William B. Ogden: Chicago's first Mayor who served a one-year term in 1837

William B. Ogden was the first Mayor of the Windy City and a wealthy railroad executive.

Photo bySawyer BengtsononUnsplash

Lori Lightfoot might be the first Mayor of Chicago in 40 years to serve one term, but she isn't the only Mayor in the city's history to do so. In fact, the very first Mayor, William B. Ogden, only served a one-year term.

Ogden was born in 1805 in New York and took over his family's business when his father passed away when he was a teenager. He also attended law school briefly before becoming a Postmaster of Walton, New York.

He was appointed by the seventh president of the United States, Andrew Jackson. He was also a member of the New York State Assembly. While growing in politics, Ogden was supposedly an advocate for infrastructural improvements.

The politician aspired to see the government fund the construction of a railroad from New York to Chicago.

Is that what made him come to Chicago? Partially. He had eyes on owning land in the city and believed the town depended on government assistance. Ogden was elected the first Mayor but only stayed in office for a year. He then became an alderman for the 6th Ward.

He was called a "booster" as he aimed to make Chicago more lively and bigger. He advocated raising taxes to build new roads, sidewalks, and bridges, and Odgen even used his own money to fund some of the improvements.

His knowledge made him a leading promoter and investor. In 1871, he lost a lot in the Great Chicago Fire.