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Document 26 –

Hiram Norton’s Damage Claim Arising from a Loss of Water Power

May 5, 1848

Document 26 Click for larger image

Transcription                        Chicago 5 May 1848 Gent        I beg leave to present a claim to — your Board for damages sustained by me as the Tenant of the Flouring & Saw Mills at Lockport, in consequnce of the diversion of the Des. Plains River from its natural channel                With the supply of water I had at the time it was taken from me, I was manufacturing Eighty Bbls. flour daily & an average of 60 Bushels grane for custom work, besides I was sawing— daily 3000 feet lumber. The daily expenses of both Mills are $15. the daily net proffits were $25     Both mills are now Idle, while the expenses are continued, my claim therefore is $25 pr day while so situated. The evidence in support of this claim, I am prepared to submit in such form as you may direct         Respectfully requesting the action of the Board in the premises                           I Am Gent                                                       Very Respy Yours To the Hon Board of Trustees        Hiram Norton            I & M Canal                      Chicago

When the canal was opened in April waters from the Des Plaines River were diverted to it at Lockport. This caused the river’s flow to slow and this in turn hurt manufacturers along the river’s banks who relied on the flow to power their machines. Hiram Norton, a former contractor for the canal, fully realized what the canal’s opening would mean.

A group of manufacturers petitioned the canal trustees on May 5 to construct a hydraulic basin at Lockport to power their machines. Although the cost would be some $5,000 the petitioners argued that the former canal commissioners had promised that such a project would be undertaken. After studying the proposal, the trustees on May 8 unanimously agreed to a 260 foot wide and 330 foot long basin to be built by George Barnett and completed by November 1. It was to be located on the northwest side of the canal opposite Lockport blocks 91 and 102. Businesses using power generated by the canal’s water were required to lease this privilege. Reference to Norton & Co. also is found in document 40, document 44, and document 46.

What was Hiram Norton’s complaint?

How were his flour and saw mills powered?

How did the Illinois and Michigan Canal rely on the Des Plaines River?

Was Norton entitled to $25 a day in compensation?

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