Benjamin L. Cleaves

Benjamin L. Cleaves (June 25, 1835 – March 8, 1883) was an American politician who briefly served as both the Coroner of Cook County and ex officio Sheriff of Cook County.[1] He assumed the office of Sheriff after his predecessor, Gustav Fischer, absconded in December 1869, leaving behind his family and a number of disgruntled creditors.[2]

Benjamin L. Cleaves
Coroner of Cook County
In office
1869 – November 1870
Preceded byWilliam Wagner
Succeeded byJohn Stephens
Sheriff of Cook County
In office
April 1870 – November 1870
Preceded byGustav Fischer
Succeeded byTimothy Bradley
Personal details
BornJune 25, 1835
Portland, Maine, U.S.
DiedMarch 8, 1883(1883-03-08) (aged 47)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.

Cleaves was a police sergeant in Chicago before the beginning of the American Civil War. He enlisted in the 1st Illinois Artillery, serving as a private in Battery A. He fought in multiple battles, including the Battle of Shiloh and the Siege of Vicksburg.[3]

Discharged from the Union Army in 1864, Cleaves returned to Chicago. On July 4, 1867, Cleaves' right arm was accidentally blown off by a cannon during an Independence Day celebration. He ran for Coroner of Cook County in 1868 and won the election in November. He resigned a position as a police substation manager to fill the coroner's office.[4]

Cleaves drowned in the Chicago River on March 8, 1883.[5]

References
  1. Fergus' Historical Series, Issues 1-10. Fergus Printing Company. 1876. p. 598.
  2. History of Chicago - From 1857 until the fire of 1871. Chicago: A.T. Andreas. 1885. p. 460.
  3. "Candidates". Chicago Evening Post. September 2, 1868. p. 4.
  4. "Police Department". Chicago Tribune. November 6, 1868. p. 4.
  5. "Benjamin L. Cleaves". The Inter Ocean. March 10, 1883. p. 4.


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