Catherine O'Leary facts for kids

Catherine O'Leary (born Catherine Donegan; March 1827 – July 3, 1895) was an Irish immigrant who lived in Chicago, Illinois. She became well-known because people claimed her cow started the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

Catherine and her husband, Patrick O'Leary, had three children. One of their sons, James Patrick O'Leary, later ran a famous saloon in Chicago.

The Great Chicago Fire Story

An old drawing from 1871 showing Mrs. O'Leary and her cow. People believed the cow kicked over a lantern, starting the fire.

On the evening of October 8, 1871, a fire began in the O'Leary family's barn on DeKoven Street. Strong winds and very dry weather caused the fire to spread quickly. It burned down a huge part of the city. This terrible event is known as the Great Chicago Fire.

How the Rumor Started

After the fire, a reporter named Michael Ahern wrote a story. He claimed the fire began when a cow kicked over a lantern while being milked. The reporter did not name the owner at first. But soon, people identified Catherine O'Leary because the fire started in her barn.

Drawings and cartoons quickly appeared, showing Mrs. O'Leary with her cow. This idea became very popular and is still talked about today. However, in 1893, Michael Ahern finally admitted he had made the whole story up.

What the Official Report Said

The official report about the fire was not sure how it started. It simply said: "We cannot tell if it began from a spark from a chimney on that windy night, or if a person started it."

Mrs. O'Leary said she was in bed when the fire began. She had no idea what caused it. Daniel "Pegleg" Sullivan was the first person to see the fire. He said he ran to free the animals in the barn. He then told the O'Learys, who were inside their home and did not know about the fire.

Why People Blamed Mrs. O'Leary

At that time, some people had unfair feelings against Irish immigrants. This made it easier for them to blame the O'Leary family. Some neighbors claimed they saw broken glass from a lamp. But none of these claims were ever proven true.

Other rumors suggested that Daniel Sullivan started the fire. Another rumor said it might have been Louis M. Cohn. He claimed he was in the barn with the O'Learys' son and others.

Catherine O'Leary's Later Life and Death

Catherine O'Leary's grave at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Catherine O'Leary died on July 3, 1895. She passed away from pneumonia at her home in Chicago. She was buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

A descendant of Mrs. O'Leary said in a TV show that Catherine was always blamed for the fire. She spent the rest of her life feeling sad and heartbroken because of it.

In 1997, an amateur historian named Richard Bales found enough evidence. He convinced the Chicago City Council to officially clear Mrs. O'Leary's name. This meant she was no longer blamed for starting the Great Chicago Fire.