The Greek Settlement of Chicago in the 1840s and Beyond.

The Chicago Greeks showed unwavering determination, resilience, and a passionate love for their heritage. From the humble beginnings of those early mariners to the vibrant presence of today's Greektown, their tale enriches the mosaic of Chicago's history.

The Pioneering Years (1840s–1871)

The story begins amidst the bustling maritime trade routes of the 1840s. Hardy Greek sailors, drawn by the promise of Chicago and the Great Lakes, navigated the mighty Mississippi River, leaving New Orleans behind to get to Chicago. Reaching the headwaters of the Illinois River and then its tributary, the Des Plaines River, these intrepid adventurers faced the critical portage. The area around present-day Chicago offered the shortest and most manageable overland route, a testament to the region's strategic importance. After their portage, the Chicago River leads to Lake Michigan. Many of these immigrants sought a better life and their fortunes in commerce, thus laying the groundwork for future waves of migration.

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This arduous journey highlights why completing the Illinois and Michigan Canal in 1848 transformed regional transportation. The canal eliminated the need for the portage, making the trip from the Mississippi to Chicago significantly faster and more efficient. These seafaring pioneers, with hearts as vast as the Great Lakes, laid the foundation for a vibrant Greek legacy to take root in the heart of America. Some of these immigrants sought their fortunes in commerce, laying the groundwork for a future wave of migration.

The Great Chicago Fire and Building a Community (1871–Turn of the Century)

The cataclysmic fires in October 1871, the October 7 "Saturday Night Fire," struck Chicago in the evening, then came the October 8 Great Chicago Fire, devastating Chicago's business district. 

These fires ravaged Chicago, but they also became a catalyst for a surge in Greek immigration. News of Chicago's rebuilding efforts spread worldwide, attracting Greeks seeking opportunities in a city rising from the ashes. 

Greektown's founding father was Christ Chakonas, born in Sparta (modern-day Sparta is located in Laconia, Greece) and arrived in Chicago shortly after the Great Fire of 1871. Seeing opportunity in its ashes, he returned to his hometown and brought over relatives and neighbors, according to the late DePaul University professor Andrew T. Kopan. For that, Chakonas is remembered as the "Columbus of Sparta."

Chain migration, fueled by tales of success and family reunification, spurred the arrival of significant numbers of Greeks, primarily young men driven to build a new life.

These new Chicagoans initially congregated around the city's vibrant commercial districts. However, by 1882, the Greek settlement of Chicago was a thriving community numbering nearly 1,000 people near Clark and Kinzie Streets on the Near North Side.

From there, the settlement moved to the Greek Delta. The triangle formed by Halsted, Harrison, and Blue Island Streets became known as the "Greek Delta," a triangular letter of the Greek alphabet. It was a bustling hub where echoes of Greece mingled with the energy of Chicago.

Flourishing Institutions and Traditions

Within this budding Greek Delta, the foundations of community life took shape. The first Greek Orthodox Church in the Midwest, Holy Trinity, was established in 1897, providing a spiritual anchor. Alongside the church emerged businesses catering to their Greek clientele – coffeehouses, restaurants, and grocery stores stocked with flavors from their homeland.

The Greek Delta teemed with life. The scents of roasting lamb and the spirited sounds of Greek music filled the air. Coffeehouses buzzed with discussions about news from back home and dreams for the future. Greek schools, created to preserve language and culture for the next generation, sprung up. Organizations and societies flourished, fostering a sense of unity and providing vital support.

The Evolution of Greektown

As the Greek community expanded – reaching nearly 30,000 strong by 1930 – the Greek Delta became lovingly known as "Greektown." It remained the nucleus of Greek-American life in Chicago for decades. Here, traditions were nurtured, businesses thrived, and a vibrant cultural landscape was woven into the city's fabric.

Urban Renewal and the Modern Greektown (1960s–Present)

The 1960s brought a period of upheaval for Greektown. The construction of the Eisenhower Expressway and the University of Illinois at Chicago encroached upon the heart of the neighborhood, displacing longtime residents and businesses. Yet, the Greeks of Chicago proved resilient. Despite dispersal to other parts of the city ─ neighborhoods like Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, and the South Side ─ Greektown endured. 

The Greek Independence Parade was held downtown until the 1990s.

Determined to preserve their heritage, a relocated Greektown took root just a few blocks north towards the current location along Halsted Street. The businesses, cultural institutions, and the moniker "Greektown" moved with them. 

Iconic restaurants offering specialties like gyros (first served in America in Chicago) and saganaki (flaming cheese) became culinary magnets, attracting locals and tourists alike. The annual Chicago "Taste of Greektown" festival emerged in 1990 as a joyous celebration of Greek culture, complete with traditional food, drink, dance, and music, drawing huge crowds.

1990 was the First Annual Chicago "Taste of Greektown" Festival.

Today, Greektown, adorned with classical Greek architectural elements, is a testament to the enduring spirit of Chicago's Greek community. It remains a cherished destination where the legacy of the early Greek pioneers reverberates amidst the dynamism of a modern American city.

The story of the Greeks in Chicago is one of unwavering determination, resilience, and a passionate love for their heritage. From the humble beginnings of those early mariners to the vibrant presence of today's Greektown, their tale enriches the mosaic of Chicago's history.

Copyright © 2024, Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

1858, July 30th, Destructive Fire on Van Buren Street, Chicago. $15,000 Loss!

Shortly after nine o'clock in the morning, a fire was discovered by Officer Wood, on his beat, in the rear of a large three-story frame structure on Van Buren Street near Clark Street, in the South Division, known as the Phœnix House and occupied for hotel purposes. The policeman instantly gave the alarm and burst into the front door of the house, the inmates of which were then, for the first time, apprised of their peril. When discovered, the fire was well at work on the east side of a low extension or shed used as a summer kitchen or washhouse and near the chimney. The Phœnix House was pretty well cleared of its contents, and the occupants all got out safely, though some of them with little reference to the appropriate apparel for street appearance.

The № 1, Long John Steamer, was put into service in Chicago in 1858. It was the first steam fire engine in the city, and it helped to revolutionize the way that fires were fought. It was a 40-foot long, 14-foot high, and 8-foot wide vehicle. It weighed 10 tons and was powered by a 100-horsepower steam engine. The Long John could pump 500 gallons of water per minute.

The buildings in the vicinity of the fire were all made of wood and closely contiguous, and but that the surfaces of the same had been drenched by the recent showers, the disaster, under a little more wind that then prevailed, must have been wise-spread. As it was, before the conflagration could be stayed, it had extended to the various buildings surrounding the rear area of and adjoining the Phœnix House, including a four-story frame, an adjoining shop in which liquor was stored, the Exchange House (a two-story building), the Lafee House (a three-story building), № 126 to 134, inclusive, on Van Buren Street, a small unoccupied building and the Jennings House on Griswold Street—all of them frame structures, the Jennings House being a large and comparatively new building, standing vacant.

The fire department, including the smaller steam Fire Engine the "Enterprise" [1], was very promptly on the spot and as promptly at work with excellent streams, and did good service in holding the fire in check and finally subduing it. The Jennings House was badly damaged by fire and water. The Phœnix House and the Lafee House were about one-fourth consumed but will probably both be repaired. The smaller buildings were destroyed.

The list of owners and their losses were as follows:

The Phœnix House № 126, occupied by Patrick McConnell. Loss of $1,200 covered by Chicago Mutual.  Mr. McConnell had $1,000 worth of Brandy in an unoccupied barber's shop adjoining the hotel which was destroyed and not covered by insurance.

The Exchange House, № 130-132, is occupied by John Maloney. Loss of $1,200, insured for $800 in Chicago Mutual.

Lafee House, № 134, occupied by Jacob Lafee. Loss of $1,500, insured for $900.

All three of the above houses were owned by Jacob Gillan and valued at $5,600. Insurance officers took an inventory of the property and a policy for $3,000 to go into effect the day after the fire.

The Jennings House on Griswold Street was owned by Ballard & Wilcox. The building was worth about $6,000, with damage of $3,500, insured for $4,000 at the Merchants of Philadelphia and Phœnix of Hartford, Conn. It was unoccupied, but Martin Dodge, formerly of the Sherman House, would take possession in a few days.

The origin of the fire is unknown. The location in which the flames were discovered points to the chimney as the source of the disaster; the main reason for suggesting a different origin seems to be the fact that the premises in that vicinity have been fired three times in scarcely that many weeks.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

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[1] The 1858 Steam Fire Engine "Enterprise" was a landmark invention that revolutionized firefighting. It was the first steam-powered fire engine in the United States, and it was much more powerful and efficient than the horse-drawn fire engines that were previously in use.

The Enterprise was built by the Seth Sweet Manufacturing Company of New York City. It had a boiler that produced steam that powered a piston that drove the pump. The pump could deliver up to 500 gallons of water per minute, which was much more than the 50-100 gallons per minute that a horse-drawn fire engine could deliver.

The Enterprise was also much faster than a horse-drawn fire engine. It could travel up to 10 miles per hour, which allowed it to get to fires more quickly.

The Enterprise was a huge success. It was used by fire departments all over the United States, and it helped to save countless lives and property from fire. It is considered to be one of the most important inventions in the history of firefighting.

Here are some additional facts about the 1858 steam fire engine Enterprise:

• It was 25 feet long, 9 feet wide, and 10 feet tall.
• It weighed 10 tons.
• It had a crew of 12 firefighters.
• It was powered by a 100-horsepower steam engine.
• It could pump up to 500 gallons of water per minute.
• It could travel up to 10 miles per hour.
• It was first used by the New York City Fire Department in 1858, Chicago also received an Enterprise truck in 1858.
• It was retired from service in 1884.

The Enterprise was a truly revolutionary invention that changed the way firefighting was done. It was faster, more powerful, and more efficient than any fire engine that had come before it, and it helped to save countless lives and property from fire. It is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the people who designed and built it, and it is a reminder of the important role that technology can play in protecting people and property from harm.

1858, August 20th, Disastrous Fire on South Clark Street, Chicago. $25,000 Loss!

The № 1, Long John Steamer, was put into service in Chicago in 1858. It was the first steam fire engine in the city, and it helped to revolutionize the way that fires were fought. It was a 40-foot long, 14-foot high, and 8-foot wide vehicle. It weighed 10 tons and was powered by a 100-horsepower steam engine. The Long John could pump 500 gallons of water per minute.

At about 3½ o'clock Saturday morning, a fire broke out in the rear part of a wooden structure № 244 South Clark Street, occupied as a bakery establishment by Louis Grossman. The flames spread rapidly in all directions, the wooden building being closely adjoining on all sides, and the conflagration only stayed after extending northward to the corner of Van Buren Street and south to the alley.

The following buildings were consumed: South of the bakery, Johnson's saloon and Rees' paint shop, ad north, Bonn's saloon and the long wooden block extending to van Buren Street.

The losses, as near as we can ascertain them, are as follows: № 298. paint shop of James C Rees, loss $200; no insurance. The building was owned by Osborn & Newhall, and was worth about $1,500. It was insured.

№ 296, a small saloon occupied by G. Johnson, loss $300. The building was owned by a widow lady living on the West Side, and was worth, probably, about $500.

№ 294, Louis Grossman's bakery and a stable in the rear. Loss $800; insured for $500. The building wqas owned by J.Busch, and was values at $1,500; insured for $800.

№ 292, a two-story building, occupied below by A. Bonn as a lager b eer saloon, and above by his family. Bonn's loss is about $300. The building was owned by Michael M. Gellan, and valued at $1,500; insured for $800 by the Merchant's insurance company.

The next building was the long block, № 282 to 290 inclusive, extending to Van Buren Street. It was owned by Boone & Larmon, and valued at $10,000, with an insurance of $7,000. The upper floor was occupied entirely by families, the lower part as follows: № 282, Mrs Pinkerton's millinery establichment. The stock was all saved. № 284 and 286, vacant. № 288, Beishoff's furniture store; stock mostly removed. № 290, A. Alexander's ice cream saloon, loss of $500; insured for $300 at Merchant's Insurance i Philadelphia. № 290½, P. Power's seconf hand clothing and furniture store, loss $500; No Insurance.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

1858, July 7th, Fire on East Kinzie Street, Chicago.

At about 3 o'clock in the morning, a fire was discovered in the unoccupied two-story frame building, № 224 East Kinzie Street. The fire was extinguished after the building had been damaged to the extent of four or five hundred dollars. It is owned by Michael Lantry, and the loss is covered by an $800 insurance policy. 

The № 1, Long John Steamer, was put into service in Chicago in 1858. It was the first steam fire engine in the city, and it helped to revolutionize the way that fires were fought. It was a 40-foot long, 14-foot high, and 8-foot wide vehicle. It weighed 10 tons and was powered by a 100-horsepower steam engine. The Long John could pump 500 gallons of water per minute.

From the fact that combustibles, saturated with camphene, were found on the upper floor, and the building was fired in several places, there is no doubt the fire was the work of an incendiary. The scoundrels obtained an entrance by climbing through the second-story back window. The house adjoins the Parmalee Hotel on the east, a four-story brick structure, and on the west and rear are a number of wooden structures, and on the west and rear are a number of wooden buildings. It was a narrow escape from a widespread conflagration.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

1858, July 2nd, Destructive Conflagration at Fulton and Jefferson Streets, Chicago.

At about half past six o'clock, Mr. P.B. Lamb's planning mill, corner of Fulton and Jefferson streets, caught fire, and in a few moments, the entire building was wrapped in flames.

The Number 1, Long John Steamer, was put into service in Chicago in 1858. It was the first steam fire engine in the city, and it helped to revolutionize the way that fires were fought. It was a 40-foot long, 14-foot high, and 8-foot wide vehicle. It weighed 10 tons and was powered by a 100-horsepower steam engine. The Long John could pump 500 gallons of water per minute.

Mr. Lamb's loss is $6,000, on which he had no insurance. In the lumber yard adjoining the mill, Mr. H.M. Lewis lost $1,500 worth of lumber, which he is covered by insurance for $1,300 by Home Insurance of New York. The Galena and Chicago Union Railroad also lost $60 worth of lumber, and Mr. Walter Lull lost $160 worth.

Adjoining the yard on the south were two two-story frame buildings, № 62 and № 60 Jefferson Street, owned by D.L. Jacobus & Co. and occupied by them as a furniture store and warehouse. Most of the furniture was saved, but the buildings were totally destroyed. A large quantity of hard lumber owned by this firm was burned. The large four-story brick furniture factory, № 56 Jefferson Street, owned and occupied by Jacobus & Co., was on fire a number of times and was considerably damaged by fire and water, as is also the machinery. This firm loses some $7,500, against which there is an insurance policy of $4,500 with the Hartford Insurance and Philadelphia Insurance companies.

On the alley, in the rear of Jacobus & Co., premises, which were burned.

Mr. Burk's flour and feed store was badly scorched, and his barn burned.

The buildings on the opposite sides of the street were considerably scorched, and at one time, there was great danger that the fire would cross the street.

The whole loss is not far from $15,000.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

1858, May 18th, Another Disastrous Conflagration. Nine Lives Lost, Chicago.

About three o'clock in the morning, our city was visited by another of those disastrous conflagrations which now and then come to send a thrill of horror through the community.

On the West side of South Wells Street, between Jackson and Van Buren Streets, stood a row of four two-story wooden tenements, occupied on the street level by a bakery and the others for saloons and on the second floor by a number of families.

№ 258, the south tenement, situated on an alley, was occupied by Damiel Bates, known as "English Dan," as a saloon, and he and his wife lived above.

№ 260 was vacant on the main floor.

№ 262 was occupied by John Wilson's bakery, and his family resided above.

№ 264 was occupied by the Troy Exchange" saloon, owned by Patrick Howard. 

№ 266 was partially burned.

In the upper stories of the first four named buildings were sleeping, at the time the fire broke out, Daniel Bates and his wife; Harrison Burgar, his wife and three children; John Johnson, his wife and one child; William Reilly and his mother and three other persona, whose names have not been ascertained.

At three o'clock, the kitchen extension in the rear of № 258 was discovered to be in flames. Still, for some reason, those who first discovered the fire, instead of giving the alarm, called for the police and attempted to rescue the property on the lower floor, also neglecting to render aid to those sleeping in the upper room.

The cry for the police summoned officers Brazce and Ewing, upon whose beats the burning building was, and not until their arrival was the alarm of fire sounded. At the time, the wind was blowing the flames against the front portions of the tenements and filling the upper rooms with dense and suffocating smoke. Officer Brazee ascended one flight of stairs leading from the street and Officer Ewing another. Brazee was forced back by the smoke, but Ewing kicked open the door and immediately two men rushed out, one of them, Mr. Johnson, and the other unknown. By this time, the smoke became so dense, and the flames spread so rapidly that the policemen were compelled to retreat. However, they could hear groans from those inside the rooms.

Owing to the tardy arrival of the firemen, it being long after the flames were visible from Clark Street before the Court House bell sounded the alarm, and the cries of "fire" being confined to the immediate scene of the disaster, the flames spread rapidly, and the four buildings were soon destroyed, and horrible to relate, nine perished in them, while three others are missing.

As soon as the flames were sufficiently subdued to render it possible, the charred and blackened remains of the unfortunate victims were dug from the ruins and removed to the Armory Building. There they were laid, a ghastly, frightful row of what a few hours before had been fair types of humanity.

Coroner Hansen was in hand and organized the following jury of inquest: James E. Brown, Foreman E.H. Smith, J.C. Reinhart, Charles Partridge, M.S. Nichols, C.W. Dawson, S.W. Wallace, C.S. Burdsall, William Rennie, Remig Gootz, H.S. Hilon, and D. Bloom.

The bodies were then identified as follows, the number being those placed on the bodies by the Coroner:

№ 1. Wife of Harrison Burgar. This body was considerably burned and disfigured.

№ 2. Son of John Johnson, a ten-year-old child. This body was also considerably charred.

№ 3. Margaret Johnson, wife of John Johnson. Her maiden name was Malone, and she was formerly engaged in the business of peddling goods about the city. The body was not burned too badly and was readily recognized.

№ 4. The body of William Reilly, a middle-aged Irishman. The body was terribly burned and mutilated. He was a clerk of Van Smith, who has a lumber store and construction office.

№ 5. The body of Harrison Burgar, a carpenter by trade, and was Danish.

№ 6. Mother of William Reilly mentioned above. Her remains were so badly burned and disfigured, making her identification difficult.

№ 7, 8, and 9. The girls and a boy, aged respectively three, five, and seven. The children of Harrison and Margaret Burgar. These bodies were so badly burned their recognition was circumstantial. 

These were all the bodies that could be found, and they were placed in coffins by the coroner for interment.

The following are the more important portions of the testimony taken by the coroner:

JAMES HALL, sworn — I got to the fire about a quarter of an hour after the first alarm; the premises were in a blaze; I belong to the Fire Brigade; I did not go into the houses; I could not get in; I tried to go up stairs; they were two-story frame houses; I tried to get into the second house from the alley; I saw bodies taken out and helped to take them out; I helped to take out the bodies numbered one and two (boy and a female); helped to take out bodies numbered three and four (a male and female); I cannot say anything as to the rest of the bodies; I found the first two bodies very near the front of the building on the alley; found the others about the center of the building to the south; I do not know the names of any of the parties; I think the fire occured about three o'clock; it may have been eariler; I have had no conversation with any one in regard to the fire; when I got there the fire appeared to be in the read part of the building on the alley. There was a dance in the Illinois House, towards the end of the block, near Van Buren Street; it was kept up nearly all night, and there was a good deal of noise there; It was a "Dutch" dance; the first building was a saloon kept by an Irish boy known as "English Dan"; Dan says it is the third time the building has been set on fire.

AUSTIN BRIZEE (Policeman Star № 73), sworn — I was on beat № 9 last night; I passed those premises about a quarter before three o'clock; saw no lights there in any buildings, nor in that block; all was quiet; heard the cry of fire when  I was on the corner of Quincy and Clark Streets; got there before Ewing, I think; I came down Jackson Street; the fire seemed to be between the two buildings, in the partition; saw no fire, but the reflection from the rear; there was plenty of smoke; thought the fire was in the partition between the rear and the front parts of the house; went into the second story of the first building and burst the door open; two men came out; one was John Johnson: do not know the other; do not know that they were dressed; I asked them if there were any other persons in the building, and they said there were; when I went upstairs I heard someone groaning.

HENRY EWING, sworn — I am a policeman; my number is 78; I was on Wells street beat № 9 this morning; I am familiar with the place where the fire was, but do not know the number of the house; when I got there the bcak kitchen was in flames; there were five or six men there, who seemed to be trying to get things out of the house; did not notice who they were; I asked them if they could get buckets; I had been there on my beat an hour previous; they hollered "fire" first; heard no cry of fire before; do not know that we met any one; the fire was so close to my own house that it startled me; saw a woman and two or three men trying to get things out; had to go around to another house to get water; the hydrant in that yard was out of order the entire rear of the kitchen part of the house was on fire and the wind driving the smoke and flames into the front part of the house; I ran around to the front of the house and got a candle at Hannegan's Saloon, next door; I went up stairs; it was pitch dark and there was no fire up stairs to be seen; I opened a door and there came out smoke whichput out my door and there smoke came out which put out my candle and drove me down the stairs; it was black with smoke, and I only got the the head of the stairs; did not got to the door.

DANIEL BATES, sworn — I live at 266 South Wells Street; kept a saloon; went to bed a little after ten; slept upstairs; wife went to bed at the same time; I  rented the upper room to a man named Harrison, a carpenter, his wife and three or four children, a Frenchman, a widow woman named Riley and her son, a peddler, his wife and child. The peddler is away. The first I knew of the fire, my wife woke up and said, "My God! Dan, the house is on fire." I jumped up and opened the door, and the smoke rushed in and sent me back. I then opened the window and jumped and told her to follow, and I would catch her. She jumped and injured herself. Mrs. Riley screamed from the front window that the house was on fire; told her to jump, but she went back, and that was the last I ever saw of her. The next person I saw was Johnson, who got out; There was no fire in any place, but a back shed in the rear of the vacant rooms, between me and the bakery was all in flames; the building was owned by Smith; the landlord and I had some words a few days since, and he has sued me for rent. My property was not insured. 

Mr. Johnson states that he and his wife stood by the door when Officer Ewing burst it open and that he supposes instead of following him, she went back for her son and perished in her attempt to save his life.

Daniel Bates states that when he was awakened, he opened the window, jumped out, and told his wife to jump after him and he would catch her in his arms. She jumped, however, before her husband succeeded in recovering sufficiently to catch her, and she fell upon the sidewalk, severely injuring herself. She was badly burned, and it is doubtful if she will recover.

One of those present at the fire states that a man was seen rushing toward the stairs with a child in his arms and that he fell, and nothing more was seen of him. This is no doubt Mr. Burgar, as beneath his burned and ghastly remains, the body of a young child was found.

It is possible that most of those who lost their lives were wholly or partially smothered by the dense smoke which filled the upper rooms for some time before the flames reached them, and this accounts for the non-discovery of the fire by the occupants until it had made such headway as to render escape nearly or quite impossible.

A package of gold coins amounting to $200, was found in the ruine. It is supposed to have been the property of Mr. Burgar.

Building № 262 was owned by John Kane, and building № 264 by John A. Phelps. Building № 266 was only partially burned. The Buildings № 258 and 260 were owned by Mr. A Smith. The property was not insured, and the pecuniary loss is about $6,000.

We have given all the particulars of this disaster, which ranks only second to the "Great Conflagration" on Lake Street in the terrible loss of human life.

It is generally believed that the fire was the work of an incendiary, as the building had been set on fire from the outside twice before. Still, the intentions of the dastardly incendiary were frustrated by the timely discovery of the fire by the tenants. We trust the police will make every exertion to trace out the origin of the fire, and should the incendiary be found, if one there is in this case, he should be made fully to expiate his terrible crime.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

1857, October 11th, A Half Block of State Street Destroyed in a Chicago Conflagration.

Sunday morning, about half-past two o'clock, a fire broke out in the alley between Monroe and Adams Streets, running from State to Clark Streets, which destroyed some seventeen buildings, covering a half-block. The entire row of buildings on State Street was burned.

When the fire was first discovered, the kitchen of Mr. Blinn's residence, on the alley, and the barn in the rear were in flames. The alarm was speedily given, and a large crowd collected. However, before any efficient measures were taken to avoid the conflagration, the buildings adjoining were on fire, and the flames rapidly spread in all directions.

The following is a list of the buildings damaged and destroyed, the names of the owners and occupants, the amount of loss and the insurance so far as we could ascertain them during the confusion incident to the fire and the caring for and removal of the property yesterday forenoon:

STATE STREET

Mr. F. Parmelee's two-story frame dwelling on the corner of Monroe Street is owned by Mr. Hill. This property was damaged to the amount of about $500. Mr. Parmelee's loss of furniture is $1,000, which is fully covered by insurance.

Two-story framed dwelling south, occupied by Mr. A. Davis and owned by Mr. Hill. The greater portion of the furniture was saved in a damaged condition. Mr. Davis's loss is about $1,000, and Mr. Hill's about $2,500. Mr. Davis was not insured.

A two-story frame dwelling, owned and occupied by Mr. Gilmore, was entirely destroyed. Mr. Gilmore saved the greater part of his furniture. His loss on the building was about $5,000, and on the furniture, about $1,000, which is partially covered by insurance of $5,000. Gilmore'sstable, valued at $500, was also destroyed with the contents.

A two-story frame dwelling, owned and occupied by J.H. Tiffany, of the firm of James Peck &Co., was entirely destroyed, and but for a small portion of the furniture was saved. Mr. Tiffany's loss is about $5,000 on the house and $1,500 on the furniture. Tiffany had an insurance policy of $5,000. The stable, worth $500, was destroyed with all its contents.

A two-story frame dwelling, owned and occupied by Mr. Blinn, was entirely destroyed, together with the stable in the rear. Only a portion of the furniture was saved. Blinn's loss is about $5,000 in the building and $800 on the furniture. He was partially insured, but we could not learn the amount. A horse and cow barn in the stable were burned. The fire broke out in Blinn's premises, it is supposed in the barn, but this has not been certainly ascertained. A servant girl in Blinn's employ had $250 in gold in a trunk, and none of the money could be found. The trunk was not, it is thought, removed from the building. This money was her whole savings for years, and her loss is a severe blow.

The next house south was on the other side of the alley and was occupied as a jewelry and fancy goods store. We could not learn the name of the occupant. The goods were mostly removed, but the building was entirely destroyed. The total loss is about $2,000.

The next building south was a two-story frame building, occupied on the lower floor by Dr. Hatch, for a botanical drug store and in the second story as a dwelling. Dr. Hatch saved most of his goods, and the greater part of the furniture was removed. The entire loss on the premises is about $3,000.

Next south was the large three-story frame building, the Western Hotel, owned by Alderman Jacob Harris. The building was valued at $5,000 and was not insured, the policies had expired a few days ago, and Mr. Harris neglected to have them renewed. The principal part of the furniture of the hotel was removed in a damaged condition. Claus & Staver occupied the hotel portion of the building, and their loss is about $1,200. The lower floor of the hotel was used for stores and was occupied by S.A. Jenks as a stove store, whose loss is about $500; as a saloon by a man whose name we did not lean and whose loss is about $300; by Matthel as a drug store, whose goods were removed and whose loss is about $200. None of the occupants of the hotel were insured.

Mr. Woodford's grocery was next to the west, on the corner of Adams Street, and was badly damaged in a damaged state and at a loss of about $1,200. The upper portion of this building was occupied by Edward Power, an ornament manufacturer whose fixtures and materials were mostly removed and considerably damaged. His loss is not far from $500.

ADAMS STREET

The New Jerusalem Church was partially destroyed. The upper floor of the church was occupied by Mr. Snow for a school known as the Garden City Institute. The building is insured by a Liverpool Company for $3,000, which will cover about half of the damage. Mr. Snow's loss is about $1,000, which is partially covered by insurance of $500 in the Continental Company of Philadelphia.

Directly in the rear of the church and in the alley was the large carpenter's shop of Bullard & Wilcox, which was entirely destroyed together with a quantity of tools and finished work. Their loss is about $3,000, with insurance of $1,000. Scarcely anything was saved from this building.

MONROE STREET

Wext of Mr. Parmelee's residence and directly in its rear, a two-story frame dwelling occupied by Mr. Barnum and owned by Mr. Davis was destroyed. Much of the furniture was removed in a damaged condition. The loss on the building is $2,500, and $800 on the furniture. We could not learn the amount of insurance, if any.

To the west of these were two small stories and a half, frame dwellings that were entirely destroyed. The loss on these is estimated at about $2,000. We could not learn the names of the owners of the occupants.

The next building to the west was a two-story frame dwelling owned and occupied by Kweis Comstock. In the rear, Comstock, who had a number of mail wagons, kept his stable. These buildings were entirely destroyed, but their contents, except the grain and hay in the stable, were saved. Comstock's loss is estimated at $6,000, partly covered by insurance.

In addition to the buildings named above, three or four small stables were destroyed, causing an aggregate loss of about $1,000.

The large barn of the American Express and United States Express companies in the alley were destroyed. In this barn were seventeen valuable horses and a number of wagons, which were fortunately saved. A considerable quantity of hay and oats were destroyed. Their combined loss is about $2,500. No insurance.

Several dwellings in the vicinity of the fire, which escaped damage, were stripped of their contents, and considerable damage to the furniture was caused in this manner, of which we could obtain no reliable account.

This is one of the most destructive fires we have ever recorded, and the loss of so many dwellings at a season of the year when they cannot be replaced is a serious disaster, as well to the community and to the people who have suffered the losses.

The cause of the fire had not been ascertained yet, though it is generally believed to have been the work of an incendiary. When the first fire broke out, Mr. Brooks, who lived in the adjoining house to the one where the fire was discovered, head a gun or pistol shot and a cry of murder in the alley, and others living in the vicinity heard the shot fired and a shout or cry immediately after. The Police are engaged in investigating the matter.

Many complaints reached the Fire Department and were disposed to battle the flames, and also of the misconduct of several companies.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

1856, February 4th, Gage's Hotel Burned, Chicago.

Last night about two o'clock, a fire broke out in the wooded buildings on Dearborn Street, near Randolph Street, occupied by William Rideout & Co., as a Refrigerator and Patent Safe Depot. Although the firemen were promptly on the ground, the flames spread rapidly, consuming the adjoining building on the south, occupied by John B Ideson & Co. as a Poultry Market.

The corner building, occupied as a fruit store, next caught, the flames communicating to the adjoining buildings on the west, on Randolph Street, occupied by Jervine & Almini as a paint shop and Vinton & Co. as a dining saloon. The buildings were only partially destroyed, the roofs being burned, windows shattered, doors, etc., broken up. 

While this fire was under full headway, another alarm was given, which proceeded from the burning of the new brick restaurant and hotel near the new Illinois Central Passenger Depot. This building was only partially finished, the doors and windows being in, the studding up and floors laid. Workmen commenced plastering a few days since, and in order to keep the mortar from freezing, coal stoves had been put up, and hot fires kept up night and day. The watchman had filled the stoves on the main floor and gone upstairs to replenish those on the second floor when one of the lower stoves burst, scattering the burning coal in every direction.

A number of engines were immediately dispatched to the new scene of the conflagration, but owing to the intense cold and the great difficulty of procuring water, little could be done, and the hotel was soon a mass of flame. The entire interior was destroyed, and the walls were badly damaged. The loss to Mr. Gage is about $20,000. We did not learn that the building was insured. The night was bitterly cold, the mercury being some 20° F below zero, and the firemen suffered severely, a number having their hands, ears, and feet frozen.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

1854, February 21st, One House Consumed, Three Structures Considerably Damaged, Chicago.

A two-story frame house belonging to Phillip Conly, situated on the North side of Michigan Street (Hubbard Street - 440N, today), between  Wells and LaSalle Streets, was burned at 7 o'clock in the morning. 

The building was totally consumed, as was a shed in the rear. A frame dwelling adjoining on the west side was badly burned, and a new house connected to the east was also considerably damaged. The burned building was insured for $600. It was occupied by Mr. George H. Quigg, who saved most of his furniture, but in a damaged state.

The firemen were promptly on the ground, but unfortunately, no water could be produced from the hydrant. and it was only through great exertions that a severe conflagration was prevented.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

1875, November 3rd, Fire on Kinzie Street While Under Construction, Chicago.

A fire broke out in the morning, about half-past one o'clock, in an unfinished three-story dwelling in the progress of erection by S. McKay, Esq., on the corner of Kinzie and Wolcott Streets, on the North Side. The alarm was sounded, and the engines were promptly on the spot and succeeded in confining the fire to the building where it originated. 

Loss of about $500; uninsured. The fire was the work of an incendiary.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

1875, November 25th, Fire in a Wabash Avenue Dwelling Under Construction, Chicago.

The fire at about 12 noon was at the new marble-fronted house of J. Satter, 297 Wabash Avenue (418 S. Wabash, Today), near Van Buren Street. It was first discovered on the floor of the third-story, front room. Supposed to have been caught in a flue in the chimney. The flames were extinguished before any great damage was done. The house was nearly ready for occupancy.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

1875, December 19th, Fire on LaSalle Street, Chicago.

The alarm of fire at about half-past 8 o'clock in the evening was caused by the burning of a small wooded dwelling and barn on LaSalle Street near Archer Road. The buildings were owned and occupied by Mr. Williams, a plumber, and were doubtless fired by an incendiary.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

1875, December 19th, Saloon Fire on Canal Street, Chicago.

A fire occured about nine o'clock in the evening in a saloon on the corner of Canal Street and 15th Street; the crossing of the Galena Railroad.

The saloon was kept by a man named Walker, and the building was owned by Wm. Wayman. The fire was extinguished after doing damage to the amount of $200. 

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

1875, December 29, Lake Street Fire, Chicago.

The fire near midnight occured in № 165 Lake Street, a boot and shoe store. The adjoining store, № 163, occupied by L.J. Anna furniture dealer, was destroyed together with the other building. 

The upper stories of both buildings were occupied as millinery shops. 

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

1875, December 30, Maxwell Street Fire.

At about half-past one o'clock in the morning, a fire occured in the grocery store and saloon of Mr. Wilkie on Maxwell Street, near Jefferson. The building was a one-story frame structure and was destroyed. 

Mr. Wilkie's loss is $800.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

1857, October 19th, South Water & Lake Streets Conflagration, Chicago. 1/2 Million+ Loss [PG-13]

SOUTH WATER STREET FIRE.  TERRIBLE CONFLAGRATION.

LOSS OF OVER ONE-HALF MILLION DOLLARS ($17.5M TODAY)!

EIGHTEEN LIVES LOST!!

At about four o'clock in the morning, a fire broke out in the large store, № 109 and № 111 South Water Street, which proved to be the most disastrous in both loss of life and property which our city has ever experienced. The flames spread rapidly in all directions, and before they were subdued, a number of the finest and most costly business edifices in the city were a heap of smoldering ruins while the large and valuable stock which contained were almost entirely destroyed. The firemen, from whatever cause, were entirely impotent to stay the conflagration, and structure after structure was enveloped in the flames as though a fire department was something entirely unknown in our city. 

There is neither time nor space to discuss the reason for this utter inefficiency of the department. Still, a large number of the most experienced "exempts" with whom we conversed were unanimous in their condemnation of the conduct of the department. However, there are several praiseworthy exceptions among the companies, particularly the Hoof and Ladder Companies, Hope and Liberty Hose Companies, and Engine Companies 1, 3, 6, and 7, who did noble service.

The remaining Fort Dearborn blockhouse and a few surviving outbuildings were being used by the Harbor Master of Chicago as the Marine Hospital.

PROPERTY ON LAKE STREET

($1 in 1858 = $37.28 today), Multiply the time-period dollar amount by 37.28.

Five-story and basement marble front store, № 116 Lake Street, occupied by James A. Smith & Co., hatters and furriers and owned by H.H. Magie. Smith & Co.'s loss, by removal of goods, damage from water and loss by thieving, is about $10,000, upon which there is an insurance of $40,000 in Eastern companies. Mr. Magie's loss upon the building is about $2,000, which is fully covered by insurance.

Five-story and basement marble front store, № 114, owned by Edward Wright, Esq., and occupied by J.B. Shay, dry goods, and Baker & Webster, millinery goods. Mr. Shay had a stock valued at $100,000, a very small portion of which was saved in a damaged condition, upon which there was an insurance of $45,000—on what companies we did not learn, as the policies had been removed to a place of safety by one of the clerks whom we could not find. Blake & Webster, who occupied a portion of the second floor as a millinery and ribbon store, lost about $10,000—insurance not known. The building was scarcely a year old and cost $26,000. It was insured for $20,000 as follows: Atlantic of Brooklyn, $5,000, Garden City of Chicago, $5,000, Liverpool and London of England, $5,000, and Ӕtna of Hartford, $5,000. This building was totally destroyed.

Five-story marble front store, № 112, occupied by D. B. Cooke & Co. (aka D. B. Cook & Co), book-sellers, and others, owned by Walter Wright Esq. D. B. Cooke &Co. had a stock valued at $120,000, upon which there was an insurance policy of $70,000 divided among ten of fifteen companies. Only some $5,000 worth of the stock was saved. The second floor was occupied by Asher, Hecht & Co. as a millinery and ribbon stand. Most of their stock was saved in a damaged state. Their loss is about $5,000, upon which there is no insurance. The third floor was occupied in front by Nathaniel Gould as a pianoforte storage room. He lost five pianos and other property valued at $2,000, upon which there was no insurance. Mr. R.G. Green had fifteen pianos in the room, valued at $5,000, and Mr. Urben, of New York City, two church organs, valued at $2,000, upon which property there was no insurance. The rear of the third floor was occupied by the Chicago Musical Union, which losses were about $1,000. On the fourth floor was Wm. Stacey Jr., & Co., as a book-bindery. Their loss is $2,500, with no insurance. The fifth floor was occupied by D. B. Cooke & Co. as a depository for books in editions and a printed sheet of a new law book just about to be issued, entitled "Blackwell on Tax Titles." The building was new and cost $26,000. It was insured for $20,000 in New York companies as follows: Home $5,000, Niagaga $4,000, Astor $5,500, and Market $5,500. The building was entirely destroyed.

The four-story brick store, № 110, is occupied by Barnum & Co. as a varieties store and owned by Mr. Shotwell of New Jersey. Mr. Barnum's loss is estimated at $15,000 and is partially covered by insurance. Mr. H.S. Bradley occupied a portion of this building for the sale of Jewelry. His loss and insurance are unknown. The building was worth $6,000, is insured and was so badly injured that it must be razed. A number of people lost their lives, an account found below.

Four-story brick store, № 108, occupied by Tappen Bros. as a clothing store and owned by John High Jr., whose stock was worth $80,000. Their loss by removal and damage from water is about $10,000, which is fully covered by insurance. A portion of the second floor was occupied by C.H. Gaubert & Co. as a jewelry and silverware jobbing house. Their loss is about $800—mostly in silverware, which was stolen. They had no insurance. The greater portion of their jewelry was contained in a large safe. The building was worth $6,000 and is damaged to the extent of $3,000. The amount of insurance is unknown.

These are the losses on Lake Street, with the exception of the destruction of furniture and clothing in some lodging rooms, in the fifth story of the building occupied by Mr. Shay, the details of which or the names of the losers could not be ascertained.

PROPERTY ON SOUTH WATER STREET

Four-story brick store № 115, occupied by Edward Hempstead as a wholesale grocery store and owned by Phillip Maxwell. Mr. Hempstead's stock was worth $20,000. It was insured for $15,000, and some $4,000 worth was saved. The building was worth $8,000 and is probably insured. There is so much damage that the remaining walls must be taken down.

A four-story brick building, occupied by Lewis & Page, successors to Alex White, paint and oil dealers, and owned by Dr. D.S. Smith of Waukegan. Lewis & Page's stock was worth $70,000 and was insured for $50,000. They were not able to save anything. The building was worth $5,000. It will prove a total loss.

Four-story brick store № 109 and № 111, owned by J.H.Dunham. The first floor was occupied by Cornick, Cross & Co., hardware and Iron dealers. Their stock was worth $42,000, upon which there was an insurance policy of $33,000—$10,000 in the Howard of New York insurance company, $5,000 in the merchants of Philadelphia, and the balance in four other companies. There were open accounts upon their books to the amount of $9,000, and the books and papers, together with $8,000 in gold, owned by the Pitkin Bros., were in the safe, which is claimed to be destroyed. 

The second floor of this building was occupied by A.D. Titsworth & Co., wholesale clothiers. Their stock was worth $40,000 and was insured for $20,000, as follows: Chicago Fireman's Insurance Co., $5,000, Western of Pittsfield, Mass., $5,000, Atlantic pf Providence $5,000, and Washington of New York, $5,000.

The third and fourth floors were occupied with lodging rooms. The loss in these is about $2,000.

The building was worth $24,000 and was insured for $18,000, of which Home Insurance Co. of New York had $10,000 and Providence $8,000. The building was totally destroyed, and not a thing was saved from it.

Four-story brick building № 107, occupied by Clark & Dater, wholesale grocers, and owned by Dr. Douglass of Quincy, Ill. Clark & Dater's stock was worth $10,000 and is insured for $30,000. A portion of their stock was saved. The building is worth $5,000 and is insured for that amount.

Four-story brick building № 105 was unoccupied, and the adjoining building № 103. was occupied by Honore & Co., wholesale druggists. Their loss is about $2,000 from damage by removal and from water. Insurance not known. The building comprises, we believe, the list of losers on South Water Street.

The large three-story wooden building on Clark Street was injured to the extent of about $500 by the falling of the side wall of Mr. Hempstead's store. This building is owned by Captain Bigelow. Newhall & Bros., fruit dealers, who occupied a portion of the building, were damaged to the extent of $50 by water. They were insured.

THE KILLED AND WOUNDED

We have above recorded the destruction of over half a million dollars worth of property and come now to the more terrible details of the loss of a number of our best citizens and most valuable firemen, who sacrificed their lives in their efforts to save both the lives and property of others. It was a sufficiently great calamity to have suffered the loss of so much valuable property in these times of monetary distress. Still, this loss, great as it is, is overshadowed by the greater one of life.

Early in the morning, Mr. John B. Dickey, foreman of Liberty Hose Company, was instantly killed by the falling of the rear and side walls of Mr. Hempstead's store. he was in the act of getting a new lead hose to bear upon the fire when he was caught by the falling walls and crushed. He was taken out a few moments after he left his home to discharge the duties of his post, and his lifeless body was returned to his grief-stricken parents. The frantic grief of his mother as she bent over the corpse of her beloved son brought tears to eyes that a few moments before had looked unbleached into the face of danger. Mr. Dickey was a young man of excellent character, a most efficient fireman, and was greatly beloved by his associates. he was aged twenty-five years. his funeral will take place today at the residence of his parents, № 118 Monroe Street.

Shortly after the accident by which Dickey lost his life, a terrible accident by which Dickey lost his life, a terrible accident occured on Lake Street, by which a number of lives were lost and which caused the greatest consternation. A large number of persons were engaged in removing goods from the four-story brick store occupied by Mr. Barnum when suddenly the roof and upper floors came down with a terrific crash burying, it is supposed, some twenty men beneath the ruins, and a moment after a portion of the side walls also fell in, adding, it possible, still more to the horror of the scene. Instantly the most intense excitement prevailed, and the people rushed wildly around the burning building in a vain effort to save, if possible, the lives of those beneath the ruin. The fire was so intensely hot that it was impossible to enter the building, and as soon as possible, streams were brought to bear, and after a short time, a crowd of men rushed in and began to search for the bodies among the hot bricks and burning rubbish. This was a work of great danger, as the walls on either side were tottering and liable to fall at any moment, and indeed when they did come down, many persons had a narrow escape from being buried with those for whom they were searching. Those engaged in rescuing the bodies soon returned to their work, however, and it was not long before the bodies were found. The dangerous portion of the walls left standing by the fire was thrown down by means of ropes passed across them, and the work of rescuing the bodies was systematically commenced. Before dark, the following bodies had been recovered:

Eighteen bodies were recovered:

• John B. Dickey, Fireman of Liberty Hose Company, aged 24 years. Resided with his parents at № 118 Monroe Street and was a bachelor.

• Auguste Wolf, a member of the Hook and Ladder Company № 3. He was about 18 years old and had no relatives in this city. His body was recognized by his belt, which was found on it. He boarded at № 88 Jefferson Street. He had no relatives in this country.

• E. Romeyn Clark; of the firm Clark & Metz, stove and tinware dealers on State Street, Opposite the Market. He is about 30 years of age and leaves a wife. He boarded at Mrs. Phillips on Michigan Street (Hubbard Street - 440N, today). He was formerly a Teller in the Central Bank at Utica, N.Y. He had insurance of $3,000 upon his life but allowed it to expire last Thursday, in consequence of the non-payment of the annual premium. The insurance agent of the insurance company called upon him to pay the premium, but Mr. Clark declined to do so, saying that he was short of money and would insure his own life until Monday.

• H.S. Bradley,  aged 55 years, formerly of Utica, N.Y. He lived on the corner of Washington and State Streets. He leaves a wife and two sons, young men, one of whom was a clerk in Barnum's store. Mr. Bradley had a stock of jewelry in this store and was endeavoring to save it when the crash took place.

• Jean Jungers, a native of Germany. he had in his pocket a passport from the Grand Duke of Leutzenburg. and two money drafts in favor of John Youngards.

• John Tar, gas-fitter, employed at Geronld & Co.'s Clark Street. We could ascertain no particulars in relation to Mr. Tar.

• Marcus D. Grants, a member of Lady Washington Hose Co., was about 21 years old. Employed in Price, Morris & Co.'s coal year. Came to Chicago two years ago from Leonardville, N.Y. He had been a member of the company for some time, but Monday was the first time he had engaged in active service in the Department.

• Matthias Marsh, a clerk for Beckwith & Co.

• John A. Raymond, formerly from Worcester, Mass., where his relatives now reside.

• D.C. Emerson, a painter, is supposed to be from Lawrence, Mass.

• Ezra H. Barnum, of the firm of Burnum Bros., Aged about 35 years and formerly resided in Union, N.Y. He leaves a wife.

• Mr. John High was a retired merchant in Chicago and one of our oldest and most valuable citizens. he was a widower and leaves four children to mourn their sad bereavement.

• Lawrence Griebel, a sailor and a native of Germany. Upon his person was found a letter dated "August 15, 1857, Portsmouth, Ohio." This letter was from his cousin, Mary Ann Allmann, and from some expressions used by the writer, it is evident she expected him home during the present month. The following Hospital receipt was also found, in which it is supposed he was employed on the schooner Pacific—July 11, 1857.

• John Keegan, Formerly of Port Clinton, Ill. Upon the body was found a note of hand for $24.14, in favor of John Keegan, and signed by a Mr. Henry or Herring.

• Timothy Buckley; a member of Hook and Ladder Company № 2. He was about 22 years of age and leaves a wife. His sister resides here, and his parents live in Brooklyn, N.Y. When found, he held in hand an axe belonging to the ladder truck, the handle of which was burned about half off.

• Alfred H.P. Corning, a discount clerk in the Merchants Loan and Trust Company's Office—aged about 21 years and recently from Troy, N.Y. A key to the front door of the Bank was found on the body.

• Abram Bogart, foreman for Campbell & Co. silver platers on Dearborn Street. Aged about 25 years and leaves a young wife.

With the exception of the body of young Dickey, all were found in the ruins of Barnum's store. To the above list should be added Henry B. Russell, who was undoubtedly killed in Dunham's building on South Water Street. He was a mail clerk in the "Times" office and formerly resided in Buffalo, N.Y. He was about 27 years of age. There is also a strong probability that one of the abandoned females who were in the building was killed. Several people assert that a moment before the building fell, a woman appeared at the third-story window screaming for assistance and that it is impossible she could have escaped. The ruins of this building have not been overhauled, but it is most probable that only the bones of those who perished in it will be found.

THE FIRE BEGAN HERE

The fire originated in store № 165 Lake Street, occupied by J.S. Mechling & Co. as a boot and shoe store and the upper part by Mrs. Collins as a millinery store. Mechling & Co.'s stock, valued at $9,000, was almost entirely destroyed. It was insured for $5,000 with the Star Insurance Co. of Ogdensburg, N.Y. and the Ӕtna of Hartford. Mrs. Collins lost her entire inventory of goods and furniture—about $1,000. The building was owned by Alexander White, was insured for $1,000, and is totally destroyed.

The two-story frame building, adjoining on the east, soon caught fire and was entirely burned. The lower floor was occupied by Steinburg & Isodore as a cabinet ware store and contained a stock valued at $6,000, a large portion of which was removed in a damaged condition. They had insurance of $3,000. which will doubtless cover the loss. Mrs. Lostheim occupied the upper story for a millinery store and saved a good portion of her stock. Her loss was small.

                                                                                                                            

HORRIBLE CONDITION OF THE RECOVERED BODIES

The bodies, as fast as recovered from the embers and ruins, were carried to the Grand Jury Room in the Court House. Those who witnessed the removal or were called to see the exhibition at the Court House will never forget that most horrible and revolting spectacle. Near the door lay a misshapen corpse, with the entrails protruding from two charred and ragged openings. Next was a body with half an arm, the scalp torn off from behind and hanging over the face, and the skull turned white from the heat. 

A little farther was deposited an undistinguishable heap of remains, bruised, roasted and crisped—broken bones forcing themselves out from the mass. Both the hands dropped from one body while removing, and the hair hung in loose parches on one side of the head; it was entirely gone from the other. On several, the muscles of arms were exposed, drawn up by the heat and holding fingers clasped rigidly to the palms. The general appearance of the bodies was the same—shriveled and shortened, drawn up like mummies, faces a uniform blotch, eyes burned out, limbs blackened, and everything else supremely frightful and loathsome. Spectators who called at the Court House to identify friends or gratify an unhealthy curiosity took one glance and fled away.

CORONER'S INQUEST

Coroner Hansen summoned the twelve-person jury, who, after viewing the bodies and having them identified, adjourned until 9 o'clock the morning of Tuesday, October 20th.

This is little doubt but that John High Jr., one of our oldest and most respected citizens, and Mr. E.H. Barnum are buried beneath the ruins. It is known that they were both in the building a moment before the crash occurred. Mr. High was on the roof, and someone told him it was dangerous to stay there. He immediately went down through the scuttle, and since that time, no trace of him has been discovered. Mr. Barnum was on the second floor when a cracking noise warned him that he was in danger, and he attempted to descend the stairs, since which time he has not been seen. A member of Hope Hose, who was standing near him, jumped through the skylight of the main floor and had barely time to reach the sidewalk when the building collapsed, and he thinks it impossible that Mr. Barnum could have escaped.

There were any number of rumors afloat in reference to persons supposed to be lost, but we have given only the names of those in relation to whom there seems no doubt. Today the ruins will be thoroughly searched, and all the bodies burned there will be exhumed, and by we shall probably know the worst.

It is believed that a young man named Henry B. Russell, a mail clerk in the "Times" office, was killed. He slept in the upper story of Cornick, Cross & Co.'s store on South Water Street and has not been found since. The occupant of the room adjoined his escape by jumping down the two stories to a shed and climbing from there into the alley. Another occupant of this building saved himself by letting himself down with a rope.

In this building were several disreputable females who were sharing the apartments of young men who lodged there—one of them jumped from the third-story window and caught in the arms of a fireman—she escaped with but slight injuries. Another climbed through the scuttle and got into an adjoining building and descended by another scuttle to the street. There were also a lot of these abandoned women in the store on Lake Street.

Two men who were on the roof of Barnum's store made the most miraculous escapes. One of them was carried, without serious injury, to the cellar, from whence he escaped through the back window to the alley. Another was so surrounded by the fallen timbers that he received but little injury. Although insensible when taken out, he was soon restored and enabled to walk about as usual.

Mr. J.B. Shay had his head cut and face bruised by a falling timber.

Daniel Rock of Hope Hose was severely injured while assisting to rescue Mr. Dickey.

Wm. James Jr., the foreman of Hope Hose, had his hand badly bruised.

A member of Engine Co. № 2 had his leg and body bruised by some falling bricks.

Morris Stacey, of Hook and Ladder Co. № 1, had his head cut and arm bruised while assisting to rescue the bodies from Barnum's store.

Policeman Wagner had his arm broken in two places while standing in front of Barnum's store by a falling joist.

There was an unusual quantity of theft at the fire, and the police made the following arrests: Charles Romp, Robert Misner, John Dunn, James Corcoran, Thomas Hickey, Thomas Mansfield, John Burke, Pat Dwyer, Wm. Abrams, Martin Welch, James Boyd, Nicholas Dit, and Charles Bass.

Several firemen were arrested for being drunk and disorderly but were afterward discharged from custody—but one being held for trial, Jerry McCormick, a member of Engine Co. № 4.

There are many conflicting accounts as to the origin of the fire. Still, it is generally believed that it caught in one of the rooms to which the occupant had introduced one of the many abandoned females who flocked out of that and other buildings when the fire first broke out. We trust the police will fully investigate this conflagration.

As a result of this fire, the Citizens Fire Brigade of Chicago was formed on November 19, 1857. Consisting of businessmen and insurance companies. The duties of the brigade were to take valuable goods from burning buildings and prevent damage by water and thievery.

The Fire Insurance Patrol № 6, 332 South Hoyne, Chicago, Illinois.

A paid Chicago Fire Department was formed on August 2, 1858.

ADDITIONAL READING:  FIRES IN CHICAGO & THE GREAT CHICAGO FIRE

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.