Benjamin L. Cleaves (June 25, 1835 – March 8, 1883) was an American politician who briefly served as both the Coroner of Cook County and ex officio Sheriff of Cook County.[1] He assumed the office of Sheriff after his predecessor, Gustav Fischer, absconded in December 1869, leaving behind his family and a number of disgruntled creditors.[2]
Benjamin L. Cleaves | |
|---|---|
| Coroner of Cook County | |
| In office 1869 – November 1870 | |
| Preceded by | William Wagner |
| Succeeded by | John Stephens |
| Sheriff of Cook County | |
| In office April 1870 – November 1870 | |
| Preceded by | Gustav Fischer |
| Succeeded by | Timothy Bradley |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 25, 1835 Portland, Maine, U.S. |
| Died | March 8, 1883 (aged 47) Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
Cleaves was a police sergeant in Chicago before the beginning of the American Civil War. He enlisted in the 1st Illinois Artillery, serving as a private in Battery A. He fought in multiple battles, including the Battle of Shiloh and the Siege of Vicksburg.[3]
Discharged from the Union Army in 1864, Cleaves returned to Chicago. On July 4, 1867, Cleaves' right arm was accidentally blown off by a cannon during an Independence Day celebration. He ran for Coroner of Cook County in 1868 and won the election in November. He resigned a position as a police substation manager to fill the coroner's office.[4]
Cleaves drowned in the Chicago River on March 8, 1883.[5]
References
edit- ^ Fergus' Historical Series, Issues 1-10. Fergus Printing Company. 1876. p. 598.
- ^ History of Chicago - From 1857 until the fire of 1871. Chicago: A.T. Andreas. 1885. p. 460.
- ^ "Candidates". Chicago Evening Post. September 2, 1868. p. 4.
- ^ "Police Department". Chicago Tribune. November 6, 1868. p. 4.
- ^ "Benjamin L. Cleaves". The Inter Ocean. March 10, 1883. p. 4.
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