Topic: Joseph Medill

Joseph Medill (April 6, 1823 – March 16, 1899) is better known for the business and managing editor of the Chicago Tribune than as mayor of Chicago, although his term in office occurred during two of the most important years of the city's history as Chicago tried to rebuild in the aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire.

Medill was born in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada.

During the American Civil War, Medill's great journalistic enemy was The Chicago Times, run by Cyrus McCormick. Eventually McCormick's nephew married Medill's daughter Kate. Strongly supportive of Abraham Lincoln, the Tribune was instrumental in his nomination for the Presidency. Although he may have had racist tendencies, Medill used his editorial stance to stand up for the abolitionist cause and was a strong supporter of Lincoln's bid for the presidency.