1857, April 30th, A Fire Set by a Fireman had Destructive Consequences, Chicago.

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE—ARREST OF THE ALLEDGED INCENDIARY—ATTEMPT TO RESCUE THE PRISONER—A FIREMAN ACCUSED OF THE CRIME

On Thursday forenoon, about 10 o'clock, a fire broke out in the rear of № 231 West Randolph Street, which destroyed several buildings before they could be stayed. The stable first on fire was soon consumed, with two other small stables adjoining it on the east and the large barn of the National Hotel adjoining on the west. The flames then spread to the buildings in front, partially destroying the National Hotel, which was considerably injured.

The stables were owned by A. Bushnell, William Justice, and Mr. Wrightman. The barn of the National Hotel was owned by Waller. Wellington occupied one of the buildings on the street as a meat Market and the upper portion as a residence by W.C. Whiteman. This building was owned by Mr. Bushnell, whose loss was about $1,000, against which there is some insurance. The next building on the west was occupied as a dwelling and was considered injured. It was owned by William Justice, whose loss is covered by insurance of $1,000 from the Chicago City Insurance Company. Mr. Waller's loss is about $1,000, covered by insurance. The firemen could not procure a sufficient supply of water, but for which fact, the flames would have sooner been subdued.

While the fire was in progress, Lieutenant Taylor of the Second District Police arrested Frederrick Otten, an Empire Hook and Ladder Company № 3 member. Otten resisted the officer, and a number of the Company and a crowd of outsiders gathered around the officer and attempted to rescue the prisoner. After a desperate struggle with the excited crowd, Mr. Taylor, assisted by officers Wiggins and Nichols, succeeded in lodging their prisoner in the West Divison Station House. The group of firemen and others gathered about the door and threatened to release Otten by force, and at one time, a serious disturbance seemed probable. After some difficulty, the crowd was dispersed, and the prisoner lodged in the Watch House. At the time of his arrest, he wore the uniform belt of his Company, also a fireman's badge numbered 244.

In the afternoon, Otten was examined before Justices Milliken and D'Wolf. One of the witnesses, Mr. Whitehouse, testified that he went into the barn about 10 o'clock and saw Otten and another man leaving it and that they ran down the alley. A moment later, he noticed the hay on the upper floor was on fire. Mr. Whitehouse then gave the alarm. The witness was very positive about the accused's identity and stated that he had known him for some time. Otten was committed for further examination in default of $600 bail ($21,000 today). He is a young man and was employed in Ellithorpe's Carriage Factory. He denies any knowledge as to the origin of the fire and states that he was on Lake Street when the fire broke out. He is about twenty years of age.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.