John Wentworth

John Wentworth served as a Representative from Illinois in the United States Congress from 1843 to 1867. A member of the Republican Party, John Wentworth contributed to the legislative process during 6 terms in office.

John Wentworth’s service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history. As a member of the House of Representatives, John Wentworth participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of constituents.

John Wentworth (March 5, 1815 – October 16, 1888), was the editor of the Chicago Democrat, publisher of an extensive Wentworth family genealogy, a two-term mayor of Chicago, and a six-term member of the United States House of Representatives (serving tenured in that body both before and after his service as mayor). After growing up in New Hampshire, he joined the migration west and moved to the developing city of Chicago in 1836, where he made his adult life. Wentworth was affiliated with the Democratic Party until 1855; then he changed to the Republican Party. After retiring from politics, he wrote a three-volume genealogy of the Wentworth family in the United States. A 1994 survey of experts on Chicago politics assessed Wentworth as one of the ten best mayors in the city’s history (up to that time).