USA > Pennsylvania > Fayette County > Uniontown > A history of Uniontown : the county seat of Fayette County, Pennsylvania > Part 4
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An old log house stood on the eastern part of this lot which was occupied at various times by different tenants. J. D. Boyd bought the eastern part and erected thereon a brick residence which he occupied for several years.
Colonel Alexander McClean purchased from Henry Beeson the block of lots, Nos. 17, 18, 19 and 20 in the original plot of the town, being a frontage of 290 feet on Elbow or Main street, and extending back to Redstone creek " where it meanders or did meander at the laying out of the town." This block of lots extended from the residence of Mrs. Roddy westward and in-
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History of Uniontown, Pennsylvania.
cluded much of the site on which the court house stands. There being no access to the rear of those lots, Col. McClean opened a fifteen foot alley, beginning at the southeast corner of lot 17, running back from Elbow street a short distance, thence west- wardly to the rear of the court house, this alley still remains private property. Edward Jones bought this lot in 1828 and occupied it for some. time.
A log house first occupied this lot and stood a considerable distance back from the street, and it is not improbable that this log building was the first jail built in Fayette county, as it is certain that the first jail was erected on one of Col. McClean's lots which he generously donated for that purpose.
John A. Donne and others taught school in this old building, and after the erection of the Jones residence it came into the ownership of Isaac Beeson, and Mrs. Hanna Matilda Connell was Mr. Beeson's tenant. She was a sister of Joseph Pennock and of Mrs. Beeson and here kept boarders and taught school. She was a lady of fine accomplishments and a poet of high rank. She is mentioned elsewhere. Many tenants occupied this property. Mr. Beeson erected two small brick buildings on the front of this lot intended for law offices, but they were princi- pally used as dwellings. Rosy and Ann McDonald, maiden sisters, were tenants here for many years, and are well remem- bered by the older citizens of the town. Mrs. James R. Barnes purchased this lot and in 1900 erected a fine residence thereon and occupied it.
John Witherow purchased lot No. 18 from Col. McClean in 1809. On this lot he lived and carried on his business as a wagon maker. His shop was on the front and his dwelling on the rear of the lot. He had interests in other property in the town. He served as sheriff of the county from 1817 to 1820.
Mrs. Ann Stevens, widow of Samuel Stevens, purchased this property from John Witherow in 1813, and sold it to John M. Austin in 1820. Mrs. Stevens was the mother of Priscilla, the wife of John M. Austin. Mrs. Stevens died here at the age of 93 years.
John M. Austin built the large brick mansion on this lot and from its completion occupied it as a residence and office, and left the old building standing which was used as an out- kitchen for many years. Daniel Kaine purchased this property and occupied it as a residence and law office until his death,
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after which his heirs retained it for many years. During Mr. Kaine's residence here two attempts were made on his life: one in 1861, when the would-be assassin lay in wait until Mr. Kaine retired to his bed chamber, and with a rifle loaded with two balls shot off the upper part of Mr. Kaine's right ear. The would-be assassin was convicted and sent to the penitentiary. The second attempt was made some time later while Mr. Kaine was in his office at night. The ball from the would-be assassin's gun cut the septum of Mr. Kaine's nose. The perpetrator of this felonious assault was never apprehended. James I. Feather purchased this property from the Kaine heirs and made many repairs and improvements therein, since which it has been used for offices, etc.
Colonel Alexander McClean erected a two-story log house on the western part of lot No. 19, a covered porch connecting it with a log kitchen in the rear. Benjamin Campbell, a silver- smith by trade, was induced to come from Hagerstown and settle in Uniontown, and he was the first tenant in this log house, in 1792. Here he resided and carried on his business for some years, when he purchased property at the western part of the town where he resided the remainder of his life. Several of his family were born in this house, among whom was his son Hugh, who became a prominent physician of the town.
Thomas Hadden, who married Elizabeth, daughter of Col. McClean, became the occupant of this house in 1800, and pur- chased it September 3, 1806. He had a family of 12 children, all of whom were born in this house except the first.
Mr. Hadden built a small brick office on the eastern corner of this lot and occupied it as an attorney and as a justice of the peace. After his death his family added another story and rear part to this small building and occupied it as a dwelling and rented the log building to various tenants, among whom was Rice G. Hopwood, Esq., who first went to housekeeping here; the widow of Dr. Benjamin Stevens and her daughter, Sophia Stevens; Daniel Huston; Joseph Gadd, clerk for the commis- sioners, who lived here several years; Mrs. Durbins and family, and Samuel Betts. Daniel Kaine purchased 50 feet of the western part of this lot and sold it to Dr. R. M. Walker, who in 1889 erected the fine brick residence now occupied by his family. Dr. Walker died before the completion of his new home.
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Colonel Alexander McClean purchased lot No. 20, July 12, 1788, for two pounds Pennsylvania money, equal to $5.33. On this lot Col. McClean built for his own use the most pretentious residence at that time in the village. It stood a considerable distance back from Main street, and had a covered balcony at the upper windows on the west end, and the interior was finished in panel work, carved cornices and other ornamentation unusual in houses of that day west of the Allegheny mountains. Into this Col. McClean moved on coming to town from his planta- tion to assume the duties of the office of register and recorder of the county, and here spent the remainder of his days. An ex- tended history of Col. McClean is given elsewhere.
On the front part of this lot stood a small frame building. When the uprising in western Pennsylvania known as the " Whisky Insurrection " occurred and General Lee, in command of some United States troops, was sent to quell the uprising, he arrived at Uniontown on the last day of October, 1794, and established his headquarters in this little building on the Col. McClean lot. He and his troops, however, remained but a few days and proceeded to "the seat of war " on the Monongahela river. Ezekiel Shelcutt carried on a bakery and confectionery here for a while, and Presley Miller carried on the tailor- ing business here in 1812, and Mrs. Maria King, widow of Samuel King, the first postmaster of the town, occupied this as a dwell- ing. The Genius of Liberty, published by John M. Austin and John Bouvier, was issued from this building from 1818 to 1820.
In 1806 Thomas Meason purchased this lot and generously allowed Col. McClean to occupy it the remainder of his days. Andrew Stewart purchased this lot Nov. 20, 1821, and in 1835 he erected thereon a large two-story brick dwelling and office which he occupied as such for some years. While occupying this house he built a frame mansion on a commanding eminence at the eastern end of town, on property formerly owned by Dr. Solomon Drown. The building of what was known as Stewart's Row, in which Mr. Stewart lived while building this residence, and the building of this mansion, so involved him that he sold this residence and moved to his new mansion which was most beautifully located, and where after retiring from active life, he enjoyed the confidence and respect not only of this entire community, but of the nation.
Mr. Stewart sold this property to Andrew Byers, February
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8, 1840, for $6,000. Mr. Byers fitted it up for a hotel and was ready to accommodate the traveling public April 8, following. Mr. Byers styled his new hotel " The Clinton House," by which name it was ever afterwards known. Mr. Byers was honored by the patronage of two presidents-elect of the United States, as appears from the following items: The Pennsylvania Demo- crat of February 9, 1841, contained the following local news item: " General Harrison reached Uniontown on Tuesday, the 2nd of February, 1841, about 1 o'clock; the discharge of can- non having previously announced his approach. He passed nearly the whole length of Main street in an open barouche, so that the people might have a fair view of the venerable states- man and soldier whose name and deeds have been the subject of so much discussion within the past year. He alighted at the Clinton House amid a very large concourse of people, and as soon as order was restored, addressed them in a few remarks. He said that this was not the first time he had experienced the kindness of the people of Fayette county-they had come to his standard in the dark hour of their country's need during the late war, etc. He remained in town over night and departed next morning at 10 o'clock. He was accompanied by Cols. Todd and Chambers who were his aids at the battle of the Thames."
Another item of local interest respecting the Clinton House was published in the Pennsylvania Democrat of February 22, 1849, and was as follows : " General Taylor and his suite, on their route to Washington City, where he will assume the duties of the office of President of the United States, arrived in Union- town Wednesday evening, February 21, 1849, and took lodging at the Clinton House, where hundreds were congregated to greet him. The committee of reception and marshalls and military escort met him a mile from town and received him from his coach into an open carriage in which he rode into town. The general was welcomed to our place by E. P. Oliphant, Esq., to which he responded briefly. He and his suite left town next morning for Cumberland."
Mr. Byers was appointed to the office of high sheriff of Fayette county, November 7, 1811, and filled that office for three years. He sold this property to John T. Hogg, January 9, 1847.
Stephen Snyder succeeded Mr. Byers as proprietor of the Clinton House, April 1, 1850, and conducted it until July, 1851,
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when he sold out to Zadoc Cracraft who had been burned out at the McCleary hotel, July 1st.
Isaac P. Kerr succeeded Cracraft, April 1, 1854, and con- ducted it as a temperance house. Mr. Kerr was succeeded by his son-in-law, Major Jesse B. Gardner, a veteran of the Mexi- can war, in 1857, and he in turn was succeeded by John Bierer in 1859. In December of that year James H. Springer and Thomas F. Renshaw bought out Bierer, and on August 30, 1860, Renshaw withdrew and moved to Afton, Clayton county, Iowa, and Springer continued alone.
Calvin Springer and Lock Stewart succeeded James H. Springer in 1863, and they dissolved partnership, February 10, 1864, and Charles E. Seidel and Frank M. Cook succeeded Calvin Springer, October 24, 1867. Since which came Bernard Winslow, and after him William R. Springer in 1878-79. Then came Joseph Wright, and he was succeeded by Webb C. Barnett, 1884-85-86. Barnett was succeeded by J. Russell Thornton, who after quitting the business was elected to the legislature.
James I. Feather succeeded Mr. Thornton and continued the business until the property was sold to the county and torn away to make room for the erection of the present court house.
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CHAPTER IV.
MAIN STREET, SOUTH SIDE, FROM MEADOW ALLEY TO MORGANTOWN STREET, COMPRISING LOTS NOS. 21 TO 34, INCLUSIVE.
Mrs. Margaret Allen was the first purchaser of lot No. 21 which was the first lot on the south side of Elbow street west of Meadow alley, and immediately opposite the court house. This lot had a frontage of seventy-two and a half feet on Elbow street and ran back one hundred and fifty feet to South street, and the price paid was five pounds. The deed was dated August 16, 1787. Margaret Allen was familiarly known as Granny Allen and owned property and conducted a tavern east of the eastern bridge. A fuller notice of her will be given in that locality.
A large frame building, having much the appearance of a barn, painted red, occupied this lot, doubtless erected and oc- cupied as a tavern by Granny Allen, perhaps before, and cer- tainly immediately after the date of this deed. After conduct- ing her business at this location for a few years, she purchased two small tracts east of the eastern bridge, on one of which she continued to conduct a tavern for many years.
John Slack kept a tavern here at the sign of the Spread Eagle. He was licensed at September sessions, 1796, and closed in 1800, when he went to Wharton township and there kept a tavern on the old Braddock road, now known as the Washing- ton Springs tract. He was foreman on the jury that tried Philip Rogers for the murder of Polly Williams at the White Rocks, August 10, 1810. His daughter, Tamzon, married Ephraim McClean, who kept a tavern at the Summit House on the old National road.
Dr. Robert McClure came from York county, Pa., and opened a tavern in this property in December, 1792, and of- fered his professional services to the public. He announced that he had opened a " shop" in the house lately occupied by Mrs. Allen, opposite the court house, where he will attend to the calls of such persons as may honor him with their confi- dence. He purchased this property in 1795, and owned it as
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late as April, 1819, at which time he advertised it for sale and moved west.
Judge Nathaniel Ewing purchased this lot and erected the large brick residence still standing thereon, in 1824-25. It was in course of erection when General Lafayette visited Union- town, May 26, 1825. This he occupied as a residence and law office until his death, and it still remains in the ownership of his heirs. A more extended notice of Judge Ewing will be found elsewhere.
Lot No. 22 was sold to Peter Hook in 1783. Peter Hook was a hatter by trade and located here as early as 1781, as in that year Thomas Mckinley was indentured to him to learn the art and mystery of hatting. On this lot Mr. Hook erected a good frame house in which he carried on his business of hatting, having in his employ several journeymen and apprentices. Among the latter was Benjamin Hellen, who not only served him well but subsequently established himself successfully in the business and became the son-in-law of Mr. Hook by marrying his daugh- ter, Isabella.
After Mr. Hook retired from business and removed to his property at the head of Cheat street this building was occu- pied as a tavern. Samuel Salter kept a tavern here at or before 1800, and continued until 1811. Colonel Searight, in his most excellent history "The Old Pike," relates the following anec- dote : Chief-Justice Thomas Mckean was a guest at the Salter tavern during a session of the Fayette county courts, and among other viands served at the table was roast pig. This dish appeared on the table too frequently to suit the palate of the dainty Judge, so one day he in peremptory tones ordered the dining- room girl to remove the dish, which order she promptly obeyed. Mrs. Salter, upon learning what had been ordered by the Judge, became indignant, and, returning the pig to the table, addressed the Judge thus: "You are Chief-Justice and run the court; I am chief cook and run this dining-room, and this pig will stay!" And it did stay.
Mr. Salter was succeeded by Jacob Harbaugh in 1811, and he continued until 1813. He had served as sheriff of Fayette county from 1808 to 1811. George Manypenny, an energetic and witty Irishman, occupied this stand and was first licensed in 1814, and his stand was known as the Manypenny tavern. He was engaged in other pursuits besides keeping tavern.
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To illustrate the kind of amusements that entertained the early inhabitants of Uniontown, the following is given :
" Museum-The proprietors of the Museum respectfully inform the ladies and gentlemen of Uniontown and vicinity that they will exhibit every day (Sundays excepted), for a short time, at the house of George Manypenny, panoramic views of the city of Rome as it now stands with its environs, and the ruins of ancient Rome. Likewise an elegant museum of wax works, consisting of figures as large as life of Major-General Jackson, Commodores Decatur and Perry, Captain Lawrence and his physician, Captain Wilcox with a barbarous looking Indian represented in the act of taking his scalp, at which time a soldier arrives and thrusts the savage through with his bayo- net. Cincinnati, Kentucky and Pittsburgh beauties, a lady with her family, Captain Montraville and Charlotte Temple, The God- dess of Liberty supporting the American Standard. Music on an elegant organ. Hours of exhibition from nine o'clock in the morning till nine in the evening. Each admittance, 25 cents, children half price. Profiles taken through the day. January 18, 1819."
Manypenny concluded to quit the tavern business and on June 24, 1823, sold his tavern furniture at public sale. He died July 12, 1824.
This old Manypenny stand was also occupied by George Ewing as a tavern for several years. He was a brother of David Ewing who conducted a drug and grocery store on the north side of Elbow street west of Middle alley. He was subsequently a prominent merchant of the town. The Lafayette Artillerists met at the house of George Ewing Saturday, June 6, 1827, to make arrangements to celebrate the National Independence- James Bunton, O. S.
A court of appeals was held at the house of George Ewing July 25, 1829, by Captain Thomas Patton, captain of Lafayette Artillerists. A public meeting of the Democratic Central Com- mittee met at the inn of George Ewing on Saturday, July 16, 1836. A big political meeting was announced to be held at the public house of George Ewing on August 8, 1836.
Daniel P. Lynch, who was sheriff of Fayette county, 1820, married Eliza Rine and went to tavernkeeping in the old Many- penny stand and continued until the death of his wife when he
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broke up housekeeping and he and his children made their homes with Betsy Fausett, a sister's daughter, and where he died.
The old frame building of Peter Hook's lot was moved to lot No. 42, on the north side of Main street, about 1838, where a further account will be given.
In 1841 a two-story brick building was erected on this site, the western part of which was for residence and at the east was for a law office. The first occupant of the residence was the Rev. Andrew Ferrier, president of Madison college, and he was succeeded by William Wilson. John Kennedy Ewing became a resident here soon after his marriage and resided here until his death.
A small brick building was erected on the eastern part of this lot, No. 22, and was used for some years by different at- torneys as law offices. Col. Samuel Evans, who was admitted to the bar in 1821, had his office here for a greater part of his law practice.
Alfred Patterson, Esq., first occupied the law office in the eastern part of this new building up to 1846. John K. Ewing was admitted to the bar in 1846, and he and Amzi Fuller formed a law firm and occupied this office for some time. Mr. Fuller withdrew, and upon the admittance of Edward Campbell to the bar in 1859, he became connected with Mr. Ewing in practice, and after the retirement of Mr. Ewing, who was appointed to the bench, 1864, Mr. Campbell continued to occupy the office for some time, when the room was no longer used as an office.
In 1879 Judge John K. Ewing greatly enlarged and im- proved this property, adding more ground on the west and mak- ing it one of the most desirable resident properties on Main street.
On the western part of lot No. 22 was a log building which stood two or three steps below the sidewalk. This was used, per- haps, originally, in connection with the frame adjoining on the east, but later by different tenants. Jeremiah Dotson announces that he is carrying on his business of tailoring in the house adjoining Samuel Salter's inn, formerly occupied by John Lind- say, July 12, 1815. Samuel Sly, a shoemaker was located here, and he was succeeded by Capt. Hugh Gorley in the same line of business, 1815; Walker and Wilson, silversmiths, were located in this property prior to 1822, and they were succeeded in that year by David D. Manship, who carried on tailoring. Nathan
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G. Smith and William W. Lee succeeded Manship in the same business in 1823. Daniel Black, another tailor, was located here in 1827. He was a Presbyterian by faith, and was very much of a gentleman. He lived in a small frame house near the west end of South street. His wife was a sister to Mrs. Joseph Kibler and Mrs. Crawford Livingstone.
James Winders owned and occupied this log property for some time where he carried on a confectionery store. He served as constable for many years. He was the father of a respectable family, among whom was a son, John, who was employed when a boy in a local tan-yard. One day a gentle- man from Detroit noticed the boy and remarked to his em- ployer " That is too bright a boy to confine his time to a tan- yard." The gentleman made arrangements to take the boy to Detroit and he became the Colonel John Winders, one of Detroit's most wealthy and prominent citizens.
James P. Hedges purchased about 28 feet frontage of this lot, and in 1842 erected thereon a two-story brick building with basement, in which he opened his business as a furniture dealer. Mr. Hedges, although a most excellent man, was very unfortunate. His business was burned out on several, at least two occasions, the work of an incendiary, but he struggled on against adversity. The expense of erecting this brick residence proved too much of a burden for him to bear, and it was sold under the hammer, December 13, 1842, to Dr. Smith Fuller who received a deed direct from the administrators of James Wind- ers. Mr. Hedges moved to the West, and he and his family lived in a corn crib until he could build a house.
Dr. Fuller moved into this property, and in 1849 he asso- ciated with him Dr. James Brownfield, a former student of medicine, and Dr. Fuller moved to the James Yerk house on Church street. It appears that Dr. Brownfield bought this property as on April 17, 1851, he advertised it for sale. Dr. Fuller again became the owner and kept his office in the base- ment. He later tore away the Hedges house and erected a new brick in its stead, with an office on the west side. Dr. Fuller subsequently purchased property on Fayette street from the heirs of Joshua B. Howell in 1866, and here resided until his death.
Jacob Fell purchased this property from Dr. Fuller and occupied for some time as a residence. This property was
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purchased from Mr. Fell and fitted up for a residence for Col. Samuel Evans but he did not occupy it any length of time, and it remained empty for some time. Judge John K. Ewing tore away the building and extended his residence over a part of the lot.
Jacob Downerd purchased lot No. 23 February 17, 1790, and a tavern was opened here by William Downerd, perhaps a son of Jacob, in 1801, and continued until 1808. He removed from Uniontown to the "Big Watering Trough " near the summit of Laurel Hill. He also took up land in the neighborhood of Walnut Hill in Georges township.
A narrow driveway passed between the old red frame two- story building on this lot and the lot on the east. Benjamin Miller, a wagoner on the old road before the construction of the National road, kept a tavern here from 1822 to 1827, when he moved to the mountains, and in 1830 built the large brick tavern stand since known as the Marlow House, some miles east of Uniontown. He became a candidate for the Legislature, and pending his canvass he is said to have declared, "By the Eternal, if I am not elected I will go up on the hill over- looking Harrisburg and look down with contempt upon the capitol." He was given the opportunity, but never executed his threat.
Harry Gilbert succeeded Ben Miller here in the tavern busi- ness and continued until 1848, in which year he announced that he would sell his household goods at public sale. Harry Gil- bert's wife was a Miss Amos of near Baltimore, Md. Their son, Corbin A., became one of the old teachers and educators of the county. Elizabeth H. married Rev. Dr. William Penny, a Baptist clergyman. Their youngest child, Joshua, was born in Baltimore and came here with his parents about 1829. He read medicine with Dr. Fuller and located at Carmichaels where he practiced until his death, January 12, 1907, over 80 years of age. He left two sons and three daughters, his wife having died thirteen years before.
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