As a result of a
yellow fever epidemic in
1879, Memphis lost so much of its population that it was
disincorporated and was not rechartered until 1895. This accounts for the absence of a mayor during the period 1879–1893. The city leaders during this period were known as President of the Taxing District. They were
David T. Porter (1879-1881),
John Overton (1881-1883),
David P. Hadden (1883-1891),
William D. Bethell (1891-1893) and
Walter L. Clapp (1893-1895) who then became mayor. See the article
History of Memphis, Tennessee for more information. ==See also==