Robert Wilson Patterson ( 1850 – 1910 ) was an American newspaper editor and publisher . He was born in Chicago , attended Lake Forest Academy in Lake Forest , Illinois , and graduated from Williams College in 1871 , and then began the study of law . After the great fire in Chicago he became a reporter on the '' Times '' , later joined the staff of the '' Interior '' , and in 1873 became connected with the Chicago '' Tribune '' , of which he was successively assistant night editor , Washington correspondent , editorial writer , managing editor , and editor in chief . He was also president of the Chicago Tribune Company
great fire in Chicago
Great Chicago Fire
Robert Wilson Patterson