Chief O'Neill's sketchy recollections of an eventful life in Chicago
"In 1865, Francis O'Neill left Ireland to travel the world as a sailor. He settled in Chicago shortly before the Great Fire of 1871 and began what was to become an adventurous and distinguished life in America. After years as a member of the Chicago Police Department, O'Neill, writing at the age of eighty-three, offers perspective on the inner workings of the police department during his time - giving first-hand accounts of the Pullman Strike of 1894, the City Railway strike of 1903, and the packinghouse strike of 1904. He also reflects on the prejudice that kept him - in spite of his innovations, extremely high exam scores, and exceptional performance - subject to powerful aldermen who tried to prevent his professional advancement. Despite these obstacles, O'Neill eventually rose to become chief of police - a position from which he could enact much-needed civil-service reform."--BOOK JACKET
Print Book, English, 2008
Northwestern University Press, Evanston, Ill., 2008