Foreman, Milton Joseph
Milton Joseph Foreman (January 25, 1863 - October 16, 1935) was a Chicago-based lawyer, military officer, reservist, and politician active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Foreman enlisted in the Illinois National Guard (Troop C) in 1894. He later joined the First Illinois Calvary, in which he served as a captain and quartermaster of his regiment in the Spanish-American War (April 21 - August 13, 1898). After achieving the rank of Colonel, he transferred to the reserves and entered the private sector. He received a law degree in 1899 and was a senior partner with law firm Foreman, Bluford, Steel and Schultz. He also served six terms on the city council of Chicago from 1899 - 1911. Also in Chicago, he completed a meticulous engineering study of Chicago in anticipation of building a subway there - a project that was delayed for decades by the outbreak of World War I (1914 - 1918). He returned to active duty by, at least, 1915. His calvary regiment was converted to Artillery, becoming the 122nd Field Artillery, 33rd Division. He was highly decorated during the war. He received the Distinguished service cross and medal, the French Legion of Honor, and the Belgian Commander Couronne. After the war, he was assigned to command the 33rd Division Illinois National Guard, with the rank of Major General. He retired from service in 1927.
'A system of subways for street cars, at least in the congested districts, is an essential if Chicago is to have good, comfortable, and rapid transportation.' M. J. Foreman
This is an unprecedented and comprehensive 1909 Milton J. Foreman 3-volume feasibility study on the construction of several new subway lines in Chicago. This exhaustive and overwhelming report, enclosed in three massive volumes, contains dozens of maps, charts, and diagrams detailing every factor to be considered in estimating the feasibility, cost, and benefit of both new subway lines and a high-pressure fire deterrent water system for Chicago. (more details)