John Coughlin (alderman), Date of Birth, Date of Death
TweetJohn Coughlin (alderman)
American political boss
Date of Birth: 15-Oct-1860
Date of Death: 11-Nov-1938
Profession: alderman
Nationality: United States
Zodiac Sign: Libra 
About John Coughlin (alderman)
- 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.
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