USA > Pennsylvania > Allegheny County > Allegheny in Allegheny County > Recollections of seventy years and historical gleanings of Allegheny, Pennsylvania > Part 15
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Immediately following the death of Col. Irwin, Mrs. Irwin gave her son an interest in the business ; and it was carried on under the name and style of Mary and John Irwin.
In the year 1795 the works were removed to the square bounded by Liberty, Third, and Fourth Streets and Redoubt Alley. In view of the increasing demand for their products, and confined limits of this locality, the walk was removed in 1812 to the bank of the Allegheny River between Marbury Street and the point, where the entire rigging for Perry's fleet was manufactured.
The increasing demands induced the junior partner to con- sider seriously the project of erecting works on a more exten- sive scale.
Mrs. Irwin, on account of her age, and loss of health, resolved to quit business, in view of which she disposed of her interest to her son, who, in accordance with his preconceived notions on the subject, commenced the erection, in Allegheny, in 1813, of one of the most extensive works in the West, on the ten-acre out-
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195
THE FIRST ROPE-WALK.
lot bounded by the West Commons, Water Lane (now Western Avenue), out-lots Nos. 275, 29, and 30. It was known and designated as out-lot No. 276 in the "Reserve Tract opposite Pittsburg."
The contract for building the works was awarded to William Delworth, sen.
Mr. Irwin successfully carried on the business until Jan. I, 1835, when he associated with him his son Henry, under the name of John Irwin & Son. This firm leased for a term of years, from Harmar Denny, out-lot No. 275, over which they extended their walk to within one hundred feet of Allegheny Avenue. In 1847 they became the purchasers.
In the month of July, 1836, a disastrous fire occurred in the factory, resulting in its entire destruction ; and after it had been rebuilt, it was again destroyed by fire in the same month. It was again rebuilt, and the business carried on until 1858, when the firm dissolved, and the business at this point abandoned. In 1847 John Irwin, jun., became a partner, and the name of the firm was changed to John Irwin & Sons.
In 1862 Messrs. Fulton, Bollman, & Co., of which Mr. John Irwin, sen., was a member, succeeded the firm of John Irwin & Sons, and commenced the erection of new works on Smoky Island, to which the machinery, etc., of the abandoned works was removed.
These works had but a brief existence. The business of manufacturing had scarcely commenced ere it took fire, and was entirely consumed. This closed the connection of Mr. John Irwin, sen., with the business. Subsequently Mr. A. M. Mar- shall became associated with Messrs. Fulton & Bollman. The engine and machinery were removed to McKeesport, where they erected new works on a very extensive scale, and continued to do a large and profitable business up to the time it was burned down. From Mckeesport it was removed to New Jersey.
During the early operations of rope-making, the machinery was of a rather primitive pattern, and was operated by hand. Subsequently horse-power was introduced, which was hailed as, quite an improvement over the old methods.
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HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY.
To the rude and primitive methods of the past, now succeeds the modern improvements in machinery and steam-power.
The manufacture of cordage, etc., was among the early in- dustries established in Pittsburg and Allegheny. And judging from their accessibility to the hemp-growing regions, and the facilities afforded for receiving the raw material, and distribu- tion of the manufactured product, by rail and water, one would reasonably suppose that it would be classed among the most progressive of the industries of our locality: such, however, has not been the fact.
Although the profits accruing to those who have invested capital in the business have been remunerative, yet the manu- facture has not been as extensive as might be expected.
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THE FIRST GLASS-WORKS.
THE FIRST GLASS-WORKS ERECTED IN ALLEGHENY COUNTY.
IT is generally conceded that the first building for the manu- facture of green glass was erected on the South Side, in 1797, by Gen. James O'Hara and Major Isaac Craig, prominent and enterprising men of that early day. The works were located at the base of Coal Hill, fronting on the Ohio River, immedi- ately opposite the confluence of the Allegheny and Mononga- hela, on property purchased from Ephraim Jones and Ephraim Blaine, extending from the river-front to the crest of the hill. The discovery of the great coal-seam underlying the hills south of the Monongahela, determined the location at this point. The proprietors engaged the services of Peter William Eich- baum of the Schuylkill Glass-Works, near Philadelphia, to superintend the construction of the works. They were com- pleted, and commenced blowing glass, in 1797. These works are still standing, and have been successfully carried on for the manufacture of window-glass, etc., up to the present time (1884) by the succeeding firms of Fred Lorenz, William McCully & Co., Lorenz & Wightman, and Thomas Wightman & Co., respec- tively. It was alleged by one of the original projectors, that, before the first bottle was made, the sum of thirty thousand dollars had been expended.
The manufacture of glass has steadily increased in impor- tance and profit up to the present time, with intervals of de- pression in common with other industries, and is now one of the leading staples of Pittsburg. But little was known of the coal-deposits in the adjacent hills until the establishment of
HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY.
these works. The stratum dips towards the south, and at this point attains an altitude considerably above the level of the river, about 500 feet, and is about 100 feet below the crest of the hill. Because of the want of knowledge of this fact, ex- plorations were confined to the 12-inch seam at the base of the hill, thereby overlooking the 5-foot seam near the summit : from the latter the works were supplied with fuel for many years, from an opening in the hill directly in the rear of the works, delivered in one-horse skids containing ten bushels; Major Craig having subsequently withdrawn from the firm. Gen. O'Hara com- menced the enlargement of the works with a view to the man- ufacture of flint glass : this not proving successful, what is now justly deemed one of the great industries to which the rise and prosperity of our vicinity is indebted, had to be abandoned.
Subsequent to the date of the establishment of the works above described, Messrs. Denny and Beelen commenced the erection of glass-works on the north side of the Allegheny. It was located on the bank of the Ohio River, opposite the head of Alliquippa Island (now called Brunot's), on out-lot No. 15 of the Reserve Tract, near the mouth of Island Lane (now Wash- ington Street). At this point the current of the river is swift, and difficult for navigation, and is generally known by river- men as "Glass-house Ripple." The factory went into operation about the beginning of the present century, under the superin- tendence of La Fluer (commonly called " Falure "), a native of France, who came to this country expressly to take charge of it. It was, however, after a brief existence, abandoned, on account of the difficulty in obtaining the necessary supply of fuel.
La Fluer was afterwards employed at the works of Messrs. O'Hara and Craig, and was subsequently drowned in the Ohio River immediately in front of the works, in the attempt to ford the stream from the Gravel Bar below the point of Pittsburg. He left a widow and several children. Mrs. La Fluer resided for many years on the north-east corner of out-lot No. 12 and Ferry Lane (now Beaver Avenue), the dividing line between out-lots Nos. II and 12 being also the dividing line between the borough of Manchester and McClure township.
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THE FIRST IRON ROLLING MILL. *
THE FIRST IRON ROLLING MILL ERECTED IN THE CITY OF ALLEGHENY.
THE Juniata Rolling Mill was built on the lot extending from Robinson Street along the west side of Darragh Street to the Allegheny River, at the former outlet of the Pennsyl- vania Canal, by Sylvanus Lothrop, James Anderson, and Henry Blake, in the years 1826 and 1827. Mr. Blake sold his interest to Capt. William Stewart, and removed to Greenup County, Ky., having there purchased two furnaces and a forge from the Messrs. Shreves. Messrs. Lothrop, Anderson, and Stewart sold out their interest in 1834 to John Bissell, William Mor- rison, and Edward W. Stephens.
The mill, having been constructed for the exclusive use of Juniata blooms, was extended by the latter firm to the manu- facture of iron by the puddling and boiling process, and was the first boiling-furnace erected in Allegheny County. , Here, too, was also erected the first coffee-mill squeezer, under the personal superintendence of the patentee, Mr. Burden of New York.
The manufacture of iron, nails, and steel of the lowest grade, was successfully carried on by the latter firm and their success- ors, until the year 1859, when the site becoming too limited for the growing demands of the trade, and the war of the Rebel- lion threatening in the near future, it was deemed advisable to dismantle the works, and wind up the business. The machinery was sold to Messrs. Reis, Brown, Berger, and James Ward, and was removed to Niles, Ohio.
The above items of information were obtained from William S. Bissell, Esq., who had charge of the Juniata Rolling Mill for nearly sixteen years.
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HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY.
PAPER-MILL.
ONE of the important branches of industry, and the first of the kind established north of the Allegheny River, was the paper manufactory erected by Hind & Howard on the bank of the Ohio River, on part of out-lot No. 20 in the Reserve Tract opposite Pittsburg, which is now embraced within the limits of the Fifth Ward of the city of Allegheny. It was commenced in the fall of 1831, completed, and made ready to commence ope- rations, in the following spring. This, however, was rendered impracticable by the entire demoralization of the building, machinery, etc., of the new enterprise by the disastrous flood in the rivers, of the 10th of February, 1832. By the prompt and energetic measures adopted by the firm in repairing dam- ages, they were enabled after a brief delay to again commence operations.
It was the intention of the proprietors to manufacture what is termed laid writing-paper, in all its varieties. This they prac- tically abandoned in 1837 in consequence of the impurities of the water used in the manufacture.
In this year Mr. Hind disposed of his interest to Mr. Levi Howard, the brother of his partner ; and the business continued under the name and style of James Howard & Co.
The new firm proceeded to introduce into their mill the latest and most approved machinery, in order to enter largely into the manufacture of wall and wrapping paper.
In 1854 the mill was partially destroyed by fire : it was re- built, and was again partially destroyed in 1857. It was again repaired, and in 18711 was totally destroyed. These repeated disasters so discouraged the proprietors, that they abandoned the further prosecution of the business.
I Pattersons' saw-mill was also destroyed on these several occasions.
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ALLEGHENY GAS GOMPANY.
ALLEGHENY GAS COMPANY.
THIS company was organized under a charter granted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, approved March 29, 1852, with a capital of $100,000 divided into 4,000 shares, of the par value of twenty-five dollars, and has been in successful operation to the present time (1881). It was originally located on the north- west corner of Water Lane, now Western Avenue, and Pasture Lane, now Irwin Avenue, being part of out-lot No. 266, having a frontage of 181.4} feet on Pasture Lane by 200 feet on Water Lane.
In view of the unsuitable nature of the location, it was, in the year 1860, removed to Bank Lane, now South Avenue, on part of out-lot No. 24.
Over fifty miles of gas-mains have been laid, and the number of public lamps in operation in the city approximates twelve hundred.
The following commissioners were appointed, under the Act of incorporation, to open books, etc. :-
WILLIAM ROBINSON, Jun. JOHN PRICE. H. CHILDS.
ALEXANDER CAMERON.
SAMUEL WICKERSHAM.
JOHN T. LOGAN.
JOSIAH KING.
JAMES PARK, Jun. CHARLES AVERY.
WILLIAM WALKER.
GEORGE R. RIDDLE. ROBERT B. MOWRY.
JOHN FLEMING. JOHN IRWIN. JAMES MARSHALL.
JACOB PAINTER.
WILLIAM COLEMAN.
THOMAS F. DALE.
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HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY.
MANAGERS AND OFFICERS ELECTED IN 1852.
THOMAS F. DALE, M.D., President.
H. CHILDS.
JAMES PARK, Jun. ROBERT DALZELL.
H. P. SCHWARTZ.
JAMES MARSHALL.
JOHN T. LOGAN.
R. H. DAVIS.
JACOB PAINTER.
R. H. DAVIS, Secretary and Treasurer. LEMUEL H. DAVIS, Contractor.
H. P. GEMGEMBRE, Architect and Superintendent.
These works were erected at a cost of $101,784.53, exclusive of $6,000 paid for the real estate, making the entire expenditure $107,784.53.
The capital stock was subsequently increased to $250,000, then to $ 500,000, and finally to $800,000 ; that is to say, 32,000 shares at $25, the present capital.
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS, 1881.
JAMES MCCUTCHEON, President. JAMES LOCKHART.
H. M. BOYLE, Vice-President.
HUGH MCNEILL.
ADDISON LYSLE, Secretary.
JAMES MARSHALL.
WILLIAM WALKER.
JAMES RICHEY, Jun., Treasurer.
HAY WALKER. ROBERT YOUNG, Superintendent.
L. MCINTOSH.
The company has in successful operation two gasometers : the Eastern has a capacity of 196,000 cubic feet ; the West- ern, 100,000 cubic feet. In order to supply the increasing demand, the latter has recently been reconstructed by increas- ing the depth of the pit, and erecting an entire new telescopic holder with a capacity of 225,000 cubic feet, thus making the entire capacity 421,000 cubic feet.
CEMETERIES.
THE ORIGINAL BURIAL-PLACE IN ALLEGHENY. 205
THE ORIGINAL BURIAL-PLACE IN ALLEGHENY.
THE first place known to be appropriated by common con- sent of the early citizens for the burial of the dead, was the "Potter's Field," located on the northern slope of what was then known as "Hog-back Hill," immediately in the rear of the present building of the Western Theological Seminary.
After the grant to the seminary, it took the more eupho- nious title of "Seminary Hill;" but since the erection of the Soldiers' Monument on its crest, it has assumed the appropriate name of "Monumental Hill."
In this once humble locality, about fifty feet from the base of the hill, surrounded by a clump of young forest-trees, many of the early inhabitants of the North Side were interred, of which, unfortunately, there is no record or chiselled stone to mark their humble resting-place.
The excavation caused by the opening of Marshall Street along the base of the hill, left exposed the remains of those buried in the "Potter's Field :" they were carefully collected, and disposed of elsewhere.
In pursuance of a petition of a portion of the commoners in November, A.D. 1825, the Legislature passed an Act approved March 17, A.D. 1827, confirming the title of the seminary to all that portion of the common ground lying south of Ridge Avenue between Marion and Irwin Avenues, extending to the southern boundary of the same, including a large portion of the hill, and containing about eighteen acres : the grant, how- ever, was considered doubtful, as many of the commoners had refused their consent. It was subsequently abrogated, and
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HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY.
the same vested in the city by the Act of the Legislature approved March 26, 1867, creating the commission for the im- provement of the common grounds, except the part laid off in lots fronting on Ridge Avenue, extending back to Marshall Street, which had been previously disposed of by the city on perpetual lease.
Subsequent to the abandonment of the "Potter's Field," the citizens with commendable zeal determined to provide a more suitable and convenient place for the disposition of the dead, in view of which another portion of the common ground was selected, bounded on the east by Sherman Avenue (for- merly Webster Street), on the south by a line corresponding with the northern line of Stockton Avenue, on the west by Marion Avenue, and on the north by a line corresponding with the southern line of Water Alley (now Park Way).
This constituted the only place for the interment of the dead for many years, and until its further use for that purpose was interdicted by the authorities of the city. At this period the congregation of the First Presbyterian Church, through their trustee, Thomas Sample, purchased out-lot No. 251, con- taining ten acres, a part of which was laid out in convenient size burial-lots, and the balance in building-lots. Many of the dead from the former were removed to the latter. The nature of the ground, however, not proving suitable for the object designed, it was abandoned; and the bodies of the dead were removed to Mount Union Cemetery, and the ground laid out in building-lots, and sold.
The adoption of a generous system for the improvement of the common ground, and subsequent appointment of "Park Commissioners," were wise in conception, as well as glorious in results.
In order to carry out in detail the proposed improvement, it was deemed necessary that every thing calculated to interfere, or mar the general harmony, should as far as practicable be removed. In accordance therewith, the removal of the dead from the old burial-ground, between Sherman and Marion Avenues, to Mount Union Cemetery, was accomplished to the entire satisfaction of all parties.
THE ORIGINAL BURIAL-PLACE IN ALLEGHENY. 207
The members of the Christian Church (Disciples) established a burial-ground on the north side of Jackson Street, a short distance west of Arch Street. It was only maintained for a few years, and then abandoned, as the ground proved entirely unsuited for the purpose. The bodies buried therein were removed to Mount Union Cemetery.
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HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY.
MOUNT UNION CEMETERY.
To the indomitable zeal and efforts of a number of well- known and enterprising citizens of Allegheny, is due the in- ception and establishment of this beautiful city of the dead. Being impressed with the need of such a place, they made application to the State Legislature for an Act of incorporation, which was granted by the Act of April 14, 1846. In the mean time they acquired by purchase out-lots Nos. 238, 239, situate on the heights north of the city (now Sixth Ward), commanding a view of the valleys of the Ohio, Allegheny, and Mononghela, unequalled in beauty and extent.
Over a third of a century has passed away since it was opened for interment ; and so popular did this necropolis be- come, that the incorporators began to realize that additional territory would soon be required. ยท
In 1857 Hilldale Cemetery was incorporated ; and an eligible spot of ground, embracing out-lots Nos. 223, 224, immediately adjoining, was purchased, and opened for burial purposes, and was continued for a period of ten years, when the authorities of Mount Union Cemetery became the purchasers of the entire franchise for the sum of forty thousand dollars. Thus the two became merged under the name of Union Dale Cemetery.
There is no essential difference in the nature of the soil, as both are situate on the slopes of adjacent hills, divided by West- End Avenue (formerly New-Brighton Road), by which both are approached.
The soil is generally of a light sandy loam, in some places intermixed with fine gravel, possessing a fertility adapted to give strength and vitality to the exuberant growth of ornamental
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MOUNT UNION CEMETERY.
trees and shrubbery, and keep the surface well covered with a rich coating of grass. The soil, being dry and friable, renders it unsurpassed for burial purposes.
On the occasion of the consolidation, a supplementary Act of the Legislature was obtained, carefully prepared to meet the new condition of affairs ; and on the second day of April, A.D. 1869, the new charter was granted : and the enlarged territory became known to the public as the Union Dale Cemetery, embracing about seventy-five acres of the most beautifully located hill-land, the one sloping gently towards the north, and the other facing towards the south and west.
Looking towards Pittsburg from the crest of Mount Union, a comprehensive panorama of both cities is presented to view, unsurpassed by any other spot in the neighborhood. From the Hilldale side, the view of the cities is entirely cut off, while the country on both sides of the Ohio delights the eye for several miles with a variety of scenery both lovely and picturesque. An additional twenty-five acres of ground adjoin- ing has recently been acquired, and handsomely laid out in lots in accordance with the general plan.
From the time of its organization to the present, it has received assured evidences of popular favor ; and a reference had to the several Acts of the Legislature bearing upon the same, will prove that every desirable provision has been made for its protection and permanence. Its government is con- ducted on principles wholly unselfish, the proprietary rights being vested in the lot-holders.
The land held by the corporation, and thus dedicated, can- not under any circumstances be disposed of for any purpose other than the interment of the dead; it is made exempt from assessment, public taxes, or liability to levy, or execu- cion, for the payment of any debt. The opening of streets through the grounds is prohibited. It is also required, that so much of the funds arising out of the sale of lots as may be required, shall be applied to the liquidation of the purchase- S e money and the improvement of the grounds, and the residue shall be invested by the trustees in ground-rents, and mort- l jages on real estate in the county of Allegheny, as a perma- e
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HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY.
nent fund to be used for the perpetual maintenance of the cemetery in proper order and security.
By these wise and salutary provisions, it will be observed that the funds cannot be diverted for any other purpose than the purchase, improvement, and preservation of the grounds.
There are natural as well as legal barriers against the en- croachment of the almost irresistible march of modern improve- ments which manifests itself in and around great cities. The "everlasting hills" combine with the plenitude of legislative authority to hold these grounds sacred against any innovation that might mar their beauty, or interfere in any way with thier quiet and seclusion. To the thoughtful, the refined, and the religious, a visit to the silent necropolis is fraught with both profit and pleasure. The tender care of the dead, and the cherishing of the memory of those who have "gone before," are evidences of our civilization and our Christianity. Almost everywhere near the centres of wealth and refinement, these cities of the dead have been established; and as time rolls on, and the "weary pilgrims" find therein a sweet resting place, these hallowed spots become more attractive and more sacred.
FAMILY RECORD.
INTRODUCTION.
AT the instance of some of the surviving members of our family, and particularly at the earnest request of my much- esteemed cousin, William M. Park, of Cornwall, Province Ontario, Canada, as well as the gratification of my own wishes, I have endeavored to compile, as far as possible, a faithful record of the American branch of our family. In the accom- plishment of the undertaking, I am largely indebted, for valu- able information, to the several kindred family registers and public records preserved intact from casualties and the ever- ceaseless changes of time. Many of the old records, both public and private, connecting the past with the present, hav- ing been destroyed by the great fire of the Ioth April, 1845, otherwise lost or mislaid in consequence thereof, the void occa- sioned thereby, if supplied at all, must necessarily be of a traditionary nature, the correctness of which would have been more fully assured had it been accomplished some years ago, when those now deceased were living, and could have supplied information which is now lost forever.
JANUARY, 1878.
JOHN E. PARKE.
213
RECORD.
JOHN PARK and MARY ANN MAGEE, married in Pittsburg, Allegheny County, Penn., 1797. The former born in Belfast, county Antrim, Ireland, 1760; died in Pittsburg, March 20, 1808. The latter born in the county of Derry, Ireland; died at the old homestead, on the bank of the Ohio River, now in the Fifth Ward, Allegheny, 1819.
Issue.
CLARA M.
Born , 1798; died March 19, 1827.
MARGUERITE S.
Born Sept. 10, 1799;
died Sept. 10, 1835.
JAMES C.
Born
; died , 1832.
JANE M. .
Born
1802; died Oct. 16, 1872.
ROBERT M ..
Born July 14, 1805.
JOHN E. .
Born Dec. 12, 1807.
There were. two other children, MARY and HENRY, who died in infancy.
CLARA M. PARKE and CHARLES L. ARMSTRONG, married at the old homestead, May 7, 1823. The latter died July 16, 1876. No issue.
MARGUERITE S. PARKE and JONATHAN KIDD, married Nov. 5, 1825.
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