Edward Cullerton

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]

Cullerton was a Democrat.[7]

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]

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]

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]