USA > Illinois > Cook County > History of Cook County, Illinois : being a general survey of Cook County history, including a condensed history of Chicago and special account of districts outside the city limits : from the earliest settlement to the present time, volume I > Part 24
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In 1852-53 (winter) only one railway entered Chicago-the Ga- lena- & Chicago-and was finished only a few miles out. Now (January, 1854) there were 1,621 finished miles and 7,779 pro-
254
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
jected miles radiating from Chicago. By May, 1854, there were forty-six trains daily, making ninety-two arrivals and departures daily. The population had doubled; the same of real estate and of all property. Already it was "a great railroad center." And Chicago in her corporate capacity had not invested a dollar in them. All were projected and built by private enterprise. The railroad bonds of other cities were hawked about Wall street, but Chicago's were not. Galena railway stock was high above par- so far as to surprise eastern capitalists.
Lots on Michigan avenue between Adams and Jackson were held at $200 a front foot; this was regarded as an extraordinary figure, but the land was worth it. During the spring of 1854 there was wonderful activity in real estate of all kinds. In March coal sold at $9 per ton, due to the large increase in population for which suitable calculation had not been made. Without asking permis- sion from the government-wholly disregarding all red tape-the city authorities took possession of the government dredging boat and began using it to clear out the bar at the harbor entrance. The subject of sewerage was thoroughly discussed at this time. All government buildings here were much too small and inadequate to meet the wants of the public. The appropriations for the Chicago lighthouse were as follows: In 1849, $15,000; in 1851, $4,498.39; in 1852, $6,300; total, $25,798.39, of which amount only $13,500 had been spent by April, 1854. Another sale of canal lands oc- curred in May; there were about 200 lots in Chicago remaining un- sold and about 90,000 acres between this city and La Salle. Meas- ures to secure a lifeboat for the city were taken at this time. The stone cutters struck for higher wages in June; at Athens the non- union and union men clashed in a serious riot.
On June 7, 1854, choice winter wheat was $1.50 per bushel ; good winter wheat, $1.40; spring wheat, $1.30; corn, 43 to 49 cents ; oats, 30 to 35 cents. The big bell for the new courthouse, six feet in diameter, six feet high and weighing about 10,000 pounds, was cast in the foundry of H. W. Rincker, of this city ; it was ready in June. Notices similar to the following appeared in almost every local newspaper at this date :
"What Crowds !- Twelve hundred passengers arrived in the four trains of the Michigan Southern railroad and 800 emigrants- making 2,000 passengers by a single line. The same number of emigrants arrived by the same road last Saturday evening. Is it any wonder that the West grows?" . "A change is coming over South Clark street. It is being transformed from a street of private residences to a business thoroughfare."-(Democratic Press, June 29, 1854. )
The firemen held a splendid review in June. 1854. Great efforts to secure an appropriation from the city treasury with which to cele- brate the Fourth of July were made at this time, but resulted in
255
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
failure, although such an appropriation had been made in 1853. It was regarded as a dangerous precedent which should be broken. Public meetings were held and much bitterness was manifested. Many country people came to town to see the eclipse in June. It is related that a citizen of Chicago planted a quantity of beans, but when they grew up, noticing that the beans were on top of the stalks and thinking that he had made a mistake and planted them wrong side up, he pulled them up and reversed them; his neighbors said he did not know beans.
VOTE OF APRIL, 1854.
For Tunnel.
Against Tunnel.
First ward ..
85
127
Second ward.
96
146
Third ward
106
142
Fourth ward.
50
143
Fifth ward.
48
288
Sixth ward .
66
155
Seventh ward.
242
10
Eighth ward ..
594
8
Ninth ward
.no vote
1,287
1,019
The tunnel question continued to be investigated and discussed at intervals during 1854. The new Lake View hotel was opened July 4. In spite of every precaution cholera again made its ap- pearance here in June and was deadlier than ever before. The deaths in June, 1851, were 36; in 1852, 91; in 1853, 82; and in 1854, 331. Those who could possibly get away scattered in every direction and the hush of death fell upon all ranks and ages. The Board of Health made heroic efforts without avail. A cholera hospital was opened one and three-fourths miles south of Madison street, nearly midway between Clark street and the river. It was one and a half stories high, enclosed by a tall fence and completely isolated. Many emigrants were overtaken here by the cholera and required care. S. Lisle Smith, Chicago's most brilliant orator, died at this time, but not of cholera it was said. The ire of Chicago was again kindled in August upon receipt of the news that Presi- dent -Pierce had vetoed the river and harbor bill on the ground of unconstitutionality.
The summer of 1854 was probably the hottest and driest ever known in this section of the country. The hot weather began on July 3, and by August 5 there had been twenty days when the mer- cury registered over 80 degrees; fourteen days over 85 degrees, and ten days 90 degrees and over. Then there was a long period with the mercury over 70 and 80 degrees, with a short stretch of over 90 from August 21 to August 24, inclusive, but on September 1 the mercury shot up to 94 degrees and was 92 on the 2d, 92 on the 3d, 94 on the 4th, 94 on the 5th and 82 on the 6th.
Heating houses by steam began to be considered in 1854. Stock- men complained that there was in vogue here no system to bring
256
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
all sellers and buyers of cattle, hogs, etc., together. There were two principal centers for stockmen-one at Bull's Head, on West Mad- ison street, and one at Myrick's yards, south on the lake shore. Sometimes prices varied at these two centers, so that both buyers and sellers were obliged to visit each yard several times a day to learn what market changes had taken place. The new water works were no sooner ready than they were put in operation to their utmost capacity. By September 18 the following buildings were supplied : 1,164 on the South Side, 465 on the North Side and 459 on the West Side. By June 30 there had been spent for the water works $351,788, on construction account; $46,050, on inter- est, and $29,761 on miscellaneous items; total, $427,599.
"Thirteen thousand seven hundred and sixty-nine passengers arrived and departed from the depot of the Michigan Southern Railroad last week. Our ten railroads are pouring their crowds into our city and through it and our hotels are overflowing."
"Never in the history of Chicago have the streets of our city given so clear evidence of intense activity as for the past few weeks. Carriages, drays and vehicles of all descriptions fill the streets, and the sidewalks are literally crowded with people in a hurry, rushing in all directions. The hotels are crowded to overflowing and those who arrive by the evening trains are fortunate if they find a place to lie down on the parlor floor till morning." Yesterday at 12 o'clock we counted twenty-eight sails outside beating up to get near the harbor so as to come in with a change of the wind. which was then blowing a gale off shore. It died away before night and by the assistance of tugs nearly everything had got inside the har- bor by dark. As yet we have no tug here which can bring in a large vessel in a gale or hardly in a stiff breeze." “Yes- terday we examined the first building we have seen heated by steam in Chicago-Lake View house."-(Democratic Press, October and November, 1854.)
In September, 1854, the new Metropolitan hall was ready for occupancy ; it was owned by Messrs. Gurley, was 61 by 99 feet and seated from 1,800 to 2,000 persons. It was noted by the newspa- pers about October 1 that grocery and provision stores began to be opened much farther south on Clark and State streets than ever before, and that residences on the downtown streets were being rapidly supplanted by business establishments. On October 4 win- ter wheat was $1.30 to $1.40; spring wheat, $1; corn, 54 cents; oats. 35 cents. 'Change began to be a power here by this time: they did a large business at the Board of Trade rooms. The travel over the Clark street bridge was enormous; a close estimate early in October fixed the number of persons crossing at 24.000 and the number of teams at 6,000, from 6 A. M. to 7 P. M. During this time the bridge was open about three hours to permit the passage of nearly one hundred boats, causing great annoyance and incon-
257
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
venience. The citizens "demanded" the construction of a tunnel under the main river. It was observed that more out of town mer- chants were here to buy goods than were ever seen before; in fact, the wholesalers began to run short by November 1. Competition forced the merchants to adopt the credit system ; sales on from three to six months' time began to be made.
The semi-annual parade of the fire department took place on October 25. At this date J. A. Donnelly was chief engineer, and Delos Chapell first assistant engineer. The parade was as follows: John Miel's band, mayor and Common Council, hook and ladder No. 1, Philadelphia hose No. 1, Hope hose No. 2, Illinois hose No. 3, Fire King hose No. 1, Fire King engine No. 1, band, Kenosha hose No. 1, Kenosha engine No. 1, Metamora hose No. 2, Meta- mora engine No. 2, Third Assistant Engineer Silas McBride, Niagara hose No. 3, theater band, Niagara engine No. 3, Excel- sior engine No. 5, Excelsior hose No. 5, Adrian band, Adrian Pro- tection engine No. 2, Adrian hose No. 2, Light Guard band, Gar- den City engine No. 6, Garden City hose No. 6, Naperville band, Eagle engine No. 7, Eagle hose No. 7, Wabansia hose No. 8, Wa- bansia engine No. 8. The ceremonies closed with an excellent ex- hibit of water throwing on the lake front with water drawn from the lake and from hydrants.
It was now heralded abroad that Chicago was the greatest pri- mary grain market in the world; Buffalo and Odessa handled more grain, but not from primary sources. A mass meeting to consider the question of sewerage was held on December 20, 1854; Mayor Milliken presided. Resolutions to the following effect were passed : 1. The condition of the city demanded at once a complete and comprehensive system of sewerage. 2. Great danger to property and injury to health would otherwise result. 3. The site of the city, if properly drained, would render the location healthful. 4. There was nothing impracticable in. such a system. 5. The City Council did not have sufficient continuity and fixity to accomplish such a task. 6. The work demanded a separate and distinct board of sewerage commissioners to carry the system to a finality.
About thirty feet of the river bank where old Fort Dearborn had stood was removed to widen the harbor and the dirt thus taken away was deposited on South Water street between Dearborn and Wabash. The financial crisis of October and November caused business men much annoyance and loss. On November 18 the newspapers boasted that Chicago had direct railway connection with the Mississippi river at Rock Island and Galena. A lot 25 by 80 feet on the east side of Clark street near Washington, which had been bought in 1852 for $2,300, was sold in 1854 for $8,000. In October trees were planted in the courthouse square. The Council ordered Dearborn street extended southward from Monroe to Jack- son and there to be connected with Edina place. At this time Dear-
258
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
born street between Madison and Monroe was only thirty-three feet wide. It was at this time that Doctor Dyer, for $26,000, sold a lot at the corner of Dearborn and Monroe streets to the government to be used as a site for a postoffice and customhouse. Bids had been called for and it was claimed that his tract was too far south and away from the business center and that he had been shown special favors in the award. There were recriminations and considerable ill feeling over the matter. It was claimed that Doctor Dyer's lot was sold for $15,000 more than it was worth. The propositions sub- mitted were as follows, the last being that of Doctor Dyer :
Corner Adams and Clark, 120x140 feet .. $ 47,000
Corner La Salle and Randolph, 140x140 feet
121,500
Corner La Salle and Randolph, 130x140 feet. 102,800
Corner Randolph and Wells, 120x140 feet. 74,000
Washington, between Presbyterian and Baptist churches, 133x180 feet .. 80,000
Corner La Salle and Washington, 120x140 feet.
60,000
Corner Lake and Market (old Sauganash), 120x140 feet. 85,000
Corner Dearborn and Washington, 120x140 feet. 59,000
Corner Dearborn and Monroe, 120x140 feet. 26,000
The dissatisfaction continued to grow until at last a public meet- ing to voice the view of the people was held, with Mayor Milliken as chairman, and W. L. Newberry, head of the committee on reso- lutions. The resolutions embraced the following points: 1. That the lot selected was unsuitable and unsatisfactory. 2. That the Secretary of the Treasury would probably be willing to sell the Dyer lot and buy another better suited for the purpose. 3. That a committee of three be appointed to wait upon the Secretary of the Treasury to learn what could be done. 4. That the State Legis- lature be asked not to grant the government a site until the same should be satisfactory to the citizens.
There were large sales of lots in Holstein in December, 1854- particularly in Pierce's addition-on the West Side near the North branch. Winter wheat was $1.35 to $1.40 in November, but by December 1 had dropped to $1.12 to $1.25. On December 11 it was $1.35 to $1.40. The committee of nine appointed by the citi- zens to prepare a bill to be presented to the Legislature in favor of a board of sewerage commissioners reported in January, 1845, and the proposed law was duly considered by all Chicago in mass meeting. The bill as first prepared provided for three commission- ers from each of the three city divisions and for a sewerage fund of $500,000. The people voted acceptance of the bill and it was forwarded to the Legislature, and, with some changes, became a law. The immediate necessity for a sufficient sewerage system was conceded by all residents, but the Common Council feared to take action in so important a measure and the citizens dreaded the ex- pense. An appeal to the Legislature was the final resort. The Democrat, edited by John Wentworth, had opposed the new water-
259
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
works and now disfavored the proposed sewerage system on the ground of the enormous expense.
YEAR.
Chicago Mortality. Population.
1847
520
16,859
1848
560
19,724
1849
1,519
23,047
1850
1,332
28,620
1851
836
32,000
1852
1,649
38,733
1,206
60,652
1853 1854
3,827
70,000
In 1854 over 1,400 died of cholera.
Choice winter wheat sold here on January. 17 at $1.50 per bushel. The years 1853 and 1854 were noted for the number of industrial unions organized. Almost every trade effected such action. Lots on Clark street between Washington and Madison sold in Janu- ary, 1855, for $300 per front foot; the same lots two years before sold for $60 per front foot. Again in January another mass meet- ing to protest against the location of the new postoffice at Dear- born and Monroe streets was held. One of the severest snow storms that ever visited Chicago swept this locality in 1855. For a week all business was suspended. The railways were completely tied up. It was observed that this was an entirely new experience for the railroads and the city. On February 23 Isaac Cook, post- master, opened the postoffice on the west side of Dearborn street, in the first brick block south of Randolph.
The city's receipts for 1854 were as follows: General fund, $298,413.08; local tax, South division, $60,969.82; local tax, West division, $30,868.54; local tax, North division, $33,087.27; total receipts, $423,338.71. The expenses were as follows: Gen- eral fund, $247,591.57 ; local expense, South division, $82,146.87; local expense, West division, $39,309.19; local expense, North division, $39,854.76; total expenses, $408,902.39. There was on hand in the city treasury on February 1, 1855, $14,436.32.
"And yet, for all these railroads, Chicago in her corporate capac- ity has never expended a single dollar. Eastern and foreign capi- tal, proverbially cautious, and even skeptical though it be, has done the mighty work. There has been no spasmodic effort to accom- plish it. Compared with other cities, Chicago owes but a mere nominal sum. Her principal debt is for her waterworks, and her revenue derived from water rents will ere long pay the interest and in the end liquidate the debt. She has now adopted a general and it is believed efficient plan of sewerage for which an additional loan has been made. Most of the streets yet remain to be paved, from the necessities of the case plank having been heretofore used." It was argued that if Chicago had thus grown in twenty- five years while only 50.000 square miles of country betiveen Lake Michigan and the Rocky Mountains had become settled, what
260
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
would she become when the whole 700,000 square miles of that territory had become settled. It was not to the credit of Chicago that she had done nothing to aid the railways; but there was no occasion for her to do so.
In an act of February 14, 1855, supplemental to the act to incor- porate the Chicago City Hydraulic company, it was provided that the persons to be elected Water Commissioners of the city should be chosen successively from the North, West and South Sides, one to be thus chosen annually and to hold the office for three years; that the first one to be elected under this act should be chosen in May, 1855, from the South division; that the board should assess such water rents upon owners or occupants of buildings as should seem equitable; that such assessments should be a lien upon such property ; that the board should have power to borrow as the Common Council should deem expedient not to exceed $300,000 and should issue bonds therefor bearing not over 7 per cent interest ; that such bonds should be sold for not less than the equivalent of 7 per cent at par; that such bonds should not be issued until approved by a majority of all aldermen; that the board should print and issue rules and restrictions of the water service; that a sinking fund should be provided; that said board members could be removed for cause; that the chief engineer should reside in the city ; and that proper accounts of all acts and proceedings should be kept.
The act of February 15, 1855, incorporated the Chicago Tunnel company with W. B. Ogden, George Steel, Henry Farnam, John H. Kinzie, Peter Page, Edward Benling, Edward H. Haddock, Walter L. Newberry, John S. Reed, Isaac N. Arnold, Henry Smith, George F. Ramsey, Sylvester Lind, Ezra B. McCagg, A. C. Stuart, William Lill, Philo Carpenter, George W. Snow and James H. Rees as the incorporators, and with $1,000,000 capital. The Common Council was authorized to contract with the company for the construction and maintenance of one or more tunnels through or across Chicago river or either of its branches. The company was authorized to borrow money at not over 12 per cent and to mortgage its property to secure the debt, and issue bonds if desired, and to use the streets and alleys with the consent of the mayor and Common Council. Chicago was empowered to buy such tun- nels if deemed desirable.
During the fiscal year ending February 1, 1855, Union Park was bought at an outlay of nearly $60,000 in short time bonds, which were promptly met as they matured. Business men at this date considered city lands a good investment. The apparent debt of the city increased by $87,000, but when the $60,000 was deducted and $16,000 more that had been paid for the Clark street bridge, real estate and fire apparatus, the actual debt was inconsiderable. Ow- ing to the cholera, the health department had spent about $5,000
261
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
more than in 1853. There was an increase of $3,000 in school expenses, due to an increase in the salaries of teachers and of the city superintendent, and office which did not exist before 1854. The police and judiciary departments had cost about $49,000, which amount was reduced to about $18,000 by fines and licenses. About one-half of the latter sum was for the recorder's court and legal expenses. On February 1, 1855, the city funded debt amounted to $328,000, and the total liabilities to $374,316.44. The general resources were valued at $498,025.59. The net available assets were estimated to be worth $32,707.63. This report was made by L. D. Boone, Eli B. Williams and M. L. Keith, finance committee of the Common Council.
In February, 1855, it was proposed that the Young Men's asso- ciation, Board of Trade and Mechanics' institute should raise capi- tal and erect a large suitable hall for lectures, public concerts, etc. At the municipal election in March, 1855, twenty-four German saloonkeepers voluntarily closed their places of business on election day, announcing beforehand that they would do so. This act was almost the first of its kind and was warmly commended by the press, clergy, etc. Choice winter wheat was worth $1.55 on March 6. Levi D. Boone became mayor in March, 1854. The City Coun- cil decided in March to increase the extent of paved streets. A lot on Lake street, near Clark, 20 by 100 feet, sold for $18,000. The spring of 1855 was very cold, late and backward, but the wholesale trade here was simply gigantic. Western merchants poured in to buy goods. In April white winter wheat sold as high as $1.60. A determined and desperate fight of the combined liquor dealers against prohibition and all stringent liquor laws was made here in April, 1855. J. N. Brundage began to issue the Chicago Wide Awake at this time. The emigration westward through this city was even larger than in 1854; trains of a dozen coaches, loaded to their utmost capacity, were a common sight at the depots. On April 6 twenty-five cars in one train, drawn by two locomotives, arrived near midnight with about 1,300 passengers. A lot 20 by-90 feet on Market street, near Madison, sold for $3,300 in April. The Democratic Press of April 11 said: "Cutting off the docks on the south side of the river between Clark and Wells street bridges is a great improvement to the harbor, and it now seems a wonder that the encroachment was so long permitted." On April 10 white winter wheat sold at $1.70. The Michigan Central brought 3,000 emigrants here on April 13. Lots on State street, at Eldridge court, were quoted at $100 per front foot, and on Mich- igan avenue, near Taylor, at $170. Pinkerton & Company, of the Northwestern Police Agency, were active in catching criminals of all sorts at this time. In April, 1855, Washington Square, on the North Side, began to figure as a point of recreation. It had been donated to the city by the owners of Bushnell's addition upon
262
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
condition that it should be fenced and forever used as a park. At this period the Council fixed all liquor licenses at $300 and made all terminate on July 1, when prohibition should go into effect if sanctioned by the vote of the people. Seventy or eighty took out licenses, a number quit the business, and many refused either to quit or take out a license. About a score were fined by Judge Rucker and serious riots occurred in several places. The militia was called out and cannons were planted around the court house square at Clark and Randolph. The city marshal, sheriff and several policemen were badly bruised. Nine rioters, cut, bruised and bleeding, were arrested. An immense crowd gathered and rioting continued nearly all day. One rioter, Peter Martin, died from the result of a pistol shot. A big law and order mass meet- ing finally ended the violence, but not the contention. Upon the question of liquor, license the county polled 6,075 votes for and 4,603 against license. Upon the question of prohibition the fol- lowing vote was cast (see Press, June 8, 1855) :
PRECINCTS.
For Prohibition.
Against Prohibition.
First ward ..
405
394
Second ward.
523
370
Third ward.
290
310
Fourth ward.
223
334
Fifth ward ..
586
410
Sixth ward
333
411
Seventh ward.
84
483
Eighth ward.
201
425
Ninth ward ..
140
467
Tenth ward, so called.
2
129
South Chicago precinct.
62
51
Jefferson
20
20
Thornton
37
45
Lemont
63
74
Northfield
36
11
Orland
89
39
Palatine
20
54
Bremen
14
6
Lake
63
71
Leyden
8
66
New Trier.
22
77
Niles
72
45
Ridgeville
48
44
Maine
5
71
Rich
33
29
Lyons
12
56
Proviso
4
49
Palos
56
49
Schaumburg
20
91
Bloom
40
60
Elk Grove
65
26
Wheeling
84
79
Hanover
58
41
Barrington
89
35
3,807
1,182
263
HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
By act of February 12, 1855, the People's Gas Light and Coke company was incorporated with capital not over $500,000 and with location in Chicago. The object was to manufacture gas and coke and sell the same after February 12, 1859, and to lay pipes in the streets with the consent of the Council. It was an express provision of this act that gas should be furnished the inhab- itants at not to exceed $2.50 per thousand feet, and furnished the city of Chicago for public uses, at the election of the proper authori- ties, at not to exceed $2 per thousand feet. The incorporators were Matthew Laflin, L. C. Paine Freer, A. G. Throop, D. A. Gage, John S. Wallace, George W. Snow, H. B. Bay and R. H. Foss.
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