Up until then , Gray had been one of the firm 's top customers . He had invented a needle annunciator for hotels and elevators , a telautograph ( a machine for the electrical transmission of writing ) , and the telegraph answer-back call box . Gray and Barton joined forces with an investment of $ 2,500 each , with Gray as the senior partner . The success of the new company attracted the attention of General Anson Stager , general superintendent of the Western Union Telegraph Company . He offered to enter the business as an equal partner with Gray and Barton , providing the company 's headquarters was moved from Cleveland to Chicago , Illinois . In December 1869 , the company moved to 162 S. Water Street , Chicago . The great Great Chicago Fire in 1871 came within two blocks of its small plant
Great Chicago Fire
Great Chicago Fire
Graybar