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| Affiliation | Democratic |
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| Name | Edward A. Noonan |
| Address |
St. Louis, Missouri , United States |
| Email | None |
| Website | None |
| Born |
December 20, 1852
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| Died | September 23, 1927
(74 years)
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| Contributor | RBH |
| Last Modifed | RBH
Aug 18, 2015 12:14am |
| Tags |
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| Info | Edward A. Noonan was born in Reading, Pennsylvania on December 20, 1852. After leaving high school he worked in a machine shop for a time before entering Albany Law University. Noonan graduated from law school in 1870 and soon came to St. Louis to practice. In 1876 he married Miss Margaret Brennan, sister of Dr. William Brennan, a well known physician of that day.
In 1878 Noonan was elected Assistant Circuit Attorney. He was re-elected in 1882, but resigned in 1884 to run for the office of Judge of the Court of Criminal Correction. He was elected and re-elected in 1888, but resigned to run for Mayor in 1889. Noonan gained the Democratic nomination over David W. Allen, President of the Council. In 1885 he had lost the nomination to David R. Francis. Noonan won the election over the Republican, Col. James Butler, and was the only successful Democratic candidate in April of 1889.
In 1889 Edward A. Noonan became the thirty-first Mayor of St. Louis.
As Mayor, he signed the Ordinance necessary for the construction of Union Station, and floated a bond issue in London when investment concerns in this country failed to buy bonds drawing less than six per cent interest. Washington Square was made the site of the City Hall in 1889 and construction started in July, 1890. The cornerstone was laid June 6, 1891. There was no bond issue for its construction. Appropriations were made from time to time to keep the work going. City Hall was first occupied in 1898, but it was not completed until 1904.
The City's population grew from 350,518 in 1880 to 451,770 in 1890. The consolidation of street railway companies took place at this time. Most of the lines changed to the trolley system. By the end of 1890 most of the street lighting plan had been changed from gas lights to electricity. The new Chain of Rocks Waterworks was under construction. The cost was met out of water revenues. The search was begun for a better method of purifying and clarifying the water. St. Louis had been known for its cloudy drinking water. Inspection of elevators was provided for by Ordinance in 1889. An Ordinance of 1891 required all contracts for City work to contain a clause forbidding employment of workers more than eight hours per day. In 1892 an Inspector was appointed to see that all garbage was collected and delivered to a contractor for processing. The first Smoke Ordinance came in 1893. Emission of 'dense black or thick grey smoke' was declared a misdemeanor. A commission of three members was set up to study the problem and report on smoke reduction devices.
Edward A. Noonan returned to law practice after his term as Mayor. In 1922, at the age of 74, he won the Democratic nomination for Judge of the Court of Criminal Correction, but was defeated as the Republicans swept the election.
Edward A. Noonan died September 23, 1927. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery.
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