USA > Illinois > Cook County > Chicago > General directory and business advertiser of the city of Chicago for the year 1844 > Part 1
USA > Illinois > Cook County > Chicago > General directory and business advertiser of the city of Chicago for the year 1844 > Part 1
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28.44
Graff
The Newberry Library The Everett D. Graff Collection of Western Americana
3027
les
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1
TVILLION CHICAGOANS NOW
A: Police Census Shows a Large ;rease in the Population of the City. 6/16.99
()'s population exceeds 2,000,000, ac- coto the police census. Sergeant A .. m. ong, who has directed the work, total of 2.088,043, and says this esti- noll not miss the actual figures by man 100,000 either way.
Tlice census is required each year in that the apportionment of men to thrincts may be made. Figures are se by patroimen on their respective be id, though a house to house can- vaot made in ali cases, the resuits are l'aicurate. The totais for this year ihlarge increase over those returned n when Chief Kipley's estimate was .8
turns Made by Precincts.
ls by precincts follow:
Precinct --
Fil .. 7.501
Twenty-third .... 75.000
Sec . ...
.26.490
Twenty-fourth ... 70,000
Th. 63.772
Twenty-fifth .. .. 45.000
Foi .. .73,000
Twenty-sixth .. Not given
Fi. .66.000
6ix.
....... 37.500
Re ..
.31.200
EL .. .
.12,500
N1 .. . Not given
.20.0001
El .. .€0,000|
52,500
Thirty-fourth . . 75,000
Tth 38,000
Fr.h 38.000
65,000
4.000
Thirty-eighth
.83.842
Seth
84.100
Thirty-ninth ... .63,758
Fih
30.000
Fortieth .65,000
Nih .55,500
Forty-first .60.000
T11 .
30.000
Forty-second ... 50.000
T.rst
.129.472
Forty-third .20.000
Tiecond .
.49,918
Forty-fourth . . 11.000
ee Districts Not Completed.
Je three districts where finai returns wet made an estimate of 150,000 was en In many precincts the figures are that of actuai count.
Tensus wili be followed closely in thenment of policemen to the various pa' the city, a task which Chief Kipiey wie up at once.
Twenty-eighth ... 39.172
Twenty-ninth .... 58.000 Thirtieth . 30.000
Thirty-first ... Not given
Thirty-second .... 11.000
Thirty-third .94.635
Thirty-ffth .50,000
Thirty-sixth .43.000
Thirty-seventh .18.000
Twenty-seventh . . 42.593
NORRIS' CHIC GO DIRECTORY
H. O. STONE, 114 LAKE STREET, CHICAGO, ILL. Wholesale and Retail Dealer in
DRY GOODS & GROCERIES.
100 ps. Fulled Cloth, ass'd colors, 600 ps. seasonable Ribbons and ar- 50 bales Sheeting, Wicks & Twine, tificial Flowers,
30 ps. Broadcloths, ass'd colors, 3 cs. Hard Times, 20 ps. Casim'rs, 100 kegs Nails, Sash, Glass & Putty, 10 cs. Prints, 1000 Ihs. Cot. Yarn,! 50 bbls. dried Peaches and Apples.
'40 ps. Flannels, ass'd colors,
60 " Ky. Jeans,
30 cs. Boots & Shoes,
Tuscan, silk and velvet Bonnets,
A full cargo of Wooden Ware, 100 chests, & chests & catties of Tea, 100 bags Coffee,
30 ps. M'slin de Lanesand Chusans,, 10 hhds & 30 bbls Sug. & Molasses, 40 " colored and lustring Silks, [ A full ass'ment of Family Grocerica.
He that would thrive, must either hold or drive. Call and sce. 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 73 cents, over 100 miles and out of the State 12} cents.
1844.
..
ADVERTISING DIRECTORY.
EGAN'S SARSAPARILLA PANACEA,
Sold at the
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 usc 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 upon 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.
PRINTING. Job, fancy & Book Work,
OF ALL KINDS,
Executed with neatness and despatch at the
Chicago Democrat
L
ICE
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.
G. 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 MAHONY. 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 dry, 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 very modest little Card had well nigh been omitted in this Directory !
ELLIS & FERGUS, GENERAL BOOK & JOB PRINTERS, Saloon Buildings, Clark Street, Chicago.
Every variety of Book and JOB 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.
AG
1837.
RPOR
LEESIN HORTO
ÁRCH
RATED AT!
CHICAGO : ELLIS & FERGUS, PRINTERS, SALOON BUILDINGS. 1844.
5
THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY
PREFACE.
-
THE DIRECTORY OF CHICAGO, now presented to the public, may be regarded as an experiment. It must be decided by those for whose use and benefit it bas 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, wbich considerations of interest, if nothing else, impel ns to embrace every suitable opportunity to gratify. It is believed, that heretofore the sources of information have been altogether inadequate to accomplish this purpose. Wbile the most strenuous exertions have-been made, in other places, by misrepresentation and downright falschood, 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- duccments 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 inade 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 bisto- 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-inuch less so than the author would have made them. Errors and omissions will doubtless be discovered through- out the work-no apologies, however, will be necessary to those who are
iv
PREFACE.
acquainted with the difficultics 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 names, 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 nume- 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 yet 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 ntility. It is believed, however, that this inconvenience is diminishing, and will be less felt liere- after. Our citizens are becoming sensible of the importance of fixed habi- tations, and places of business-and will speedily take measures to secure to themselves the henefits and advantages to be derived therefrom. This, to a considerable extent, has been effected the present scason. Nearly 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 bnt flourishing City, it is most respectfully submitted to the public. Our citizens have always been characterised for their liberality and public spirit. They will not, in this instance, forfeit their claims 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 mile 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- rounding 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 a 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 in every direction, by a country the most productive in the world, already brought into a state of successful cultivation, and sending to its market annually, a vast amount of produce of every description for sale, exchange for goods, or shipment, as the case may be. The climate is healthy and salu- brious, as much so as any in the West. In 1837, Chicago became
*1
6
DESCRIPTION AND
an incorporated 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 Street. 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 1833 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 remarki- able instances of sudden 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, hecome 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 must 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 cager 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 freedom.
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 an Indian village. Major Long, among others, mentions the number and apparent an- tiquity of the trails centring here, as evidence of the truth of this position. It is to be 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- tutcs about all we know of them. Those wild races of primitive men have been swept away by the onward march of civilization. Their rude wigwams 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 be 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 cx- tinct.
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 yet 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- ments entitle them; that, while we have been lavish of praise upon
8
DESCRIPTION AND
the discoverers of other portions of our country, we have failed to pay suitable tribute to the memory of these first pioneers in the region we inhabit-these pilgrim fathers of the West. If, to pene- trate thousands of miles into the heart of a continent, bidding adieu for months to the comforts of home, braving hunger and thirst, and the savage, can be said to command our admiration and gratitude, then these men have distinguished claims upon us who are now reaping the fruits of all their toils and sufferings. The earliest of these expeditions, as well as the most distinguished, were those of Marquette and La Salle. The former occurred in the year 1673, and resulted in the discovery of the Mississippi, the original object and design of the expedition. To this expedition, is probably to be ascribed the honor of paying the first visit to Chicago, it being the prevailing opinion that it passed through here on its return to Canada, ascending the Illinois River and crossing to Michigan. Perrot, by some writers, is believed to have been here a few years earlier. The story of Marquette, who voluntarily remaincd among the Illinois Indians, and found at last a solitary grave on the eastern shore of Michigan, at the mouth of a river bcaring his name, is familiar to all.
With the expedition of La Salle, in 1680, Chicago cannot be so clearly identified. This expedition, however, was productive of more important consequences to the West, generally, than the pre- ceding one. The Mississippi was navigated to its mouth; forts at favorable points, erected ; the shores of the great Lakes thoroughly explored ; and permanent settlements, at several points, commenced. The expeditions which succeeded those of Marquette and La Salle, were of minor importance, being principally designed to sustain the colonies already planted, and to prosecute the traffic which had previously been entered into with the natives. Although no posi- tive testimony exists on the subject, it is highly probable that Chi- cago was frequently visited by the French, during their passages to and from the West. Having once been here, they must ever after have appreciated the advantages of the situation, both in a con- mercial and military point of view. Their sagacity in these matters seldom failed them. In their magnificent scheme of a chain of mili- tary posts, connecting Canada and the Gulf of Mexico, Chicago, doubtless, formed an important link, being at the head of the Lakes, and affording so many facilities to attain the interior.
The French Colonies in the West, sustained by emigration, con- tinued from the first to prosper and flourish. Under the general name of Louisiana, which they assumed at a later period, they were made the freqnent subject of grants from the crown, to individuals and companies. About 1717, they are found the property of the celebrated Mississippi Company, which, at the time, gave rise to much speculation throughout Europe. At the close of the French and Indian War, Louisiana was transferred, by treaty, to the Eng- lish. During the Revolution, the Territory comprising the present State of Illinois, become, by conquest, the property of Virginia, by which State it was erccted into a County, under the name of the County of Illinois.
Virginia ceded it to the General Government at the time of the cession of Western lands, by the Eastern States. In 1800, the pre- sent State of Illinois became a part of Indiana Territory, having a
9
HISTORICAL SKETCH.
population of about 3000. In 1809, it became a Territory by itself, with a population of 12,282, and in 1818, was admitted into the Union.
On the third day of August, 1795, at the treaty held by General Wayne, with the Pottawatamies and other tribes at Greenville, the title to six miles square of territory, at the mouth of Chikajo River, as it is expressed in the treaty, was obtained by the United States. From the language of this treaty, it appears that a fort had formerly stood on the land thus ceded, which renders it pretty certain, that the French, who alone could have required anything of the sort, had made a settlement here, many years before. In 1804, Fort Chicago was built on the site of the present Fort. About the same time, the American Fur Company, having been organised shortly before, established a trading station, under the protection of the Garrison. The little colony thus planted here, some forty years ago, for military and trading purposes, may be regarded as the first at- tempt to effect a permanent settlement of Chicago. The regular and monotonous life led by this little community, for the first eight ycars, afforded few incidents worthy of particular notice. In 1812, how- ever, the war broke out with England, the consequences of which were peculiarly disastrous to all the Western settlements, exposed as they were, especially those in Illinois, to the hostility of neigh- boring tribes of Indians. The causes which conspired to render the Indians hostile at this time, are generally well understood, and may be traced to the machinations of Tecumseh, and other English emis- saries, whose influence extended through all the tribes, being felt as far as the remote regions of Lake Superior. Chicago being then an extreme frontier post in this direction, and the country in every direction around it, full of Indians, with a force inadequate to its defence, was considered so much endangered as to require its evacu- ation. This being resolved upon at Detroit, Capt. Heald, the officer in command here at the time, received an order to abandon the Fort, and proceed with the troops to Fort Wayne. This evacuation, on account of the fatal consequences which followed it, and the fact, that some of our present citizens were themselves here, and had friends here at the time, has always been regarded with interest, and may be-considered a memorable event in the annals of Chicago. The transaction may, therefore, not inappropriately be given some- what in detail, in this connection. Beside the Garrison, there were several families residing here at the time. Mr. John Kinzie, father of John H. Kinzie, Esq., present Register of the Land Office in this City, occupied a honse on the North side of the River, a little East of the present site of the Lake House. "" The evacuation took place on the 15th of August, six days after the reception of the order from Gen. Hull, and the day before the disgraceful surrender of Detroit, by that officer, and not after, as some writers have erroneously re- presented it. In the mean time, a larger body of Indians, mostly of the Potawatamie nation, had assembled in the vicinity of the Fort. This has generally been represented as a voluntary movement on the part of the Indians-bnt the most correct opinion appears to be, that Capt. Heald collected them himself, requiring of them an escort for the troops, and promising to give them the factory stores, a conside- rable quantity of which, were on hand at the time. Whether this be the fact, or not, some understanding of the kind undoubtedly
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