Few remain of the generation which founded the Chicago Club, and as its early records were destroyed by fire, it has been thought desirable to preserve in permanent form what can be gathered from those still living of the early history of the club and its members. In writing of those who have gone before it is impossible to avoid personal mention of some who were prominently associated with them, although they are still among us. The writer, however, has made an effort to do this with discrimination, lest any should be unduly elated or depressed. The position the Chicago Club has occupied in its own sphere is unique. It has not only been the pioneer club of the West, and the parent from which many similar institutions have been modeled, but it has been practically without a rival in its own field. Being for many years the only club in the city, it may be said, without boasting, to have included all of Chicago's prominent citizens who have had any use for a club, a patronage which in other cities is usually found divided.