1853, October 10th, Five Tenements on Ferry Street Nearly Burnt Down, Chicago.

Between 12 and 1 o'clock Monday night, a fire broke out in an untenanted building on Ferry Street (Kingsbury Street), 5th Ward, and soon extended north and south among a cluster of wooden tenements. The fire burnt with much fury and, but for the efforts of the Fire Department, would have done extensive mischief. As it was, the frame buildings, numbers 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20, Ferry Street, were all more or less damaged, and three of them pretty much destroyed. The building in which the fire originated belonged to George Brandt and was consumed—no insurance.

The next building belonged to Peter Holler—this too was destroyed, though the furniture, etc., were mostly saved—insurance $400. The next building belonged to the Messieur (Gentlemen) Elmore and was occupied by J.M. Smith, a member of Engin Company № 5. His furniture was nearly all saved, but the house was pretty much used up—insured for $200. North of Brandt's building, a frame house owned by Mrs. McFayden, was nearly burnt down—not insured: and the grocery of Phillip Badey was considerably damaged. Loss by fire and water $200—no insurance.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.