Researching John Coughlin

A part of 1st ward politics for about 50 years, he was a charismatic and eccentric figure who was well-known across the city and adored by his constituents; he and Kenna constructed a machine that would last the better part of the 20th century. He was the longest serving alderman in Chicago history until November 2014 when his record was surpassed by Edward M. Burke of the 14th ward. Notoriously corrupt, he and Kenna led the "Gray Wolves", a group that attracted much scorn from reformers; he and Kenna in particular were notorious across the nation and globe. He and Kenna were known as the "Lords of the Levee" after the Levee vice district that provided them with funds and support in exchange for protection from law enforcement.

In addition to politics Coughlin was known for his outlandish fashion, eccentric poetry, and horse racing. His poetry and horse racing in particular would come to dominate the later part of his life; his horse-racing interests increasingly drained his money, which his horses failed to recoup at the racetrack, and he died penniless.

Coughlin graduated from St. Paul Academy where he was an All State high school soccer player. In 1990, he was on the Spartan Randolph Blackhawks team which won the McGuire Cup (U-19 national championship). In 1991, Coughlin played a single season with University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee soccer team. He then transferred to the University of Vermont for 1992 and 1993 collegiate seasons. In 1991, Coughline joined the Minnesota Thunder, an unaffiliated amateur club. He retired at the end of the 2001 season. In 1994, Minnesota entered the USISL. In 1999, he was Second Team All League as the Thunder won the USL A-League championship. From 1996 to 2001, he played 107 league games and scored 8 goals.