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Lester Bond
Lester Legrand Bond.jpg
Acting Mayor of Chicago
In office
August 22, 1873 – December 1, 1873
Preceded by Joseph Medill
Succeeded by Harvey Doolittle Colvin
Chicago Alderman
In office
1871–1873
Serving with Charles C. P. Holden (1871–1872)
David W. Clark Jr. (1872–1873)
Preceded by Thomas Wilco
Succeeded by Charles L. Woodman
Constituency 10th Ward
In office
1863–1866
Serving with George Von Hollen (1863–1865)
S.I. Russell (1865–1866)
Preceded by constituency established
Succeeded by Henry Ackoff
Constituency 11th Ward
Member of the Illinois Senate
In office
1867–1871
Personal details
Born October 27, 1829
Ravenna, Ohio, U.S.
Died April 15, 1903(1903-04-15) (aged 73)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Resting place Rosehill Cemetery
Political party Republican
Spouse Mary Aspenwall
Children Laura Bond Jackson
Residences Chicago, Illinois
Signature

Lester Legrant Bond (born October 27, 1829 – died April 15, 1903) was an important American politician. He was a member of the Illinois state House of Representatives. He also served as the acting Mayor of Chicago in 1873. This happened when the regular mayor, Joseph Medill, traveled to Europe.

Lester Bond's Life and Political Career

Early Life and Becoming a Lawyer

Lester Bond was born in Ravenna, Ohio. His parents were Jonas and Elizabeth Bond. He grew up helping on his father's farm. In 1853, Lester finished his law degree. The next year, 1854, he moved to Chicago. He started a law firm with A.S. Seaton. Later, in 1858, he partnered with E.A. West. Their law firm, Bond & West, lasted until 1891.

A Founder of the Republican Party

Lester Bond was one of the people who helped start the Republican Party in Chicago. This was a new political party at the time.

Serving Chicago as an Alderman

In 1862, Bond was elected as a Chicago alderman. An alderman is like a city council member. He represented the 11th Ward of Chicago. He was re-elected in 1864. He also served on the Chicago Board of Education, which helps manage the city's schools. Bond rejoined the Chicago City Council in 1871 and served until 1873.

Serving in the Illinois General Assembly

In 1867, Lester Bond became a member of the Illinois General Assembly. This is the state's law-making body. He served there until 1871.

Becoming Acting Mayor of Chicago

In 1873, the Mayor of Chicago, Joseph Medill, needed to travel to Europe. Mayor Medill chose Lester Bond to be the acting mayor while he was away. Bond officially took office on August 22, 1873.

When Mayor Medill's term ended that year, Lester Bond decided to run for mayor himself. He ran as an independent candidate. His main idea was to support "law and order." He wanted laws that would ban the sale of alcohol on Sundays. Even though most Chicago newspapers supported him, he lost the election. Harvey Colvin won with 60% of the votes.

Family Life

Lester Bond married Mary Aspenwall. They had one daughter named Laura, who was born in 1867.

Later Life and Passing

Lester Bond passed away at his home in Chicago on April 15, 1903. He was buried at Rosehill Cemetery.

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