Thomas Gahan was in many ways one of the most prominent figures in the political, business and social activities of Chicago in the first years of the 20th century. For over twenty-five years he was a leader of the Cook County Democrats and for eight years represented his state on the national committee of his party. As president of the Ogden Gas Company he held a high place in the business world.
Life
Gahan was born in what is now known as Arlington Heights, Cook County, April 7, 1847. His first public position was that of captain of police in the old town of Lake, in which position he won distinction by imposing law and order. This was especially true during the great strike of 1884. Through his police connection he drifted into politics, organizing the Democracy of the town of Lake. He brought about the nomination of the late Julius S. Grinnell for state's attorney, who was the only democrat on the ticket to be elected. When the town of Lake was annexed to the City of Chicago he was elected alderman to represent the new ward, the Twenty-ninth, having- served several terms as supervisor before annexation. Gahan served in the city council from 1889 to 1893, when he resigned to become railroad and warehouse commissioner under Governor Altgeld, whose nomination and election he had been instrumental in securing. In 1896 he was elected a member of the Democratic National Committee for Illinois and re-elected in 1900. Ill health prevented his acceptance of the honor in 1904. He also served as chairman of the Cook County Democratic Party from 1895 to 1902. He was elected delegate to each Democratic national convention from 1884 to 1904, inclusive. In politics Gahan was a power. He secured the nomination and election of such men as Governor Altgeld, Mayor Hopkins, of whom lie was a close friend and adviser, and many others. He exerted a large influence in state and national politics, taking an active part in every campaign from the Cleveland-Elaine struggle in 1884 to the McKinley-Bryan campaign in 1900. His business career was marked by the same success as attended his political endeavors. He was associated with Thomas Byrne for many years in general contracting business, during which time they built three sections of the drainage canal, the Robey Street sewer and all the underground work at the Columbian Exposition. Saturday evening, April 29, 1905, Gahan contracted an acute attack of Bright's disease, with which he had been ailing for two years. His condition rapidly became worse and the following evening he succumbed at his residence, 4619 Grand boulevard. Gahan was a member of the Sheridan, Cook County, Ellerslee Cross Country, and Iroquois clubs, and of the Knights of Columbus. He was a liberal and silent giver to charity and always evinced a deep interest in the schools of Chicago. He was married November 8, 1877 to Miss Sarah A. McNarney, who survives him, together with his daughters, Sarah, Olive, Agnes and Rose.
