1857, October 19th, South Water & Lake Streets Conflagration, Chicago. 1/2 Million+ Loss [PG-13]

SOUTH WATER STREET FIRE.  TERRIBLE CONFLAGRATION.

LOSS OF OVER ONE-HALF MILLION DOLLARS ($17.5M TODAY)!

EIGHTEEN LIVES LOST!!

At about four o'clock in the morning, a fire broke out in the large store, № 109 and № 111 South Water Street, which proved to be the most disastrous in both loss of life and property which our city has ever experienced. The flames spread rapidly in all directions, and before they were subdued, a number of the finest and most costly business edifices in the city were a heap of smoldering ruins while the large and valuable stock which contained were almost entirely destroyed. The firemen, from whatever cause, were entirely impotent to stay the conflagration, and structure after structure was enveloped in the flames as though a fire department was something entirely unknown in our city. 

There is neither time nor space to discuss the reason for this utter inefficiency of the department. Still, a large number of the most experienced "exempts" with whom we conversed were unanimous in their condemnation of the conduct of the department. However, there are several praiseworthy exceptions among the companies, particularly the Hoof and Ladder Companies, Hope and Liberty Hose Companies, and Engine Companies 1, 3, 6, and 7, who did noble service.

The remaining Fort Dearborn blockhouse and a few surviving outbuildings were being used by the Harbor Master of Chicago as the Marine Hospital.

PROPERTY ON LAKE STREET

($1 in 1858 = $37.28 today), Multiply the time-period dollar amount by 37.28.

Five-story and basement marble front store, № 116 Lake Street, occupied by James A. Smith & Co., hatters and furriers and owned by H.H. Magie. Smith & Co.'s loss, by removal of goods, damage from water and loss by thieving, is about $10,000, upon which there is an insurance of $40,000 in Eastern companies. Mr. Magie's loss upon the building is about $2,000, which is fully covered by insurance.

Five-story and basement marble front store, № 114, owned by Edward Wright, Esq., and occupied by J.B. Shay, dry goods, and Baker & Webster, millinery goods. Mr. Shay had a stock valued at $100,000, a very small portion of which was saved in a damaged condition, upon which there was an insurance of $45,000—on what companies we did not learn, as the policies had been removed to a place of safety by one of the clerks whom we could not find. Blake & Webster, who occupied a portion of the second floor as a millinery and ribbon store, lost about $10,000—insurance not known. The building was scarcely a year old and cost $26,000. It was insured for $20,000 as follows: Atlantic of Brooklyn, $5,000, Garden City of Chicago, $5,000, Liverpool and London of England, $5,000, and Ӕtna of Hartford, $5,000. This building was totally destroyed.

Five-story marble front store, № 112, occupied by D. B. Cooke & Co. (aka D. B. Cook & Co), book-sellers, and others, owned by Walter Wright Esq. D. B. Cooke &Co. had a stock valued at $120,000, upon which there was an insurance policy of $70,000 divided among ten of fifteen companies. Only some $5,000 worth of the stock was saved. The second floor was occupied by Asher, Hecht & Co. as a millinery and ribbon stand. Most of their stock was saved in a damaged state. Their loss is about $5,000, upon which there is no insurance. The third floor was occupied in front by Nathaniel Gould as a pianoforte storage room. He lost five pianos and other property valued at $2,000, upon which there was no insurance. Mr. R.G. Green had fifteen pianos in the room, valued at $5,000, and Mr. Urben, of New York City, two church organs, valued at $2,000, upon which property there was no insurance. The rear of the third floor was occupied by the Chicago Musical Union, which losses were about $1,000. On the fourth floor was Wm. Stacey Jr., & Co., as a book-bindery. Their loss is $2,500, with no insurance. The fifth floor was occupied by D. B. Cooke & Co. as a depository for books in editions and a printed sheet of a new law book just about to be issued, entitled "Blackwell on Tax Titles." The building was new and cost $26,000. It was insured for $20,000 in New York companies as follows: Home $5,000, Niagaga $4,000, Astor $5,500, and Market $5,500. The building was entirely destroyed.

The four-story brick store, № 110, is occupied by Barnum & Co. as a varieties store and owned by Mr. Shotwell of New Jersey. Mr. Barnum's loss is estimated at $15,000 and is partially covered by insurance. Mr. H.S. Bradley occupied a portion of this building for the sale of Jewelry. His loss and insurance are unknown. The building was worth $6,000, is insured and was so badly injured that it must be razed. A number of people lost their lives, an account found below.

Four-story brick store, № 108, occupied by Tappen Bros. as a clothing store and owned by John High Jr., whose stock was worth $80,000. Their loss by removal and damage from water is about $10,000, which is fully covered by insurance. A portion of the second floor was occupied by C.H. Gaubert & Co. as a jewelry and silverware jobbing house. Their loss is about $800—mostly in silverware, which was stolen. They had no insurance. The greater portion of their jewelry was contained in a large safe. The building was worth $6,000 and is damaged to the extent of $3,000. The amount of insurance is unknown.

These are the losses on Lake Street, with the exception of the destruction of furniture and clothing in some lodging rooms, in the fifth story of the building occupied by Mr. Shay, the details of which or the names of the losers could not be ascertained.

PROPERTY ON SOUTH WATER STREET

Four-story brick store № 115, occupied by Edward Hempstead as a wholesale grocery store and owned by Phillip Maxwell. Mr. Hempstead's stock was worth $20,000. It was insured for $15,000, and some $4,000 worth was saved. The building was worth $8,000 and is probably insured. There is so much damage that the remaining walls must be taken down.

A four-story brick building, occupied by Lewis & Page, successors to Alex White, paint and oil dealers, and owned by Dr. D.S. Smith of Waukegan. Lewis & Page's stock was worth $70,000 and was insured for $50,000. They were not able to save anything. The building was worth $5,000. It will prove a total loss.

Four-story brick store № 109 and № 111, owned by J.H.Dunham. The first floor was occupied by Cornick, Cross & Co., hardware and Iron dealers. Their stock was worth $42,000, upon which there was an insurance policy of $33,000—$10,000 in the Howard of New York insurance company, $5,000 in the merchants of Philadelphia, and the balance in four other companies. There were open accounts upon their books to the amount of $9,000, and the books and papers, together with $8,000 in gold, owned by the Pitkin Bros., were in the safe, which is claimed to be destroyed. 

The second floor of this building was occupied by A.D. Titsworth & Co., wholesale clothiers. Their stock was worth $40,000 and was insured for $20,000, as follows: Chicago Fireman's Insurance Co., $5,000, Western of Pittsfield, Mass., $5,000, Atlantic pf Providence $5,000, and Washington of New York, $5,000.

The third and fourth floors were occupied with lodging rooms. The loss in these is about $2,000.

The building was worth $24,000 and was insured for $18,000, of which Home Insurance Co. of New York had $10,000 and Providence $8,000. The building was totally destroyed, and not a thing was saved from it.

Four-story brick building № 107, occupied by Clark & Dater, wholesale grocers, and owned by Dr. Douglass of Quincy, Ill. Clark & Dater's stock was worth $10,000 and is insured for $30,000. A portion of their stock was saved. The building is worth $5,000 and is insured for that amount.

Four-story brick building № 105 was unoccupied, and the adjoining building № 103. was occupied by Honore & Co., wholesale druggists. Their loss is about $2,000 from damage by removal and from water. Insurance not known. The building comprises, we believe, the list of losers on South Water Street.

The large three-story wooden building on Clark Street was injured to the extent of about $500 by the falling of the side wall of Mr. Hempstead's store. This building is owned by Captain Bigelow. Newhall & Bros., fruit dealers, who occupied a portion of the building, were damaged to the extent of $50 by water. They were insured.

THE KILLED AND WOUNDED

We have above recorded the destruction of over half a million dollars worth of property and come now to the more terrible details of the loss of a number of our best citizens and most valuable firemen, who sacrificed their lives in their efforts to save both the lives and property of others. It was a sufficiently great calamity to have suffered the loss of so much valuable property in these times of monetary distress. Still, this loss, great as it is, is overshadowed by the greater one of life.

Early in the morning, Mr. John B. Dickey, foreman of Liberty Hose Company, was instantly killed by the falling of the rear and side walls of Mr. Hempstead's store. he was in the act of getting a new lead hose to bear upon the fire when he was caught by the falling walls and crushed. He was taken out a few moments after he left his home to discharge the duties of his post, and his lifeless body was returned to his grief-stricken parents. The frantic grief of his mother as she bent over the corpse of her beloved son brought tears to eyes that a few moments before had looked unbleached into the face of danger. Mr. Dickey was a young man of excellent character, a most efficient fireman, and was greatly beloved by his associates. he was aged twenty-five years. his funeral will take place today at the residence of his parents, № 118 Monroe Street.

Shortly after the accident by which Dickey lost his life, a terrible accident by which Dickey lost his life, a terrible accident occured on Lake Street, by which a number of lives were lost and which caused the greatest consternation. A large number of persons were engaged in removing goods from the four-story brick store occupied by Mr. Barnum when suddenly the roof and upper floors came down with a terrific crash burying, it is supposed, some twenty men beneath the ruins, and a moment after a portion of the side walls also fell in, adding, it possible, still more to the horror of the scene. Instantly the most intense excitement prevailed, and the people rushed wildly around the burning building in a vain effort to save, if possible, the lives of those beneath the ruin. The fire was so intensely hot that it was impossible to enter the building, and as soon as possible, streams were brought to bear, and after a short time, a crowd of men rushed in and began to search for the bodies among the hot bricks and burning rubbish. This was a work of great danger, as the walls on either side were tottering and liable to fall at any moment, and indeed when they did come down, many persons had a narrow escape from being buried with those for whom they were searching. Those engaged in rescuing the bodies soon returned to their work, however, and it was not long before the bodies were found. The dangerous portion of the walls left standing by the fire was thrown down by means of ropes passed across them, and the work of rescuing the bodies was systematically commenced. Before dark, the following bodies had been recovered:

Eighteen bodies were recovered:

• John B. Dickey, Fireman of Liberty Hose Company, aged 24 years. Resided with his parents at № 118 Monroe Street and was a bachelor.

• Auguste Wolf, a member of the Hook and Ladder Company № 3. He was about 18 years old and had no relatives in this city. His body was recognized by his belt, which was found on it. He boarded at № 88 Jefferson Street. He had no relatives in this country.

• E. Romeyn Clark; of the firm Clark & Metz, stove and tinware dealers on State Street, Opposite the Market. He is about 30 years of age and leaves a wife. He boarded at Mrs. Phillips on Michigan Street (Hubbard Street - 440N, today). He was formerly a Teller in the Central Bank at Utica, N.Y. He had insurance of $3,000 upon his life but allowed it to expire last Thursday, in consequence of the non-payment of the annual premium. The insurance agent of the insurance company called upon him to pay the premium, but Mr. Clark declined to do so, saying that he was short of money and would insure his own life until Monday.

• H.S. Bradley,  aged 55 years, formerly of Utica, N.Y. He lived on the corner of Washington and State Streets. He leaves a wife and two sons, young men, one of whom was a clerk in Barnum's store. Mr. Bradley had a stock of jewelry in this store and was endeavoring to save it when the crash took place.

• Jean Jungers, a native of Germany. he had in his pocket a passport from the Grand Duke of Leutzenburg. and two money drafts in favor of John Youngards.

• John Tar, gas-fitter, employed at Geronld & Co.'s Clark Street. We could ascertain no particulars in relation to Mr. Tar.

• Marcus D. Grants, a member of Lady Washington Hose Co., was about 21 years old. Employed in Price, Morris & Co.'s coal year. Came to Chicago two years ago from Leonardville, N.Y. He had been a member of the company for some time, but Monday was the first time he had engaged in active service in the Department.

• Matthias Marsh, a clerk for Beckwith & Co.

• John A. Raymond, formerly from Worcester, Mass., where his relatives now reside.

• D.C. Emerson, a painter, is supposed to be from Lawrence, Mass.

• Ezra H. Barnum, of the firm of Burnum Bros., Aged about 35 years and formerly resided in Union, N.Y. He leaves a wife.

• Mr. John High was a retired merchant in Chicago and one of our oldest and most valuable citizens. he was a widower and leaves four children to mourn their sad bereavement.

• Lawrence Griebel, a sailor and a native of Germany. Upon his person was found a letter dated "August 15, 1857, Portsmouth, Ohio." This letter was from his cousin, Mary Ann Allmann, and from some expressions used by the writer, it is evident she expected him home during the present month. The following Hospital receipt was also found, in which it is supposed he was employed on the schooner Pacific—July 11, 1857.

• John Keegan, Formerly of Port Clinton, Ill. Upon the body was found a note of hand for $24.14, in favor of John Keegan, and signed by a Mr. Henry or Herring.

• Timothy Buckley; a member of Hook and Ladder Company № 2. He was about 22 years of age and leaves a wife. His sister resides here, and his parents live in Brooklyn, N.Y. When found, he held in hand an axe belonging to the ladder truck, the handle of which was burned about half off.

• Alfred H.P. Corning, a discount clerk in the Merchants Loan and Trust Company's Office—aged about 21 years and recently from Troy, N.Y. A key to the front door of the Bank was found on the body.

• Abram Bogart, foreman for Campbell & Co. silver platers on Dearborn Street. Aged about 25 years and leaves a young wife.

With the exception of the body of young Dickey, all were found in the ruins of Barnum's store. To the above list should be added Henry B. Russell, who was undoubtedly killed in Dunham's building on South Water Street. He was a mail clerk in the "Times" office and formerly resided in Buffalo, N.Y. He was about 27 years of age. There is also a strong probability that one of the abandoned females who were in the building was killed. Several people assert that a moment before the building fell, a woman appeared at the third-story window screaming for assistance and that it is impossible she could have escaped. The ruins of this building have not been overhauled, but it is most probable that only the bones of those who perished in it will be found.

THE FIRE BEGAN HERE

The fire originated in store № 165 Lake Street, occupied by J.S. Mechling & Co. as a boot and shoe store and the upper part by Mrs. Collins as a millinery store. Mechling & Co.'s stock, valued at $9,000, was almost entirely destroyed. It was insured for $5,000 with the Star Insurance Co. of Ogdensburg, N.Y. and the Ӕtna of Hartford. Mrs. Collins lost her entire inventory of goods and furniture—about $1,000. The building was owned by Alexander White, was insured for $1,000, and is totally destroyed.

The two-story frame building, adjoining on the east, soon caught fire and was entirely burned. The lower floor was occupied by Steinburg & Isodore as a cabinet ware store and contained a stock valued at $6,000, a large portion of which was removed in a damaged condition. They had insurance of $3,000. which will doubtless cover the loss. Mrs. Lostheim occupied the upper story for a millinery store and saved a good portion of her stock. Her loss was small.

                                                                                                                            

HORRIBLE CONDITION OF THE RECOVERED BODIES

The bodies, as fast as recovered from the embers and ruins, were carried to the Grand Jury Room in the Court House. Those who witnessed the removal or were called to see the exhibition at the Court House will never forget that most horrible and revolting spectacle. Near the door lay a misshapen corpse, with the entrails protruding from two charred and ragged openings. Next was a body with half an arm, the scalp torn off from behind and hanging over the face, and the skull turned white from the heat. 

A little farther was deposited an undistinguishable heap of remains, bruised, roasted and crisped—broken bones forcing themselves out from the mass. Both the hands dropped from one body while removing, and the hair hung in loose parches on one side of the head; it was entirely gone from the other. On several, the muscles of arms were exposed, drawn up by the heat and holding fingers clasped rigidly to the palms. The general appearance of the bodies was the same—shriveled and shortened, drawn up like mummies, faces a uniform blotch, eyes burned out, limbs blackened, and everything else supremely frightful and loathsome. Spectators who called at the Court House to identify friends or gratify an unhealthy curiosity took one glance and fled away.

CORONER'S INQUEST

Coroner Hansen summoned the twelve-person jury, who, after viewing the bodies and having them identified, adjourned until 9 o'clock the morning of Tuesday, October 20th.

This is little doubt but that John High Jr., one of our oldest and most respected citizens, and Mr. E.H. Barnum are buried beneath the ruins. It is known that they were both in the building a moment before the crash occurred. Mr. High was on the roof, and someone told him it was dangerous to stay there. He immediately went down through the scuttle, and since that time, no trace of him has been discovered. Mr. Barnum was on the second floor when a cracking noise warned him that he was in danger, and he attempted to descend the stairs, since which time he has not been seen. A member of Hope Hose, who was standing near him, jumped through the skylight of the main floor and had barely time to reach the sidewalk when the building collapsed, and he thinks it impossible that Mr. Barnum could have escaped.

There were any number of rumors afloat in reference to persons supposed to be lost, but we have given only the names of those in relation to whom there seems no doubt. Today the ruins will be thoroughly searched, and all the bodies burned there will be exhumed, and by we shall probably know the worst.

It is believed that a young man named Henry B. Russell, a mail clerk in the "Times" office, was killed. He slept in the upper story of Cornick, Cross & Co.'s store on South Water Street and has not been found since. The occupant of the room adjoined his escape by jumping down the two stories to a shed and climbing from there into the alley. Another occupant of this building saved himself by letting himself down with a rope.

In this building were several disreputable females who were sharing the apartments of young men who lodged there—one of them jumped from the third-story window and caught in the arms of a fireman—she escaped with but slight injuries. Another climbed through the scuttle and got into an adjoining building and descended by another scuttle to the street. There were also a lot of these abandoned women in the store on Lake Street.

Two men who were on the roof of Barnum's store made the most miraculous escapes. One of them was carried, without serious injury, to the cellar, from whence he escaped through the back window to the alley. Another was so surrounded by the fallen timbers that he received but little injury. Although insensible when taken out, he was soon restored and enabled to walk about as usual.

Mr. J.B. Shay had his head cut and face bruised by a falling timber.

Daniel Rock of Hope Hose was severely injured while assisting to rescue Mr. Dickey.

Wm. James Jr., the foreman of Hope Hose, had his hand badly bruised.

A member of Engine Co. № 2 had his leg and body bruised by some falling bricks.

Morris Stacey, of Hook and Ladder Co. № 1, had his head cut and arm bruised while assisting to rescue the bodies from Barnum's store.

Policeman Wagner had his arm broken in two places while standing in front of Barnum's store by a falling joist.

There was an unusual quantity of theft at the fire, and the police made the following arrests: Charles Romp, Robert Misner, John Dunn, James Corcoran, Thomas Hickey, Thomas Mansfield, John Burke, Pat Dwyer, Wm. Abrams, Martin Welch, James Boyd, Nicholas Dit, and Charles Bass.

Several firemen were arrested for being drunk and disorderly but were afterward discharged from custody—but one being held for trial, Jerry McCormick, a member of Engine Co. № 4.

There are many conflicting accounts as to the origin of the fire. Still, it is generally believed that it caught in one of the rooms to which the occupant had introduced one of the many abandoned females who flocked out of that and other buildings when the fire first broke out. We trust the police will fully investigate this conflagration.

As a result of this fire, the Citizens Fire Brigade of Chicago was formed on November 19, 1857. Consisting of businessmen and insurance companies. The duties of the brigade were to take valuable goods from burning buildings and prevent damage by water and thievery.

The Fire Insurance Patrol № 6, 332 South Hoyne, Chicago, Illinois.

A paid Chicago Fire Department was formed on August 2, 1858.

ADDITIONAL READING:  FIRES IN CHICAGO & THE GREAT CHICAGO FIRE

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.