national banking center. This was long before the current Federal Reserve system.

Developing Modern Chicago

Chicago's population grew a lot when Woodworth was mayor. He oversaw the opening of Bridgeport, Chicago. This new residential area has been home to several Chicago mayors.

Lincoln's Funeral

Woodworth was a friend of Abraham Lincoln. He helped his Independent Democrat party join with the Whig Party. This helped form the Illinois Republican Party. This gave Lincoln strong support in Chicago. Woodworth was part of Chicago's Committee of One Hundred. This group marched in Lincoln's funeral procession through Chicago.

Chicago Astronomical Society

He also helped found the Chicago Astronomical Society. He was a trustee when the society was officially created.

James Woodworth Prairie Preserve

More recently, a prairie preserve near Chicago was saved. It is named the "James Woodworth Prairie Preserve." It reminds us how the area looked when Woodworth was mayor. The University of Illinois at Chicago oversees this prairie. It is a place to see rare prairie plants and animals.

Images for kids

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  James H. Woodworth

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  Signature of James H. Woodworth