1857, May 4th, Fire on Clark Street, Chicago.

The fire alarm at 11 o'clock at night was caused by the burning of some small wooden buildings on Clark Street, between Taylor and Twelfth Streets.

The fire broke out in the German saloon and boarding house, № 494 Clark Street, occupied by Heinrich Tomm, which was destroyed together with the New England House kept by Mr. Krieby, the German boarding house № 492, and the boarding house № 490, owned by Mr. Finney.

When our reporter left, the firemen had not slacked the flames, and other buildings were probably destroyed. Our reporter could obtain no further particulars due to the confusion incident to the fire and the lateness of the hour.

May 9, 1857, Chicago Tribune, Update:

The examination of Frederick Otten, the fireman charged with setting the fire on West Randolph Street, which destroyed the National Hotel stables and other buildings, was concluded yesterday. Otten was committed for trial in default of $1,500 bail. The testimony against Otten is very positive. There is but little doubt that the fire was set for the sole purpose of calling out the Department and having a run with the machines.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.