Monongahela Bridge Company, the following persons were unanimously
elected:
_President_--Wm. Wilkins.
_Managers._
James Ross, Oliver Ormsby, David Pride, Christian Latshaw, George
Anshutz, Thomas Baird, Wm. M'Candless, Philip Gilland, James S.
Stevenson, Benj. Page, Jacob Beltzhoover, Fred'k Wendt.
_Treasurer_--John Thaw
_Clerk_--John Thaw
_Commonwealth, June 25, 1816._
The Newspapers
THE PITTSBURGH GAZETTE
Printed by John Scull, corner of Market and Front Streets. The Gazette
was published every Saturday morning at three dollars per annum. Later
in the year the Gazette was published on Tuesdays and Fridays.
"On the 1st of August, 1816, John Scull, the veteran editor,
relinquished the publication of the Pittsburg Gazette. He was
succeeded by Morgan Neville in the editorship of that journal, and his
son, John I. Scull, became associated with Mr. Neville." _Wilson's
History of Pittsburg._
"'The Pittsburgh Gazette' under the original proprietor, Mr. John
Scull, was the first establishment of the kind, west of the mountains.
On its first appearance, it was viewed as a meteor of the moment,
whose existence would terminate with the second or third number; and
the idea of deriving a subsistence from its publication, was classed
among the chimeras of a too sanguine temper. Our country was then a
'howling wilderness,' and the Ohio, whose fair bosom is now covered
with the 'white sails of commerce,' was then disturbed only by the
yell of the savage, who lay ambushed on its bank, or glided over its
surface, in his solitary canoe. But these obstacles, though
disheartening, were not sufficient to destroy the enterprize of the
Editor. He had turned his back on civilization and comforts of his
native place; he had deliberately subjected himself to the
inconveniences of emigration, and his was not the ardour to be damped
at the outset.... He became a citizen of Pittsburgh, when it was
little more than an Indian village; his interests grew with its
growth; he saw it rise into a manufacturing town; he has heard it
emphatically called the 'Birmingham of America;' and finally, he has
the triumphant satisfaction, of beholding in his own days, the village
of the desert, changed into the city of the west. He has succeeded
even beyond his expectations; he has run his moderate, unostentatious
course. The patronage he has received, was sufficient for his desires;
his editorial life here ends; with feelings acutely sensible of the
favors he has received, he now relinquishes to his son and successor
the 'Pittsburgh Gazette,' unstained by corruption, and free from
venality, but ever firm, he trusts, in supporting our palladium, the
freedom of the Press." _Gazette, Aug. 9, 1816._
THE COMMONWEALTH
Printed every Tuesday morning by C. Colerick for S. Douglas & Co. in
Diamond Alley, between Market and Wood Streets.
THE PITTSBURGH MERCURY
"'The Pittsburgh Mercury,' is published every Saturday, at the new
brick building, in Liberty-street, at the head of Wood-street,
opposite the Octagon Church; where the subscribers, advertising
customers, and other friends of the establishment, are respectfully
invited to call." _Mercury, Oct. 19, 1816._
"The kind of news material found in the columns of papers of those
days is entirely different from the style of material found today.
Local news is rarely ever given in the papers of an early day. As a
rule the subscriber read but one paper and local news could be handed
around by gossip from one neighbor to another, and what the subscriber
demanded in his paper was foreign news that he could gain in no other
way. The founding of new enterprises, marriages, or deaths of
prominent citizens, etc. found no place in the pioneer newspaper.
European news necessarily nearly two months old, long articles on the
management of public affairs, controversies carried on from week to
week between rival exponents on different theories, essays on morality
and amateur poetry, fill up the columns of nearly all the early
newspapers of Western Pennsylvania.... Their value to those who would
learn of early local history is found chiefly in the advertisements
and from these ... one may gather some important information
concerning Pittsburg's early days." _Boucher's Century and a half of
Pittsburg._
Churches
First Presbyterian Church
"In [1785] a bill was introduced into the Legislative Assembly, at
Philadelphia, to incorporate a 'Presbyterian Congregation in
Pittsburgh, at this time under the care of the Rev. Samuel Barr,'
which, after much delay, was finally passed on the twenty-ninth of
September, 1787. The Penns gave the site for this church....
In the Spring of 1811 Reverend Francis Herron became the pastor of
the First Church, which the year before had had a membership of
sixty-five. Dr. Herron's salary was six hundred dollars per annum. For
thirty-nine years he labored ceaselessly and wisely for the church and
congregation. In 1817 the church was enlarged, and the membership
steadily increased." _Killikelly's History of Pittsburgh._
Second Presbyterian Church
"The Second Presbyterian Church was organized ... in 1804, by those
members of the First Church to whom the methods used, regarding the
services in the First Church, were unsatisfactory. The next year Dr.
Nathaniel Snowden took charge of the congregation which worshiped ...
in the Court House and other places, public and private. Dr. John
Boggs came, but remained only a short time. He was replaced by the
Rev. Mr. Hunt, in 1809. The first edifice, on Diamond alley, near
Smithfield street, was built in 1814." _Killikelly's History of
Pittsburgh._
East Liberty Presbyterian Church
"Mr. Jacob Negley, whose wife had been a Miss Winebiddle, and
consequently, inherited much real estate, controlled practically what
is now known as East Liberty Valley, in the early days, called
Negleystown. He was largely instrumental ... in erecting a small frame
school building at what subsequently became the corner of Penn and
South Highland avenues. This was for the accommodation of the children
of the district, as well as his own. It was ... a long distance to the
then established churches, and Mr. Negley very often, for the benefit
of the neighborhood, invited some minister passing through, or one
from one of the other churches, to preach in his own house and later
in the school house. In 1819 the little school house was torn down to
make way for a church building." _Killikelly's History of Pittsburgh._
Reformed Presbyterian Church
"The First Reformed Presbyterian Church of Pittsburg, long afterwards
known as the 'Oak Alley Church,' was organized in 1799. Rev. John
Black, an Irishman of considerable intellectual force, who had been
graduated from the University of Glasgow, was its first pastor.... He
included, in his ministry, all societies of the same persuasion in
Western Pennsylvania. He preached here until his death on October 25,
1849." _Boucher's Century and a half of Pittsburg._
Roman Catholic Church
"The number of Catholics prior to 1800, in what is now Allegheny
county, must have been very small. They were visited occasionally by
missionaries traveling westward.... [These] priests, ministering to a
few scattered families, celebrating Mass in private houses, fill up
the long interval between the chapel of the 'Assumption of the Blessed
Virgin of the Beautiful River' in Fort Duquesne, and 'Old St.
Patrick's Church,' which was begun in 1808.
Rev. Wm. F. X. O'Brien, the first pastor, was ordained in Baltimore,
1808, and came to Pittsburg in November of the same year, and at once
devoted himself to the erection of ... 'Old St. Patrick's.' It stood
at the corner of Liberty and Washington streets, at the head of
Eleventh street, in front of the new Union Station.... The structure
was of brick, plain in design and modest in size, about fifty feet in
length and thirty in width. Rt. Rev. Michael Egan dedicated the Church
in August 1811, and the dedication was the occasion of the first visit
of a Bishop to this part of the State." _St. Paul's Cathedral record._
Protestant Episcopal Church
"The building of the first Trinity Church was begun about the time it
was organized and chartered, 1805. It occupied a triangular lot at the
corner of Sixth, Wood and Liberty streets. It was built in an oval
form that it might more nearly conform to the shape of the three
cornered lot and for this reason was generally known as the 'round
church.' Rev. Taylor in his latter years became known as 'Father'
Taylor. He remained with the church as its rector until 1817, when he
resigned." _Boucher's Century and a half of Pittsburg._
First German United Evangelical Protestant Church
"When John Penn, jr., and John Penn presented land to the Presbyterian
and Episcopal churches of Pittsburgh they, at the same time, deeded
the same amount to the already organized German Evangelical
congregation; the land given to them was bounded by Smithfield street,
Sixth avenue, Miltenberger and Strawberry alleys. No church was built
on this grant, however, until some time between 1791-94, and it was of
logs. This was ... replaced in 1833 by a large brick building, which
had the distinction of a cupola, in which the first church bell in
Pittsburgh was hung." _Killikelly's History of Pittsburgh._
Methodist Episcopal Church
"In June, 1810, a lot was purchased for the first [Methodist] church
built in the city. It was situated on Front street, now First street,
nearly opposite ... the present Monongahela House. The erection of a
church was commenced at once, for on August 26th of that year Bishop
Asbury preached on the foundation of it. His journal says: 'Preached
on the foundation of the new chapel to about five hundred souls. I
spoke again at 5 o'clock to about twice as many. The society here is
lively and increasing in numbers.' The building was a plain brick
structure, 30 × 40 feet. We do not know certainly when it was
completed, but probably in the autumn of 1810.
In this church the society continued to worship in peace and
prosperity for eight years. But near the close of this period it had
become too small, and a new and larger one became a necessity.
Consequently, in May, 1817, three lots were purchased on the corner of
Smithfield and Seventh streets, and the erection of a larger church
commenced. It was completed the following year." _Warner's History of
Allegheny county._
Baptist Church
"The first church of this denomination in Pittsburg was organized in
April, 1812, when the city had about five thousand people. It was an
independent organization and included about six families with perhaps
not more than twelve people in all who had come from New England. The
chief organizer and pastor was Rev. Edward Jones, also from New
England. The society was too poor then to build a church, but
worshiped in private houses and in rented halls." _Boucher's Century
and a half of Pittsburg._
Schools
"Robert Steele, who afterward became a Presbyterian preacher, opened a
school in Pittsburg in January, 1803, at his house on Second
street.... His rates were four dollars per quarter. In 1803, a teacher
named Carr opened a school for both boys and girls. The next year he
advertised that his school was moved to larger quarters over Dubac's
store, where he probably taught till 1808, when he opened a boarding
school for boys. In 1818 he removed his school to Third street where
Mrs. Carr 'instructed young ladies in a separate room in the usual
branches, and in all kinds of needle work.' William Jones began a
school in 1804, and charged but two dollars per quarter for tuition.
In February, 1808, Samuel Kingston opened a school in a stone house on
Second street.... A teacher named Graham opened a school on Second
street, using the room formerly occupied by Mr. Kingston, in which he
proposed to give his pupils an English and classical education on
moderate terms. The advertisement stated that Mrs. Graham would at the
same time open a school for 'young ladies' in an adjoining room, and
that she would instruct them in all branches of an English education
and in needle work. In 1811 Thomas Hunt opened a school 'for the
instruction of females exclusively.' The hours he advertised were from
8 to 12 a.m., and from 2 to 5 p.m.... In the same year this
advertisement appears: 'Messrs. Chute and Noyes' evening school
commences the first of October next. They also propose on Sabbath
morning, the 22 instant, to open a Sunday morning school to commence
at the hour of eight a.m., and continue until ten. They propose to
divide the males and females into separate departments. The design of
the school is to instruct those who wish to attend, the Catechism and
hear them read the Holy Scriptures. No pecuniary compensation is
desired, a consciousness of doing good will be an ample reward.' In
1812 John Brevost opened a French school, and with his wife and
daughter opened a boarding school in connection with it in 1814. Their
terms were, 'for reading, writing, arithmetic, English grammar,
history and geography, with the use of maps, globes, etc., $8.00
quarterly. Playing on the piano, $10.00 quarterly; vocal music, $5.00
quarterly. Drawing and painting of flowers, $6.00 quarterly. French
language, $5.00 quarterly. Boarding $37.00, payable in advance.
Dancing, books, materials, drawing, sewing, bed and bedding to be paid
for separately or furnished by parents.' Mrs. Gazzam had opened a
seminary for young ladies by this time, and advertised its removal to
Fifth street. Her pupils were instructed in the elementary studies of
an English education, and in needle work at four dollars per quarter.
She taught them to cut, make and repair their clothes. The pupils were
permitted to visit their homes once each week, but no young men were
allowed to visit them unless attended by a servant. She boarded them
for $125 per year. The two sisters, Miss Anna and Arabella Watts,
instructed young ladies solely in needle work. In almost all schools
needle work was a requisite part of the education of young women. In
fact it was considered the all important part of a woman's training
and not infrequently other branches were taught if required, or if
thought necessary." _Boucher's Century and a half of Pittsburg._
CITY ACADEMY
"The subscriber, respectfully informs his fellow citizens, and others,
that he has happily secured the co-operation of Mr. Edward
Jones--hopes their most sanguine expectations, relative to his
seminary, will be fully justified.
All the most important branches of education, taught as in the best
academies, on either side the Atlantick.--Mathematics in general, as
in the city of _Edinburgh_.--During four years, the subscriber taught
the only Mathematical school in the capital of New-Hampshire.
A class of young gentlemen will shortly commence the study of
Navigation, Gunnery, Bookkeeping, Geography and English grammar.
George Forrester." _Mercury, May 18, 1816._
THE LANCASTER SCHOOL.
"Will continue at the room where it is now kept in Market street. In
addition to the common branches of reading, orthography, etc., the
teacher gives lessons in English grammar, geography and Book-keeping.
Penmanship is taught on a most approved system at all hours.
To those who are acquainted with this mode of instructing children,
its superior excellence need not be pointed out, and such as have
never seen a school on this plan in actual operation, and are not
intimately conversant with its theory, are invited (if they have the
curiosity) to visit the institution in Market street; where, although
the number of pupils is small, yet the school will afford a sufficient
illustration of the Lancaster system to convince the most incredulous
that 500 or even 1000 pupils by the aid of this wonderful invention,
may be taught with prodigious facility by a single teacher."
_Commonwealth, April 3, 1816._
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
"The first charter to an institution of learning west of the mountains
granted by the legislature of Pennsylvania, February 28, 1787, created
the Pittsburg Academy. The school was in existence earlier than
this....
The principals of the academy from the very beginning were men of high
attainments, some of them attaining great distinction. George Welch,
the first principal, took office April 13, 1789. Rev. Robert Steele,
pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, Rev. John Taylor, Mr. Hopkins
and James Mountain successively were at the head of the academy. From
1807 to 1810, Rev. Robert Patterson, of excellent fame, successfully
carried on the work. He was succeeded in the latter year by Rev.
Joseph Stockton, author of the 'Western Calculator' and 'Western
Spelling Book,' who continued in office until the re-incorporation of
the academy as the Western University of Pennsylvania, in 1819."
_Boucher's Century and a half of Pittsburg._
Libraries
"It was not ... until the fall of 1813, that the question of a
community Library took definite shape, when in response to the efforts
'of many leading and progressive citizens,' there was organized 'The
Pittsburgh Library Company.' On the evening of November 27, 1813,
about 40 representative people assembled in the spacious 'bar room' of
the 'Green Tree Inn,' at the northwest corner of Fifth and Wood
streets, where the First National Bank now stands, and took the
initiative in the formation of Pittsburgh's first real public
library.... Its first president was the Rev. Francis Herron, for 40
years pastor of the First Presbyterian Church. The secretary was
Aquila M. Bolton, 'land broker and conveyancer.' The treasurer was
Col. John Spear.... Quite a sum of money was subscribed by citizens
generally for the purchase of books, while many valuable volumes were
either contributed or loaned by members. Messrs. Baldwin, O'Hara,
Wilkins and Forward being especially mentioned for their generosity in
this connection. The first head-quarters of the library were in rooms
'on Second street, opposite Squire Robert Graham's office,' who at
that time dispensed even handed justice at the northeast corner of
Market and Second streets. Here the library remained until the county
commissioners set aside a commodious room in the Court House for its
use." _A. L. Hardy, in Gazette-Times, 1913._
"The triennial meeting of the shareholders [of the Pittsburgh Library
Company] was convened at their new library room, in Second street,
opposite Squire Graham's office, at six o'clock, Monday evening,
December thirtieth, 1816. The following gentlemen were then elected by
ballot to serve as a Board of Directors for the ensuing three years,
viz: George Poe, president; Aquila M. Bolton, secretary; Lewis
Bollman, treasurer; James Lea, Benjamin Bakewell, Robert Patterson,
Walter Forward, Alexander Johnson, jr., William Eichbaum, jr.,
Benjamin Page, Alexander McClurg, J. P. Skelton, Ephraim Pentland,
Charles Avery, J. R. Lambdin, directors." _Killikelly's History of
Pittsburgh._
"It has been published, that the Library of this city contains two
thousand volumes. Through the politeness of J. Armstrong, the
librarian, I gained admittance, and having examined the catalogue, am
enabled to state that the whole collection is only about five hundred
volumes. The books, however, are well chosen, and of the best
editions. How the error originated is of no consequence except to him
who made it." _Thomas's Travels through the western country in 1816._
The New Books of 1816
Austen. Emma.
Byron. Childe Harold (Canto III).
The dream.
Hebrew melodies.
Parisina.
Prisoner of Chillon.
Siege of Corinth.
Coleridge. Christabel.
Crabbe. Dictionary of English synonymes.
D'Israeli. Character of James I.
Goethe. Italianische reise.
Hunt. A story of Rimini.
Moore. Elegy on Sheridan.
Irish melodies.
Peacock. Headlong Hall.
Scott. Antiquary.
Black dwarf.
Guy Mannering.
Lord of the Isles.
Old Mortality.
Shelley. Alastor.
Southey. Carmen triumphale.
Wordsworth. Poems.
White doe of Rylstone.
The Theatre
"There were in 1808 two dramatic societies in Pittsburg that were
important enough to receive notice in the newspapers. The one was
composed of law students and young lawyers and the other was composed
of mechanics. The object of these societies was to study the poets and
dramatic literature and to give public performances in the court
house. William Wilkins ... was a member and took a leading part in
the entertainments given by these societies. There was no way for
theatrical companies from the East to reach Pittsburg prior to 1817,
save by the state road, which was scarcely passable for a train of
pack horses, yet they came even as early as 1808 and performed in
a small room, which was secured for them when the court room was
occupied. In 1812 a third dramatic society called the Thespian Society
was organized among the young men and young women of Pittsburg.
The society numbered among its members the brightest and best bred
young people of the city, most of whom took part in each performance.
They were given in a room on Wood street, in a building known as
Masonic Hall." _Boucher's Century and a half of Pittsburg._
"The Theatre of this City has been now opened nearly a fortnight, and
the managers although they have used every exertion to please, in the
selection of their pieces, have not been enabled to pay the contingent
expenses of the House. This is a severe satire on the taste of the
place.
Tomorrow [Wednesday] evening we understand that the 'Stranger' is to
be produced--we hope under auspices more favorable to the managers
than heretofore. The part of the Stranger is to be performed by a
Young Gentleman of the City, who has never before graced the
Boards.--If report speaks correctly of his talents, he bids fair to
excel any person who has yet appeared upon the stage on this side the
Mountains. It is hoped that this novelty, together with the correct
and manly acting of Mr. Savage, a stranger here, and the chastened
elegance which Mrs. Savage is said to exhibit, will attract to the
Theatre, for this one evening at least, the friends to this rational
amusement." _Commonwealth, Nov. 12, 1816._
On Friday evening, June 7, will be presented, Shakespear's celebrated
comedy, in 3 acts called
Catharine & Petruchio
after which, a much admired comic opera called
The Highland Reel.
For particulars, see bills.
And, that every person should have the opportunity of seeing the most
splendid spectacle ever exhibited in Pittsburgh, on Saturday evening,
June 8, will be presented, the grand romantic drama, called
Timour the Tartar;
or, the
Princess of Mingrelia.
Which will positively be the last time, of its being performed, as the
scenery will be appropriated to other purposes.
With other Entertainments.
For particulars, see box bills.