Isaac Lawrence Milliken

Who was Isaac Lawrence Milliken?

Isaac Lawrence Milliken served as mayor of Chicago, Illinois from 1854 to 1855. He was a member of the Democratic Party.

Born in Saco, Maine, Milliken moved to Chicago in 1837 and set up a blacksmith shop on Randolph Street. When he wasn't busy, Milliken taught himself law and was eventually twice elected alderman and appointed an assistance county judge.

In the election of 1854, Milliken defeated Amos Throop, who ran on the Temperance Party ticket, with nearly 60% of the vote. Although Throop was the temperance candidate, after winning the election, Milliken declared himself in favor of temperance as well. He ran for re-election the following year against Levi Boone, of the American Party and lost with 47% of the vote.

Following his term as mayor, Milliken stayed in public service, becoming a police magistrate.