DeWitt Clinton Cregier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
DeWitt Clinton Cregier
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| 31st Mayor of Chicago | |
| In office April 15, 1889 – April 27, 1891 |
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| Preceded by | John A. Roche |
| Succeeded by | Hempstead Washburne |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 1, 1829 New York City |
| Died | November 9, 1898 (aged 69) Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Resting place | Rosehill Cemetery |
| Political party | Democrat |
| Height | 5 ft. 7 in. |
| Spouse | Mary Sophia Foggin |
| Children | Ten (2 daughters, 8 sons) |
| Residences | Chicago and St. Charles, Illinois |
| Signature | .png){kind=small} |
DeWitt Clinton Cregier (born June 1, 1829, died November 9, 1898) was an important figure in Chicago's history. He served as the 31st Mayor of Chicago, Illinois, from 1889 to 1891. He was a member of the Democratic Party.
Early Life and Work
Cregier started his career as an engineer for the City of Chicago. He was very creative and even invented new things. In 1875 and 1876, he received patents for special fire hydrants.
One of his inventions was a unique fire hydrant. It was a combination of a drinking fountain, a fire hydrant, and a watering spot for animals. You can often see these "Cregier hydrants" in old photos of Chicago.
Cregier was also a leader in a group called Freemasonry. He was the head of Blaney Lodge No. 271 for eight years. He also served as the Grand Master of Illinois from 1870 to 1871. A lodge in Wheeling, Illinois, is named after him: D.C. Cregier Lodge No. 81.
He was a descendant of Martin Cregier, who was the first leader (called Burgomaster) of New Amsterdam. This city later became New York City.
DeWitt Cregier became the chief engineer for Chicago's water system. Later, he was the Commissioner of Public Works for the city. This job meant he was in charge of many important city projects.
Becoming Mayor
Cregier became the Democratic Party's choice for mayor in the 1889 Chicago mayoral election. He won the election, defeating the Republican mayor, John A. Roche. Cregier officially became mayor on April 15, 1889.
As mayor, Cregier helped Chicago win a big event. He worked with Edward Turner Jeffery and Thomas Barbour Bryan. Together, they presented Chicago's plan to a special committee. This committee decided where the World's Columbian Exposition would be held. Thanks to their efforts, Chicago was chosen to host this huge world's fair.
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Cregier tried to be re-elected in the 1891 Chicago mayoral election. He won his party's nomination again. However, he lost the main election. He placed second in a race with three other candidates. Hempstead Washburne became the next mayor.
Cregier's time as mayor ended on April 27, 1891. He passed away at his home in Chicago on November 9, 1898. He was buried at Rosehill Cemetery.
Legacy
DeWitt Clinton Cregier is remembered for his contributions to Chicago. In 1933, a plaque was placed on the Chicago Water Tower. This plaque honors Cregier for his important work for the city.
In 2011, a book was written about his life. It is called The New York Orphan Who Built Chicago. The book tells the story of DeWitt Clinton Cregier and his engineering talents. It was written by Gloria Cregier Emma, one of his grandchildren.
