Book
No one has ever written a book about the saga of Cap Streeter and his struggle for control of Chicago's Streeterville. I have a contract with McFarland & Company to write that book. The working title is: Cap Streeter: The Man Who Defied Chicago.
I hope to separate fact from fiction in this book, which will not be an easy task. History paints Streeter as somewhat of a loveable rogue. My preliminary research seems to indicate, however, that the words "consummate liar" are more appropriate.
The tentative format of the book is as follows:
Chapter One: The Early Years
This chapter discusses Streeter's early life prior to the Civil War.
Chapter Two: The Civil War
This chapter describes Streeter's Civil War career.
Chapter Three: The Fight for the District of Lake Michigan
This chapter focuses on Streeter's creation of and prolonged fight for his famous district.
Chapter Four: The Struggle Continues
This chapter discusses "Ma" Streeter's battles--in and out of the courthouse--for control of Streeterville after the death of her husband.
Epilogue
In the Epilogue I discuss Streeter and his place in Chicago history.
Appendix A: An Analysis of Everett Guy Ballard
Everett Guy Ballard was Streeter's lawyer and 1914 biographer. Ballard's work is to a large degree a laudatory paean to Streeter. But does it stand up to historical scrutiny? Is Ballard an accurate biography or mere puffing and exaggeration? For example, did Streeter fight in the Civil War with General John Oliver? Ballard wrote that Streeter met Jesse James. Can this be verified? In this appendix I attempt to confirm the truth of Ballard's statements.
Appendix B: William Niles: The Power Behind the Throne?
The numerous assaults by police and thugs in Streeterville led Streeter to appoint adventurer William Niles the military governor of the district. Niles took to his job with alacrity--almost too much alacrity. Contemporary accounts seem to indicate that Niles was more concerned with promoting his own interests than Streeter's. Did Niles have his own agenda? I discuss the relationship between Streeter and Niles in this appendix.
Annotated Bibliography
