166 THE PORTRAIT GALLERY 
THE PIONEER OF PACKINGTOWN 
65. The first packing business in Chicago was operated by 
the firm of Burt, Hutcuinson & Snow, located on Rhodes St., 
near Archer Avenue. Its facilities were relatively primitive in 
the light of those used at the present day, but on its foundations 
was builded a firm, the Chicago Packing & Provision Co., that 
at one time was the largest in America. The genius behind the 
organization of Burt, Hutcuinson & Snow, was BENJAMIN 
Peters HUTCHINSON. 
Mr. HurcHInson was born at Reading, Mass., February 24, 
1829. His early education was received in the New England 
Public Schools and upon completion of his course he engaged 
for a time in the shoe business at Lynn, Mass. In 1853 he came 
to Chicago, but not finding the exact opportunities he desired, 
he proceeded to Milwaukee. In 1858 he returned to Chicago, 
entering the grain business, and within a few months partici- 
pated with Messrs. Burt & Snow in organizing the packing 
business previously mentioned. Upon the establishment of the 
Union Stockyards the firm took its business there, and estab- 
lished the first packing house at the Yards. In 1872 the partner- 
ship was dissolved, and the Chicago Packing & Provision Co. 
formed from it. This continued in business until 1885. 
In 1870 Mr. Hutcuinson founded the Corn Exchange 
National Bank, which early developed into a thriving institu- 
tion. Aside from his banking and packing interests he con- 
ducted a large business on the Board of Trade, where he had a 
notable career both as a speculator and as a shipper of grain. 
His death occurred in Chicago, March 16, 1899. 
