USA > Pennsylvania > Fayette County > Uniontown > A history of Uniontown : the county seat of Fayette County, Pennsylvania > Part 28
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THE GREENLAND HOUSE.
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CHAPTER XII.
PETER STREET-SOUTH STREET-MILL STREET-BERKELEY STREET - UNION STREET - PENN STREET - BEESON AVENUE - SOUTH MOUNT VERNON AVENUE-GALLATIN AVENUE.
Peter street was one of the original streets of the town, and lies north of and parallel with Main street. It was named In honor of a friendly Indian who was known among the whites as Indian Peter, and from the fact that he had settled on a branch of Redstone creek, now known as Schutes run, he was also known as Peter Redstone. Indian Peter had been em- ployed as interpreter for Hugh Crawford, an Indian agent, and for which service he had been granted some land by the Penns. He was an intelligent and peaceable Indian, but, unfortunately, one Philip Shute, a Dutchman, came and settled near him and proved to be a disagreeable neighbor. Indian Peter, therefore, asked that another tract be given him, which was done. This second tract was located on the opposite side of the Mononga- hela river from Brownsville, and was warranted to him April 5, 1769, under the name of "Indian Hill." Here he remained in peace with the whites the remainder of his days.
The eastern end of Peter street ends at the Central Public grounds, donated by Henry Beeson, the founder of the town, and upon which now stands the public county buildings.
For a distance of 227 feet on the north side of Peter street from the Central Public grounds westward there were no lots laid off in the original plat of the town. On this ground stood the house of Thomas Douthett, the former owner of the land, and upon which Henry Beeson erected the first flouring mill in 1772. Mr. Beeson occupied this Douthett house until he erected his mansion house on the side of the hill overlooking the pros- pective town. This flouring mill was put in operation in 1772, and operated until 1783, when it was dismantled and the build- ing removed to Main street as related elsewhere. This piece of ground was used as a mill yard for many years.
E. B. Dawson purchased this lot and transferred to the Borough of Uniontown 40 feet frontage of the eastern part for the purpose of erecting a lockup, and upon which the first lockup was erected 1889. This building becoming inadequate for the
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purpose, was removed and a new lockup building erected on its site, which new building was opened for use December 11, 1907.
A frame blacksmith shop stood on the western part of this lot which was used as such for many years. Mr. Dawson tore this away and erected his comfortable residence on the corner of North Gallatin avenue and Peter street, and here resided until his death, the property remaining in possession of his widow and son. Mr. Dawson donated 35 feet of the western part of his lot for the opening of North Gallatin avenue.
The original plat of the town shows that lots Nos. 48 to 54 inclusive, were laid off on the north side of Peter street west of the above described lot, but the plan was never carried out in the sale of these lots, but were sold to Jonathan Downer in one lot, from now Gallatin to Beeson avenues. Mr. Downer bought much other land adjacent, as related elsewhere. On lot No. 48 he erected a double log house about 1783, and in this house General Ephraim Douglass was a lodger with Mr. Downer from the time the former settled in Uniontown upon his ap- pointment as the first prothonotary and clerk of the courts, which he so graphically described in his letter to General Wil- liam Irvine. Several of Mr. Downer's children were born in this house, and it was subsequently used as a school house, and known as Downer's school house, and many of the early inhabitants of the town attended school here. It was subse- quently used as a wagonmaker's shop, and still later a plan- ing mill. This, and nearly all the other property on this square, was destroyed by fire on March 16, 1898.
Richard A. McClean purchased this lot and erected thereon a brick stable in which he carried on the livery business for several years. It was subsequently used as a bowling-alley. Under this building is a fine soft-water spring which formerly supplied the neighborhood with water.
Another old building stood in this row and was destroyed by fire. On this lot Richard Randolph erected a three-story brick building in 1902, which was used for business and flats. The West Penn Railways company purchased this building and in 1913, converted it into a station.
Samuel Magie carried on a large livery stable next west of the present Randolph building for some years. The fire that destroyed this block started in this building March 9, 1898, and caused a loss estimated at $12,000. In 1907 Frank C. Monaghan
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erected a brick four-story business house on the site of the Magie stable, in which were two business rooms below and flats above.
Ewing B. Hibbs conducted a blacksmith shop next west for several years, when he retired from the business and the building was used as a tinner's shop.
A small frame building stood next west of the above and was owned by C. H. Beall and occupied for some time by Joseph McCoy as a tinner's shop, and was subsequently occupied by A. G. Beeson as an upholsterer's shop, and while in his occu- pancy it was destroyed by fire.
Clarence H. Beall purchased the lot fronting 72.5 feet on Peter street and on Broadway, now North Beeson avenue, from Peter to Penn streets on which he erected a large livery barn with sheds and office. Here he conducted a livery and sales stable for several years when he retired from the business and Richard A. McClean continued the business; and while in his occupancy the property was destroyed by fire.
Middle alley occupied a part of what is now North Beeson avenue, and Jacob Beeson, brother of Henry, bought all the land west of Middle alley and north of Peter street, on which were some buildings at the time, August 23, 1791.
Elijah Crossland moved to Uniontown from Connellsville where he had carried on the butchering business for many years, and bought much of the land lying between North Beeson avenue and Pittsburgh street and north of Peter street, and lo- cated his slaughter house at the north end of Middle alley, and lived in a frame house next west of the present Cohen furniture store.
The first lot west of Middle alley, now North Beeson ave- nue, was owned by Zadoc Walker on which he had a large stable in connection with his hotel. Hugh L. Rankin built a two-story brick building on this lot into which the Genius of Liberty printing office was moved November 1, 1871, and which it occupied until April 1, 1903, when the property was sold to S. Cohen who converted it into a fine business property.
Charles King came from Connellsville and established him- self in the blacksmithing business, and purchased property on Peter street where he carried on his business for many years, and was succeeded by his son, Captain Thomas King, and later by his grandson, Frank King. Mr. King was a good workman
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and was ably assisted in his business by his son, Thomas, who was very popular. He had a strong liking for military parades and was always prominent at celebrations and took charge of the artillery in firing salutes. He also took great interest in the volunteer fire department and had full charge of the old crab suction pump which supplied water to the hand fire en- gines. His many warm friends were shocked at his sudden death, November 23, 1891, which occurred while at work over his anvil over which he had worked for fifty-nine years.
The lot west of the King property and east of Pittsburgh street belonged to the Jacob Beeson tract and was in Jacob's Addition. A log dwelling and a blacksmith's shop stood on this corner before the year 1819, and this corner was continu- ously used as such until the fall of 1892, a period of 73 years. Joseph Kithcart once owned this property and lived in the small one-and-a-half-story log plastered house. He and his wife both died of cholera when that plague was raging in 1850. William Koffman owned this property and carried on black- smithing on the corner. William H. Wilhelm purchased this property and tore away the old house and erected a frame ware- house and new shop, and here carried on his business until elected sheriff in the fall of 1892, having worked at blacksmith- ing for 33 years. This property was destroyed by fire Monday night, February 5, 1906, while in the ownership of Jacob Davis who had purchased it about three years before. Mr. Davis replaced it with a large play-house known as the Lyceum Skat- ing Rink, which was opened September 23, 1907. The name of this play-house was changed to that of "The Dixie " and other kinds of entertainments were given.
Solomon Hickman was the first purchaser of lot No. 10 in Jacob's Addition, January 3, 1797. This was the first lot on the west side of the " road leading to Colonel Cook's mill " now known as Pittsburgh street. A large two-story frame dwelling, painted red, stood on this corner. Dr. Daniel Marchand bought this property and located in Uniontown as early as 1803, where he practiced his profession until his death, March 13, 1822. He was eminent in his profession and much lamented, and was buried in the public burying ground east of the court house.
Dr. Hugh Campbell read medicine under Dr. Marchand in this property, and became connected with him in his practice,
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and succeeded him in the ownership of the property and went to housekeeping here.
George Dawson occupied this house as a residence at the time his illustrious son, John Littleton Dawson, was born.
John P. Sturgis owned and occupied this property for many years. Joseph M. Hadden purchased this property and tore away the old red frame and erected a brick dwelling and store room in which he lived and carried on an iron store. This building was torn away and a three-story brick building erected in 1896, known as the News Standard building. In this the News Standard printing establishment was installed and much up-to-date machinery introduced. This building was partially destroyed by an extensive fire November 1, 1901, but was im- mediately repaired.
Crumwell Hall purchased the property next west of the News Standard building and enlarged the frame house thereon and here conducted a boarding house for many years, and which his widow continued after his death until the building was destroyed by fire. Next west of the Hall boarding house was a frame building which had been erected by Isaac Skiles as a warehouse to be used in connection with his store, for the stor- age of grain and other farm produce which was taken in ex- change for dry goods. This building came into the possession of Mrs. Hall and was converted into a dwelling.
A log building stood on the lot west of the Hall property in which one David Evans taught school. He and all his pupils have long since passed to the great beyond. Israel Hogue at one time owned and occupied this property, at which time there were two houses, one log and one frame when the lot was sold at sheriff's sale in 1844. William I. Crawford owned this house and lot for several years. After his death it was sold to Charles H. Seaton and while in the occupancy of Levi Vansickle it was destroyed by fire.
Joseph . M. Hadden erected a frame warehouse on the lot west of the above, which he used for the storage of farm ma- chinery and implements, and was subsequently used for the same purpose by other parties. It was finally occupied as a livery stable by Abe Friedman, when on the morning of Novem- ber 1, 1901, fire which originated in this stable destroyed the whole square of buildings, excepting the News Standard build-
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ing which was much damaged, and much other property in the neighborhood.
Next west of the above stood a small row of low frame buildings known as "Kinkead's row " which had been built by Robert Kinkead and was used for some time for business pur- poses. James F. Canon kept a hat store in 1824, where he an- nounced that he kept constantly on hand a supply of water- proof and other kinds of hats of his own manufacture. William Armor kept a stock of ready-made clothing in the Kinkead row at the same time as Canon kept a hat store there. One Joe Stouffer, a stage driver, lived here at the time his wife gave birth to twins that were inseparably connected after the man- ner of the celebrated Siamese twins.
The lot west of the Kinkead row was attached to the Mc- Clelland House and on which stood a large stable and sheds for the accommodation of patrons of the hotel. A blacksmith shop and wagonmaker's shop stood east of the stable and in these William Gaddis and Jesse King carried on buggy and wagon making for several years. They were good workmen and well respected. Others continued to occupy this shop until it was burned. The large McClelland House stable was burned about 1856, when several valuable horses perished in the flames. A new stable was erected and it too was destroyed November 1, 1901. John Todd erected a large frame stable on the lot next west of the McClelland House stable, and here conducted a livery busi- ness for some time when it too shared the fate of the rest of the square. The space on this square that was swept by fire has been since built up by business blocks.
Arch street was opened from Penn street northward to Jacob's or Coal Lick run and several residences and workshops erected thereon.
David Jennings, Jacob Murphy, Samuel Stevens, Jonathan Rowland and Peter Hook, trustees of the Methodist Episcopal church of Uniontown, and their successors in office, for the sum of five shillings, were granted a deed from Jacob Beeson and Elizabeth, his wife, for lots Nos. 27 and 28 in Jacob's Addition. These lots were on the north side of Peter street and west of what is now Arch street. Upon the western part of these lots the first Methodist Episcopal church was erected, and the east- ern part was set apart for a burial ground as mentioned else- where, and on July 31, 1794, Henry Beeson and wife convey to
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Rev. Charles Conaway and his associates, trustees of Union District school, one acre, three quarters and thirty-three perches of land in the rear of the Methodist Episcopal church property.
OLD METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH BUILDING.
The old Methodist Episcopal church building which was built in 1833 and used as a house of worship until 1878, was traded in in part payment for the erection of the new one on Morgantown street to the contractors, Laughead, Modisette & Co., after which it was used for several years as a livery stable, and after passing through several ownerships, Charles W. Johnson, in 1908, tore away the old building and erected on its site a large brick automobile garage.
West of the old church stood a small log house which be- longed to the old mill property. Christian Keffer was an oc- cupant here for some time. He was the father of our well remembered citizen, John Keffer and of Julia Keffer who became the wife of David Blythe. Many tenants succeeded Mr. Keffer in this house.
James M. Howard and sons erected large shops at the western end of Peter street in which they have continued to carry on an extensive business in the manufacture and sale of vehicles of all kinds.
Many of the business houses on the north side of Main street have been extended to Peter street, and a number of comfortable resident properties have replaced the stables that used to line on this street.
SOUTH STREET.
. South street was one of the original streets of the town.
Adam Richards owned and occupied the first frame house at the west end, north side of South street and had a carpenter shop on the same lot. He was a good mechanic and well known in the vicinity. Daniel Jackson owned and occupied this house for many years and died here.
A small two-story brick residence stands next east and was for many years owned by Peter Kremer.
A small frame house stood on the rear of the Col. Roberts lot which was occupied by various tenants, it has recently un- dergone remodeling and made quite respectable.
Where were once stables lining on this street business
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houses now occupy the ground. Enos West erected a brick building on this street in which he carried on a grocery business for several years in the early 50's. L. B. Bowie did business here after leaving Main street, and from here he retired from business after a career of many years. This property changed hands and was converted into a room for a wholesale fruit market.
James J. Wood, the blind broom maker, erected a tall frame building next east of the before-mentioned brick and here for many years carried on his business as a broom manufacturer. Passing on eastward the street is mostly occupied by the rear end of business houses extending through from Main street. A large brick building once stood in the rear of what is now known as the Hogg building and was primarily used as a ware- house, but more recently for residence and business purposes. At the eastern end of this street some respectable residences and business rooms have been erected as demands occurred.
The old Hopwood Row was built by William Hopwood, who was a carpenter by trade, and occupied the west end of the south side of South street. At the time this row was erected there was great demand for cheap houses to accommodate the many stage drivers and others employed on the old National road. This row extended along South street and partly on Mill street, and as might have been anticipated, was occupied by a variety and sometimes undesirable tenants, and from the numerous people inhabiting this row it acquired the sobriquet of " Noah's Ark." After the decline of the National road this row became more of a nuisance than a paying investment and finally fell into disrepair, and was torn away in 1908.
Enos West purchased the lot on South street running from Strawberry alley to Mill street, on which at the time stood a log building. He tore away the log and erected several frames, one of which he made his home. He also built a log school house, which is still standing on the lot, perhaps made from the logs taken from the original house. This build- ing was, and is still known as West's school house. In this schools were taught for many years, and among the many teachers who taught here may be mentioned George W. Brown of Virginia, Mr. Stokes, among whose pupils were Mrs. William A. West, Judge John Kennedy Ewing and John S. Harah. Noble McCormick taught here and among his pupils
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was Norval Greenland. Mr. Lathrop was another teacher. Joseph Colestock, who died recently at an advanced age, taught here. The foregoing held forth here in the 30's. When the county commissioners decided to surmount the then newly built court house with a statue of General Lafayette, David Blythe was engaged to carve the image which was done in this old school house. This building has since been used for resdience purposes.
Mr. West dug a well at the curb in front of his residence which has to this day furnished an abundant flow of pure cold water to slake the thirst of man and beast. This well was dug in the fall of 1839, and from that time to the present the thirsty passer who slakes his thirst at this well can but breathe a bless- ing upon the man whose kindly heart induced him to dig this well. Mr. West was a carpenter and contractor, and a very active man in the early history of the town. His descendants still own and occupy the property.
To the east of Morgantown street on South street stood Greenland's old log pottery where most excellent crocks, jars and jugs were made. This pottery was first owned and operated by Abner Greenland until his death, after which the business was continued under his son Norval Greenland, who was so well and favorably known in the town. The three-story brick Commercial block now occupies the site.
A small log house stood east of the Greenland property which was for many years occupied by a good natured colored man by the name of John Stephens, but known as "John ob Course." He was well known by all and was usually employed about the restaurants as a cook. His timidity subjected him to many practical jokes by his white friends, in whose estima- tion he stood so high they erected a headstone to his grave on which is inscribed to the memory of "John ob Course," and a line of his favorite song.
James Bunton owned and occupied a frame house next east of the above. Mr. Bunton had a family of girls, one married George Fouch of Connellsville, one married James J. White, the tailor, and one became the wife of John Altman, the painter. Many tenants occupied this house before it was torn away to make room for improvements. Thomas H. Lowry erected a brick building on the rear of his lot and here manufactured mineral waters of all kinds.
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The King brothers, D. J. and John A., conducted a feed and grain store in a frame warehouse on the corner of Jackson alley. This property was entirely destroyed by fire March 21, 1908. A new and up-to-date brick warehouse was immediately erected and the business resumed. A livery stable was estab- lished on the rear of the Collier property by John Collier and the business has been conducted here since. Just east of old Bank alley stood Col. William Redick's frame carpenter shop. Here he and others carried on business for many years. In this building the Genius of Liberty printing office was located when Col. Redick and his brother-in-law owned and published the paper.
On part of what is now the school house grounds stood a small frame house which was occupied by Mary Lyon; it descended to her daughter, the wife of Allen King, a coach trimmer who worked in the Stockton stage yard. A brick building was erected on the west corner of what was for a time known as Foundry alley, but now a part of the public school grounds. This building was erected by William Salter in 1830, and used as a foundry for some time, and was always known as "the old foundry." This property was purchased by the school board September 6, 1838, and converted into four school rooms upon the establishment of the free school system.
East of the old foundry school building, on the east side of the alley, Hugh Graham erected a row of frame buildings, known as Graham's row. In this Mr. Graham had his shops while he carried on his business as a carpenter and contractor extensively in and about the town. Mr. Graham was the con- tractor on the stone addition to the Gallatin mansion at Friend- ship Hill in 1822. Mr. Graham evidently exercised his own taste in the construction of this addition, as Mr. Gallatin was abroad at the time, and upon his return in 1823, upon viewing for the first time his reconstructed mansion, gave vent to his disappointment in the most emphatic language. He described it as being in the " Hyberno-teutonic style,-the outside, with its port-hole-looking windows, having the appearance of an Irish barracks, while the inside ornaments were similar to those of a Dutch tavern, and in singular contrast to the French marble chimney-pieces, paper, mirrors and billiard table." This plat of ground is now covered by the Central Christian church building.
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Hankins and Hogsett built a three-story brick warehouse east of the Central Christian church, which was used in con- nection with their store.
Judge Nathaniel Ewing built a small brick building just east of the Hankins and Hogsett warehouse, at the mouth of Meadow alley. This was originally used as a stable, but for many years has been used as a dwelling.
On South street, east of Jefferson street, old Uncle Alex Green owned and occupied a log house. He had been a former slave and had purchased his freedom and settled here. A fuller account of him is given elsewhere. A two-story brick house stands on this part of the street which is now the home of George L. Sloan. East of a fifteen-foot alley stood a frame shop in which Maurice Lonergan carried on wagon making for some years. A frame dwelling now occupies the site. Isaac Tilman, a colored man, owned and occupied a small two-story frame house near the east end of this street. He was an old citizen of the town and spent much of his time hunting turtles. Thomas Waller was another well and favorably remembered colored man of the town. He lived at the extreme east end of this street and was a coal hauler for many years. These houses have been occupied principally by colored families since their original owners and occupants have passed away. Red- stone creek closes the eastern end of this street.
MILL STREET.
Mill street was a part of Jacob's Second Addition, on the west of and parallel with Cheat or Morgantown street, running from South to Ray street.
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