The O'Leary family travels to Chicago in an open wagon in search of fortune. Patrick, the father, decides to race a passing train, but the horses break away from the wagon and drag him to his death. Having buried her husband on the city outskirts, Molly O'Leary opens a thriving laundry to support her boys. On growing up, Dion has become a gambling nightowl, Jack studies law and Bob only wants to marry Gretchen and have a family.