1857, May 10th, American Transportation Company's Chicago Warehouse Fire.

At about half past four o'clock, the large warehouse of the American Transportation Company, on Market Street between Washington and Madison Streets, was discovered to be on fire. The firemen were promptly on the ground and did excellent service, but before the flames could be subdued, the roof of the central building, a portion of the second floor and the front were nearly destroyed. Most of the windows were also broken out. 

There were but few goods in the building, those remaining unclaimed from last Fall's business, the greater portion of which were burned or badly damaged by water. The building was injured to the extent of some $2,000 and is uninsured. The damage to the goods is from $3,000 to $4,000, and probably a portion of them was insured by the persons who owned them. 

It is not known in what portion of the building the fire broke out, but from the fact that there was no fire in the building for two or three days past, it is supposed it was fired by an incendiary. Immediate measures are being taken to have the building repaired, and everything will be ready again in a short time.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

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.