In January 1865 , Field and a partner , Levi Leiter , accepted an offer to become senior partners at the dry goods establishment of Potter Palmer . The new firm became known as " Field , Palmer , Leiter & Co. " In 1867 , after Field and Leiter could afford to buy him out , Palmer withdrew from the firm , and it was renamed " Field , Leiter & Company . " In 1867 Field , Leiter & Company reported revenues of $ 12 million . Like many Chicago businessman , Field 's company was badly affected by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 , but reopened relatively quickly . The company also survived the Panic of 1873 because of their relatively low levels of debt . By 1881 Field had forced Leiter to sell his share of the business , and changed the store 's name to " Marshall Field and Company "
Great Chicago Fire
Great Chicago Fire
Marshall Field