When I read the morning newspaper I'm always happy when I find something that connects with me or the family. Today is the anniversary of the Chicago Fire in 1871. I remembered a story I had read about a member of the Story family with ties to the Chicago Fire.
Wilbur Fisk Story, a cousin of Bob's great grandfather, was born in Salisbury, VT, attended local schools and worked many years in Vermont, New York City and Indiana. He went to Jackson, MI, and after being proprietor of a drug store, established a newspaper and read law for two years. He was appointed postmaster by President Polk and was removed from office by President Tyler.
His newspaper career continued when in 1853 he bought an interest in The Detroit Free Press and eventually became the sole owner. Under his leadership the Free Press came to be regarded as one of the leading democratic newspapers in the west. In 1861 he purchased from Cyrus H. McCormick, the The Daily Chicago Times bringing with him a large part of his staff. He changed the title to Chicago Times and continued the paper with a democratic voice. His paper was unpopular because of his support of the Civil War. Because of his views on the Civil War his plant was raided and partially destroyed. However, popular sentiments prevailed and the paper reopened. After the Civil War, Story using the motto "to print the news and raise Hell," turned the Times into an outspoken, eccentric and critic of Chicago Society.
The Chicago fire of 1871 destroyed his plant but Wilbur rebuilt the building and continued to publish. Wilbur edited the Times until 1884 when failing health intervened. He died Oct. 27, 1884.
The Chicago Times, after a few merges and name changes was eventually bought by a Melville Stone, but Melville Stone apparently is not a link to the Stone side of the family.
Family trivia is fun to find.
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