John Calhoun | |
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Chicago Alderman from the 1st Ward[1] | |
In office 1842–1843 Serving with Norman B. Judd | |
Preceded by | John Davlin/ Charles Follansbee |
Succeeded by | Cyrenus Beers/ Hugh T. Dickey |
Personal details | |
Born | Watertown, New York | April 14, 1808
Died | February 20, 1859 Chicago, Illinois | (aged 50)
Resting place | Graceland Cemetery |
Spouse | Pamelia C. Hathaway |
Known for | Founding publisher of the Chicago Democrat |
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John Calhoun (April 14, 1808 – February 20, 1859)[2] was an American publisher and politician from New York. Originally a student of carpentry, Calhoun learned the publishing trade in his hometown of Watertown, New York. After hearing about Chicago from a local, he moved there in 1833. Calhoun established the first paper in Chicago, the Chicago Democrat, which was first issued on November 26, 1833. Calhoun held a monopoly on the trade in Chicago until 1835; the next year he sold it to Long John Wentworth. Later in his life, Calhoun served a number of city and county political positions, including a seat on the Chicago City Council.