Thomas Gahan

Background

Gahan was born in what is now known as Arlington Heights, Cook County, April 7, 1847.

Career

As president of the Ogden Gas Company he held a high place in the business world. This was especially true during the great strike of 1884. Through his police connection he drifted into politics, organizing the Democracy of the town of Lake.

He brought about the nomination of the late Julius South. Grinnell for state"s attorney, who was the only democrat on the ticket to be elected.

When the town of Lake was annexed to the City of Chicago he was elected alderman to represent the new ward, the Twenty-ninth, havingserved several terms as supervisor before annexation. Gahan served in the city council from 1889 to 1893, when he resigned to become railroad and warehouse commissioner under Governor Altgeld, whose nomination and election he had been instrumental in securing.

Illinois health prevented his acceptance of the honor in 1904. He also served as chairman of the Cook County Democratic Party from 1895 to 1902.

He was elected delegate to each Democratic national convention from 1884 to 1904, inclusive.

In politics Gahan was a power. He exerted a large influence in state and national politics, taking an active part in every campaign from the Cleveland-Elaine struggle in 1884 to the McKinley-Bryan campaign in 1900. His business career was marked by the same success as attended his political endeavors.

He was associated with Thomas Byrne for many years in general contracting business, during which time they built three sections of the drainage canal, the Robey Street sewer and all the underground work at the Columbian Exposition.

Saturday evening, April 29, 1905, Gahan contracted an acute attack of Bright"s disease, with which he had been ailing for two years. His condition rapidly became worse and the following evening he succumbed at his residence, 4619 Grand boulevard.

He was a liberal and silent giver to charity and always evinced a deep interest in the schools of Chicago.

Achievements

• His first public position was that of captain of police in the old town of Lake, in which position he won distinction by imposing law and order.

Politics

Foreign over twenty-five years he was a leader of the Cook County Democrats and for eight years represented his state on the national committee of his party.

Membership

In 1896 he was elected a member of the Democratic National Committee for Illinois and re-elected in 1900. Gahan was a member of the Sheridan, Cook County, Ellerslee Cross Country, and Iroquois clubs, and of the Knights of Columbus.