Serving with Charles J. Byrne (1901–02) Charles J. Moertel (1902–04) Peter K. Hoffman (1904–08) Otto J. Novak (1908–10) Frank P. Danisch (1910–12) Frank W. Bewersdorf (1912–14) Cleophas F. Pettkoske (1914-16) Herman Krumdrick (1916–20)
Edward F. "Foxy Ed" Cullerton[1][3][4] (1841–1920) was a politician who was a longtime alderman of the Chicago City Council, and also served as a member of the Illinois Senate.
Early life and career
Cullerton was born in Chicago in 1842.[5] Cullerton's family were some of the original settlers of Chicago.[4][6]
Cullerton was educated in public schools.[5] He dropped out of elementary school to work as a canalboat driver.[7]
Cullerton was a successful saloon (hotel) keeper.[3][4][5][8]
In 1871, Cullerton was elected an alderman of the Chicago Common Council for the 7th ward.[1][3][5][7] He had been elected by a large majority.[5] He continued to serve until 1876.[2] Cullerton also simultaneously served as an Illinois State Senator, having been elected to that position in 1872, and assuming it in 1873.[8][5][9] In the Illinois Senate he distinguished himself by standing as an opponent to the West Side Park Commissioners' taxation scheme, and also became well-versed in parliamentary procedure.[5]
Sketch of Cullerton, circa 1886
In 1876, Cullerton was elected an alderman of what, that year, was renamed the Chicago City Council for the 6th ward.[1] In 1888, he was redistricted to the 9th ward, where he served until 1892.[1] During part of this tenure, he was Chairman of the Finance Committee.[5]
In 1898, Cullerton was again elected alderman for the 9th ward. He served until 1900.[1]
In 1901, Cullerton was elected alderman for the 11th ward. He served until his death in 1920.[1][7] At the time of his death, having served as an alderman for a cumulative 48 years, he was the longest-serving alderman in the history of the Chicago City Council, a record he would continue to hold for many years.[10][11] Cullerton died in his home on February 1, 1920, at the age of 78.[7]
Cullerton had a reputation for being shrewd and for being quiet, giving birth to his nickname "Foxy Ed".[7] He was despised by proponents of clean government, but well-liked by voters in his own ward.[7]
Legacy
Cullerton Street in Chicago, previously known as 20th Street, was named for him shortly after his death.[7][9] His residence, at the time of his death, had been on this street.[7]
Family political dynasty
Cullerton began what has become a Cullerton family political dynasty.[7][8]
For a cumulative period of 112 years, at least one member of the Cullerton family sat on the Chicago City Council.[4] A series of Cullerton's descendants would hold the aldermanship of the 38th ward, including William J. Cullerton, Thomas W. Cullerton, and Timothy Cullerton. Also, family in-law Thomas R. Allen held this seat.[3][12]
^ abGradel, Thomas J.; Simpson, Dick (15 February 2015). Corrupt Illinois : patronage, cronyism, and criminality. University of Illinois Press. ISBN978-0252097034.
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