Martin H. Kennelly facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Martin H. Kennelly
47th Mayor of Chicago
In office April 15, 1947 – April 20, 1955
Preceded by	Edward Joseph Kelly
Succeeded by	Richard J. Daley
10th President of the United States Conference of Mayors
In office 1952–1953
Preceded by	David L. Lawrence
Succeeded by	Thomas A. Burke
Personal details
Born	Martin Henry Kennelly (1887-08-11)August 11, 1887 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Died	November 29, 1961(1961-11-29) (aged 74) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Resting place	Calvary Cemetery (Evanston, Illinois, U.S.)
Political party	Democratic
Alma mater	De La Salle Institute
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Army
Rank	Captain
Battles/wars	World War I

Martin Henry Kennelly (born August 11, 1887 – died November 29, 1961) was an American politician and a successful businessman. He served as the 47th Mayor of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois. His time as mayor lasted from April 15, 1947, to April 20, 1955. Kennelly was a member of the Democratic Party.

Many people saw him as a reformer. He was a wealthy businessman and a respected leader in the community. He was also active in Irish and Catholic groups. Kennelly did not like the old-style "machine politics," where political groups controlled everything. He agreed to become mayor only if he wouldn't be forced to give jobs to party friends. He also didn't want to be the main leader of the party. This made him seem fair and independent, which pleased people who wanted change.

As mayor, he focused on improving the city. He worked on building new roads and updating city services. He also helped the city take over the public transportation system. He got money from the government to clear out poor areas and build new homes. He also helped build new highways. After Kennelly left office, the next mayor, Richard J. Daley, called him "a great Chicagoan who loved his city."

Early Life and Military Service

Martin Henry Kennelly was born in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood. He was the youngest of five children in his family. During World War I, he served in the Army. He reached the rank of captain. After the war, he came back to Chicago.

Kennelly's Business Career

After his military service, Kennelly started a moving and storage business. He founded and became the first president of Allied Van Lines. This company brought together many smaller moving companies under one name. His company even got the job to move items for Chicago's famous Field Museum of Natural History.

After he retired from his business, he became very involved in helping the community. During World War II, he led the Chicago branch of the American Red Cross. This organization helps people in need, especially during emergencies.

Becoming Mayor of Chicago

Kennelly (right) with President Harry S. Truman in Chicago in 1948.

Before Kennelly, the city was led by Mayor Edward Joseph Kelly. His administration faced problems because of some issues and his ideas about people living anywhere in the city. The Cook County Democratic Party needed a new leader. They chose Kennelly because he was seen as someone who would bring positive change.

Kennelly moved back to his childhood neighborhood of Bridgeport to run for mayor. He won the election in 1947 with a large number of votes. As mayor, Kennelly worked to give Chicago more control over its own government. In 1953, he created a special group called the Chicago Home Rule Commission. This group studied how the city could get "home rule" and create a new "city charter." Home rule means a city can make more of its own laws. A city charter is like a city's constitution.

However, Kennelly was very independent and focused on reforms. This was sometimes too much for the regular Democratic Party leaders. In 1955, they decided to support Richard J. Daley instead of Kennelly for mayor. Daley then won the Democratic primary election and became the next mayor.

From 1952 to 1953, Kennelly also served as the president of the United States Conference of Mayors. This is a group where mayors from across the country work together.

Later Life and Passing

Kennelly's grave at Calvary Cemetery.

Martin Henry Kennelly passed away on November 29, 1961. He was 74 years old. He died from heart failure. He was buried at Calvary Cemetery in Evanston, Illinois.