1856, April 13th, Two Persons Burned to Death, Chicago.

A small frame building on Peyton Street, near the North Branch of the Chicago River, was burned up Sunday night, and an Irishman and his wife were consumed by the building. The remains of the bodies were taken out after the fire and placed in coffins by the coroner. 

This photo is a visual aid. 1856 House Totally Destroyed by Fire.

Another Irishman who boarded in the house, and a boy some 14 years old, made a narrow escape by jumping out of the window. The parties who were burned were recently married, but we did not learn their names. The woman was formerly a widow named Crimmis, and it was her boy who escaped. The origin of the fire is not known, as all in the house were asleep.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

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.