J. Frank Aldrich

James Franklin Aldrich (April 6, 1853 – March 8, 1933) was an American politician and civil engineer. From 1893-1897 he served as a United States representative from Illinois.

Biography The son of William Aldrich and Anna Mary Aldrich (née Howard), James Franklin Aldrich was born on April 6, 1853, in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. He moved with his parents to Chicago, Illinois, in April 1861 where he attended the public schools. He initially was engaged in the manufacturing of linseed oil, and later worked in the gas business. They remained married until Lulu's death in 1897. They had three children, Eleanor, Martha, and Sherman.

Aldrich was a member of the Cook County Board of Commissioners from 1886 to 1888, serving as president in 1887. Aldrich was also a member of the county board of education in 1887 and commissioner of public works of Chicago from May 1, 1891, to January 1, 1893. Aldrich married opera singer Mariska Agan (known on the stage under her married name as Mariska Aldrich). They divorced on October 21, 1915. They had two children, Meeka and Fred. Meeka had a career as a stage and film actress.

Aldrich died on March 8, 1933 at the King Home For Old Men in Chicago, Illinois, at age 79. He was buried in Rosehill Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois.