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CHICAGO
THEN
AND now
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..
THEN
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ـنف
CHICAGO IN 1857
NOW
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LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS 977.31 B98c
ILL. HIST. SURVEY
CHICAGO THEN AND NOW
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http://archive.org/details/chicagothennowpi00butt
CHICAGO THEN AND NOW
A Pictorial History of the City's Development and a Reprint of the First City Directory Published in Chicago in 1844 by J. W. Norris
OF
CIT
CHICAGO
+ INCORPORA
ICH 1837.
M
ATED
4TH
Compiled and Written by ERNEST BUTT
FINCH & McCULLOUCH PUBLISHERS CHICAGO + AURORA
COPYRIGHTED IN 1933 BY WILLIAM LESLIE MCCULLOUCH
Printed in U.S.A.
y
13980
to those pioneer Chicagoans whose names are listed in the first Chicago City Directory, who knew Chicago "then", and contributed so mightily to its development ... to their descen- dants who remain here as proud of the city as their forebears and con- tinue to assist its growth ... to the three millions and more who so pride- fully call Chicago "home" as they know it "now" and form the nucleus of a world metropolis . . . and to the millions of visitors who this year will visit the city and glimpse the manifold wonders of A Century of Progress-
THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED
٠
FOREWORD
The original concept of this book was the simple repro- duction of a relic, Chicago's first City Directory, published in 1844. As now constituted it contains that reproduction, with each individual page of the rare old work photograph- ed and reprinted in its original form: listing of the City's "first families", display of the quaint advertisements and "cards", and the "Description and Historical Sketch" writ- ten in 1843 by the keenest commentator of those early times, Editor J. W. Norris.
As the work progressed it was deemed fitting to enlarge its scope, to bring to home folks and visitors alike the why- fore of the motive power responsible for the tremendous growth Chicago has experienced since Editor Norris laid down his pen. This has, we hope, been done-not neces- sarily by chronologically recording dates and names and places and things, but by means of a brief, sometimes humor- ous, revelation of the "I Will" spirit that alone has made the magnificent city of Chicago what it is today : the crucible of A Century of Progress.
If the reproduction of that "General Directory and Business Advertiser" of 1844 and the attempt to link its period with that of today gives you a pleasant hour or two . if it arouses in you an appreciation of Chicago's "I Will" spirit ... if it bids you pause a moment or two to consider the laughter and tears put into the welding of a great metropolis-then the publication of this volume is more than justified.
THE PUBLISHERS
WM. B. OGDEN Chicago's First Mayor
MAYORS OF CHICAGO
ELECTED
ELECTED
Wm. B. Ogden .1837
Roswell B. Mason .1869
Buckner S. Morris 1838
Jos. Medill .1871
Benj. W. Raymond 1839
Harvey D. Colvin 1873
Alexander Lloyd 1840
Thos. Hoyne
1875
Francis C. Sherman
1841
Monroe Heath
1876
Benj. W. Raymond .1842
Monroe Heath .1877
Augustus Garrett 1843
Carter Harrison, Sr.
1879
Alson S. Sherman 1844
Carter Harrison, Sr.
1881
Augustus Garrett 1845
Carter Harrison, Sr.
1883
John P. Chapin .1846
Carter Harrison, Sr. .1885
Jas. Curtiss 1847
John A. Roche 1887
J. H. Woodworth 1848
DeWitt Cregier 1889
Hempstead Washburne 1891
Carter Harrison, Sr.
.1893
Walter S. Gurnee
1851
Walter S. Gurnee
1852
Chas. M. Gray 1853
Isaac L. Milliken 1854
Carter Harrison, Jr.
1899
Levi D. Boone 1855
Carter Harrison, Jr.
1901
Thos. Dyer 1856
Edward F. Dunne 1905
Fred A. Busse 1907
Carter Harrison, Jr. 1911
Wm. H. Thompson
1915
Julian S. Rumsey 1861
Wm. H. Thompson
1919
Francis C. Sherman 1862
Wm. E. Dever
.1923
Francis C. Sherman 1863
Wm. H. Thompson 1927
John B. Rice 1865
Anton J. Cermak 1931
John B. Rice
1867
Edward J. Kelly
1933
Jas. Curtiss 1850
John P. Hopkins 1893
George B. Swift 1895
Carter Harrison, Jr. 1897
Carter Harrison, Jr. .1903
John Wentworth
1857
John C. Haines
1858
John C. Haines
1859
John Wentworth 1860
J. H. Woodworth 1849
One-year terms prevailed from. 1837 to 1862, two-year terms from 1863 to 1905, and four-year terms from 1907 to the present.
THE HONORABLE EDWARD J. KELLY Fifty-eighth Mayor of Chicago
Charles Taylor
Joseph Davenport
William Fithion
W. Camidy
George W. C Assignee
William Davenport
- CHICAGO AVENUE
Billy Coldwarra Frame House
Daniel Elston
Ruyell, Mathers
and Roberts
Sedgwick
Bronson
D. Hunter
of Alex Wolcott
Entered
by
Robert A. Kenzie
G Kinzie HOUSE
Elijah Wentworth &
FORT DEARBORN
Walt Pout
1
Trường Bonne
ČiMi Bendbien
Field
Store
ORIGINAL
TOWN
Entenaly Jahn Baptiste Beaubron
MADISON_ STREG
John Crafts House
SAND BAR
Canal Land
HALSTED STREET
School
Section
ROAD TO WIDOW BROWN'S
STATE STREET
Canal Land
-
r
MAP OF CHICAGO IN 1830
When this map was made in 1830 only a few dozen people lived in log cabins scattered along the river. At that time the actual town limits (indicated by shaded area) were State street on the east, Desplaines street on the west, Kinzie street on the north, and Madison street on the south-an area of about three-eighths of a mile. A few months after incorporation people came pouring into the new town in such numbers to secure home and business sites that it became necessary to extend the limits to the Lake on the east (except Fort Dearborn, which did not become part of the city until 1839), Halsted on the west, Twelfth street on the south, and Chicago avenue on the north-an area of nearly three square miles. Altogether the Town and City have been extended forty- two times within the last hundred years, until today the area of the City approximates two hundred and eleven square miles. It includes, really, seventy-five cities, towns, and villages in one. Seven of the cities annexed now have in their original area more than 100,000 residents each-larger than many important cities in the United States.
Temple
W.L. Newberry
Original Claim
102 A AcPOS
Philo Carpenter
Canal Land
SANDY BAR
B.Jeaubien's
NORTHWESTERN PLANK ROAD
CHICAGO'S FIRST CITY DIRECTORY
NORRIS' CHICAGO DIRECTORY.
H. O. STONE, 114 LAKE STREET, CHICAGO, ILL. Wholesale and Retail Dealer in
DRY GOODS & GROCERIES.
ps. Fulled Cloth: ass'd colors. [600 ps. seasonable Ribbons and ar- bales Sheeting, Wicks & Twine, tificial Flowers. ps. Broadcloths, ass'd colors,
cs. Hard Times, 20 ps. Casim'rs,
cs. Prints, 1000 lbs. Cot. Yarn,
ps. Flannels, ass'd.colors,
·' Ky. Jeans.
cs. Boots & Shoes.
ps.M'slinde Linnened Chusans.
" colored ass'd string Silks,
Tuscan, silk and velvet Bonnets, 100 kegs Nails. Sash, Glass & Putty, 50 bbls. dried Peaches and Apples, A full cargo of Wooden Ware. 100 chests. & chests & catties of Tea, 100 bags Coffee, 10 bhds & 30 bbls Sug. & Molasses, A full ass'ment of Family Groceries,
He that would thrive, must either hold or drive. Call and see. No charge for showing Goods at 114 Lake St.
STORAGE ON SOUTH WATER ST. CASH ADVANCES MADE ON PRODUCE LEFT IN STORE. CASH PAID AT ALL TIMES FOR WHEAT AND FLOUR.
The postage on this Periodical under 100 miles 72 cents. over 100 miles and out of the State 12} cents.
· 1844.
ADVERTISING DIRECTORY. EGAN'S SARSAPARILLA PANACEA,
Sold at the
CITY DRUG STORE, NO. 76 LAKE STREET, CHICAGO,
There are, in the hands of DR. EGAN, private letters from our most respectable citizens containing accounts of some astonishing cures from the use of this Article, which can be seen at his Office.
We call the attention of the public to the advertisement, which we commence this week, of Doctor Egan's Sarsa- parilla Panacea. Being ourself a medical man, we may be permitted to say that we are acquainted with Dr. Egan. and know him to be a man of science and of high stand- ing in his profession. We take him to be above quackery, and are confident he would not, if he could, palm a useless nostrum upou the public, for the sake of paltry gain.
The Sarsaparilla has long been celebrated for its resto- rative and renovating effects in chronic disease, and there is no doubt that Doctor Egan has succeeded in giving a more effective and successful combination than it has be- fore received. We believe it worthy of confidence, and recommend its trial by the afflicted .- St. Charles Patriot.
Job, Fancy & Book Work,
F ALL KINDS.
Executed with neatness and despatch at the
Chicago Democrat
FICE 107 LAK
BLANKS, Of all kinds, constantly on hand.
NEW YORK & NEW ORLEANS CARDS.
GEORGE H. HUTCHINS & CO. Wholesale Grocers AND COMMISSION MERCHANTS, No. 124, Front Street, NEW-YORK.
.. H. HUTCHINS. R. G. HUTCHINS.
J. R. MOLONY.
COOKE, ANTHONY, & MAHONY.
WHOLESALE DEALERS IN
DRY
Nos. 123, Pearl, & 76, Beaver Streets, Corner of Hanover Square, & Exchange Place. NEW YORK.
E. ANTHONY. FLORENCE MARONY. G. LEWIS COOKE. A large assortment of Domestic and Foreign Goods
BOWEN & McNAMEE, ITALIAN, FRENCH AND INDIA SILK GOODS, 16 WILLIAM STREET, CORNER OF BEAVER. NEW YORK.
HENRY C. BOWEN.
THEODORE MCNAMEE.
NEW YORK AND NEW ORLEANS CARDS.
EDWARD CORNING & CO.
IMPORTERS OF
HARDWARE AND CUTLERY, No. 10, OLD SLIP,
NEW YORK.
EDWARD CORNING. D. AUSTIN.
Goods at Cash Prices.
UNITED STATES HOTEL,
CORNER OF PEARL, FULTON, & WATER STS.
NEW-YORK.
THIS well known extensive establishment has now gone through a thorough repair, been repainted and refurnished, with many important alterations and improvements, for the safety, comfort, and convenience, of its guests. We feel confident in placing it before the traveling Public as not being surpassed by any other House in the country. Its Location is central for business men, its Rooms large and tbv, the Waiters attentive, the Tables supplied with the best our Market affords, and we pledge ourselves to leave nothing undone, on our part, to merit a continuance of the liberal patronage already so bountifully bestowed upon us.
BRAISTED & JOHNSON, Proprietors.
EDGELL & MULFORD, COMMISSION & FORWARDING
MERCHANTS, No. 42, GRAVIER STREET, NEW ORLEANS. S. M. EDGELL ..
J. M. MULFORD.
The following rery modest little Card had well nigh been mitted in this Directory !
ELLIS & FERGUS, GENERAL BOOK & JOR PRINTERS, Saloon Buildings, Clark Street, Chicago.
Every variety of Book and JOR PRINTING done in the best style, and on the most moderate terms .- BLANKS printed to order and kept constantly on hand.
GENERAL DIRECTORY
AND
BUSINESS ADVERTISER
OF THE
CITY OF CHICAGO.
For the Year 1844 ;
TOGETHER WITH A
HISTORICAL SKETCH AND
STATISTICAL ACCOUNT, TO THE PRESENT TIME.
BY J. W. NORRIS.
CHI
OP
CI
INC
1837
CH
M
TI
CHICAGO : ELLIS & FERGUS, PRINTERS, SALOON BUILDINGS. 1844.
PREFACE.
THE DIRECTORY OF CHICAGO, HOW presented to the public, may be regarded as an experiment. It must be decided by those for whose ise and benefit it has been prepared, whether it is required, and can be sus- tained. The sudden rise, and unexampled prosperity of Chicago, have created a curiosity in regard to its early history, and the incidents connected with its rise and progess, which considerations of interest, if nothing else, impel ns to embrace every snitable opportunity to gratify. It is believed, that heretofore the sources of information have been altogether inadequate to accomplish this purpose. While the most stremous exertions have been made, in other places, by misrepresentation and downright falsehood, in
regard to our circumstances and condition, to induce emigration to stop short or to pass by us, and to divert capital and enterprise into other and foreign channels; very little or nothing has been done on our part, to remedy the evil, and disabuse the public mind abroad, of the false impres- sions thus engendered. Relying upon the reality which the experience of every day presents to us, of our condition -- upon what we know ourselves, of the never failing sources of our prosperity, we have been comparatively indifferent in regard to the opinion of others, and blind to the effect of that opinion upon our own interest. The ignorance prevailing at the East, even in those cities with which we have the most intimate commercial relations, in regard to the size. business, and resoures of Chicago, has been a matter of surprise to all whose attention has been called to the fact. The present is a most important juncture in our affairs. Our prospects are brightening-our harbor is nearly completed-the work on our canal shortly to be resumed- the credit of our state daily improving-and the finances of our City in a most flourishing condition. Our citizens will, we hope, for- ever be exempt from the burdens of heavy taxation. Never were the in- ducements to emigrate and settle here, greater than at the present time. It has been thought, that a Directory, containing, in addition to the matter usually introduced into such works, a brief historical and statistical account of the City. may, independent of the benefit which our citizens will derive from it, in the transaction of business, be made to subserve the additional purpose of conveying to the public abroad a correct impression of the City, in almost every particular.
The utmost difficulty has been experienced, while preparing the histo- rical and statistical parts of the work, in procuring facts and statements from authentic sources: Consequently, those parts are less full and perfect than
- they were originally intended to be-much less so than the author would have made them. Errors and omissions will doubtless be discovered through- put the work-no apologies, however, will be necessary to those who are
iv
PREFACE.
acquainted with the difficulties in the way of preparing the first Directory for a new city. Such persons would probably be more surprised to find it in every respect perfect. Nothing has intentionally been left out, that could add either to the interest or value of the work.
The greatest exertion has been made, to give the names of Germans and other Old Country people, correctly. Notwithstanding this, mistakes will doubtless be discovered in the orthography of these uames, owing to the fact, that many are unable to spell their own names, in English. It is hoped, however, that instances of this kind will not be found to be name- rous. In subsequent editions of the work the author hopes to be able to avoid them altogether, and also to give the names of such persons as are not included in this volume.
Chicago, it is to be remembered, is vet in its infancy, and subject to fluc- tuation in its population and business. more so than larger and older cities. So far as this is true, a Directory will be of less utility. It is believed, however, that this inconvenience is diminishing, and will be less felt here- after. Oar citizens are becoming sensible of the importance of fixed habi- tations, and places of business-and will speedily take measures to seenre to themselves the benefits and advantages to be derived therefrom. This, to a considerable extent, has been effected the present season. Nearby three-fourths of our population will hereafter, at least for many years. be permanently located. Hoping that the book may be made in many ways to subserve a useful purpose, and prove the means of advancing. to some extent, the interest of our young but flourishing City, it is most respectfully submitted to the public. Our citizens have always been characterised for their liberality and public spirit. They will net. in this instance, forfeit their clanns to this distinction, but will generously, and cheerfully lend their aid and co-operation, to sustain an undertaking. designed to promote and advance the interests of the whole.
To those gentlemen who have encouraged the work. both as subscribers and advertisers, and those who have afforded information. and contributed their advice in furtherance of the design of the publication. the author would, in conclusion, tender his most sincere thanks.
CHICAGO, December 1, 1843.
DESCRIPTION
AND
HISTORICAL SKETCH.
CHICAGO, Cook County, Illinois, is situated on the South- western shore of Lake Michigan, at the head of Lake navigation, in lat. 41 deg., 45 sec., North, and long. 10 deg., 45 sec. West. The site of the City occupies a level prairie, on both sides of the main stream, and the North and South Branches of Chicago River, and covers an area of about three and a half miles in length. North and South, and two and a half In breadth, East and West, about a inile and a half square of which is already regularly built upon, and the streets opened and graded. The streets are regularly laid out, pa- rallel and at right angles to the Lake, and are wide and spacious. There are several extensive blocks of brick buildings, principally occupied as business houses and public offices, three and a half and four stories in height. The dwellings' are principally of wood, many of them. however, very fine specimens of correct architecture. The portion of the City extending several miles along the shore of the Lake, is sandy, and consequently at all seasons, dry. The por- tion removed from the Lake partakes of the character of all level prairie, being in the spring and fall wet and muddy. The site of the City being a plain, does not afford, either from the Lake or the sur- ronuding country, a very interesting field of vision. Chicago River and its branches, which run through the heart of the City, and ad- mit at all seasons, vessels of every class navigating the Lake, some distance into the interior, afford peculiar facilities for a harbor, and give to Chicago advantages, in a commercial point of view, unsur- passed by any City in the West. The Illinois and Michigan Canal, which is shortly to be completed, will add greatly to the natural ad- vantages of Chicago, making it'n principal point, and necessarily a place of transhipment on the great Northern route connecting the Atlantic States with the valley of the Mississippi. The City is bounded on the South and West by a prairie, varying from ten to twelve miles in width, some portion of which is high, and of a very superior quality. It is surrounded jo every direction, by a country the most productive in the world, already brought into a state of successful enhivation, and sending to i's market annually, a vast amount of produce of every descript an for sale, exchange for goods, or shipment, as the case may be. The climate is healthy and salu- brions, as much so as any in the West. In : 837, Chicago became
6
DESCRIPTION AND
au incorpoatad City, the act of the legislature conferring its charter being granted and approved March 4th of that year. The City is divided into six Wards. "The first and second Wards, divided by Clark Street, are bounded by the South Branch, Chicago River, and the Lake-the first Ward lying East, and the second West of Clark Strect. The third and fourth Wards, divided by Randolph Street, are situated on the West side of the North and South Branches- the third South, and the fourth North of Randolph Street. The fifth and sixth Wards, divided by Clark Street, are bounded by the North Branch, Chicago River, and the Lake-the fifth being West, and the sixth East of Clark Street. The government of the City is vested in a Common Council, composed of the Mayor and twelve Aldermen, two for each ward, all chosen annually. The Common Council, in addition to their other powers and duties, are constitu- ted, by virtue of their office, Commissioners of Common Schools, with power to levy and collect taxes for their support, and to exer- cise a general supervision over matters pertaining to them. In 1832, and the beginning of 1833, Chicago had about 100 inhabitants and five or six log houses, exclusive of the Fort and its appurte- nances. In 1840, the population had increased to 4853. The pre- sent population exceeds 7580, and may be said at this time to amount to 8000. The period of the greatest prosperity of Chicago, was from 1433 to 1837. The revulsions and reverses of '36-7, greatly retarded its growth. It continued, however, though more gradually, to increase in business and resources until 1840-1, from which time business received a new impulse, and it is now enjoying a degree of prosperity equal to any former period of its history.
What the destiny of Chicago is to be, the future can alone deter- mine. Judging by the past; it seems difficult to assign a limit to its advancement. It presents, undoubtedly, one of the most remark- able instances of andden rise to commercial importance, to be found in our age. So rapid, indeed. has been its growth-with such gigantic strides has it moved onward in its career, that little space is left to mark and calculate the successive stages of its progress. We behold it, from a distant and isolated colony, inhabited only by some five or six families clinging to a lone and solitary military post for protection, and dependent for subsistence upon the uncer- tain arrival of some chance vessel from Mackinaw, in the short space of eight or ten years, become a mighty City, teeming with a busy and enterprising population, the centre of a widely extended and flourishing commerce. To those who have been here from the be- ginning, and there are many among us, the change nust be strik- ing-the contrast between what is, and what was-great indeed. History, in this instance, has assumed the air of romance. Truly has a change come over the spirit of our dream. It seems diffi- cult to reconcile to the mind, that the spot now covered with stately blocks of buildings, and alive in every direction with a busy and eager multitude, actively and profitably employed in the numerous departments of our growing commerce, was, so recently, a low and marshy plain, of which the wild beasts of the prairies were almost the solitary tenants ; that but yesterday, comparatively, the wild Indian held here his council-fire, and roamed abroad unmolest- ed in the enjoyment of his native freedon.
A country so recent as this cannot be presumed to afford very
7
HISTORICAL SKETCH.
abundant materials for history. The incidents, however, connected with the rise and progress of the City-the causes which first gave it an impulse-and the works of public and domestic improvement, upon which its future prosperity depend, together with such events as transpired upon the spot, at an early day, may, perhaps, furnish a narrative not altogether uninteresting, and not inconsistent with our present purpose. For a western settlement, Chicago can claim no inconsiderable degree of antiquity. In regard to its earlier history, however, very little can be affirmed with any degree of certainty. The original proprietors and first inhabitants of the region, were, of course, the aborigines. The description of the first appearance of the vicinity, by some of its earliest explorers, leads to the belief, that they were here from a very early period; that this was, then, and from time immemorial had been, the site of au Indian village. Major Long, among others, mentions the number and apparent an- tiqnity of the trails centring here, as evidence of the truth of this position. It is to he regretted that so little can be ascertained with certainty, of the lives and fortunes of the various tribes which, at different times, flourished on the spot. The melancholy truth, that they have passed away from their ancient dwelling-places, consti- tutes about all we know of them. Those wild races of primitive men have been swept away by the onward march of civilization. 'Their rude wigwains and bark canoes have given place to the princely dwellings and the stately ships of another and a different class of beings. Chieftain and warrior are gone. It is only occa- sionally that a miserable remnant find their way back from their new homes in the more distant west, to witness the transformation which is going on in this land of their forefathers. Their visits are! becoming less and less frequent. Each year witnesses so many; changes, that soon they will cease to recognise, in the scene, any semblance to its former self. All will soon he changed-save only the beating of the waves on the shore of the lake over which man can exercise no control. 'The Illinois, the Shawnees, and the Pota- watamies will be no more. They may survive for a time beyond the father of waters, or on the shores of the Pacific-but fate seems to have decreed, that ultimately the whole race are to become ex- tinet.
The French were the original discoverers and settlers of the West. As early as the latter part of the sixteenth century, while the Eng- lish Colonies were vet clinging to the shores of the Atlantic, almost two hundred years ago, their voyages and expeditions to this region commenced. In a few years they discovered and to some extent, settled the whole vast region from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. a distance of more than 3000 miles. Their undertaking at that early day, was one of no little difficulty and danger. It was, nevertheless, commenced with a spirit, and carried on with a degree of persever- ance and sagacity, unexampled in the history of adventure. The limits of the present sketch will not permit us to give the details of these expeditions. It would be unpardonable, however, to pass over in silence the exploits of those brave and self-devoted men. through whose exertions the resources and capabilities .of the West were first made known. It is to be feared that they have failed to receive, at the hands of posterity, the reward to which their achieve- Inents entitle them; that, while we have been lavish of praise upon
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