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- Notes:
- Elvin Swarthout, Mayor of Grand Rapids, 1924-1930, seated at an opened roll-top desk.
- Date Created:
- 1924-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Notes:
- Parents born in Netherlands. He was born in Grand Rapids. Member of Christian Reformed Church. School teacher. Businessman, active in many civic organizations. President of Chamber of Commerce when appointed mayor, by City Commission when Davis resigned. Presided over building of new City Hall and major expansion of city services. Defeated by Robert Boelens in 1970.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Democrat. Came to Grand Rapids in 1845, nephew of Mrs. Canton Smith of the National Hotel, and did odd jobs at the hotel while studying at Prof. Franklin Everett's Grand Rapids Academy. After working for a stagecoach line, in 1858 he became first express messenger on the now D & M Railroad. From 1859 onward was the local American Express agent.
- Date Created:
- 1883-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Democrat, ex-Greenbacker. Nicknamed "Honest John". Came from Buffalo in 1863, went into grocery business. "Not a man of many words, but always said just what he meant." As alderman he was selected president of Common Council. Served in state legislature, 1887-89. Appointed to Board of Police & Fire Commissioners in 1891.
- Date Created:
- 1889-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Colorful, controversial "master politician." Immigrated from Scotland with family at age eight, orphan at 14, rising young printer and publisher in his mid-20s. Elected alderman opposed to Ellis in 1914, became state legislator in 1916, Speaker of the House in 1923, Lieutenant Governer in 1924. Appointed Grand Rapids city manager 1929-32, longest incumbent mayor in city's history. Resigned July 1949 in face of recall drive accusing him of ties with political "boss" Frank McKay, defeated in 1950 election. Came back as city manager 1954-55.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- First non-partisan mayor under new commission-manager system, chosen yearly by fellow commissioners. Member of wealthy "blueblood" family, Yale '81, brother-in-law of Edwin Sweet. Owner of Fuller & Rice Lumber Company, operated timber lands and local real estate, president of Luce Furniture Company in 1915. Had many philanthropic interests. Home is now Heritage Hill landmark.
- Date Created:
- 1917-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Democrat. Son of an early Grandville settler, arriving there at age 12. By trade a machinist who started a foundry and machine shop that later became Butterworth & Lowe. He sold out as owner, then spent thirty years working as a foreman.
- Date Created:
- 1858-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Democrat. Lawyer who helped write 1857 city charter, served as city attorney, and was considered expert in municipal government. In 1883 was elected Michigan Supreme Court Justice and served 8 years then became a lecturer in the U. of M. law department.
- Date Created:
- 1867-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Man with glasses handing George Welsh a cake that says "Mayor Welsh"
- Date Created:
- 1948-05-03T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Notes:
- Democrat. Grand Rapids' first Jewish mayor. Immigrant from Germany, came to Grand Rapids in 1852, established clothing store. City water system began during his term. Later elected to Congress, then went into lumber trade and invested in other businesses.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection