1856, April 7th, Chicago Manufacturing Co., Fire Total Destruction.

Monday forenoon, the Oil Manufactory, situated on the South Branch of the Chicago River, owned by the Chicago Rosin Oil Manufacturing Company, was totally destroyed by fire. About $10,000 worth of stock was destroyed, and the loss is approximately $20,000 ($719,000 today). There was no insurance.

Chicago Rosin Oil Manufacturing Company. This photo is a visual aid.

The fire was caused by the breaking of one of the large kettles, from which a large quantity of inflammable material came in contact with the furnace fires and then communicated the flames to the building. The stock was owned by Hugh Maher, F.C. Sherman, F.T. Sherman, C. Marsh, Dr. Morse, Richmond & Co., and C.B. Brown.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.