Julian Sidney Rumsey

Julian Sidney Rumsey (April 3, 1823 in Batavia, New York – April 20, 1886 in Chicago, Illinois) served as mayor of Chicago, Illinois (1861–1862) as a member of the Republican Party.

Early life Rumsey was born on April 3, 1823 in Batavia, New York. For many years he worked as a clerk at the firm. When Mr. Newberry retired from the firm, Rumsey and his brother George became partners at the firm, which became Dole, Newberry & Co. Prior to the Rumseys becoming partners, the company had been focused solely and transporting freight. However, soon after they became partners the company began to focus on purchasing grain, operating out of a small warehouse on the North Side of the city. In September 1939, the firm sent the first-ever shipment of grain made in Chicago (2,900 bushels cosigned to Black Rock, New York). In 1852 Dole retired, and the firm, which for a time thereafter became known as Rumsey Brothers. The firm thereafter focused exclusively on the grain commission business. Later, Henry Towner joined as a partner and the firm was renamed Rumsey Brothers & Co, a name it would hold for decades thereafter. Rumsey remained in the grain business for the rest of his life. In early 1859, he was again chosen to be president of the Board of Trade after its new charter from the state legislature giving it new privileges.

Rumsey was sworn in as mayor on May 6, 1861.

As mayor, Rumsey required all Chicagoans to take an oath of loyalty.

Post-mayoralty At the time of the Panic of 1873 he was president of the Corn Exchange National Bank.

In 1869, he founded the Illinois Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. He is buried in Graceland Cemetery.

He was survived by his widow and nine surviving adult children (three sons and six daughters).

Memorials Rumsey Avenue, which runs NE/SW between the intersections of 87th St. & Pulaski and 85th St. & Hamlin, on Chicago's far Southwest Side, is named for him.