John Coughlin | |
|---|---|
&sq=&lang=&file=File:Bathhouse_John_Coughlin_(2).jpg) Coughlin circa the 1890s | |
| Alderman of the Chicago City Council | |
| In office 1892 – November 11, 1938 Serving with John R. Morris (1892–1893) Louis I. Epstean (1893–1895) Francis P. Gleason (1895–1897) Michael Kenna (1897–1923) | |
| Preceded by | Nicholas A. Cremer |
| Succeeded by | Vacant, then Michael Kenna |
| Constituency | 1st ward |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 15, 1860 Chicago, Illinois |
| Died | November 11, 1938 (aged 78) Chicago, Illinois |
| Resting place | Calvary Cemetery |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence(s) | Chicago, Illinois |
John Joseph Coughlin (August 15, 1860 – November 11, 1938), known as "Bathhouse John" or "the Bath", was an American politician who served as alderman of Chicago's 1st ward from 1892 until his death. Representing the Chicago Loop and in later years its environs, he represented what was often called the "world's richest ward". Alongside his partner, fellow 1st ward alderman Michael "Hinky Dink" Kenna, he controlled the ward for most of the first half of the 20th century.
A part of 1st ward politics for about 50 years, he was a charismatic and eccentric figure who was well-known across the city and adored by his constituents; he and Kenna constructed a machine that would last the better part of the 20th century. He was the longest serving alderman in Chicago history until November 2014 when his record was surpassed by Edward M. Burke of the 14th ward. Notoriously corrupt, he and Kenna led the "Gray Wolves", a group that attracted much scorn from reformers; he and Kenna in particular were notorious across the nation and globe. He and Kenna were known as the "Lords of the Levee" after the Levee vice district that provided them with funds and support in exchange for protection from law enforcement.
In addition to politics Coughlin was known for his outlandish fashion, eccentric poetry, and horse racing. His poetry and horse racing in particular would come to dominate the later part of his life; his horse-racing interests increasingly drained his money, which his horses failed to recoup at the racetrack, and he died penniless.