Part 1

PITTSBURGH IN 1816

COMPILED BY THE CARNEGIE LIBRARY OF PITTSBURGH ON THE ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GRANTING OF THE CITY CHARTER

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._