Walter S. Gurnee

Walter Smith Gurnee
Walter Smith Gurnee
Born	Template:Birth date; Haverstraw, New York, U.S.
Died	April 17, 1903 (aged 90)
Occupation(s)	Politician, businessman
Years active	1836–?
Known for	Mayor of Chicago (1851–1853), founding figure of the Chicago Board of Trade

Walter Smith Gurnee (March 9, 1813 – April 17, 1903) held the office of Mayor of Chicago from 1851 to 1853 as a representative of the Democratic Party. The Village of Gurnee, Illinois bears his name in honor.

Biography

Originally from Haverstraw, New York, Gurnee moved to Chicago in 1836 following a period spent in Michigan. By 1844, he had founded a tannery that provided employment for between 30 and 50 workers. As one of the founding figures of the Chicago Board of Trade, he also served as the lead partner in Gurnee & Matteson, a business specializing in saddlery and leather goods. His achievements in these enterprises allowed him to accumulate considerable wealth prior to his eventual move to New York City.

During his mayoral campaign, Gurnee advocated for municipal control over Chicago’s water system. While serving as mayor, he resisted the proposed consolidation of the Illinois Central and Michigan Central railroads south of Chicago. He secured election to the mayoralty twice, winning in both 1851 and 1852.

Attempting a political comeback in the 1860 Chicago mayoral election, Gurnee was defeated by "Long John" Wentworth, who had recently changed his affiliation from the Democratic to the Republican Party.

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