John Harris Kinzie (July 7, 1803 – June 19, 1865) was a prominent figure in Chicago politics during the 19th century.

[3] The Kinzie family moved to Detroit, Michigan following the Battle of Fort Dearborn, living there for several years.

He spent some time working for the governor of the Michigan Territory in the 1820s and became an Indian subagent at Fort Winnebago until he returned to Chicago in 1833.

On May 2, 1837 Kinzie ran against William Butler Ogden for mayor when Chicago became a city and lost.

One of Kinzie's sons died fighting for the Union in the Civil War, two others were taken prisoner by Confederate forces but survived.

Stuart's cavalry before becoming a captain in Mercer's Brigade and eventually falling wounded during the Battle of Lovejoy's Station.