In 1871 , the Great Chicago Fire destroyed all records of the city and county , so Peltzer quickly published the '' Atlas of Chicago '' , organized from his personal collection . In 1872 , he was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives as a Liberal Republican , where he served one two-year term . He introduced bills for compulsory education , for a state board of health , and for licensing for surveyors , physicians , and pharmacists . He returned to the board of public works after his term , then was named deputy recorder in December 1876 . In April 1878 , he resigned and opened a title and abstract office as Otto Peltzer & Co
Great Chicago Fire
Great Chicago Fire
Otto Peltzer (politician)