John Kinzie
(Dec. 3, 1763–Jan. 6, 1828)

Chicago’s first permanent white settler. He traded with the soldiers at Fort Dearborn and the natives. Originally buried at the Fort Dearborn Cemetery, Kinzie’s remains were moved to City Cemetery in 1835. When the cemetery was closed for the development of Lincoln Park, Kinzie’s remains were moved to Graceland Cemetery. Kinzie Avenue is named for him.

photo and text by Joe Collier