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Directory of the City of Chicago
Illinois for 1843
This 1843 information was reprinted in
1896 by Robert Fergus. The following is from the Introduction to
explain why the reprint was published.
INTRODUCTORY.
THE cordial reception and flattering endorsements given in 1876 to the Directory for 1839, by many of Chicago's oldest, well-known, and best-informed citizens, induced the compiler to undertake and to complete this little volume, begun over twenty years since, with the hope that it may be as well received.
The occupations given herein of many is no criterion as to their ability to follow other vocations. A graduate of Oxford, Eaton, Dublin, or Harvard, a lawyer without acquaintance, a poet, artist, and many similar professions would at that time find it difficult to obtain a livelihood, as all such were of very little use in our then embryo city.
The basis for this work was Chicago's first Directory of 1844, printed and published by Ellis & Fergus, from a careless and indifferent canvass made during 1843-August to December, by James W. Norris, and issued in December of that year.
One of the publishers, William Ellis who did the presswork of that volume, has been dead several years; the other is still here, and as he set the type, he knows how much he did for it and how much worse it would have been had he followed copy; but having been here over four years, he was somewhat acquainted with the business people in and about the business centre and in the vicinity of his home; the others-newcomers and those outside of the central part-he could do nothing for; and, as he later discovered, sailors were made tailors, and tailors sailors, names were spelled at and locations guessed, etc.; in fact, the names of many prominent men were entirely omitted, or as inserted might as well have been, as those for whom they were intended could not recognize them.
Some of the dates of death, as herein given, have been found to conflict with those of interested parties and relatives; but so far, in every instance, on investigation they have been found to be correct. The identity of the dates of many of those known to be dead has been difficult, and several instances have occurred where more than one date applies to the same name, and until identified will not be inserted.
That all errors are now corrected, all omitted names inserted, or that new errors have not been made, is not claimed; but, with the additions and alterations herein made, it is believed to be very much improved; and if those who can will assist in this labor of love by forwarding as early as possible for the next edition any correction or error they may discover or any omission they may know of, they will no doubt have the thanks of posterity, but certainly those of your humble servant,
ROBERT FERGUS, Compiler.
CHICAGO, August 4, 1896.
(My 81st Birthday.)
Source: Directory of the
City of Chicago Illinois for 1843, Compiled By Robert Fergus, Printer, A
Resident of Chicago since July 1, 1839. Chicago: Fergus
Printing Company, N. W. Cor. Illinois St. and Dearborn Ave. 1896.
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