William S. Gregory

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William Samuel Gregory (August 4, 1825 – August 11, 1887) was the first mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, beginning his term on April 18, 1853. [1]

When Kansas City was incorporated on March 18, 1853, it had an area 0.98 square miles (2.5 km2) and a population of 2,500. 63 votes were cast for mayor and Gregory defeated Dr. Benoist Troost by nine votes.

William S. Gregory
1st Mayor of Kansas City
In office
April 18, 1853 – February 1854 [1]
Preceded byoffice created
Succeeded byJohnston Lykins
Personal details
Born
William Samuel Gregory

August 4, 1825
Shelby County, Kentucky, United States
DiedAugust 11, 1887(1887-08-11) (aged 62)
Kansas City, Mo.
Resting placeElmwood Cemetery
Political party Whig


Gregory was born on August 4, 1825, in Shelby County, Kentucky.

He moved from Kentucky, with his wife Elizabeth, to Jackson County, Missouri in 1844 and operated a grocery store on the levee. He and other settlers petitioned to incorporate the Town of Kansas.

Gregory only served 10 months as mayor, when it was discovered that he lived on a farm that was outside the city limits eastern boundary at Locust Street. Therefore, he was not eligible to be mayor. Dr. Johnston Lykins finished out his term, beginning in February 1854.[1]

He is buried in Elmwood Cemetery. In the 1930s, 71st Street was renamed Gregory Boulevard in his honor.[citation needed]

References

  1. ^ a b c Green, George Fuller (1968). A Condensed History of the Kansas City Area: Its Mayors and Some V.I.P.s. Kansas City: The Lowell Press.

External links