Preceded by Carter Harrison, Sr. Political party Republican | Name John Roche Resigned 1889 | |
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Born August 12, 1844Utica, New York, United States ( 1844-08-12 ) Residence Chicago, Illinois, United States | ||
John A. Roche (August 12, 1844–February 10, 1904) was an American politician who served as mayor of Chicago, Illinois from 1887 to 1889. He was the 30th mayor of the city.
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Early years
John A. Roche was born in Utica, New York on August 12, 1844. He served as an apprentice to his brother for three years. He stayed in business for a long time, and had but a high school education. He was a firm believer in education and mentions this in his inaugural address.
Move to Chicago
In 1869, he moved to Chicago to do business. He loved it, and decided to become a candidate for the Republican Party. He won against the Democratic candidate, Robert L. Nelson. People admired him for his assertive and straightforward nature and history of business. As a mayor, he was prominent for the drainage and water supply commission and being appointed to suppress gambling in saloons as well as closing disreputable ones.
Retirement
After retiring, he focused his attention once again on business, and became manager and vice president of the Crane Elevator Company. In 1893 he was elected president of the Lake Street Elevated Railroad Company. He then died on February 10, 1904, one hour after a meeting from uremic poisoning. He was buried at buried in Rosehill Cemetery in Chicago.