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John Lourie Beveridge
John.L.Beveridge.1.jpg
16th Governor of Illinois
In office
January 23, 1873 – January 8, 1877
Lieutenant John Early
Archibald Glenn
Preceded by Richard J. Oglesby
Succeeded by Shelby Moore Cullom
18th Lieutenant Governor of Illinois
In office
January 13, 1873 – January 23, 1873
Governor Richard J. Oglesby
Preceded by Richard J. Oglesby
Succeeded by John Early
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 3rd congressional district
In office
November 4, 1871 – January 4, 1873
Preceded by John A. Logan
Succeeded by District eliminated
Cook County Sheriff
In office
1864–1870
Personal details
Born July 6, 1824
Greenwich, New York
Died May 3, 1910(1910-05-03) (aged 85)
Los Angeles, California
Political party Republican
Profession lawyer
Signature
Military service
Allegiance United States of America
Union
Branch/service Union Army
Years of service 1861–1866
Rank Union Army colonel rank insignia.png Colonel
Union Army brigadier general rank insignia.svg Bvt. Brigadier General
Unit 8th Illinois Cavalry Regiment
Commands 17th Illinois Cavalry
Battles/wars American Civil War

John Lourie Beveridge (born July 6, 1824 – died May 3, 1910) was an important American politician. He served as the 16th Governor of Illinois from 1873 to 1877. Before becoming governor, he was a soldier in the American Civil War. He also held other important political jobs.

John L. Beveridge's Life Story

Early Life and Education

John Lourie Beveridge was born in Greenwich, New York, on July 6, 1824. His parents were Ann (Hoy) and George Beveridge. In 1842, his family moved to DeKalb County, Illinois. John went to Granville Academy for a short time. He also studied at Rock River Seminary. After finishing school, he moved to Tennessee and worked as a teacher.

In 1851, he came back to Illinois to study law in Sycamore. Three years later, he moved to Evanston. He started working as a lawyer in Chicago. He worked with another lawyer, John F. Farnsworth, until the American Civil War began.

Serving in the Civil War

When the Civil War started, John Beveridge joined the army. He first served as an officer with John F. Farnsworth in the 8th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Cavalry. He fought in major battles like Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. He even commanded his unit at Gettysburg.

In November 1863, he was allowed to create his own army unit. This unit was called the 17th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Cavalry. He became a Colonel in charge of this new group. His unit served in Missouri. In March 1865, he was given the honorary rank of Brigadier General. He left the army on February 6, 1866.

Political Career in Illinois

After the war, Beveridge returned home. He was elected to be the Cook County Sheriff. This job meant he was the chief law enforcement officer for Cook County. In 1870, he was elected to the Illinois Senate as a Republican.

The next year, Beveridge was chosen to fill a vacant spot in the United States House of Representatives. He served in this role for only one year. He then resigned to become Lieutenant Governor of Illinois. Just one year later, the current governor, Richard J. Oglesby, resigned. This meant John Beveridge became the new Governor of Illinois.

As Governor of Illinois

During Governor Beveridge's time, the economy faced some challenges. There was an economic slowdown called the Long Depression. Farmers also started a movement, which led to the creation of the Greenback Party. This party was against Beveridge's Republican Party.

In the 1874 elections, some Greenback Party members were elected to state offices. This included the new Lieutenant Governor, Archibald Glenn. During his time as governor, the state's constitution was also updated.

Governor Beveridge also helped organize Illinois's displays for the Centennial Exposition. This was a big world's fair in 1876. He also approved funding for several important state institutions. These included schools for the deaf and visually impaired. He also supported hospitals for mental health and homes for soldiers' orphans.

Later Life and Legacy

After his term as governor ended, President Chester A. Arthur appointed Beveridge to a new job. He became the Assistant United States Treasurer in Chicago.

In 1895, Beveridge moved to Hollywood, California. He lived there until he passed away on May 3, 1910. He was buried in Rosehill Cemetery in Chicago. His granddaughter, Kuhne Beveridge, became a famous sculptor.

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