| John Pridgeon, Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Mayor of Detroit | |
| In office 1888–1889 |
|
| Preceded by | Marvin H. Chamberlain |
| Succeeded by | Hazen S. Pingree |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 1, 1852 |
| Died | 1929 |
John Pridgeon, Jr. (August 1, 1852 – 1929) was the head of a marine transport company and mayor of Detroit, Michigan.
John Pridgeon, Jr. was born in Detroit on August 1, 1852, the son of Captain John and Emma Nicholson Pridgeon.[1] Pridgeon was educated in the Detroit Public Schools and the Detroit Business University.[2] In 1871, he joined as a clerk his father's business of buying, selling, and operating sailing ships and tugs;[1] the family also owned and operated the Detroit & Windsor Ferry.[3] In 1876 he became an agent of the Chicago and Grand Trunk line of steamers, stationed at Port Huron, Michigan; in 1879 the line was dismantled and he rejoined his father's business.[1]
After his stint as mayor, Pridgeon diversified his business interests, and in the years 1890 - 1900 served variously as president of the State Transportation Company, president of the Pridgeon Transportation Company, vice-president of the White Star Line, vice-president of the Red Star Line, and vice-president of the River Savings Bank.[2]
Pridgeon was a member of the first Park Commission, serving from 1879 - 1883.[2] He was elected to the city council as a Democrat.[3] in 1885, and in 1887 was elected mayor of Detroit, serving one term in 1888-1889.[1] He later served as a member of the Police Commission from 1891- 1892.[2]
In 1874, Pridgeon married Cora Edgar; the couple had two sons, neither of whom outlived their parents.[1] In 1911, Cora sued for and was granted a divorce.[4] In 1915, Pridgeon married a second time to Mrs. Blanche Pridgeon Cate, a classmate of Woodrow Wilson and a distant relavite.[5]
John Pridgeon Jr. died in 1929.[6]
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Marvin H. Chamberlain |
Mayor of Detroit 1888 - 1889 |
Succeeded by Hazen S. Pingree |