Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. John Mills Van Osdel (July 31, 1811 December 21, 1891) was an American architect who is considered the first Chicago architect. He is considered a peer of the most prominent architects in the history of Chicago. He has also done significant work throughout Illinois and the Midwest, although much of it no longer exists. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Van Osdel planned the first architect-designed house in Chicago for the first Mayor of Chicago, William Ogden. The house was located on Rush Street.