John Patrick Hopkins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Patrick Hopkins
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| 35th Mayor of Chicago | |
| In office 1893–1895 |
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| Preceded by | George Bell Swift (acting) |
| Succeeded by | George Bell Swift |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 29, 1858 Buffalo, New York, US |
| Died | October 13, 1918 (aged 59) Chicago, Illinois, US |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Signature | .png){kind=small} |
John Patrick Hopkins (October 29, 1858 – October 13, 1918) was a notable leader in Chicago, Illinois. He served as the mayor of the city from 1893 to 1895. As a member of the Democratic Party, he made history as the first of many Irish American Catholic mayors in Chicago. Hopkins was also a close friend and political partner of Roger Charles Sullivan.
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Early Life of John Hopkins
John Patrick Hopkins was born on October 29, 1858, in Buffalo, New York. When he was young, his father and brothers passed away. This meant that John had to start working early to help support his family.
John Hopkins' Career Journey
John Hopkins began his working life as a boy in a foundry, which is a place where metal is melted and shaped. Later, he worked in the large grain elevators in Buffalo. These elevators are tall buildings used to store grain.
In 1879, John moved to Chicago with his mother and sisters. He found work at the Pullman works, a famous company known for making railway cars. From 1883 to 1885, he worked as a paymaster for Pullman. This meant he was in charge of paying the workers.
In 1888, John Hopkins started his own business called the Arcade Trading Co. This company later became known as the Secord and Hopkins Co. Alongside his business ventures, Hopkins also built a strong career in Democratic politics.
Becoming Mayor of Chicago
John Hopkins was elected mayor of Chicago in a special election held in 1893. This election happened after the previous mayor, Carter Harrison Sr., passed away. When he took office, John Hopkins was only 35 years old. This made him the youngest mayor Chicago had ever had at that time.
His time as mayor faced several challenges and criticisms. There were concerns about how the city was run and how certain events were handled. For example, a major event during his term was the Pullman Strike, a large labor dispute. Hopkins decided not to run for reelection in the 1895 Chicago mayoral election.
Life After Being Mayor
John Patrick Hopkins passed away on October 13, 1918, in Chicago. He died from the Spanish flu, a worldwide illness. He was buried in Calvary Cemetery in Evanston, Illinois.
Personal Life
John Patrick Hopkins never married during his lifetime.
