DeWitt Clinton Cregier

DeWitt Clinton Cregier
DeWitt Clinton Cregier
File:Dewittcregier.jpg
31st Mayor of Chicago
In office
1889–1891
Preceded by John A. Roche
Succeeded by Hempstead Washburne
Personal details
Born June 1, 1829(1829-06-01)
New York City
Died November 9, 1898(1898-11-09) (aged 69)
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Political party Democrat
Spouse(s) Mary Sophia Foggin
Children Ten (2 daughters, 8 sons)
Residence Chicago and St. Charles, Illinois
Website Wikipedia, Chicago Public Library

DeWitt Clinton Cregier (born: June 1, 1829; died: November 9, 1898; buried in Rosehill Cemetery) served as mayor of Chicago, Illinois (1889–1891) 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 and Grand Master of Masonic Lodge in Wheeling, Illinois which is named after him. He was a fifth great-grandson of Martin Cregier, first Burgomaster of New Amsterdam.[1]

One of his great-granddaughters, Terry Emma, recently divorced the current mayor of Geneva, Illinois, Kevin Burns.

Plaque on west facade of the Chicago Water Tower, mounted in 1933 in honor of Cregier's services.

References