Philo Carpenter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Philo Carpenter
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| Born | February 27, 1805 Savoy, Massachusetts
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| Died | August 7, 1886 (aged 81) Chicago, Illinois
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| Spouse(s) | Ann Thompson |
| Children | 7 |
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Philo Carpenter (born February 27, 1805, died August 7, 1886) was a very important person in early Chicago, Illinois. He was Chicago's first pharmacist, meaning he owned a store that sold medicines. He was also a strong voice against slavery, known as an abolitionist.
Contents
Philo Carpenter's Life Story
Early Life and Learning
Philo Carpenter was born in Savoy, Massachusetts, on February 27, 1805. When he was young, he learned about medicine and how to run a pharmacy. He trained in Troy, New York, at a drugstore owned by Amatus Robins. Eventually, Philo owned half of that business. In May 1830, he married Sarah Bridges, but sadly, she passed away that November.
While in Troy, he joined the Presbyterian Church. This made him interested in missionary work, which is helping people and spreading religious beliefs. Both business and his faith became very important parts of his life.
Moving to Chicago
In 1832, Philo heard from his cousin about new chances in Chicago. At that time, Chicago was just a small village. He sold his share of the drugstore and sent supplies like medicines and medical tools ahead. He then moved to Chicago. He arrived during a serious outbreak of cholera, a dangerous illness. He immediately helped to treat those who were sick.
Philo opened Chicago's very first drugstore in a simple log cabin. This cabin was located on what is now Lake Street. He earned enough money in two years to go back East. There, he married Ann Thompson. Together, they had seven children.
Philo and Ann Carpenter's arrival in Chicago was a special moment. They came into town in a fancy carriage. This was the first "pleasure vehicle" to arrive in Chicago. Their trip showed everyone that the area was safe from attacks.
Facing Challenges and Helping Others
Philo Carpenter invested a lot of money in land around what is now LaSalle Street and Wacker Drive. However, a big economic crisis called the Panic of 1837 hit. He lost all the land he had bought to his creditors, who were the people he owed money to. That land would be worth hundreds of millions of dollars today!
Luckily, his pharmacy business helped him get back on his feet financially. He was a very religious man. He helped start the Home Sunday School for the First Presbyterian Church. He was a leader in this church until the Civil War. During the war, some church members disagreed about supporting the North or the South.
Because of these disagreements, Philo helped start a new church called the First Congregational Church. He became a deacon there. He was also involved with the Chicago Theological Seminary and was a managing director for the Chicago Bible Society.
Fighting for Freedom
In 1838, Philo Carpenter became a leader in the fight against slavery. He helped create the Chicago chapter of the American Anti-Slavery Society. He worked with others like Dr. Charles V. Dyer, Robert Freeman, and Calvin DeWolf.
He even ran for Mayor of Chicago twice. He ran as a candidate for the Liberty Party, which was a political party against slavery. He lost both times, in 1846 to John Putnam Chapin and in 1847 to James Curtiss.
Philo Carpenter also served as a member of the Chicago Board of Education. This group helps manage schools in the city.
Later Life and Legacy
After the terrible Great Chicago Fire of 1871, Philo Carpenter took on another important role. He helped organize the Relief and Aid Society. This group helped people who had lost their homes and belongings in the fire. He was also a member of the Chicago Board of Health. He worked hard to promote temperance reform, which meant encouraging people to avoid alcohol.
Philo Carpenter passed away at his daughter's home in Chicago on August 7, 1886.
Lasting Impact
A school was built in his honor in 1868. It was called Carpenter School. A newer school building opened in 1957 on the same site, but this school closed in 2013. One of his daughters, Augusta Carpenter, has a street named after her in Chicago, called Augusta Boulevard.
