Harrison, Carter Henry

Harrison, Carter Henry

(1825–93) businessman, mayor; born near Lexington, Ky. Having made a fortune in Chicago real estate, he turned to public service, becoming a U.S. representative (Dem., Ill.; 1875–79). A gifted speaker, the author of several books, a man of personal integrity, and a popular campaigner, he won the support of business people, moderate socialists, and immigrants alike as mayor of Chicago (1880–88, 1893). He was assassinated by a young man whom he had turned down for a job. His son, Carter Henry Harrison Jr., was a five-term mayor of Chicago (1898–1906, 1912–14).