James Bowler

Who was James Bowler?

James Bernard Bowler was a political figure from Chicago, Illinois. He served three terms as a United States Representative for Illinois.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Bowler attended the parochial and public schools. He was a professional bicycle racer as a young man and engaged in the insurance business. He became an Alderman for Chicago's 19th Ward in 1906, serving alongside John Powers. When Anthony D'Andrea ran against Bowler in 1916, the violence during the election sparked the five years Aldermen's Wars, which saw thirty political operatives killed.

Bowler served in the Chicago City Council until 1953, with hiatuses from 1923 to 1927 when he served as Chicago's Commissioner of Compensation, and in 1934, when he was Chicago's Commissioner of Vehicle Licenses. He was President pro tempore of the City Council for eight years, and his 42 years in the City Council made him the longest-serving Alderman ever.

Bowler was the Chairperson of the City Council's remapping committee in 1923 when it became apparent that the fairest map would redistrict him out of his own 19th Ward. With no hesitation, he proceeded to remap himself out of the City Council.