Fred A. Busse | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 39th[1] Mayor of Chicago | |
| In office April 15, 1907 – April 17, 1911 | |
| Preceded by | Edward Fitzsimmons Dunne |
| Succeeded by | Carter Harrison IV |
| Postmaster of Chicago | |
| In office 1905–1907 | |
| Appointed by | Theodore Roosevelt |
| Preceded by | Frederick E. Coyne |
| Succeeded by | Daniel A. Campbell |
| Treasurer of Illinois | |
| In office 1903–1905 | |
| Governor | Richard Yates Jr. |
| Preceded by | Moses O. Williamson |
| Succeeded by | Len Small |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1866-03-03)March 3, 1866 |
| Died | July 9, 1914(1914-07-09) (aged 48) |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Josephine Lee Busse |
| Residence(s) | Chicago,Illinois |
Fred A. Busse (March 3, 1866 – July 9, 1914) was the mayor ofChicago, in theU.S. state ofIllinois, from 1907 to 1911.[2]
Early in his career, Busse worked as abailiff. He was one of the bailiffs in the courtroom of JudgeTheodore Brentano duringthe high-profile murder trial ofPatrick Eugene Prendergast (whoassassinated MayorCarter Harrison III).[3]
Busse became a localRepublican leader, first elected to theIllinois House of Representatives in 1894 and again in 1896. In 1898, Busse was elected to theIllinois State Senate. He then served asIllinois state treasurer beginning in 1902. In 1905, PresidentTheodore Roosevelt appointed himpostmaster of Chicago, a political position at that time (seeUSPS History). He won the 1907 election for mayor againstDemocratic incumbentEdward F. Dunne. In business, Busse had been Secretary and Treasurer of theNorthwestern Coal Company until 1905.[4][5]
Busse was electedmayor of Chicago in1907.
Busse was sworn-in as mayor on April 15, 1907.[6]
Busse's mayoral tenure is noted for its extensivecorruption and presence oforganized crime in the city. Busse had connections and was a political ally with a number of organized crime figures.[7] Busse's inaction in the face of growing popular concern led to the formation of several organizations opposed to crime and desirous of cleaning up the city government.[8] Busse's image was used by at least one brothel owner to promote her business. While reform, both political and moral, was beginning to appear Chicago, Busse noted, "They don't need anyone sleuthing around after me. They can always get me any evening at J.C. Murphy's saloon, Clark Street and North Avenue."[8] By 1907, pressure was strong enough that Busse was forced to appoint avice commission, although the commission didn't issue a report until Busse was out of office.[9]
As mayor, Busse was a strong supporter of thePlan of Chicago. He and the City Council established a 328-memberChicago Plan Commission in order to realize the plan.[7]
Busse ultimately lost his bid for reelectionin 1911 to DemocratCarter Harrison IV, and was succeeded by Harrison on April 17, 1911.[10]
_at_Graceland_Cemetery%2c_Chicago.jpg)
He died on July 9, 1914, ofvalvular heart disease at 48 inChicago, Illinois.[2] He was buried inGraceland Cemetery.
| Party political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Republican nominee forIllinois Treasurer 1902 | Succeeded by |
| Political offices | ||
| Preceded by | Treasurer of Illinois 1903–1905 | Succeeded by |
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Other | |
