USA > Pennsylvania > Early history of western Pennsylvania, and of the West, and of western expeditions and campaigns, from MDCCLIV to MDCCCXXXIII > Part 74
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90
2,368
2,493
2.517
3,317
Fayette,
2,016
3,000
2,302
2,484
Findlay,
1,326
1,367
Franklin,
658
955
Indiana,
692
1,198
1,777
2,697
Jefferson,
1,425
1,779
Lawrenceville borough,
869
Mifflin,
1,953
2,221
1,162
1,654
Moon,
1,622
2,014
1,048
1,281
Ohio,
832
1,477
1,079
1,631
Peeples,
1,820
Pine,
588
795
984
1,770
Pitt,
2,441
4,381
3,924
6,002
Pittsburg City,
5,000
7,248 12,542 21,115
Plum,
1,174
1,639
1,724
1,953
Robinson,
899
1,392
1,371
1,694
Ross,
1,327
1,979
2,196
1,675
Lower St. Clair,
3,080
4,142
4,614
4,372
Upper St. Clair,
2,302
Versailles,
883
867
911
1,465
Wilkins,
2,163
Total.
81,235
The male adult population were variously employed, viz : 607 in mining ; 5,278 in agriculture ; 914 in commerce ; 5,927 in manufac- tures ; 18 in navigation of the ocean ; 550 in navigation of canals, lakes and rivers ; 360 in the learned professions.
The surface of the country is undulating,-near the rivers and princi- pal creeks, much broken and hilly : and many hills are precipitous, and oc- casionally furrowed into deep ravines and hollows. As one recedes from the river, he meets with a more level country ; but a large portion of the upland is rolling : but little can be called flat, except the bottom lands along some of the rivers and creeks.
This county " is situated within the great western coal basin of Pennsylvania, and it is to an inexhaustible supply of the finest bitumi- nous coal, that Pittsburg principally owes its prosperity as a manufac- [ 286]
fou fa tu y vi
h
la
se
SU
h
ca
1
N
1
5
B $
r
1,414
Elizabeth,
2,801 10,089 )
ALLEGHENY COUNTY.
turing city. It is this which supplies steam-power and fuel for the foundries, steam engine manufactories, rolling mills, nail works, cotton factories, and the vast variety of other industrial operations in manufac- tures and arts, where heat is required : and which has in less than fifty years enabled the industry and enterprize of her people to convert a village of a few log huts into a great manufacturing and commercial city."
Although some other counties are more highly cultivated, and per- haps surpass this in "grand and imposing scenery," not one presents landscapes more pleasing. The river scenery, always beautiful on the Ohio and its tributaries, is almost equalled in beauty by the views pre- sented from a thousand elevated spots, from which may be seen in varied succession, hills and dales, woods and thickets, orchards and farm- houses, herds of cattle and cultivated fields.
The mineral and staple wealth of this county is great. The following, carefully compiled from the census tables of 1840, affords the reader some idea of the real wealth of this county :
Mineral, Agricultural, Horticultural, Commercial, &c., Statistics of Allegheny County, for 1840 :
There were 28 furnaces in the county, that produced 6,584 tons of cast iron ; 12 bloomeries and forges, produced 28,100 tons of bar iron. Men employed in the manufacture of iron, including mining operations, 1,305, and $1,931,000 of capital invested. Bituminous coal raised, 5,662,208 busliels ; engaged 555 men, and a capital of $146,525 .- Bushels of salt manufactured, 36,875; employed 37 men ; capital, $48,500.
The live stock was 10,705 horses, 21,512 neat cattle, 56,459 sheep, 34,635 swine, value of poultry $43,457.
Cereal grain: 461,167 bushels of wheat ; barley 5,908; oats 770,378: rye 58,045 ; buckwheat 29,894 ; corn 289,797. Various crops : 101,- 490 pounds of wool; 408 hops; 138 wax; 409,210 bushels of pota- toes ; 13,557 tons of hay ; 1,877 pounds of sugar manufactured; pro- ducts of the dairy, $70,355 ; of the orchard, $16,828; home-made goods, $11,431 ; produce of market gardens, $42,191.
Commerce : various kinds of stores, $551 ; with a capital of $1,389,- 290 ; lumber yards 31, capital $240,000. Number of men employed in internal transportation, 1,173. Machinery manufactured to the amount of $443,500, and employed 251 men ; value of hardware, cutlery, $341,500 ; employed 210 men ; manufactured 1,350 small arms and cast 5 cannons. Total capital invested in manufactures, $631,675.
Woollen manufactories : 5 fulling-mills, 5 woollen manufactories ; value of goods, $25,200; capital $17,850. Cotton manufactories, 5, with 17,270 spindles ; value of manufactured articles, $511,200; capi- tal, $530,000. Mixed manufactures in value, $47,138 ; capital $25,- 59%. Value of manufactured tobacco, $109,500; capital, $65,600; value of hats and caps manufactured, $189,560.
Leather, &c .: Tanneries 32, tanned 10,580 sides of sole, 57,350 of upper leather, capital $74,400 ; value of all other manufactured articles of leather, $341,768 ; capital $177,025 ; pounds of soap 493,600; can- dles 637,300.
[287]
17.
ŁO, 89 55 87 14 17 34 7 5 7 9 9 4 1 1 )
APPENDIX-NO. XXX.
Liquors : 14 distilleries produced 93,000 gallons ; 6 breweries 222,- 000 gallons ; capital $163,600. Value of drugs, paints, &c, $201,800; turpentine and varnish, $3,675; capital $246,300. Glasshouses 17, glass cutting establishments 9, employed 438 hands ; value of manu -. factured articles, including looking-glasses, $521,200; capital $604,000. Value of confectionaries made, $30,900; capital $22,300. One paper manufactory, value of produce $25,000.
Eighteen printing offices, 7 binderies, 4 daily newspapers, 11 weekly, 10 periodicals; 130 men employed ; capital $98,000. 4 rope-walks, value produced $108,000, capital $31,600. Carriages and wagons manufactured, $203,450, capital $71,000. Flouring mills 37, grist mills 52, saw mills 81, oil mills 2.
Value of boats built, $103,110 ; furniture manufactured, $249,400. Number of houses built: of brick 125, of wood 121. The total capi- tal invested in manufactures, $3,554,562.
The aggregate amount of property taxable in 1845, was $14,754,- 699, whereof $13,414,371 was real estate: $414,245 personal estate : $643,506 money at interest: $217,002 stocks in foreign corpora- tions, &c.
This county is traversed by the Ohio, Monongahela, Allegheny and Youghiogeny rivers, and numerous creeks.
'The Ohio is scarce exceeded by any stream in the world for its beauty and usefulness. "Its smooth and gentle current: its ever varying but always beautiful scenery : the high state of cultivation of the country through which it flows: the growing and already noble cities, thriving towns, and numberless and occasionally splendid dwellings on its banks: its adaptation to steam navigation, and the value of the products carried upon it, make it altogether the most interesting river in the world.
The Monongahela rises in Randolph county, Virginia, and flows through Pennsylvania, and after a comparative course of 170 miles, unites with the Allegheny, and forms the Ohio. "It flows through a picturesque, as well as highly cultivated country, and from its smooth and gentle current is well adapted to navigation. The trade on this river is of the utmost importance, and to facilitate its navigation during the season of low water, a company has been incorporated to improve it by means of dams and locks."
'The Allegheny* river rises in Potter county, within a few miles of the head waters of the Sinnemahoning creek, and in its course winds through the State of New York about 25 miles, and re-enters Pennsyl- vania, and after meandering through Warren, Venango, Armstrong and Allegheny county, a distance of 180 miles, unites with the Monongahela at Pittsburg. "It is remarkable for the clearness of its waters and the general beauty of the stream, being studded with many islands, and flowing through a highly picturesque country. During high and mid- dling stages of water, it is navigable for steamboats of light draught as high as Olean Point, in the State of New York. A number of steam- boats are now on this river from Pittsburg to Freeport, Kittanning, Franklin and Warren : and in the summer season, when the river is low,
* The Delaware Indians who inhabited this region called this river Allige- wisipo ; the Iroquois called it Ohio-that is, The Beautiful River .- Loskiel.
[288]
-
ALLEGHENY COUNTY.
small keel and flat boats are employed to do the carrying trade." The benefit of the trade on this river to our western counties, and indeed to many of the western states, is incalculable. Out of it has been floated nearly all the pine timber, boards and shingles, that have been used in the Valley of the Mississippi, from Pittsburg to New Orleans. Rising of 400 large arks, or flat boats, from 65 to 120 feet long, come down the Allegheny annually, loaded with lumber and produce. These boats are generally sold at Pittsburg to the coal merchants, who reload them with coal for Cincinnatti, Louisville, Natchez, and the intermediate ports. The ascending trade of the Allegheny consists chiefly of Pitts- burg manufactures, groceries, and foreign and domestic goods for the supply of the upper country : but the descending trade is much greater, embracing a vast amount of all kinds of lumber, logs and shingles, pot and pearl ashes, whiskey, cheese, cabinet-ware, patent tubs and buckets, hay, oats, potatoes, hoop-poles, bark, &c., a large quantity of salt from the Kiskiminetas, and of pig metal from the great iron establishments in Venango and Armstrong counties.
The Youghiogheny river rises in Maryland, enters Pennsylvania, and after flowing a comparative distance of seventy miles through this state, it unites with the Monongahela at Mckeesport, 18 miles above Pittsburg. Besides these rivers there are a number of important creeks in this county :- Turtle, Peters', Bull, Deer, Poketos, Plum, Sandy, Chartier's, Raccoon, Big and Little Sewickly, Red-stone, Pokono : and a number of runs-Thompson's, Saw-mill, Montour's, Flaherty's, Haw- ser's, Jones's, Long, Squaw, Street's, Wood, Ravesden's, Spruce, &c.
The public improvements are canals, turnpikes, &c. The Western Division of the Pennsylvania Canal passes along the west side of the Allegheny river, in this county, for the distance of about 30 miles, and at Allegheny City, where it is taken across the river by a wire suspension aqueduct, built at a cost of $62,000. 'The former one, built by the state at a cost of $104,000, was removed in 1844, and this one com- pleted in May, 1845.
The following, from the American Rail Road Journal, is here inserted, as it may prove interesting to readers generally :
Wire Suspension Aqueduct over the Allegheny river at Pittsburg.
This work, recently constructed under the superintendence of John A. Roebling, the designer and contractor, has supplied the place of the old wooden structure, which originally was built by the State of Penn- sylvania, at the western termination of the Pennsylvania Canal.
The Councils of the City of Pittsburg, by whom, in consequence of an arrangement with the State, the tolls on this Aqueduct are of late re- ceived, and who are bound to keep the work in repair, decided on rebuilding, and after considering various plans, adopted that of Mr. Roebling, and entered into a contract with him, to reconstruct the com- munication for the gross sum, including the removal of the old ponderous structure and the repair of the piers and abutments, of $62,000, a very small sum indeed for a work of such magnitude. As this work is the first of the kind ever attempted, its construction speaks well for the enterprize of the City of Pittsburg.
S
[289 ]
·
a h r 1 f
ad ły ut y g s: d S
0. Di-
2, 0; 17, DU- 00. Der ly, k's, ns ist
APPENDIX -- NO. XXX.
The removal of the old work was commenced in September, 1844, and boats were passed through the new aqueduct in May, 1845. This work consists of 7 spans of 160 feet each, from centre to centre of pier ; the trunk is of wood, and 1140 feet long, 14 feet at bottom, 16} feet on top, the sides 83 feet deep. These, as well as the bottom, are composed of a double course of 22 inch white plank, laid diagonally, the two courses crossing each other at right angles, so as to form a solid lattice work of great strength and stiffness, sufficient to bear its own weight, and to resist the effects of the most violent storms. The bottom of the trunk rests upon transverse beams, arranged in pairs of 4 feet apart ; between these, the posts which support the sides of the trunk, are let in with dovetailed tenons, secured by bolts. The outside posts which support the side walk and tow-path, incline towards, and are connected with the beams in a similar manner. Each trunk post is held by 2 braces, 2} by 10 inches, and connected with the outside posts by a double joist of 23 by 10 inches. 'The trunk posts are 7 inches square on top, and 7 by 14 at the heel ; the transverse beams are 27 feet long and 16 by 6 inches, the space between two adjoining is 4 inches. It will be observed, that all parts of the framing are double with the exception of the posts, so as to admit of the suspension roads ; each pair of beams is on each side of the trunk, supported by a double suspension rod of 12 inch round iron, bent in the shape of a stirrup, and mounted on a small cast iron saddle, which rests on the cable; these saddles are on top of the table, connected by links, which diminish in size from the pier towards the centre. The sides of the trunk rest solid against the bodies of masonry, which are erected on each pier and abutment as bases, for the pyramids which support the cables. These pyramids, which are constructed of three blocks of a durable hard sand-stone, rise five feet above the level of the sidewalk and tow path, and measure 3 by 5 feet on top, and 4 by 6} feet in base. The sidewalk and tow path being 7 feet wide, leave 3 feet space for the passage of the pyramids. . The ample width of the tow and footpath is therefore contracted on every pier, but this arrangement proves no inconvenience, and was necessary for the suspension next to the trunk.
The wire cables are suspended next to the trunk, one on each side ; each of these two cables is exactly 7 inches in diameter, perfectly com- pact, and constructed in one piece from shore to shore, 1175 feet long ; it is composed of 1900 wires of 3 inch thickness, which are laid paral- lel to each other, great care being taken to insure an equal tension of the wires. Oxidation is guarded against by a varnish, applied to each wire separately ; their preservation, however, is insured by a close compact and continuous wrapping, made of annealed wire, and laid on by ma- chinery in the most perfect manner. A continuous wrapping is an important improvement, which in this case has for the first time been successfully applied.
A well constructed and well wrapped cable presents the appearance of a solid cylinder, which in strength greatly surpasses a chain, made of bars of the same aggregate section or weight. It is not only the great relative strength of wire which renders it superior to bar iron, but its great elasticity, which enables it to support strong and repeated
ar W vi
er th
SU ne
[290]
a b th ar in
ALLEGHENY COUNTY.
vibrations, adds still more to its value as a material for bridge building.
The extremities of the cables do not extend below ground, but connect with anchor chains, which in a curved line pass through large masses of masonry, the last links occupying a vertical position. The bars com- posing these chains, average 12 by 4 inches, and are from 4 to 12 feet long ; they are manufactured of boiler scrap, and forged in one piece without a weld. The extreme links are anchored to heavy cast iron plates of 6 feet square, which are held down by the foundations, upon which the weight of 700 perches of masonry rest. The stability of this part of the structure is fully insured, as the resistance of the an- chorage is twice as great as the greatest strain to which the chains can ever be subjected.
The plan of anchorage adopted on the aqueduct varies materially from those methods usually applied to suspension bridges, where an open channel is formed under ground for the passage of the chains. On the aqueduct, the chains below ground are imbedded and completely surrounded by cement. In the construction of the masonry, this mate. rial as well as lime mortar have been abundantly applied. The bars are painted with red lead ; their preservation is rendered certain by the known quality of calcareous cements, to prevent oxidation. If moisture should find its way to the chains, it will be saturated with lime, and add another calcareous coating to the iron. This portion of the work has been executed with scrupulous care, so as to render it unnecessary on the part of those who exercise a surveillance over the structure, to ex- amine it. The repainting of the cables every two or three years will insure their duration for a long period.
Where the cables rest on the saddles, their size is increased at two points by introducing short wires, and thus forming swells, which fit into corresponding recesses of the casting. Between those swells the cable is forcibly pressed down by three sets of strong iron wedges, driven through openings, which are cast in the sides of the saddle.
When the merits of the suspension plan were discussed, previous to the commencement of the structure, doubts were raised as to the stability of the pyramids and the masonry below, when unequal forces should happen to disturb the equilibrium of adjoining spans. It was then proved by a statical demonstration, that any of the arches with the water in the trunk could support an extra weight of 120 tons, without distur- bance to any part of the work. In this examination no allowance at all was made for the great resistance of the wood-work and the stiffness of the trunk itself. During the raising of the frame work the several arches were repeatedly subjected to very considerable unequal forces, which never disturbed the balance, and proved the correctness of pre- vious calculation.
The stiffness and rigidity of the structure is so great, that no doubt is entertained that each of the several arches would sustain itself, in case the wood-work of the next one adjoining should be consumed by fire. The wood-work in any of the arches separately may be removed and substituted by new material, without affecting the equilibrium of the next one.
The original idea, upon which the plan has been perfected, was to
[291]
15
ce he t: in ch ed 2 le P, 16 be of is
a on he he as se y th s. on as
e; n-
re ct n en e e e t d
ed
APPENDIX-NO. XXX.
form a wooden trunk, strong enough to support its own weight, and stiff enough for an aqueduct or bridge, and combine this structure with wire cables of a sufficient strength to bear safely the great weight of water.
The plan of this work therefore is a combination, which presents very superior advantages, viz : great strength, stiffness, safety, durability| and economy.
This system, for the first time successfully carried out on the Pitts- burg aqueduct, may hereafter be applied with the happiest results to) railroad bridges, which have to resist the powerful weight and great vibrations which result from the passage of heavy locomotives and! trains of cars.
REMARK .- The quantities in the following table are calculated for a depth of water of four feet, which has been in the aqueduct ever since the opening. The depth contemplated was three and a half feet ; a greater depth is at present required, on account of the raising of the bottom of the canal by bars and sediment, which have to be removed before the level can be lowered :
Table of quantities on Aqueduct.
Length of Aqueduct without extensions,
1,140 feet.
66 Cables,
1,175
66 Cables and Chains, 1,283
Diameter of Cables, 7 inches.
Aggregate weight of both Cables,
110 tons.
Ariel section of 4 feet of water in trunk,
59 feet.
Total weight of water in Aqueduct, 66 one span,
295 tons.
e
Weight of one span, including all,
420 tons.
Aggregate number of wires in both cables,
3,800
Aggregate solid wire section of both cables in superficial inches, 53 inches.
Aggregate solid section of anchor chains,
72 inches. €
Deflection of cables,
14 feet 6 inches.
Elevation of pyramids above piers,
16 feet 5 inches.
Weight of water in one span between piers,
275 tons.
Tension of cables resulting from this weight,
392 tons.
Tension of a single wire,
206 lbs.
Average ultimate strength of ore wire,
1,100 lbs.
Ultimate strength of cables,
2,090 tons.
Tension resulting from weight of water upon one solid square inch of wire cable, 14,800 lbs.
Tension resulting from weight of water upon one square inch of anchor chains, 11,000 lbs.
Pressure resulting from weight of water upon a pyramid, 1372 tons. Pressure resulting from weight of water upon one super-
ficial foot of pyramid, 18,400 lbs.
To resume this division :- " After passing through a tunnel under Grant's Hill, this canal ends at the Monongahela river. Another branch of the canal passes through Allegheny city, till within several hundred vards of the Ohio river, where it enters the Allegheny river. There are [292]
t 1
S
0 S
t
F
0 S h P
S
2,100 tons.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY.
several bridges across the Allegheny, and one across the Monongahela river. There are also several turnpike roads in different directions through this county. The common roads are generally in good repair, and the larger streams have bridges across them.
" Education, and the means for the general diffusion of knowledge, re- ceive great attention in this county, especially in Pittsburg and vicinity." Associations for the promotion of religious moral, and charitable objects are numerous in Pittsburg, Allegheny and the neighboring districts. The cause of temperance has nowhere more earnest, untiring advocates, and perhaps in no place have their efforts been crowned with more success. Literature and science are not neglected : ten or twelve associations or institutes for the promotion and diffusion of knowledge, have been or- ganized : several of which have libraries and reading rooms, and in some of them courses of lectures are delivered, on scientific and literary subjects."
The Western University of Pennsylvania, located in Pittsburg, com- menced operations in 1822 ; the Western Theological Seminary of the Presbyterian Church, founded by the General Assembly in 1825, and located in Allegheny in 1827; the Theological Seminary of the Asso- ciate Reformed Church, established in 1826 ; the Allegheny 'Theolo- gical Institute, organized by the General Synod of the Reformed Pres- byterian Church in 1840, are all located in Allegheny City, and sustain a high reputation.
No less attention is paid to common schools. The common-school system is in general operation throughout the county. The county is divided into 34 districts, in which 241 schools are in operation nearly eight months in the year, in which 8,079 males and 7,249 females were taught in 1845. Amount of tax raised for school purposes was $37,- 135,18; the state appropriation amounted to $6,097,26; cost of in- struction $35,330,58 ; fuel and contingencies, $3,591,22 ; cost of school houses, repairing, &c., $5,180,72 in 1845. Each of the wards in the city of Pittsburg has its public school house, in which the male and fe- male departments are under separate teachers. There is also a school open for the express purpose of instruction of colored children. The schools in Pittsburg are kept open for about eleven months in the year. The Teachers' Lyceum of Allegheny County, has for its object the mutual improvement of teachers, and a general diffusion of knowledge.
The religious denominations are Presbyterian, Baptist, Episcopalian, Methodist, Catholic, Associate Reformed, Associate Presbyterian, Lu- theran, Congregationalist, Disciples, German Reformed, German Pro- testant, Unitarian, " Church of God," Welsh Baptists, &c.
PITTSBURG. Early History of Pittsburg and Vicinity.
In pursuance of the scheme formed by the French Governor of New France, as all the western country was then called (1752), for connecting Canada with Louisiana, then owned by the French, by a line of well selected posts, to extend from the Lakes to the Mississippi, several forts had been erected-one at Venango, one at Le Bœuf, and another at Presq Isle, which so alarmed Robert Dinwiddie, Governor of Virginia,
[293]
.
and
es.
reat and or a nce the ved
ht of very
1
s. s. s.
,
=
APPENDIX-NO. XXX.
as to send George Washington to the French Commandant at Le Bœuf, to demand an explanation of their designs. On his way to the French forts, Washington November 23d, 1753, visited the present site of Pitts- burg*, " spent some time in viewing the rivers, and the land in the fork, which," he says, " I think extremely well situated for a fort, as it has the absolute command of both rivers. The land at the point is twenty- five feet above the common surface of the water, and a considerable bot- tom or flat, well-timbered land all around it, very convenient for building. The rivers are each a quarter of a mile or more across, and run here nearly at right angles, Allegheny bearing north-east, and Monongahela south-east. The former of these two is a very rapid and swift-running water, the other deep and still, without any perceptible fall." **
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.