In 1864 , Medill left the '' Tribune '' editorship for political activity , which occupied him for the next ten years . He was appointed by President Grant to the first Civil Service Commission . In 1870 , he was elected as a delegate to the Illinois Constitutional convention . In 1871 , after the Great Chicago Fire , Medill was elected mayor of Chicago as candidate of the temporary " Fireproof " party , serving for two years . As mayor , Medill gained more power for the mayor 's office , created Chicago 's first public library , enforced blue laws , and reformed the police and fire departments . But the stress of the job impaired his health . In August 1873 , he appointed Lester L. Bond as Acting Mayor for the remaining 3 ½ months of his term , and went to Europe on a convalescent tour
Great Chicago Fire
Great Chicago Fire
Joseph Medill