[Illustration: Crest]
[Illustration: PITTSBURGH IN 1817
From a sketch made by Mrs. E. C. Gibson, wife of James Gibson of
the Philadelphia bar, while on their wedding tour.]
PITTSBURGH IN 1816
COMPILED BY THE CARNEGIE LIBRARY OF PITTSBURGH ON THE ONE
HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GRANTING OF THE CITY CHARTER
[Illustration: 181]
PITTSBURGH
CARNEGIE LIBRARY
1916
Transcriber's Note: Minor typographical errors have been
corrected without note. Irregularities and inconsistencies
in the text have been retained as printed. Words printed
in italics are noted with underscores: _italics_.
Preface
This little book will interest the Pittsburgher of 1916 chiefly
because the parts and pieces of which it is made were written by men
who were living here or who passed this way in 1816.
The three newspapers of the day--the Gazette, the Mercury, and the
Commonwealth--have furnished, though somewhat sparingly, the items of
local news. They have also furnished advertisements--these in greater
abundance and variety.
The men who were the tourists of the day in America, traveling by
stage, wagon, boat, or on horseback, often made Pittsburgh a stopping
place in their journey. Many of them wrote books, in which may be
found two or three pages, or a chapter, on the city as it appeared at
that time. It is from these books that the section "Impressions of
early travelers" has been gathered. The date given with these extracts
is the date of publication, but the period referred to in every case
is between 1815 and 1817.
In addition to these gleanings from contemporaries, a number of
paragraphs from various histories of the city have been included.
The sketches that have thus been bought together do not form a
systematic or well proportioned description of the city; yet they may
help, through their vivid pictures and first-hand impressions, to give
some idea of life in Pittsburgh a century ago.
Table of Contents
Page
THE NEW CITY 7
IMPRESSIONS OF EARLY TRAVELERS 13
UNITED STATES CENSUS 20
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIES 21
TRAVELING EASTWARD 26
TAVERNS 30
STEAMBOATS AND RIVER TRAFFIC 31
FERRIES AND BRIDGES 40
THE NEWSPAPERS 42
CHURCHES 44
SCHOOLS 48
LIBRARIES 50
THE NEW BOOKS OF 1816 51
THE THEATRE 52
THE MORALS EFFICIENCY SOCIETY OF 1816 55
FOURTH OF JULY, 1816 55
POLICE 55
EAGLE FIRE COMPANY 56
WATER-SUPPLY 56
BANKS 57
POST-OFFICE 59
THE SUBURBS 60
COURTS 61
COUNTY ELECTIONS 61
THE STATE LEGISLATURE 62
SLAVERY 63
ADVERTISEMENTS FROM THE NEWSPAPERS OF 1816 64
1816 75
The New City
A MEETING
OF THE
DEMOCRATICK REPUBLICANS
OF THE
CITY OF PITTSBURGH,
will be held at the house of Captain Jacob Carmack, (sign of the
_Turk's Head_, Wood-street,) this _evening_ (Tuesday June 25,) at 7
o'clock for the purpose of forming a _ticket_ for the select and
common Councils of the City of Pittsburgh.
_Commonwealth, June 25, 1816._
City Election
A number of respectable citizens, desirous of preserving that harmony
which has for several years past, so happily prevailed in the borough
councils, and which is so essential to the prosperity of our infant
city, have formed the following Ticket. They recommend it to the cool,
dispassionate considerations of their fellow citizens; and they
flatter themselves, that it will, on the day of the election, meet
with a firm and honorable support. It is formed, as tickets of the
kind ought to be, without respect to party. There can exist no
possible ground for the absurdity, that party feuds and animosity
should be called up on occasions like the present. Every consideration
of public interest, and of the peace and good order of the city,
forbids it.--Our city is as yet in its infancy.--Its government is to
be organized, its ordinances framed, its police established, and its
general policy devised.
In accomplishing these important objects, great prudence,
deliberation, forbearance, and the _undivided support of all classes
of the citizens_, are essentially necessary. Hence arises the
necessity of checking, in the bud, any and every attempt, coming from
whatever quarter it may, which would have a tendency to sow disunion
and distrust among the people. Actuated by these reasons, the
following ticket is recommended to the free and independent voters.
Their aid and co-operation is solicited in checking the evils which
may arise out of party feuds. The gentlemen composing the ticket here
recommended, have been chosen with due regard to their local
situations; they are respectable in private life; they are well
qualified for discharging the duties which will devolve upon them as
members of the councils, and are all deeply interested in the growth,
prosperity, and good order of the infant city.
SELECT COUNCIL
John Wrenshall,
Benj. Bakewell,
James Ross,
Thomas Cromwell,
John Hannen,
E. Pentland,
Dr. Geo. Stevenson,
George Shiras,
Robert Patterson.
COMMON COUNCIL
James Lea,
Walter Forward,
John Lyttle,
Alex: Johnston, jr.,
Geo. Miltenberger,
James Irwin,
Richard Bowen,
Mark Stackhouse,
John W. Johnston,
Paul Anderson,
John P. Skelton,
George Boggs,
James R. Butler,
John Caldwell,
George Evans.
_Mercury, June 29, 1816._
"Voters supported or opposed a candidate entirely according to their
personal preferences. There were few newspapers and no political
oratory to sway public sentiment. The United States was then passing
through the 'era of good feeling,' which was renowned mainly for the
absence of all political asperities. Had any question arisen which was
fraught with political significance to the voters of this section the
expression in and around Pittsburg would undoubtedly have been
Democratic or in opposition to the Federalist doctrine. It took
Pittsburg people a long time to forget that the excise tax, which
brought about the Whiskey Insurrection, was a Federalist measure. The
first question which arose to divide the people in bitter dispute came
with the election of Andrew Jackson to the presidency in 1828."
_Boucher's Century and a half of Pittsburg._
City Election
The first Election under the Act Incorporating the City of Pittsburgh,
was held on Tuesday last, when the following gentlemen were elected:
SELECT COUNCIL
James Ross,
Dr. Geo. Stevenson,
William Hays,
John Roseburgh,
Samuel Douglas,
James Irwin,
Mark Stackhouse,
William Leckey,
Richard Geary.
COMMON COUNCIL
William Wilkins,
James R. Butler,
John P. Shelton,
A. Johnston, Jr.,
James S. Stevenson,
James Brown, (B.)
Paul Anderson,
John W. Johnston,
George Evans,
John Caldwell,
Richard Robinson,
Thomas M'Kee,
Daniel Hunter,
John Carson,
John W. Trembly.
_Commonwealth, July 9, 1816._
The New Mayor
Ebenezer Denny, esq. has been elected mayor of the city of
Pittsburgh, _Ohio_.--This gentleman we believe is from
Massachusetts and is highly respected for his integrity and
patriotism. _Boston Yankee._
We congratulate the editor of the Yankee upon the knowledge of men and
places, exhibited in the foregoing article. It has been a custom at
the Eastward to censure and burlesque the people of Western
Pennsylvania on account of their ignorance. Let the editor of the
Yankee now blush at his own. Could it be believed that any man of
common geographical knowledge--or who could have referred to Dr. Morse
for information, (for on this subject _even Dr. Morse_ is correct)
would have located Pittsburgh--a city containing ten thousand
inhabitants--possessing a manufacturing capital of many
millions--having three banking institutions, and a commerce extending
to every part of the union--a place which has long been considered the
emporium of the West, and which makes a more conspicuous figure in
books of travels than even the Town of Notions itself;--could it, we
ask, be believed, that such a place should be so little known or
thought of in the town of Boston, as to be located in the state of
Ohio? Mayor Denny possesses all the virtues that are attributed to him
by the Yankee, and many more, that render him an ornament to the
station to which he has been elected;--but he does not boast an
ancestry in the land of _steady habits_, the seat of _Hartford
Convention politics_. He is a native of Carlisle, in this state.
_Commonwealth, Aug. 6, 1816._
From the Ordinances of 1816
Traffic Rules
"From and after the publication of this ordinance, all and every
driver or drivers of all coaches, chariots, caravans, waggons,
phaetons, chaises, chairs, solos, sleighs, carts, drays, and other
carriages of burthen and pleasure, driving and passing in and through
the streets, lanes and alleys of the City of Pittsburgh, where there
is room sufficient for two to pass, shall keep on that side of street,
lane or alley, on his or their right hand respectively, in the passing
direction."
"No person whatsoever shall sit or stand in or upon any such carriage
or on any horse or beast harnessed thereto, in order to drive the
same, unless he shall have strong lines or reins fastened to the
bridles of his beasts, and held in his hands, sufficient to guide them
in the manner aforesaid, and restrain them from running, galloping, or
going at immoderate rates through the said streets, lanes or alleys;
and ... no person whatsoever, driving any such carriage or riding upon
any horse, mare or gelding, in or through the said city, shall permit
or suffer the beast or beasts he shall so drive or ride, to go in a
gallop or other immoderate gait, so as to endanger persons standing or
walking in the streets, lanes or alleys thereof; and ... all porters
... having the care of any such carriages ... who shall not hold the
reins in their hands ... shall walk by the head of the shaft or wheel
horse, holding or within reach of the bridle or halter of said horse."
Shade Trees
"It shall be lawful to plant on the bank of the Monongahela river,
ornamental shade trees, provided the same do not incommode the
passage; that they be set on the side of the street next to the water,
and so as not to stop or obstruct the passage of water along the
gutters; and so that the roots will not injure or raise the
pavement:--when any of these injurious effects are produced, such
trees then become a nusance, and the street commissioners shall
forthwith remove the same."
Fire Protection
"A premium of ten dollars, to be paid on a warrant to be drawn by the
Mayor on the city treasurer, shall be given to the fire company whose
engine shall be first on the ground in fair operation, and in good
order, in cases of fire; and the Mayor shall have power to determine
all questions as to this premium."
New Streets
An ordinance respecting sundry new streets in the eastern addition to
Pittsburgh.
"That Third-street extending from Grant-street to Try-street, and
Fourth, extended in a direct line from Grant-street to Try-street; and
Diamond-street extending from Ross-street to the lane leading
eastwardly from the end of Fourth-street, and Ross-street extended
from Third-street to Diamond-street, and Try-street extended from
Third-street to the lane leading eastwardly from the end of
Fourth-street, be and they are hereby accepted and declared to be
public streets and highways of the city ... and all those streets
shall be kept, repaired and maintained for public use, at public
expense forever hereafter."
For the Public Good
"If the chimney of any person or persons within the ... city shall
take fire and blaze out at the top, the same not having been swept
within the space of one calendar month, next before the time of taking
such fire, every such person or persons, shall forfeit and pay the sum
of three dollars."
"No stove pipe within the ... city shall project through the front
door, front windows, front wall, or past the front corners of any
house, shop or building, over or out upon any street, square or alley,
or public ground of the ... city; and if any stove pipe shall so
project as aforesaid, the same is hereby declared to be a public
nusance, and as such shall be removed, and a fine of five dollars also
imposed on the person or persons who shall so offend."
"If any person or persons, shall wilfully suffer his, her or their
horse or horses, mare, gelding, mule, ox, hog or hogs, to run at large
in the ... city, he, she or they so offending, shall for each offence,
on conviction thereof, forfeit and pay for each of the said animals so
running at large, the sum of one dollar."
"If any person or persons shall, within the said city, beat a drum, or
without lawful authority, ring any public bell, after sunset, or at
any time except in lawful defence of person or property, discharge any
gun or fire arms, or play at or throw any metal or stone bullet, or
make a bon-fire, or raise or create any false alarm of fire, he, she,
or they so offending, shall for every such offence, on conviction
thereof, forfeit and pay the sum of four dollars."
"City appropriation for filling up a part of the pond on Sixth street,
between Cherry alley and Grant street--thirty dollars." _Commonwealth,
Nov. 19, 1816._
Impressions of Early Travelers
"_Fort du Quesne_, built by the French, formerly stood here; its site
has almost disappeared in the Ohio. The remains of Fort Pitt (from
whence the town has its name) are very faint; we can yet perceive part
of the ditch, its salient angles and bastions, &c., but several
houses, stores, and a brewhouse, are built on the ground." _Palmer's
Journal of travels in the United States and Canada, 1817._
"Although Pittsburg, a few years since, was surrounded by Indians, it
is now a curiosity to see any there; a few traders sometimes come down
the Alleghany, with seneca oil, &c." _Palmer's Journal of travels in
the United States, 1818._
"_Pittsburgh_ was hidden from our view, until we descended through the
hills within half a mile of the _Allegany river_. Dark dense smoke was
rising from many parts, and a hovering cloud of this vapour, obscuring
the prospect, rendered it singularly gloomy. Indeed, it reminded me of
the smoking logs of a new field." _Thomas's Travels through the
western country in 1816._
"A mixture of all nations, though principally Americans; there are
Irish, Scotch, English, French, Dutch, Swiss, etc.... The character of
the people is that of enterprising and persevering industry; every man
to his business is the prevailing maxim, there is therefore little
time devoted to amusements or to the cultivation of refined social
pleasures. Strangers are not much pleased with the place in point of
hospitality merely, but those who have business to transact, will meet
with as many facilities as elsewhere. They are of all denominations of
the Christian religion; many of them attentive on the duties of their
worship, and but few addicted to gross vices and dissipation. Luxury,
pomp and parade are scarcely seen; there are perhaps, not more than
one or two carriages in the place. There is a public academy, but not
in a flourishing state, where the Latin and Greek classics are taught.
There are besides, a number of English schools where children are
taught to read, write, arithmetic, grammar, etc. There is a seminary
for young ladies, which is said to be well conducted. The amusements
of these industrious people are not numerous, a few balls during the
winter season; there is also a small theatre where a company from the
eastern cities sometimes performs. A society has been formed for the
purpose of natural improvement in the different departments of natural
history, and is flourishing; it has attached to it a circulating
library, a cabinet of curiosities and chemical laboratory." _Cramer's
Navigator, 1817._
"The first buildings of Pittsburg were of logs, some of which were
unhewn; then came rude stone structures made from material quarried
nearby, and these in turn were followed by brick buildings, for with
an abundance of clay and fuel, it was an easy matter to burn brick. In
none of them was there any attempt at architectural beauty. Most of
them consisted of four square walls, with small windows and doors,
thus displaying every evidence of economy. The interior finish of the
early houses displayed more taste and beauty than the exterior, for it
was easier to carve and fashion in wood than in stone.... Nevertheless
there was a beauty in the simplicity of the walls that gradually
developed a style which in modern days is called Colonial
architecture, and which even yet predominates in Pittsburg."
_Boucher's Century and a half of Pittsburg._
"In 1815 the buildings of a public character were 'a handsome octagon
Episcopal church, a handsome and spacious Presbyterian church, also a
Covenanters, German Lutheran and Roman Catholic church, and an
Academy, all of brick;' a court house, jail, three incorporated banks,
a dramatic theatre, a Masonic hall, three market houses, one in the
Diamond and two in Second street. Both the court house and market
house in the public square, called the Diamond, were built of brick,
and some of the mercantile and financial buildings were of a
substantial character." _Killikelly's History of Pittsburgh._
"When this city and vicinity was surveyed by the author of this
treatise, in October, 1815, there were in Pittsburg 960 dwelling
houses, and in the suburbs, villages, and immediate outskirts, about
300 more, making in all 1260, and including inhabitants, workmen in
the manufactories, and labourers, upwards of 12,000 inhabitants."
_Darby's Emigrant's guide, 1818._
"Grant's-hill, an abrupt eminence which projects into the rear of the
city, affords one of the most delightful prospects with which I am
acquainted; presenting a singular combination of the bustle of the
town, with the solitude and sweetness of the country. How many hours
have I spent here, in the enjoyment of those exquisite sensations
which are awakened by pleasing associations and picturesque scenes!
The city lay beneath me, enveloped in smoke--the clang of hammers
resounded from its numerous manufactories--the rattling of carriages
and the hum of men were heard from its streets--churches, courts,
hotels, and markets, and all the 'pomp and circumstance' of busy life,
were presented in one panoramic view. Behind me were all the silent
soft attractions of rural sweetness--the ground rising gradually for a
considerable distance, and exhibiting country seats, surrounded with
cultivated fields, gardens, and orchards." _Hall's Letters from the
West, 1828._
"Pittsburg is a considerable town, generally built of brick.... The
site is romantic and delightful. It is well known as a manufacturing
place, and once almost supplied the lower country with a variety of
the most necessary and important manufactures. But the wealth,
business, and glory of this place are fast passing away, transferred
to Cincinnati, to Louisville, and other places on the Ohio. Various
causes have concurred to this result; but especially the
multiplication of steam-boats, and the consequent facility of
communication with the Atlantic ports by the Mississippi. There is
little prospect of the reverse of this order of things. The national
road, terminating at Wheeling, contributes to this decay of
Pittsburg." _Flint's Recollections of the last ten years, 1826._
"It is laid out in strait streets, forty and fifty feet wide, having
foot-walks on each side. Watch-boxes are placed at convenient
distances, and the police of the city (except in lighting) is well
regulated. From the number of manufactures, and the inhabitants
burning coal, the buildings have not that clean appearance so
conspicuous in most American towns. The houses are frame and brick, in
the principal street three story high.
"Outside of the town, some log houses yet remain. The number of
inhabitants in 1810, was 4768; they are supposed to be now near 8000.
The manufactures, carried on in the neighbourhood, out of the borough,
employ many hundred people. The inhabitants, are Americans, Irish, and
English. The Americans are most of them of German and Irish descent.
The public buildings are a jail, fort Fayette barracks, a court house,
market house, bank, and several churches." _Palmer's Journal of
travels in the United States, 1818._
"The adjoining hills contain inexhaustible quarries of sand rock,
suitable for grindstones; and several establishments, for the
manufacture of these useful articles, are extensively conducted. As no
marble is brought hither, except from the neighbourhood of
_Philadelphia_, those quarries also supply the citizens with
gravestones. Near _Breakneck_, I noted that _mica_ was contained in
the sand rock and this singular addition is also found here, in all
the strata of that stone which I have seen." _Thomas's Travels through
the western country in 1816._
"_6 mo. 14._--Having been detained, day after day longer than we
expected, this morning about sunrise, we left Pittsburgh with all the
joy of a bird which escapes from its cage.
'From the tumult, and smoke of the city set free,'
we were ferried over the Monongahela, with elated spirits; and I
repeated that line in Montgomery, with an emphasis, which it never
before seemed to require." _Thomas's Travels through the western
country in 1816._
"There are a considerable number of free negroes in the city. Whilst
here, we saw a funeral attended by these people; sixty or seventy
couple, two and two in the manner of the Philadelphians." _Palmer's
Journal of travels in the United States, 1818._
"The inhabitants of Pittsburg are fond of music; in our evening walks,
we were sure to hear performers on the violin, clarionet, flute, and
occasionally the piano-forte. Concerts are not unusual. The houses of
the principal streets have benches in front, on which the family and
neighbours sit and enjoy the placidity of their summer evenings."
_Palmer's Journal of travels in the United States and Canada, 1817._
"If the inhabitants of Pittsburgh are determined to call that place
after some English town, I should propose that, instead of the
'American Birmingham,' it be denominated, with relation of the
humidity of its climate, 'the American Manchester;' for I remained at
this place several days, during which time the rain never ceased. The
smoke is also extreme, giving to the town and its inhabitants a very
sombre aspect; but an English medical gentleman who has resided here
some years, informs me that there is not a more healthy place in the
United States." _Fearon's Sketches of America, 1818._
"The streets of Pittsburgh are lighted, and consequently the useful
order of watchmen is established. My ears, however, have not become
reconciled to their music. It is true, I have been more conversant in
forests than in cities, and may not comprehend the advantages of these
deep-mouthed tones; but breaking the slumbers of the invalid, and
giving timely notice to the thief, form two items of much weight in my
view as a set off against them.
Pittsburgh is laid out to front both rivers; but as these do not
approach at right angles, the streets intersect each other obliquely.
It is not a well built city. The south-west part is the most compact,
but many years must elapse before it will resemble Philadelphia.
Wooden buildings, interspersed with those of brick, mar the beauty of
its best streets; and as few of these are paved, mud, in showery
weather, becomes abundant. A short period, however, will probably
terminate this inconvenience." _Thomas's Travels through the western
country in 1816._
"In October, 1816, a resolution was passed permitting a Mr. Gray to
exhibit a panoramic view of the naval engagement on Lake Champlain and
the battle of Plattsburg without a license or other tax, owing to 'the
patriotic nature and worthy object of the exhibit.' In November, 1816,
a committee was appointed to inquire whether it was expedient for the
city to possess for public purposes more ground than it then did, and
whether it would be expedient at that time to purchase ground upon
which to erect buildings. In December a resolution introduced by Mr.
Wilkins provided for the appointment of a special committee to make a
detailed report upon the condition of the manufactures of Pittsburg,
which resolution was adopted; whereupon the following committee was
appointed: Benjamin Bakewell, Aquila M. Bolton and James Arthurs....
The city councils at this time also sent agents to Harrisburg and
Washington to labor specially in the interests of public roads in the
Western country. In 1816 Northern Liberties was laid out by George A.
Bayard and James Adams." _Wilson's History of Pittsburg._
"The price of property has increased in the most surprising manner
within the last ten years; it is now at least ten times as high as it
was at that period. There are but few sales of lots in fee simple, the
custom is to let on perpetual lease; the price in Market and Wood
streets, varies from ten to twenty dollars per foot, and in the other
streets from four to eight, and in particular situations still higher.
The rents are equally high. In Market, Wood and Water streets, the
principal places of business, it is difficult to procure a common room
in an upper story, under one hundred dollars per annum; the rent of
stores, vary from three to five hundred dollars; there is one
warehouse which rents for twelve hundred; the rent of tavern stands,
is from five to twelve hundred dollars. The rent of dwelling houses
varies much, according to the locality and kind of the tenement; a
genteel private family can scarcely obtain a good dwelling under three
or four hundred dollars." _Cramer's Navigator, 1817._
"Provisions of all kinds bring a high price in this city though the
_market_ is fluctuating. Hay, at present is twenty dollars a ton, and
oats one dollar per bushel. Butter varies from twenty-five to
seventy-five cents per pound. The farmers of this neighbourhood,
however, produce neither cheese or pork, that merits a notice. The
former of these articles is chiefly obtained from the state of Ohio,
and bacon, procured from Kentucky, is now retailed at sixteen or
seventeen cents per pound.
Before the late war, this market was distinguished for its cheapness;
but with an influx of strangers, induced by the movements of that
period, '_war prices_' commenced; and though peace has returned--and
though many of those new comers have sought their former places of
residence,--the encouragements held out to the farmer, suffers no
diminution. Indeed, there are great inducements for the _industrious_
to migrate hither. Though the soil is uneven, it is far from being
sterile; and exclusive of salubrity of situation, and of durable
timber for fences, the coal mines, which pervade almost every hill,
constitute treasures of great value.
Farms round this city, at the distance of two or three miles have been
lately sold from fifty to one hundred dollars an acre, according to
situation." _Thomas's Travels through the western country in 1816._
"We remark much difference between the manners of the inhabitants of
this country and those of Cayuga. In that place, profane language is
rarely heard from any person, who pretends to decency, except in a
paroxysm of vexation. Here it is an every day amusement. Crossing the
Monongahela, in the ferry-boat, with an intelligent gentleman of
polished manners, I was shocked and surprised to hear almost every
sentence from his lips interlarded with an oath or an imprecation; yet
he was in gay good humour, and, I believe, unconscious of this breach
of decorum.
It would be unjust not to express my belief, that honourable
exceptions to these censures are numerous; but impiety certainly
constitutes a strong characteristic of no inconsiderable part of this
people....
I have remarked with regret the impiety of some of these citizens; but
we think, that generally, they are entitled to much praise for
obliging and courteous behaviour. Civility to strangers, in a high
degree, even pervades their factories; and in all those which I have
visited, the mean practice of permitting children to ask the
spectators for money, appears to be unknown." _Thomas's Travels
through the western country in 1816._
"Except the gratifying reflection arising from the review of so much
plastic industry, Pittsburg is by no means a pleasant city to a
stranger. The constant volumes of smoke preserve the atmosphere in a
continued cloud of coal dust. In October, 1815, by a reduced
calculation, at least 2000 bushels of that fuel was consumed daily, on
a space of about two and a quarter square miles. To this is added a
scene of activity, that reminds the spectator that he is within a
commercial port, though 300 miles from the sea.
Several good inns, and many good taverns, are scattered over the city;
but often, from the influx of strangers, ready accommodation is found
difficult to procure. Provisions of every kind abound; two markets are
held weekly." _Darby's Emigrant's guide, 1818._
"The published accounts of this city are so exaggerated and out of all
reason, that strangers are usually disappointed on visiting it. This,
however, was not my case. I have been in some measure tutored in
American gasconade. When I am told that at a particular hotel there is
_handsome_ accommodation, I expect that they are one remove from very
bad; if '_elegant_ entertainment,' I anticipate tolerable; if a person
is 'a _clever_ man,' that he is not absolutely a fool; and if a
manufactory is the '_first in the world_,' I expect, and have
generally found, about six men and three boys employed." _Fearon's
Sketches of America, 1818._
"As every blessing has its attendant evil, the stone coal is
productive of considerable inconvenience from the smoke which
overhangs the town, and descends in fine dust which blackens every
object; even snow can scarcely be called white in Pittsburgh. The
persons and dress of the inhabitants, in the interior of the houses as
well as the exterior, experience its effect. The tall steeple of the
court house, was once painted white, but alas! how changed. Yet all
this might be prevented by some additional expense on the construction
of the chimnies. In the English manufacturing towns, a fine is imposed
upon those who do not consume their smoke. Incalculable would be the
advantage to this place, could such a regulation be adopted."
_Cramer's Navigator, 1817._
"Upon the whole, I consider Pittsburgh, in every point of view, to be
a very important town; and have no doubt, although its prosperity is
now at a stand, and property if not declining, is not increasing in
value, that it will _gradually advance_; and that the time must come
when it will be an extensive and very populous city. The present
population is 10,000, made up from all nations, and, of course, not
free from the vices of each: this indeed is but too apparent upon a
very short residence." _Fearon's Sketches of America, 1818._
United States Census
1810 1820
United States 7,239,903 9,637,999
Pennsylvania 810,091 1,049,449
Allegheny county 25,317 34,921
Pittsburgh 4,768 7,248
Business and Industries
"In 1813 there were five glass factories, three foundries, a new edge
tool factory, Cowan's New Rolling Mill, a new lock factory built by
Patterson, two steam engine and boiler works, one steel factory and a
goodly number of small concerns manufacturing various articles. In
1817 the city councils appointed a committee to collect and publish a
list of all the large factories in the city. This was done perhaps to
let the world know of the industry and thrift of Pittsburg, and is
valuable because it is an official list and is to be relied upon. It
must also be remembered that these figures represented the industries
of Pittsburg when barely emerging from the panic of 1815-17, a
financial depression that has scarcely been equalled in Western
Pennsylvania in all its history." _Boucher's Century and a half of
Pittsburg._
"There are many good stores in Pittsburg, and a great trade is carried
on with Philadelphia, Baltimore, and the States of Pennsylvania, Ohio,
Kentucky, &c.; exclusive of the carrying trade, and the number of
boats that are always proceeding down the Ohio, with vast quantities
of foreign merchandize, destined to Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee,
Indiana, &c. The inhabitants send up the Alleghany, Monongahela, and
their forks, whisky, cyder, bacon, apples, iron, and castings, glass
and foreign merchandize; in return they receive many thousand bushels
of salt from Onondago, and immense rafts from Alleghany and French
creeks. The quantity of rafts imported into Pittsburg annually, is
computed at 4,000,000 feet; average nine dollars per 1000 feet."
_Palmer's Journal of travels in the United States and Canada, 1817._
"The state of trade is at present dull; but that there is a great deal
of business done must be evident from the quantity of 'dry goods' and
'grocery stores,' many of the proprietors of which have stocks as
heavy as the majority of London retail dealers. They are literally
stuffed with goods of English manufacture, consisting of articles of
the most varied kind, from a man's coat or lady's gown, down to a whip
or an oyster knife." _Fearon's Sketches of America, 1818._
"It is difficult to form a judgment whether there is an opening in any
of the present established businesses. One fact strongly in favour of
the stability of this town is, _that there has not been a bankruptcy
in it for three years!!!_ a singular contrast this with New York, in
which the last published list of insolvents contained upwards of 400
names." _Fearon's Sketches of America, 1818._
"The principal manufacturing establishments are, a steam grist-mill,
steam engine factory, slitting-mill, to which is attached a nail
factory, the first of the kind in America; a cannon foundery, air
furnace, cotton and woollen factories, two potteries, three breweries,
&c.--There are four printing-offices, and two bookstores. A complete
description of this interesting town would fill a volume." _Brown's
Western gazetteer, 1817._
"Two cotton factories, one woollen factory, one paper mill, two saw
mills, and one flour mill, are all moved by steam, in this city and in
its suburbs across the Monongahela. Four glass factories, two for
flint, and two for green, are very extensive; and the productions of
the former for elegance of workmanship, are scarcely surpassed by
European manufacture. It is sent in many directions from this place;
one of the proprietors assured us that Philadelphia receives a part,
but the great outlet is down the Ohio." _Thomas's Travels through the
western country in 1816._
"Some of the ... manufactories may be denominated first-rate. This
remark applies particularly to the nail, steam-engine (high pressure)
and glass establishments. I was astonished to witness such perfection
on this side of the Atlantic, and especially in that part of America
which a New Yorker supposes to be at the farther end of the world.
At Messrs. Page and Bakewell's glass warehouse I saw chandeliers and
numerous articles in cut glass of a very splendid description; among
the latter was a pair of decanters, cut from a London pattern, the
price of which will be eight guineas. It is well to bear in mind that
the demand for these articles of elegant luxury lies in _the Western
States!_ the inhabitants of Eastern America being still importers from
the 'Old Country.'" _Fearon's Sketches of America, 1818._
"The glass establishment of Bakewell, Page & Bakewell was founded in
1808 and the building erected in 1811, on Water Street, above Grant,
and, from the start, was devoted exclusively to the manufacture of
white or flint glass. So excellent was the article produced that the
manufacturers attained a fame, not only in all parts of the United
States, but in Mexico and in many parts of Europe. No finer product
could be found anywhere. If a stranger of prominence visited
Pittsburgh he was taken with certainty to Bakewell's glasshouse."
_Wilson's History of Pittsburg._
"Perhaps of all the wonders of Pittsburg, the greatest is the glass
factories. About twenty years have elapsed since the first glass-house
was erected in that town, and at this moment every kind of glass, from
a porter bottle or window pane, to the most elegant cut crystal glass,
are now manufactured. There are four large glass-houses, in which are
now manufactured, at least, to the amount of 200,000 dollars
annually." _Darby's Emigrant's guide, 1818._
"Walter Forward, the great lawyer of Pittsburg in his day, had
addressed a large audience in the court house on December 28, 1816. In
speaking of the rapidly growing iron business of Pittsburg, he said,
that the iron interests were then consuming about 1800 tons of pig
iron; that the business employed about 150 hands, and the product was
valued at $250,000. Of wrought iron there was annually worked up about
2000 tons, the products from which were, according to the best
estimates, worth about $1,300,000." _Boucher's Century and a half of
Pittsburg._
"The first furnace or foundry in the town which had a permanent
existence was established in 1803 by Joseph McClurg. This was the
celebrated Fort Pitt foundry.... Here were cast cannon that boomed
over Lake Erie in the war of 1812 and thundered before Mexico in 1847.
A large part of Commodore Perry's equipment came from here." _Magazine
of western history, 1885._
"The first rolling mill of Pittsburg was built by a Scotch-Irishman in
1811 and 1812. It was called the Pittsburg Rolling Mill.... This
extensive mill stood on the corner of Penn street and Cecil alley, and
is referred to by early writers as the Stackpole and Whiting mill.
They were two Boston iron workers named respectively William Stackpole
and Ruggles Whiting. They introduced nail cutting machines which both
cut and headed the nails. They operated the mill during the hard times
which followed the War of 1812, and strange to say, failed financially
in 1819, when business of all kinds had somewhat revived." _Boucher's
Century and a half of Pittsburg._
"The slitting and rolling mill, together with the nail factory of
_Stackpole & Whiting_, is moved by a steam engine of seventy-horse
power. These we visited with much satisfaction. On entering the
south-west door, the eye catches the majestic swing of the beam; and
at the same instant, nine nailing-machines, all in rapid motion, burst
on the view. Bewildered by the varying velocity of so many new
objects, we stand astonished at this sublime effort of human
ingenuity." _Thomas's Travels through the western country in 1816._
"At the close of the first quarter of the nineteenth century Pittsburg
had surpassed all other parts of the West in the production of nails.
A patent nail machine had been introduced extensively, and it had
revolutionized the manufacture. Some of the factories were built in
connection with the rolling mills." _Boucher's Century and a half of
Pittsburg._
"The first rope-walk erected west of the Allegheny Mountains, was
established in Pittsburgh in 1794, and was located on the ground now
occupied by the Monongahela House. The business was carried on by Col.
John Irwin and wife....
Immediately following the death of Col. Irwin, Mrs. Irwin gave her son
an interest in the business; and it was carried on under the name and
style of Mary and John Irwin.
In the year 1795 the works were removed to the square bounded by
Liberty, Third, and Fourth Streets and Redoubt Alley. In view of the
increasing demand for their products, and confined limits of this
locality, the walk was removed in 1812 to the bank of the Allegheny
River between Marbury Street and the point, where the entire rigging
for Perry's fleet was manufactured....
Mrs. Irwin, on account of her age, and loss of health, resolved to
quit business, in view of which she disposed of her interest to her
son, who, in accordance with his preconceived notions on the subject,
commenced the erection, in Allegheny, in 1813, of one of the most
extensive works in the West, on the ten-acre out-lot bounded by the
West Commons, Water Lane (now Western Avenue), out-lots Nos. 275, 29,
and 30. It was known and designated as out-lot No. 276 in the 'Reserve
Tract opposite Pittsburg.' Mr. Irwin successfully carried on the
business until Jan. 1, 1835, when he associated with him his son
Henry, under the name of John Irwin & Son." _Parke's Recollections of
seventy years._
"Mr. Charles Rosenbaum has established a shop for making Piano Fortes,
which are of superior quality. They are equal in elegance of
workmanship, and in tone, to any imported. We are happy to hear that
his success meets his most flattering expectation." _Cramer's
Almanack, 1816._
"Knitting needle making has been commenced by Messrs. Frethy and
Pratt. In New-York pin making is going on lively. It is hoped our
females will be well supplied with these articles especially with the
first." _Cramer's Navigator, 1817._
"Trunks are made smartly by J. M. Sloan, who wants for this purpose
deer skins with the hair on.
Stocking weaving, for want of encouragement, perhaps goes on but
slowly. We see no reason why a stocking cannot be wove as cheap and as
good here as in any other part of the world.
Brush-making. Mr. Blair conducts this business to great advantage and
manufactures vast quantities of brushes. Much more could be done were
the farmers more careful of their hogs' bristles." _Cramer's
Navigator, 1817._
Traveling Eastward
QUICK TRANSPORTATION.
"In the course of the present week, waggons have arrived at
Pittsburgh, in _thirteen days from Philadelphia_, with loads of 3500
lbs. and upwards." _Mercury, May 11, 1816._
"Two good safe and easy Stages Will leave Pittsburgh for Philadelphia
on the 27th or 28th inst. and will offer a pleasant conveyance for
four persons on very accommodating terms. Apply at the Branch Bank on
Second street or at the office of the Pittsburgh Gazette." _Gazette,
1816._
"Near Philadelphia, the single team of eight or nine horses is seen;
in the lower parts of Maryland and Virginia, the light three-horse
team is common; while in this country, the heavy Lancaster waggon,
drawn by five or six horses, which vie in stature with the elephant,
is continually before us. The extreme slowness of these overland
sloops, often attracted our notice." _Thomas's Travels through the
western country in 1816._
"Before the time of railroads between the east and west of the
Allegheny mountains, the freight business to the Monongahela was
carried on by means of the Conestoga road wagons drawn by six horses.
By this way the freight to Pittsburgh was carried exclusively, but
after the completion of the Pennsylvania canal, transportation was
divided between the canal-boat and the wagon. As early as 1817 12,000
wagons, in twelve months, passed over the Allegheny mountains from
Philadelphia and Baltimore, each with from four to six horses,
carrying from thirty-five to forty hundred weight. The cost was about
$7 per 100 weight, in some cases $10. To transport one ton of freight
between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, therefore, would cost about $140,
and in so doing two weeks, at least, of time would be consumed." _Van
Voorhis's Old and new Monongahela._
"The standard wagon for heavy work was the 'Conestoga.' The bed was
low in the center and high at each end. The lower part of the bed was
painted blue. Above this was a red part about a foot wide which could
be taken off when necessary, and these with the white canvas covering,
made the patriotic tri-color of the American flag, though this was
probably unintentional. Bells were often used in all seasons of the
year though not strings of bells such as were afterwards used in
sleighing. The wagoner's bells were fastened to an iron bow above the
hames on the horses and were pear shaped and very sweet toned. Perhaps
they relieved the monotony of the long journey over the lonely pike."
_Boucher's Century and a half of Pittsburg._
"With the Conestoga wagons originated our modern 'stogie' cigars which
have become so common in Pittsburg and which have been in recent
years, sent from Pittsburg to every section of the Union. They were
made in that day of pure home grown tobacco and being used very
largely at first by the Conestoga wagoners, took the name 'stogies'
which clings to them yet." _Boucher's Century and a half of
Pittsburg._
"There was almost a continuous stream of four or six horse wagons
laden with merchandise, going west and returning with the product of
the Ohio Valley to supply the eastern cities. These wagons journeyed
mostly between Pittsburg and Philadelphia and Baltimore. The wagoners
generally stopped at a wayside inn which was less expensive than at
the inns in the villages. Wagoners cared little for style but demanded
an abundance while the stage-coach passengers demanded both. The
wagoner invariably slept on a bunk which he carried with him and which
he laid on the floor of the big bar-room and office of the country
hotel. Stage drivers and their passengers stopped at the best hotels
and paid higher prices. For the purpose of feeding his horses in the
public square, the wagoner carried a long trough which at night he
fastened with special irons to the tongue of the wagon.... An old
gentleman told the writer that he had once seen 52 wagons in an
unbroken line going towards Pittsburg on this pike. They were
Conestoga wagons with great bowed beds covered with canvas, and none
of them were drawn by less than four, while many of them had six
horses. The old fashioned public square which kept them over night
must have been a good sized one. The public squares on this turnpike
were usually from three to four hundred feet long and from two to
three hundred feet wide. Some of the older villages had two squares
separated a short distance from each other, but this was generally
brought about by a rivalry among two factions when the town was first
laid out." _Boucher's Century and a half of Pittsburg._
"When a village was laid out along the pike there was usually a public
square in its center, and at least two corners of this public square
were set apart for taverns. This square generally called a diamond,
was not intended as a place of ornament as it usually is now, but was
for special purposes. There the wagons laden with freight stood over
night, and as a general rule in all kinds of weather, the horses were
blanketed, fed and bedded in the public square. Upon these wagons were
transported nearly all the goods between Philadelphia and Pittsburg."
_Boucher's Century and a half of Pittsburg._
"An account has been furnished us by Mr. Alexander Thompson, who
resides on the Turnpike road four miles and a half from Pittsburgh,
from which it appears, that from the 1st of January, 1815 to the 31st
of December 1815, inclusive, 5,800 road waggons, laden with
merchandize &c. passed his farm for Pittsburgh. The greater part of
these waggons returned loaded with cordage, salt petre, &c. to the
east of the mountains.
The waggons with iron from the Juniata and other iron works, are not
included in the above." _Gazette, Jan. 27, 1816._
"Recurring to my old plan of estimation, I passed on my road from
Chambersburgh to Pittsburgh, being 153 miles, one hundred and three
stage-waggons, drawn by four and six horses, proceeding from
Philadelphia and Baltimore to Pittsburgh,--seventy-nine from
Pittsburgh to Baltimore and Philadelphia,--sixty-three waggons, with
families, from the several places following:--twenty from
Massachusetts,--ten from the district of Maine,--fourteen from
Jersey,--thirteen from Connecticut,--two from Maryland,--one from
Pennsylvania,--one from England,--one from Holland,--and one from
Ireland; about two hundred persons on horseback,--twenty on foot,--one
beggar, one family, with their waggon, returning from Cincinnati,
entirely disappointed--a circumstance which, though rare, is by no
means, as some might suppose, miraculous." _Fearon's Sketches of
America, 1818._