John Peter Altgeld was governor of Illinois in 1893-1897. Born in what is now the Rhineland-Palatinate on December 30, 1847---175 years ago today---he was an infant when his parents emigrated with him to the U.S. As governor he led progressive reforms like child labor laws and workplace safety. Among the several people whom he pardoned were three men convicted in the Haymarket bombing of 1886. He also refused to break up the Pullman railroad strike by force. Controversial in his time, he is considered one of Illinois' best governors, up there with Edward Coles (1822-1826) and Thomas Ford (1842-1846). In my lifetime, at least, Illinois governors have been notorious for getting in trouble with the law. (Photo from: https://primarysourcenexus.org/2013/12/today-history-john-peter-altgeld/)
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