Thompson, ‘Big Bill’ (1869–1944)

US mayor. He was elected mayor for two terms 1916–24; he then dropped out of politics because his financial backer was indicted for fraud and race riots marred his term. He managed to get himself re-elected for another term (1928–32), this time backed by Al Capone. Thompson's campaign to purge the school board and school libraries of all ‘pro-British’ elements resulted in his being derided throughout America. His political career faded out and he was the target of a number of suits charging corruption.

Thompson was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Born to wealth, he tried his hand at ranching in the West, then returned to Chicago where – except for a brief term as an alderman – he showed little interest in anything except sports.