If the question is "Who moved to Chicago in 1861?" comparing entries from the 1860 and 1861 Chicago city directories would probably answer the question, although not precisely. The 1861 Chicago city directory was probably canvassed in the spring and published in the summer and so it's likely that anyone moving to Chicago later in the year wouldn't appear in a directory until the following edition. And, similarly, a new entry in the 1861 directory could be for someone who moved to Chicago in late 1860. If the question is "Who lived in Chicago in 1861?" then the 1861/1862 directories would probably answer your question.
Chicago Democrat ended in 1861.
Jean Baptiste Point du Sable who became known as the founder o Chicago.
He first settled in Chicago.
Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, the founder of Chicago.
Edward Santry was born ? , 1861, in Chicago, IL, USA.
Stephen A. Douglas died in Chicago from typhoid fever on June 3, 1861 and was buried on the shore of Lake Michigan.
Mort Scanlan was born March 18, 1861, in Chicago, IL, USA.
Milt Scott was born January 17, 1861, in Chicago, IL, USA.
Mart McQuaid was born June 28, 1861, in Chicago, IL, USA.
New Sweden. Most of the Swedes who immigrated to America settled around Chicago.
Stephen A. Douglas died in Chicago from typhoid fever on June 3, 1861 and was buried on the shore of Lake Michigan.
They mostly settled in rural areas, agriculture being their trade, but Texas was also an area where many Poles settled. There were (and are) some Polish enclaves, such as Cicero in the Chicago area.