John Thomas Sweeney: From Galway Immigrant to Chicago Alderman

The Early Years

John Thomas Sweeney was born in Galway, Ireland in 1853. He immigrated to the United States in 1869, settling in Chicago. He worked as a laborer and then as a police officer. In 1887, he was elected to the Chicago City Council, representing the 19th Ward.

A Rising Star in Chicago Politics

Sweeney quickly rose through the ranks of Chicago politics. He was a close ally of Mayor Carter Harrison, Sr., and served as the chairman of the city's finance committee. He was also a strong supporter of labor unions and social reform.