Levi Boone facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Levi Boone
17th Mayor of Chicago
In office March 13, 1855 – March 11, 1856
Preceded by	Isaac Lawrence Milliken
Succeeded by	Thomas Dyer
Chicago Alderman
In office 1854–1855 Serving with John Evans
Preceded by	Isaac L. Milliken
Succeeded by	Thomas Allen
Constituency	2nd ward
In office 1847–1848 Serving with Isaac Speer
Preceded by	N.H. Bolles/ Andrew Smith
Succeeded by	Edward Manierre
Constituency	2nd ward
In office 1846–1847 Serving with George Manierre
Preceded by	Thomas Church/ J. Young Scammon
Succeeded by	James H. Woodworth/ Peter L. Updike
Constituency	1st ward
Personal details
Born	(1808-12-06)December 6, 1808 Kentucky
Died	January 24, 1882(1882-01-24) (aged 73) Chicago, Illinois
Resting place	Rosehill Cemetery
Political party	American Party (Know-Nothings)
Spouse	Louise M. Smith
Children	11
Residences	Chicago, Illinois
Alma mater	Transylvania University
Profession	Medical Doctor
Signature

Levi Day Boone (born December 6, 1808 – died January 24, 1882) was an important figure in Chicago's history. He served as the 17th mayor of Chicago, Illinois, from 1855 to 1856. He was a member of the American Party, also known as the Know-Nothings.

Early Life and Education

Levi Boone was born near Lexington, Kentucky. He was the seventh son of Squire and Anna Grubbs Boone. His great-grandfather was Squire Boone, Sr., making Levi Boone a great-nephew of the famous pioneer Daniel Boone.

When Levi was nine years old, his father passed away. His father had been injured in the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. Despite facing tough times, Levi worked hard. He graduated from the medical school of Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1829. He was 21 years old at the time.

After finishing his studies, Dr. Boone moved to Illinois. He started his medical practice in a town called Hillsboro. In 1832, he joined the military during the Black Hawk War. He first served in the cavalry and later as a surgeon, helping injured soldiers.

In 1833, Dr. Boone married Louise M. Smith. Her father, Theophilus W. Smith, was a Justice on the Illinois Supreme Court. Levi and Louise had a large family with 11 children.

Life in Chicago

Dr. Boone moved to Chicago in 1835. He quickly became involved in the medical community. He helped create the Cook County Medical Board. He also served as its first secretary. He had a medical practice with another doctor, Charles V. Dyer. In 1850, he was elected the first president of the Chicago Medical Society.

Running for Mayor

Levi Boone first ran for Mayor of Chicago in the 1850 Chicago mayoral election. He did not win that election, coming in second place. He received about 33% of the votes.

He ran for mayor again in the 1855 Chicago mayoral election. This time, he was supported by a group of people from the Know-Nothing party and those who wanted to limit alcohol sales. The Know-Nothings were a political party that favored native-born Americans. Boone won the election with nearly 53% of the vote. He defeated the current mayor, Isaac Lawrence Milliken.

Mayor of Chicago

During his time as mayor, Levi Boone made several changes. He reorganized the Chicago police department. He combined the Day Police and the Night Watch into one police force. For the first time, police officers were required to wear uniforms. He also made sure that new police officers were native-born Americans.

Mayor Boone was also a supporter of the temperance movement. This movement aimed to reduce or stop the sale and use of alcohol. He worked with the city council to pass a new rule. This rule raised the cost of liquor licenses and limited how long they were valid. It also tried to enforce an old rule to close taverns on Sundays.

These changes caused a lot of disagreement. On April 21, 1855, protests broke out. This event became known as the Lager Beer Riot. It happened after some tavern owners were arrested for selling beer on a Sunday. Many people felt these rules unfairly targeted German immigrants. A statewide vote was held in June 1855 to decide on a law to ban alcohol sales. The law did not pass.

Boone decided not to run for re-election in the 1856 Chicago mayoral election. He passed away in Chicago on January 24, 1882. He is buried in Rosehill Cemetery.

Images for kids

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  Boone's grave at Rosehill Cemetery