DeWitt Clinton Cregier
DeWitt Clinton Cregier | |
---|---|
31st Mayor of Chicago | |
In office 1889–1891 | |
Preceded by | John A. Roche |
Succeeded by | Hempstead Washburne |
Personal details | |
Born |
New York City | June 1, 1829
Died |
November 9, 1898 69) Chicago, Illinois, United States | (aged
Political party | Democrat |
Height | 5 ft. 7 in. |
Spouse(s) | Mary Sophia Foggin |
Children | Ten (2 daughters, 8 sons) |
Residence | Chicago and St. Charles, Illinois |
Website | Wikipedia, Chicago Public Library |
DeWitt Clinton Cregier (June 1, 1829 - November 9, 1898; buried in Rosehill Cemetery) served as mayor of Chicago, Illinois (1889–1891) for the Democratic Party. Prior to this he was an engineer with the City of Chicago, and was awarded, in 1875, U.S. Patent 164,149 and in 1876, U.S. Patent 173,768, both for fire hydrants. The latter was a combination drinking fountain, fire hydrant, and watering basin for animals. The Cregier hydrant is widely seen in old photographs of Chicago.
Cregier was also Master Mason, presided as Worshipful Master of Blaney Lodge No. 271, A.F. & A.M. of Illinois for eight years, and served as Grand Master of Illinois in 1870-1871. D.C. Cregier Lodge No. 81 in Wheeling, Illinois, is named after him. He was a fifth great-grandson of Martin Cregier, first Burgomaster of New Amsterdam.[1]
Biography entitled: "The New York Orphan Who Built Chicago" subtitled: "The Story of DeWitt Clinton Cregier A 19th-Century American Engineering Genius" published October 2011, author Gloria Cregier Emma, one of Cregier's last surviving two grandchildren. Book available at public libraries and history museums in Chicago and suburban areas, in Springfield, Illinois, and by contact with author in Batavia, Illinois.