DeWitt Clinton Cregier

Who was DeWitt Clinton Cregier?

DeWitt Clinton Cregier served as mayor of Chicago, Illinois 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.

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 three grandchildren. Book available at public libraries and history museums in Chicago and suburban areas and Springfield, Illinois, and by contact with author in Batavia, Illinois.