Pittsburg dispatch. [volume], July 16, 1890, Image 9

About Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923

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ALLEGHENY CITY SEMI-CENTENNIAL SOUVENIR.
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1890.
INK IF ALLEGHENY CITY.
How Pittsburg's Prosperous Sister Was Founded,
Nurtured and Developed by
THE HARDY PIONEERS OF EARLY DAYS.
Graphic Narrative of Interesting Incidents Which Have Been
Cherished by Local Historians,
Early Strangles of the Founders The First Boronjh Government When Smoky
Island Was Worthy the Kame Old-Time Tragedies Eecalled How the Ferries
GaTe Way to Bridges When Consolidation Was First Discnssed Wonderful
Growth of Allegheny's Public Schools The Old Volunteer Fire Department and
Its Lively Experiences Local Celebrities Who Figured in the Early History of
the City Anecdotes and Eeminisccnces Gathered From Old Eecords and Ob
servant Citizens.
ALTHOUGH
Allegheny
has been a
full-fledged
city only 50
years, it has
more than a
century o f
interesting
history. The
laet claim of
the 'Indians to the soil of "Western Penn
sylvania was extinguished in 1784, when
the State boncht from them, among other
tracts of lane, 3,003 acres opposite Fort
Pitt In September, 1787, the State ordered,
this reservation to be pnt np for sale, de
creet n r that "the President or Vice Presi
dent in Council shall reserve ont of the lots
of the said town, for the use of the State, so
tnnch land as they shall deem necessary for
a Court House, for places of public worship
and burying the dead; and within the sala
town 100 acres for a common of pasture."
THE FIRST LOG CABIN.
The town contemplated by the above plan
was laid ont early in the following year,
1788. It was exactly square, a third of a
mile each way, and consisted of 100 lots,
ts,
of'
each 60x240 feet, and all within 100 acres
X. Nelson'e Island. 2. Smoky Island. 8. Kllbnck Island, t James Robinson's Log Cabin
said to be the house represented on City 8eal. 6. Ledlie'i Wharf.
common grounds. Allegheny City now con
fains 737 square miles of territory. "Hog
back Hill" was then a wild turkey roost.
It is now known as Monument Hill. Fed
eral street was at that time called the Frank
lin road, because it wss the beginning of an
important trail, or public road, to a military
fort at Franklin, Venango county. At the
foot of the Franklin road, jnst about on the
liver bank, stood the first log cabin ever
erected on the site of Allegheny. This is
perhaps the house represented on the official
seal of the city to-day. The cabin was
ownedby William Robinson, the ferryman
who took people over the river in the days
long before the Allegheny was shadowed by
the arch of any bridge.
THE FIRST WHITE CHILD.
His son, the celebrated General 'William
Robinson, was born December 17, 1782, in
this same log house which was not far from
where the anchors of the Sixth street sus
pension bridge grip the earth at the north
ern approach. Ho lived and died on that
site, the patrimonial homestead being well
remembered by all old Allegheny conntlaui.
'William Robinson, Jr., had the singular
hlitorio honor of being the first white child
Oraword1! Tavern, on Rivr llan.
born north and west of tlio Ohio river, an
honor dltputed nt times In bis life, but
which Is verified by examination, The rea
son that so much Importance Is attaohed to
this log cabin and Its child, in the opening
oftbeie articles, Is that General William
Robinson long years 'afterward, In 1810, be
came the first Mayor of Allegheny when It
was chartered t city.
SETTLED VERT SLOWLY.
When the new county of Allegheny was
erected, its authorities indorsed the plans of
the State in reserving a plot of land for the
court house on the north side of the river,
because the ground was not so hilly. But
in 1701 a supplement was passed to the act
creating Allegheny county, repealing the
clause about locating the courts there, be
cause the country beyond the Allegheny
river was then uninhabited, and was sub
ject to Indian incursions.
The newly laid out Allegheny town there
fore lost one of its IncentiTes to civilisation.
The lots were sold by the State in the fall of
1788, and were purchased principally by
Revolutionary soldiers. In the years that
followed the place was but very slowly
, settled, the business of that early period
being nearly altogether confined to Pitts-
burg, where thebigFortPittofferedsuperior
protection against the Indians.
INCORPORATED AS A BOROUGH.
Allegheny was incorporated a borough on
April 14, 1828, and on the 10th of May that
same year John Irwin was elected the first
Burgess. The first meeting of the Council
of Allegheny borough was held on Friday,
General William Hoblnson.
Hay 16, 1828, at the house of Robert Camp-
Dell, vine iolJowinjr members were present:
James Brown, Isaao Lightner, Robert
Stewart, Richard Gray, William Savoy,
John Meason, Robert Campbell and Foster
Graham. James Brown was elected Presi
dent, R. A. Campbell Clerk and Jacob
Slotterback High Constable.
The next meeting was held on June 9. A
general borough ordinance was adopted, and
Mr. Jones, of Pittsburg, was paid ?8 for
drafting the ordinance. Hugh Davis was
elected Treasurer of the borough, Thomas
Sample Assessor and Jacob Slotterback
Collector. Robert Bowman, John Orr and
John Stoddart were chosen Regulators and
Thomas Sample was made Street Commis
sloner. ENGINE AND MARKET HOUSES.
At this meeting of the Council informa
tion was received from Harrisburg that a
patent had been applied for for a sandbar
within the borough limits. An ordinance
was passed widening "Water alley (Park
way), to a 48-foot street. Owners of prop
erty on the alley were allowed to occupy 20
feet of the common ground on the south
side of lots (Stockton avenue).
At the meeting of borough Council, on
December 7, 1829, an ordinance was passed
establishing a market house, and appoint
Ing a comraltteo to purobase a fire engine for
the protealon or homes In the borough. On
March 15,1830, the engine bouse was located
on the northwest corner of the southeast
squaroofthe Diamond. The market houso
was located on the no'rthwest corner of tbe
south squaroofthe Diamond. Threo bun
dred and ten dollars from tho oltlxeni, and
J100 from tho brldgo compsny was
RAISED 11V SUllSCnil'TJON
to pay for the apparatus, for whiob they
wero credited as taxes. The borough bor
rowed money in May following to pay the
balance to F. A. Burmle & Co., 27flon en
gines, and f25B 80 (or hose and carriage.
Foster Graham reoolved 1132 CO for build
ing the engine house.
The first poitoffloe was loctUd no the west
side of the Diamond, betwesn Ohio street
ana uay alley, it moved to the south aide
of the Dlauood, between Federal street and
Middle alley. From there it was taken to
the northeast oomerof Federal street and
the csual, and next to the er.st sldo of Fed
eral street, between South Common (Stock
ton avenue) and Water alley (Park way)
afterward to tho north side or Park way, be
tween Federal street and Sandusky street,
and in the latter part of tbe flltlcs it was re
moved to tho northwest corner of Federal
and Lacock streets, In 1800 it was finally
removed to City Hall.
BMOKT ISLAND'S PALMT DATS.
Iu those days Smoky Island was Indeed
and In fact an island. Mr. L. D. MeOand
less says: "Tho first occupants of Bmoky
Island that I have any knowledge of were
tbe Tanners, a light colored family, who
left tbe islond in the spring of 1830, going
to Beaver county. Believing they owned
tbe Island by squatter right they tried to
sell it. No one would buy. They offered
their house and tbe island for the care of it
to several persons, one of whom was my
grandfather. They all refused the offer
irom tbe fact that in high water the island
was isolated from tbe town.
"A man by the name of Johnston occu
pied tbe island with a blacksmith and ma
chine shop, when it was swept away by tbe
flood of 1832. An anvil weighing 700
pounds, afterward found on the bar at
Wheeling, belpnged to Johnston. The big
log, to which it had been fastened, no doubt
danced along the bottom of the river till the
fastenings broke. This is a verified fact,
William Sprague, some years deceased,
having been with tbe party when they found
the anvlL"
THE OTHEE ISLANDS.
Killbuck Island lay just above the bead
of Smoky Island. It was a small affair, for
which tbe borough paid about $25. Tbe
Borough Council on the evening of Septem
ber 16, 1826, authorized Messrs. Morrison,
Tassey and Shields to purchase tbe island
from heirs of Lenas Keal. The object was
to secure the sand.
Nelson's Island was purchased by the
borough of Allegheny in July, 1834, for the
sum of $490. The island lay between Smoky
I Gardner's, or Valentine's Ferry Landing.
Island and the Allegheny shore, about op
posite Sturgeon street. The Burgess leased
the privilege of taking sand from the island
at half a cent a bushel. The sand was de
livered at 1 cent a bushel. There was a pro
test, and new contracts wero made for 10
cents per yard.
ENLARGED INTO A CITY.
At a special meeting of the Borough
Council held January 17, 1839, it was re
solved, "That, in view of the great and
growing increase of the population embraced
within our corporate limits, and the many
advantages to be derived from it, that this
Council, as an expression of their opinion,
do recommend to the next Council the pro
priety of memorizing the Legislature for a
city charter."
July 1, 1839, a copy of the charter bill, as
amended, having passed both Houses of the
State Legislature, was read be ore Council.
The Borough Burgess, John Morrison,
made his appearance and read tbe written
opinion of the Borough Solicitor on the
subject. A resolution was offered to arrange
to hold an election for Mayor, Select and
Common Councilmen on tbe first Tuesday
in July, Burgess Morrison protesting
against the undue haste. Yet the resolu
tion passed 1 votes for and 3 against. After
the vote the matter was discussed. A noisy
wrangle was followed by a call to order and
a vote to reconsider, re u. 'ting in deferring
the time of election to tee fourth Tuesday,
by a vote of 5 to 3. There was a great deal
of feeling displayed and some harsh ex
pressions used. All this was useless, as the
bill had not yet been signed by the Governor.
The election was postponed indefinitely.
THE FIRST MUNICIPAL ELECTION.
A year later, June 18, 1840, tbe Council
arranged for tbe first city election to be held
on the second Tuesday of July, pursuant to
act of tbe 13th of April, 1840, incorporating
the city and providing for the election, as
follows: First ward, election to be held at
the house of H. DeHaven; H. Irwin and
W. A. Cbarlton to supervise the same.
Second ward, at tbe house of John Goering,
nnder supervision of Robert Stewart and
Peter Beard. Third wsrd, at the house of
Charles Vick; L. O. Reynolds and William
A. Irwin, supervisors. Fourth ward, at the
houseof Hugh Sweeney; William Robinson
and James A. Gray, supervisors. General
William Robinson was elected Mayor.
A complete list of the borough and muni
cipal officers of Allegheny, from the begin
ning of its organization up to the present
time, is as follows:
TJNDEB EACH ADMINISTRATION.
Burgesses John Irwin, 1829-34; Hugh
Davis, 1835-38; John Morrison, 1839-40.
Presidents of Council James Brown,
1828-9-34; Isaao Lightner, 1830-1; John
Tassay. 1832-33-35-37-39; John Mannen,
1838; S. S. Shields, 1840.
Clerks of Council R. A. Campbell,1828;
John Morrison, 1829-33; George R. Riddle,
1834-38; Thomas L. McMillan, 1839 40.
Treasurers Hugh Davis, 1828-29; Will
iam Robinson, Jr., 1830-35; John Patterson,
1836; John Morrlson,1837-38; John Hannen,
From the time of the incorporation of the
city until the present time, tho officers bavo
been as follows:
Mayors General William Robinson, Jr.,
1810; Thomas Sample, 1841; William B.
Foster, 1842-3; llczxlkia Nixon, 1814-45; R.
8. Oassett, 1810; Henry Campbell, 1817-8;
Jonathan Rush. 1819; Hugh S. Fleming,
1850-52; R. W. Park, 1853; William B.
Adums, 1851.0; Harmon DeHaven, 1857;
Jiicob Stuokrath, 1858; John Morrison,
1859-00; Simnn Drum, 1801-02; A, O. Altx,
nnder. 1803 01; John Morrison, 1800-07;
Himon Drum, 1808-00; A. P. Callow, 1870
74; David Neely. 1874; Hugh 8. Fleming,
1674; Ortnaby Phillips, 1870-77; Thomas Mo
Graw, 1878-80: Louis Petrrson. 1881-84.
James O. Wvman, 1881-871 lllahard T.
Poarson. 1887.88; James O. Wytnan, 1889.
Presidents of Holed Council--James
Brown, 1810-41) H. Nixon, 1B13 K. W.
Bttveni, 1813-11; John Tuner. 1815-10)11, 8,
Cassstt, 1817-48VIII!am Robinson, 1B10-5U
Jnoob Painter, 1857-68; James Marshall,
18fi0-05 James McBrler, 1800.71) JoiIhIi
Patterson, 1870-761 A. D. Armstrong, 1870.
83. James 11, Llnsey, 1881.
Presidents of Common Counell Ileury
Irwin, 1810 41)0. IS. Warner, lS-lO-lO; Will
Urn Boyd. 1850-62 James Park, Jr., 1853)
William Cli umbers. 1851: James Marshall,
1800; John Atwell, 1800; John W. Barr,
1807: J, Oudner Coffin, 1858; Hugh B.
Fleming, I860: Joseph Klrkpatrlek, 1800;
A. D. Bin I Ih, 1801.02; John Brown, 1803;
Juwes MnUrlar, 1801; Simon Drum. 1800;
UcorsH D. Kiddle, i860 07) John B. Blagle,
1808; Alfred B I sole, 1809: Henry Warner,
1870;Allro(i Bluek, 1871-731 Henry M. Long
1874 Willi. m T. Price, 1875; J. O. B.
Golden, 1870; James Hunter, 1877; George
W. Bnamuo, 1878 80; James Hunter, 1881,
Oontrollers-R. B. Fruno!s,lB05.09; Will,
lam R. Porter, 1870-71; Jumes Brown, 1872.
Treasurers JnhnHunnen,1810-42;Tbomas
H. Stewart, 1813-47; John H, Stewart,
1818-19; Jonathan Rush, 1850-53; Henry
Campbell, 1851-57: David MoFerron, 1858.
Solicitors William O'Hura Roblnsou,
1811; Thomas MoConnell, 1812; Wllllura
O'Uura Robinson, 1813-11; Thomas Will,
lams, 1815-47; Steven H. Oeyer, 1848-50;
David W. Bell. 1857.59; S. Soboyer,' Jr.,
1800-06; M. A. Woodward, IBS0; J. O. Me'
Combs,. 1807-69; William B. Rodgers,
1870-87; George Eiphinstone, 1888.
Tbo Gentle Herrant Girl.
Baltimore American.
"What Shall We Do With Our Servants?"
is the title of an article in one of our house
hold publications, but a Baltimore lady
states that it is all wrong and that it should
read, "What Shall Our Servants Do With
Us?"
AS AN INFANT CITY.
The Interesting Days of Allegheny's
Childhood Recalled.
REMINISCENCES OP A YETEEAN.
Two of the Early Tragedies, as Well 88
Some Political Fun.
THE FERRIES GIYE WAY. TO BRIDGES.
Opening of the First Railroad The Old Canal Land
marks Hidden Bonewhere,
The real progress of Allegheny com
menced after tbe town developed into a city.
Tbe population of Allegheny at various
times has been as follows: 1830, 4,420; 1840,
10,090; 1850, 21,262; 1860, 28,702; 1870.
53,180; 1880, 78,681. Tbe present census
will show about 105,000.
Few landmarks are left of even the tran
sition period of Allegheny. Much of in
terest marked the years in which the young
city pushed out for wider life. Mr. L. D.
McCandless, one of the venerable citizens
of the Northside to-day, whose life connects
us with the lost past, has furnished The
Dispatch with the data Irom which tbe
reminiscences in this article, and in some of
the other articles of this anniversary issue,
are made up. Mr. McCandless has a good
memory, as the appended stories will prove.
In February, 1841, a crippled negro drove
up to tbe William Peno Hotel. Driving
Into the yard from Webster street (Sherman
avenue) leaving the two hard driven horses
OLD WILLIAM PENH" TAVERN, PRESENT SITE OP ST. PETER'S CHURCH.
in charge of the hostler, and going into the
barroom he ordered supper. The proprietor
of the hotel recognized the wagon and the
horses as belonging to a German farmer who
had left there earlier in the day. On the
wagon lay a sassafras stick, used to fasten
hay on tbe wagon, which had blood ou it,
and tufts of hair were clinging to the bark,
while drops of blood were visible on the
wagon-bed and on the loose straw.
This aroused a horrible suspicion which
the negro noticed and suddenly disappeared.
The dead body of the German farmer was
discovered under a culvert on tbe road at
Sewickley creek. Information of this fact
came quickly, and a hunt for the colored
man began.
RETRIBUTION OVERTOOK HIM.
Some oitizen seeing him iu tbe barroom
at Crawford's, hastened to get the constable,
and when be arrived the negro had again
disappeared. The night was very dark. He
had; not crossed at either of the bridges.
Tho conclusion, therefore, was that he bad
crossed on ttbe ice, and he was searohed for
in Pittsburg. Tho next day people crossing
on tbe bridge, as well as tho boys skating
along tbo shore, noticed in an airhole, just
beow the Federal street bridge, a stick
swaying back and forth noar the edgo of the
thin ico. The boys encouraged a spaniel
dog to bring chips ashore, hoping be would
bring the swaying stiok, which he at Jast
seized, It resisted at first. Tho spectators
were horrified to seo a bumau body arise.
It was the hunted negro, who in attempting
to oross the river on tbo ice, bad stopped
into the holo and was drowned. His grip
on the crooked hnndlo of tbo umbrella stuck
he held was hard to looson. A curious crowd
vlewod tho corpso at tho Town Hall,
Tim OLD GRAVEYARD,
Here originated the oft-repeated story of
the nowlj.elootod Mayor, Mr. Sample, the
tanner, "tanning a part of a negro's hide,"
Whether true or false, It was used by the
Abolitionists tbe next fall to defeat Bam.
pleas Mayor for tho seeoud term. Tho
bloaohod human skull that lor years adorned
a martin box on Water alley was said to be
that of the negro who killed the, German
farmer.
In the earlier days of the settlement on
tho Northside, when Allegheny was a
wilderness or spaoe, the oongregations of tho
Presbyterian ohuroh by common consent
fenoed In a plena of tho oommon grounds
next the ravine (Marlon avenue) 210 foot in
length and 130 feet In breadth, for a bury
ing ground, and a building, serving for a
sohoolhouio and lor ohuroh meetings, leav
ing a space of 00 feot on the east line of lot
for possible continuation of Craig street to
Ohio street. As tbe town-grew, the right to
occupy oommon grounds beesme town -gossip,
and was finally brought boloro tbo
borough Council.
MRS. GRUNDY'S COMPLAIWTS.
On December 1, 1828, a resolution was
passed that the congregation and their suc
cessors should have full power and au
thority to control tbe said piece of ground
In tbe way and manner that might seem
most conducive to tbe interests ot said con
gregation; provided that no appropriation
be made otber than for the purpose of i a
burying ground or the ercotion of a school
or meeting house thereon. 'It was not long
till Mrs. Grundy wanted to know what
right Council had to giv6 away publio do
main. The church people were tired, tbe ground
was neglected, ana Mrs. Grandy continued
to complain bitterly. Mr. Blackstock and
others on March 1, 1832, petitioned Counoll
to aisume control of the burying ground, t
Kb
Old Town Sail, torn down in 1SCS.
Council thereupon revoked their iornier
action, and advertised for bids for building
a lence five feet high around the graveyard.
A GRAVEYARD MYSTERY.
When the survey of the Ohio and Penn
sylvania Railroad was made the route laid
through the craveyard, and arrangements
followed to remove the remains of the early
settlers buried there. Many of the un
marked graves escaping notice at that time,
were exposed afterward when excavations
were made for the railroad tracks.
There wasior many years an unexplained
mystery connected with the old graveyard.
Griffith, the sexton ol the old frame church
that stood on the ground now occupied by
Dr. Swi t's church, on Arch street, sudden
ly disappeared. He was an intemperate
man. vet alwavs nromnt. The mvstcrv of
his disappearance was, some 30 years later.
-.-p.uiui.u miuugu a skill y miu ur uidw-
pated man in Toledo, O. The story in brief
was as follows: Two butchers on their way
to market one morning before daybreak,
when passing the old Alleeheny graveyaid,
saw a light, and leaving their wagon went
over to where a man, by the light of a lan
tern, was lifting a body out of a grave.
they: murdered him.
One of the butchers struck the man with
a piece of broken coffin lid, killing him
without having meant to do so. Frightened
at the result, they filled up the grave, into
which the stricken man had fallen, and then
hurried away, the men afterward leaving
tbe neighborhood. One of them died and
the other became a drunkard. While drunk
he told this story, which at once accounted
for the intemperate sexton's disappearance.
Nobody ever suspected bim of tho robbery
of unknown graves. '
At 3 o'clock p.m. of July 3. 1851, a lo
comotive, with tender attached, crossed and
recrossed tbe commons several times, ana
then proceeded down the road some few
miles. The escaping steam and shrill whistle
was glorious musie to the citizens witness
ing the event. The Ohio and Pennsylvania
Railroad was an assured fact. The Pitts-
burg and Cleveland Railroad Company,
holding a charter previously granted, issued
an injunction delaying completion ot the
road, but a compromise was easily effected.
RAILROAD FORMALLY OPENED.
On the evening of Saturday, July 19, 1851,
at 5 o clock the locomotive "Salem," with
one passenger car attached, containing a
party of 40 citizens, made a trip to Rochester.
Shortly a ter crossing the commons a con
necting bolt broke. This was the first rail
road accident on Allegheny soU. Nobody
was hurt, and a new bolt was procured from
shops nearby, and at 5:12 the train was again
under way, reaching Captain Hays' place,
Haysville 12 miles a 6:30.
The excursionists were greeted at the
towns and houses along the line with cheers
and waving handkerchiefs. At Freedom
oitizens fired a cannon as the train ap
proached and as it departed. The train
reached to within half a mile of Rochester
when, owing to difficulty with the Cleveland
and Pittsburg Company, the road ended.
7 MA M jltA W A I m A A W A M ?J.-
xiuiu lucio uuo ej-uuraiuiiiuj went in omni
buses ana wagons into the town of Ro
chester. THE INVITED QUESTS.
Returning home with tbe car and engine
wrong end foremost, they again mauaged
to mate a newspaper item. There was one
wailing squeal, and a farmer's hog was
transformed into pork. General William
Eobinson and sons. Mayor Hugh Fiem
ming, J. Heron Foster, owner of The Dis
patch, and his city editor, were with tho
party. All arrived safely home in time for
supper. The same trip "was repeated on
Monday, July 24. The difficulty between
the two companies was settled, and the road
was formally opened on July 30, 1851, a
train ot five passenger cars bearing the
Councils of both Allegheny and Pittsburg,
and invited guests down the valley. The
opening of the railroad inaugurated 'an era
of prosperity for tho city of Allegheny. The
railroad's western extension was finished
some time later, and the road eventually
took on its present title, viz: Pittsburg, Fort
Wayne and Chicago.
WATER TRANSPORTATION, TOO.
TJie first successful attempt at steamboat
navigation of tho Allegheny river was made
in 1830. The steamboat Allegheny, built
by Blanchard at Cincinnati, started from
the Pittsburg side May 14, 1830, arriving at
Olean Point, nearly 300 miles above, on tho
21st, performing the trip in sevon days.
That trip from Warren to Olean was made
in 21 hours, the return from Olean to War
ren only consuming six hours.
It Is not so long since theoldoanal run
through tho lower part of Allegheny that
It should be forgotten, yet it is a past his
tory. Old citizens remouibor woll when the
canal was the great aarrler betwcon hero and
the East tho first bonis arriving hero in
1820. In Allegheny tho cunul connected
with tho river at a point noar Craig street.
The lust look was oalled the "Columbia,"
The oapstouo was inscribed with the com
missioners' names, and anothor boro tho
names of contractors,
A DIHTINOUIBHICD VISITOR
These stones now lav hlddon near tho out
let somowhore, and should bo roooyared and
put in a plaoo ot snfety. Tho routo o the
canal as first surveyed was by way of what
Is now Ann street. A warehouso built on
tho projeoted route still stands on the corner
of Craig and Ann streets. It is ocoupied as
a grocery and dwolllng house now.
Allegheny was always a lively political
center, Tho first Harrison oampxlgn In
1810 was perhaps the most exoltlng over
known In tho county. But fow still live
who remember tho demonstration of the
Whigs when John Tyler, theoandldate, was
a guest of Gonerul Riiblnson, on Federal
streot. There was a, big convention on the
west commons next day, The rough board
lnt form stood ctoso to and faced Hogback
111, During Tyler's speeob he was an
noyed with questions Irom tbe crowd.
Someone Irom tbe hillside in a loud, olear
voice shouted, "Mr. Tyler, what are you
when it comes to the question oi high
tariff?"
TYLER WAS MAD.
He angrily looked up in that direction
and exolainied, "I am what I am,"
There was once a great Democratio con
vention, and the night preceding this pro
cession and convention Governor Porter ar
rived la Plttsbnrg, and was escorted to the
Exchange Hotel, on St. Clair street (Sixth
street). A vast multitude of the unterrlfied
surrounded the hotel, and clamored for a
speech. They were surprised to hear a voice
from the opposite side of the street. They
listened patiently for a little while, when it
suddenly occurred to them that they were
being regaled with a regular Whig speech,
and the air was immediately filled with cat
calls and Jeers. The people began to hurl
mud and missiles at tbe speaker. General
Robinson, who stood on the top of hn omni
bus surrounded by Whigs, was struck by a
piece of brick for bis little speech. He de
scended from the omnibus, and was taken
over to the hotel in a towering passion.
ROBINSON AND WILKINS.
General William Wilkins, a personal
friend of Robinson's, when informed of the
indignity, went to the hotel to see the
wounded General, who construed General
'Wilkins' visit asan insult, and struck bim
in the lace. Then there was a little scrap,
but friends interfered, and they were after
ward reconciled.
The next day the procession ended on
West Common, where a liberal lunch of
roast beef and bread was furnished the
crowd free, some thousands gathering
around the speaker's stand. Dr. McCook,
from Lisbon, O., in his speech referring to
GEN. ROBINSON'S BESIDHNOE, NEAR
a prominent Whig editor, James Wilson by
name, was interrupted by the young son of
the editor, denying the McCook statement.
Dr. McCook listened patiently Until he was
done, and then he repeated what he said,
when youug Wilson called him a liar and
struck him. The crowd roared, and some
of them made an effort to reach the young
fellow, but he ran away, finally leaping on
a wagon, the driver of which whipped up
his horse, helping him to escape from the
howling mob chasing after bim.
OTHER LIVELY POLITICAL EVENTS.
The passage of the fugitive law created
intense excitement all over the North. In
compliance with a petition signed by lead
ing citizens, the Mayor called a meeting in
the Allegheny diamond on the eveniDg of
September 30, 1850. Mayor Fleming pre
sided. A. Barclay and R. H. Davis were
Vice Presidents, and John Fleming and D.
A. Elliot, Secretaries. It was an immense
and enthusiastio meeting.
When Jacob Stuekrath was elected Mayor
of Allegheny in 1858, bis warm partisan
friends wanting to celebrate the event se
cured a cannon. Stephen Mercer furnished
a lot of his powder in pound cans. While
loading the gun "Big Mat" kept striking
tbe Iron ramrod with a sledge hammer but
he missed a stroke, breaking off one of the
trunnions. The jubilators set the cannon
on the top steps of Stuckrath's residence on
North-Commons and shot it off The report
blew the ball door open and nearly off its
hinges. There was
A SHCWER OF WINDOW GLASS.
The tanner was mad, and the next morn
ing he sued out warrants for the party.
When it was explained to him that they
were celebrating bis victory, he stopped
proceedings, and invited the whole party to
come again, declaring that they were wel
come to shoot the cannon inside the house if
they wanted to.
While the steamboat Charles Avery -was
running as a regular packet between Mays
ville, Ky., and Allegheny, dnring the
canvass for President, the Buchanan Club
in Maysville, every night fired a cannon as
long as their powder lasted, disturbing the
citizens and preventing sleep. Amongotbers,
the hands on tbe steamboat one night stole
the cannon.' The engineer at tbe time hav
ing cleaned the boiier left the manheads
open. They shoved tbe cannon, weighing
about 100 pounds, into the boiler, where it
restedon the flues. In the morning when
the cannon was missing tbe club, suspecting
the men of the boat, took out a search war
rant, the crew helping them to search.
CANNON BROUGHT TO ALLEGHENY.
When the Avery left that city, jnst after
pulling out from the landing, the gun was
discovered bidden among some freight on
the forecastle. It was brought to view and
belched forth a parting salute. The can
non came to Allegheny in charge of the
principal actor, the mate, and was often
used in celebrations.
Means of communication with Pittsburg
was always an important question. The
growth ot Pittsburg, and the i.ict that many
of its business men lived in Allegheny
from the earliest years, made the trans-river
problem one ot common interest. As far
back as 1786 the ferrying business between
Allegheny and Pittsburg was controlled by
old General Robinson's lather. In that
year Colonel Butler was granted the right
to establish a ferry on the Allegheny river,
running from a point at about the mouth of
Cecil alloy to what is now School street In
Allegheny.
THE EARLY FERRIES.
The landing was afterward changed to
the foot of Franklin road, or Federal street.
There are somo familiar names among tho
first ferrymen on the river in this neighbor
hood, among them John Morrison, Robert
Knox (grandfather of Robert Knox, of
Shermau avenue), David Haney, William
Valentine and Mr. Yerkins. The old log
house just above Federal street, which had
served as a terry house, was weather-boarded
after It was vacated by tho Roblnsous.
OUt Tumpirane Ark, n am AUy.
When it wss Improved It was occupied by
Hush Bweoney as a tavern. lie afterward
built the Kiunilt House, which In these
days Is well-known as tho Glriird Home,
and whloh Is kept by Charles Wolfendale,
at the corner of Federal and Isabella streets.
Mr. Cmwlord, thouuh, was the bot-romeiH-bered
proprietor of the weather-boarded log
cabin tavern, A picture of his houso is
given elsewhere, Crawford kept it until it
was torn down In 1839.
TAVERNS yoil RAFTSMEN.
The frame cluster on the river front at
Anderson street, known for mBny vers ss
"Gardner's" was hullt previous to 1807, and
torn down about 1803. William Vulentlne
In 1807 run the lerry 'rora about Fort Fay
ette (Garrison alley, Pittsburg,) to the land
ing at this frame house. But he must have
quit soon after, for he went into the "carry
ing" business on tbe Niagara river. His
boat by some mismanagement got into the
rpids and went over the falls on October
27, 1810. All bands perished. A man
named McOlIngham run the house for a
number of years, and then Gardner took
chirge of it. After his death John Jonex,
his son-in-law, involved tbe property, and
getting into some other trouble, went t"
Canada. The property was told on a tax
lien, and the city bought it. After thi
building ortne bridges these nouses ironuni;
the river became stopping places for rafts-
men. A German by the name of Yerkins
run a ferry fartherup the river, and after
tbe Voeghtley's left the old homestead,
which had been converted into a ferry house
and tavern, he run it successfully for a
number of years. It was the best house on
tbe river bank.
THE ERA OF BBIDOE3.
The old St. Clxir street bridge was opened
for travel on February 20, 1820. The
present suspension bridge on its site was
opened for travel in 1860.
The Mechanic's Street bridge (Sixteenth
street) was completed in 1837. It was de
stroyed by fire at midnight, January 26,
1851. It was undoubtedly tbe work of an
assassin to cover no a crime. Pistol shots
were beard on tbe Pittsburg end of tbe
bridge and some time later flames burst
OLD ST. CLAIR (SIXTH) STREET BRIDOE.
forth from the side of the shore span. The
structure burned rapidly, the spans falling
in quick succession. In 30 minutes nothing
was left but a glowin skeleton extending
Irom bank to bank. Tbe burning timbers
floated down stream setting fire to boats
along the ihore. Some of these going adriit
lodged on the piers of the bridges below, en
dangering their safety. The burning boats
and debris from the bridge scattered over
the stream,
BLAZING AS THEY FLOATED,
and vividly reflected in the water below,
made a grand spectacle. While the bridge
BRICK HOUSE IN OLD GRAVEYARD, KNOWN" A3" KELLEY'3 ACADEMY PENITEN
TIARY IN BACKGROUND, OLD "WM. PENN HOUSE TO THE BIGHT.
was burning an attempt was made to fire
the Niagara engine house in Pittsburg.
Benches were piled up in tbe room in the
second floor, and a lighted candle placed
under them. The fire was discovered and
extinguished. The members o the company
onerea $iuu reward lor detection of tbe fire
bugs. Tne bridge was rebuilt the same
year.
The Sharpsburg bridge was built in 1856.
It was destroyed by fire in 1864, was rebuilt
the following year, and again destroyed by
the great oil conflagration in 1870. The
present handsome iron bridge was built in
1871.
The Union bridge was opened for travel
in 1875. Everybody is familiar with the
history of the Hand street bridge, and it
need not be repeated nere.
FREE BRIDOE DISCUSSION.
A lawyer by the name of Fox Alden,
catching upon a point of law in connection
with the first bridge charter, entered in
court some sort of a paper to compel the St.
Clair street bridge to say why the bridge
should not be declared free. It was not a
labor of love. Alden was not that kind ot
a man. He brought tbe matter to the at
tention of some oi tbe leading oitizens of
Allegheny with on estimate of costs, a big
fee included. But it was that character of
a scheme that they did not care to be associ
ated with. Alden carried the matter from
court to court, still hoping for a response
from the citizens, and it is said he conferred
with parties friendly to the bridge company.
General William Robinson, after making
some arrangements in Harrisburg, returned
home, an'd the injunction whloh Alden had
succeeded in getting was quietly removed,
and In about five minutes alter midnight on
a Sunday several wagon
LOADS 01" LUMI1EB
wero driven on the bridge. Carpenters were
there, and the rough boards were nailed to
tho insldo of the old covered bridge, and
the company wore the viators. The poople
suffered. Such Is tho story that eonies down
to us, and It Is given for what It Is worth.
The first uoorhousn. used br Pittsburg
and Allegheny ooiijnintly, was located not
far from tho present Ft. Wayne shop yards,
on Pennsylvania avenue, whloh was then
known as Poarhouso lane. Allegheny In
1814 bought from Mr, Bampls a frtn at the
mouth of Oirty's run. now Bennetts' station,
on tbe WestPenn lUilroad, The oity poor-
houso wss built the following year. This
farm end building was sold at auction In
1H73, the balance of the lots remaining at
private sale, soma still being undisposed of.
CONHOL1DATION AN OLD HU1MEGT.
The first agitation of tile question of eon
sollilstlon of Allegheny and Pittsburg was
in 18S0. It was dlsousted lor several month,
and was finally brought before Allegheny
Councils on the night of Soptembur 21,
1850, but went quloklv under tho table. It
was Again agitatrd In 1807, and nut to a vote
or the people, resulting in 1,077 inr consoli
dation and 4,233 against it. Tls subject
wss again tulked about In 1873, and an act
of Assembly was pusied authorizing the
vote oi the people again at the coming
election, but there were no tiekrts piloted,
and consequently no vote wss taken at that
time. Never since tnen has the subject
come beiore the people In a formal manner,
although the press frequently preaches the
beneficial results that would follow a con
solidation. Manchester and Duauesne boronehs be.
came part of Allegheny City on March 12,
1BC7, and about tbe same time McClure
towuship and a part of Reserve township
were absorbed by the growing metropolis.
In 1870 bonds were Issued to raise money
to Improve tbe commons, and turn them
into publio parks. The parks are now
bowers oi beauty, and tho last ot tbe bonds
were paid off several years ego.
Tbe Collego-Ilrrd Lawyer,
Tror Press.l
Less than one-fifth of the lawyers of this
country are college bred. This statement
will not surprise anv scholar who has been
in the habit of attending court,
AN AEMI0F PUPILS.
Eemarkable Growth of the Public
Schools in Allegheny.
FULL HISTORY OF EYEBY WAED.
Troubles of Sir. Park in Introducing the
Common School System,
ABOLISHING AN OLD COLORED SCHOOL,
The Entire Scholastic Strength of the City Sens
Famons Institutions.
When Allegheny became a city in 1840
its population was estimated at 10,000.
Soon after this it was divided into four
wards. The portion of the borough which
comprised tbe First ward previous to 1835,
supported a school located on Robinson,
street, near Corry street, which consisted of
one room in a rented building without paint
or plaster. This school was taught by
Thomas McConnell, succeeded by William
Carson and others. All the schools of the
borough, according to the most reliable in
formation at band, were removed in 1835 or
1836 to the old Presbyterian Academy on
South Common near Marion avenue, and a
borough school was then established and
continued until 1840. This school was con
ducted by Mr. John Kelley, Mr. Campbell
and others.
EDUCATIONAL HISTORY.
Of the succeeding educational history of
Allegheny City, the "History of Allegheny
County," published by A. Warner & Co.,
says: In 1840 the First and Fourth wards
established and maintained a Joint High.
School in tbe basement of the South Com
mon M. E. Church, and appointed John
Kelley teacher. In 1844 tbe directors of tha
First ward purchased a lot on tbe corner of
School and Rebecca streets and erected on,
it a two-story brick building containing four
rooms, and in January, 1845, removed the
schools from the academy to tha new quari j
ters. John Kelley was elected principal
and teacher of the highest department
In 1849 this building was enlarged by tba
addition of a third story, containingtwo
rooms. In 1853 a contiguous lot in the rear
of the scboolbonse was purchased lor Sl,50w
At the same time (1853) two rooms were
rented in tho west end for $3 per month,
and two schools organized therein, with
Misses Reed and May as teachers.
THE SECOND WABD.
In 1856 six rooms were added to the rear
of the first building at a cost of $4,900, and
tbe two schools in the west end of the ward
were transferred to tbe enlarged building or
Rebecca street. This house was used for
school purposes until June, 1874, when it
was torn down and the present spacious
Seminary Until on Illll in 1831-Uurnt4
Thanksgiving Ere, ISO,
edifico erected. Previous to the year 1850
there was no systom of grading In tbeeo
schools, each teaahor being responsible to
the board only for the management of the
school.
The publio schools of the Second wsrd
wero organize! In 1840. From 1810 to 18 13
the sobools were hitil a part of the time in a
two-storr building which stood on theeorner
of North alley and Webster street. It oon
talned two rooms. During the remainder
ol this period they were held in a building
on the corner of Burnett alley and Arefi
street. The house on North avenue 'Wis
first oaonpled In August, 1849.
METHOD Or TUB TIMES.
It was two stnrlts high and contained four
rooms. This building wss subsequently re
modeled, one story being added. The re
modeled building was damaged by storms
In 1850, and was then rebuilt vary nearly a
It now stands. The added story, like esoh,
of the others, was construoted 'o suit tbo
plan of school Management in those times,
with a class room and study room ocoupied
respeotivelv br a principal and an assistant,
Prior to 1874 the Second ward maintained
two other schools beside the one on North
avenue. One of these was located on Tsg
cart street and was known as tbe Pleasant
Valley lohool. The other was on Observa
tory Hill, In 18G0 a two story frame sohool
hnuse. afterward tbe Pleasant "Valley
church, was erected on Taggart street In
Manchester. During the following winter
the borough of Manohekter was annexed to
the city, and this school was assigned to the
Second ward,
ON OBSERVATORY HILL.
The Observatory Hill school was organ
ized as a sub-district of McClnre township,
and a one-storr briek schnolhouse woe
erected there in 1867. In 1870 this territory
was also annexed to tho city, and became a
part oi me oecona waru.
In 1873 a large lot on Irwin avenue, front
ing on Washington street, was purchased
and during the summer of 1834 the Irwin
avenue schoolhouse was built. Since that
time a large wing comprising seven rooms
has been added to the main building," la
1887 another largo building, was erected oa