(Lived March 9, 1867 – April 22, 1923)

Born in Kingston, Tennessee, Jesse Littleton moved with his father to Texas as a child but returned to Tennessee to live with his brother John, the publisher of the Nashville Republican.  Under his brother’s tutelage, Jesse worked in the newspaper business before becoming involved in state politics.  Appointed to a position with the United States Revenue Service, Littleton moved to Winchester, Tennessee. President Benjamin Harding appointed Littleton postmaster for Winchester, and President Grover Cleveland renewed the appointment.  Following these appointments, Littleton served a term as mayor for Winchester.

Littleton moved to Chattanooga in 1911 to practice law.  Elected mayor in 1915, Littleton oversaw the completion of the Market Street Bridge, the dedication of Lincoln Park for the city’s black citizens, and the merger of James County with Hamilton County.