USA > Pennsylvania > Allegheny County > Allegheny in Allegheny County > Recollections of seventy years and historical gleanings of Allegheny, Pennsylvania > Part 19
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
256
HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY.
Dr. Pressly took an active and intelligent interest in every thing that tended to enhance the welfare of his adopted city. In the cause of education his zeal was particularly manifested. He aided with ability in the organization of the first board of school directors elected under the law enacted for the estab- lishment of the present system of public schools, and occupied for many years the position of president. During the year 1842 he established, and ably edited until the year 1845, a re- ligious paper entitled "The Preacher," when the Rev. David R. Kerr became the editor. The name was subsequently changed to that of " The United Presbyterian," and became the acknowl- edged organ of the church bearing that name. The relations existing between Dr. Pressly and contemporary ministers of his own as well as of other denominations, were of the most friendly nature.
In the spring of 1870, it became painfully apparent to his family and numerous friends, that his health and strength, which had been impaired by a former severe and protracted ill- ness, again exhibited unmistakable evidences of failing. His movements were noticed to be less firm and energetic; his erect and stately form became bowed ; pain and suffering were stamped upon his features, and his otherwise clear and sonor- ous voice rendered tremulous. Notwithstanding these discour- aging circumstances, he still continued to fulfil acceptably the duties of his pastorate.
In the hope that travel, and change of scene, would renew his health, accompanied by his two daughters, he was induced by his loving family and friends to make the trip of the lower lakes and the St. Lawrence to Canada, and from thence to Saratoga, N.Y.
The desired relief, however, failed to come. On the con- trary, he continued day by day to grow worse, and it was deemed necessary to hasten his return home. He arrived com- pletely prostrated, on the ninth day of August, 1870; and after four days of painful suffering, he ceased from his labors, and passed peacefully to his rest and reward.
He died as he lived, in the hope of a blessed immortality, in the seventy-sixth year of his age, the fifty-fifth of his ministry,
257
REV. JOHN TAYLOR PRESSLY, D.D.
and the thirty-eighth of his charge of the first U. P. Church of Allegheny.
To some he may have seemed to be of an austere disposition, as he never lost sight of the dignity of his calling or the man- ner of a high-toned Christian gentleman ; but those who knew him best, gave him great credit for the goodness of his heart, and excellency of his Christian character.
In commemoration of the virtues and faithful services of their beloved pastor, the members of the congregation, among whom he had labored so long and acceptably, erected a mural tablet of white marble to the right of the pulpit, with the fol- lowing appropriate memorial, inlaid with letters of gold in- scribed upon a shield of black marble : -
In Memory of REV. JNO. T. PRESSLY, D.D., FOR 38 YEARS
THE BELOVED AND HONORED PASTOR OF THIS CHURCH ; A GOOD AND GREAT MAN,
WHOSE PURE LIFE AND TENDER AFFECTION,
WISE COUNSEL AND UNFLINCHING FIDELITY, AND ABUNDANT LABORS, ARE ENSHRINED IN THE HEARTS OF A GRATEFUL PEOPLE.
BORN MARCH 22D, 1795. DIED AUGUST 13TH, 1870.
"THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL BE IN EVERLASTING REMEMBRANCE."
This testimonial of loving and grateful hearts was unveiled on the occasion of the semi-centennial anniversary of the church, held Nov. 8, 1881.
258
HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY.
REV. JOSEPH STOCKTON, A.M.
AMONG the early ministers of the Presbyterian church, and the pioneer educators, few, if any, made a more salutary or enduring impression upon the infant communities which in early days were gathered and crystallized in the region lying west and north of the Allegheny River, in Western Penn- sylvania, including the now populous city of Allegheny, than the Rev. Joseph Stockton, a very brief epitome of whose life and labors is all that can be given here.
The subject of this memoir was the youngest son of Robert Stockton, a farmer of Franklin County, Penn. He was born on the twenty-fifth day of February, 1779. His mother, Mary McKemy, was a daughter of the Rev. McKemy, one of the earliest Presbyterian ministers in the United States. In 1784 his father removed Westward, and settled on a farm in Wash- ington County, Penn. He acquired his classical education at Jefferson College, Canonsburg, graduating with credit in the nineteenth year of his age. He then entered upon a course of theological studies under the instruction of the celebrated Rev. John McMillan, D.D., and became a licentiate on the twenty- fourth day of June, 1799, he being then in his twenty-first year.
On the 8th of May, 1800, he was married to Miss Esther Clark, daughter of David Clark of Washington County, Penn. In the autumn of the same year, he removed with his wife to Meadville, the county-seat of Crawford County, Penn., then quite a new settlement, where, on the twenty-third day of June, 1801, he was ordained and installed the first pastor of the infant church of Meadville. During the nine years which he occupied that position, he also had charge of the Meadville Academy, which subsequently became Allegheny College, and
fe
P
to
fu
P
e 0
ti
B
ar h
ch
ar
Sit
Th
259
REV. JOSEPH STOCKTON, A.M.
also ministered regularly to the church at Conneaut Lake, a few miles west of the town.
In 1809 he relinquished his several charges, and removed to Pittsburg, where he was chosen principal of the Pittsburg Academy, which afterwards became the Western University of Pennsylvania, and was formally organized May 10, 1822. Up to this period he held the position, discharging its duties faith- fully, and with great acceptance to its patrons.
During those years he published the "Western Spelling- Book " and the "Western Calculator," both of which were extensively used in all the schools of the Western country. Over the problems of the latter, many of the youh of that early day spent many weary hours.
While engaged as principal of the academy, he ministered to an infant congregation, worshipping in a rude log "meeting- house " located in the vicinity of Pine Creek, Indiana township, on the Kittanning road, eight miles from Pittsburg. His time on the sabbath was divided between the Pine-creek congrega- tion and the soldiers of the United-States Arsenal. The latter charge he dropped, and devoted his ministerial labors, up to 1829, equally to Allegheny and Pine Creek.
In the year 1819 he removed from Pittsburg to Allegheny, then an inconsiderable hamlet, having previously purchased property on the north-east corner of Stockton Avenue and Arch Street, upon which he erected a modest frame-dwelling, and to which he built an addition, thus making it a comfortable and pleasant home, in which he resided until his death. Within a few years this venerable landmark has been removed, and the site occupied by the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
The congregation which he organized, and to which his min- isterial labors were chiefly directed, is now the First Presby- terian Church of Allegheny. Shortly after his removal to Allegheny, he opened the Allegheny Academy on the north- west corner of Federal and Robinson Streets, where many of the youths of Pittsburg and Allegheny acquired a thorough English, and the rudiments of a classical, education.
He was also one of the original founders of the Western Theological Seminary, and one of its first professors.
260
HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY.
During this period the village of Sharpsburg became a place of some importance, and was embraced within the limits of the Pine-creek congregation. For some years Mr. Stockton divided his labors between Pine Creek and Sharpsburg, at which latter place the Christian people had erected a substantial and con- venient brick church. Although the Pine-creek congregation was gathered in 1814, and a house of worship erected (the first brick church built north of the Allegheny River), it was not until the following year that the church was formally organized by the ordination of William D. Hawkins, John Galbraith, and Mathew Crawford, elders, and the administration of the sacra- ment of the Lord's Supper, at which the communicants num- bered seven only. Many of the Christians, however, from Pittsburg and elsewhere united with and encouraged the little band. From year to year this church struggled on until the death of Mr. Stockton, seventeen years afterwards, when the records exhibited that one hundred and thirty-six had been admitted as the fruits of his labors.
During the year 1810 he occupied the pulpit of the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburg, until the Rev. Francis Herron, D.D., was installed pastor.
In addition to his ministerial labors, he was engaged in pre- paring a work on theology, evidently intended to fill a void which the early book-trade had not fully supplied. The com- pleted portion of the manuscript is executed in a neat and legi- ble manner, and evidences the attainment and industry of its author.
Before commencing his studies for the ministry, he had read a thorough course of medicine; and many of his friends and neighbors, having unlimited confidence in his knowledge and skill, would call upon him in their seasons of illness, and would be satisfied with none other.
In the year 1831, the church in Allegheny having increased in numbers and importance, it was decided to call a regular pastor, when he ceased to labor there as a stated supply, and devoted the few remaining years of his life to the Pine-creek church. It was his custom, in the preparation of his sermons, to study his subject thoroughly, arrange his matter methodi-
cl
es
el Co
261
REV. JOSEPH STOCKTON, A.M.
cally in brief skeleton notes, and depend entirely, for the expan- sion of his thoughts, on the prompting of the moment. His notes were briefly and closely written, with no record of the times and places in which his discourses were delivered.
The melancholy circumstances connected with the death of Mr. Stockton imparted additional sadness to that event. It was during the summer of 1832, that that terrible scourge of humanity, the Asiatic cholera, first invaded North America, approaching by way of Quebec and Montreal. It soon broke over the Canada border, and travelled rapidly from city to city, and from village to village, carrying consternation and death in its train. In October of that year, Mr. Stockton was hastily summoned to the city of Baltimore on the occasion of the severe indisposition of one of his sons. While there, he was smitten with cholera; and after an illness of but twenty-four hours, most of which time he suffered intense agony, a merci- ful death terminated his life and his sufferings on the 29th of October. His dying testimony was a happy close of such a life. "Come, Lord, come quickly ; thy servant waits," was his frequent exclamation. Like Paul, he had fought the good fight, he had finished his course, he had kept the faith, and was cer- tain of his reward. Thus departed this good man in the zenith of his powers and usefulness, with his armor on, in the fifty- fourth year of his age.
In 1858 his remains were removed from Baltimore to the Allegheny Cemetery.
His strong sense of personal allegiance to the demands of duty is strongly exemplified in his ministerial career. To it he bent the energies of his whole life; and to fulfil it per- fectly, he spared no labor. As a scholar, he ranked high ; eloquent as a speaker; and as Christian pastor he had few equals. He possessed rare gifts as a pulpit orator, his style being characterized by unusual earnestness, boldness, and finish, while personally he possessed those rare qualities of the head and heart which invariably attract and fix the affections of all classes and conditions of people. To know him was to love him. It requires not the pen of eulogy to herald forth the excellences of this good man. He exhibited an affectionate
1
d d d d
d r d k S, i-
S
1 :
t S
262
HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY.
disposition towards all, and was ever zealous in his endeavors to promote the moral and intellectual welfare of the city of his adoption.
His success as an educator was well known. The author's recollection and observation enable him to state that his happy methods of inspiring his pupils with his own amiable manner was his highest recommendation as a teacher, while his stand- ing as a Christian minister was a pledge that the morals of those intrusted to his care would not be neglected.
His faithful and loving wife survived him for thirty-six years. She died in the old family mansion, where she had lived for over fifty years a humble and devout Christian life, on the thirteenth day of April, 1868. During the late civil war, this estima ble and venerable lady did what she could for her imperilled country, by a diligent use of her aged hands in knitting stock- ings for its brave defenders.
Her zealous efforts in this direction, coming to the knowl- edge of President Lincoln, called forth from him an autograph letter, expressing in grateful and felicitous terms, his approval of the meritorious and patriotic act. This letter is preserved by the surviving members of the family as a precious memento of its illustrious author.
263
REV. ELISHA P. SWIFT, D.D.
REV. ELISHA P. SWIFT, D.D.
THIS eminent minister of the gospel was the son of the Rev. Seth and Lucy Elliot Swift. His father was the pastor of the church in Williamstown, Mass., where he was born Aug. 12, 1792. He connected himself with the Congregational church in Stockbridge, Mass., in July, 1813. His brother, Rev. Ephraim G. Swift, was pastor of that church at that time. He graduated at Williams College, Mass., Sept. 1, 1813, and his theological training was received in Princeton Theological Seminary. He was licensed by the presbytery of New Bruns- wick, at Lawrenceville, N.J., April 24, 1816, and was ordained by a Congregational Council held in the Park-street Church, Boston, Mass., with a view to the foreign missionary work, Sept. 3, 1817. He was accepted by the American Board of Missions, but providential events interfered with the execution of his purpose. He commenced his ministerial labors in the Second Presbyterian Church of Pittsburg, Oct. 10, 1819, and continued its pastor until Feb. 26, 1833, when he was released, in order that he might devote his entire time to the Western Foreign Missionary Society, of which he had been appointed the corresponding secretary.
On the Ist of July, 1835, the First Presbyterian Church of Allegheny extended to him a call, which he accepted, and con- tinued the pastor of this church for nearly thirty years, the duties of which he discharged with rare fidelity and marked acceptance. He was united in marriage in Hanover, N.J., to Miss Eliza Darling Beach, Oct. 2, 1817, by the Rev. Aaron Condit. Mrs. Swift was born in Hanover, N.J., Feb. 16, 1791. They had nine children, - five sons and four daughters, - named respectively, Henrietta Mary, Asbel Green, Samuel Beach, Elliot Elisha, Henry Martin, Catherine Wilhelmina,
264
HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY.
Joseph Patterson, Edward Payson, and Lucy Elizabeth. Asbel, Samuel, and Joseph died very early.
The subject of our brief memoir died April 3, 1865. For five years previous to his death, the indications of failing health and strength were observed with solicitude by his people, among whom he had labored so faithfully and acceptably. The times on which he was unable to occupy his accustomed place in the sanctuary were occurring with painful frequency. Under these circumstances, the congregation, with an intelligent and generous appreciation, called his son, the Rev. Elliot E. Swift, then pastor of a church at Newcastle, Penn., for the purpose of relieving their tried and feeble pastor. Under this new arrangement, the father was enabled to occupy the pulpit with more or less frequency until within a few months of his decease. He delivered his final discourse on the 18th of Sep- tember, 1864. From this time onward, through the autumn and winter months, he was confined to his room. At noon on the day above indicated, while sitting in his chair, his spirit departed from earthly scenes to enter the heavenly rest.
It was his habit, from the commencement of his ministry, to preach without notes ; he had evidently trained himself upon the principle that memory loves to be trusted : it was, therefore, only on special occasions, such as the installation of professors, pastors, elders, or deacons, that he would sometimes read the charges he had been called upon to deliver. It must not be supposed from this fact, that his sermons were prepared without the use of the pen. On the contrary, they were mostly fully written out, and gave evidence of deep thought and research, and were delivered with a pathos that riveted the attention, and moved the hearts, of his hearers, and were considered among the grandest specimens of effective pulpit oratory.
His tall and commanding person aided the effectiveness of his delivery ; his large and well-developed head and expansive forehead gave evidence of a superior mind ; and his large and luminous eyes, fixed upon the hearer, imparted to his delivery an almost irresistible power.
His faithful wife survived him for nearly six years : she died Jan. 30, 1871. They rest side by side in Allegheny Cemetery.
to
265
REV. ELISHA P. SWIFT, D.D.
Dr. Swift was the author of the following publications : -
"The Sacred Manual, containing a Series of Questions, His- torical, Doctrinal, and Preceptive, on the Sacred Scriptures," published January, 1821.
A Sermon delivered in the college-hall at Canonsburg, Wash- ington County, Penn., Sept. 19, 1820, before the Female Educa- tion Society of Jefferson College.
"Duties and Responsibilities of the Professorial Office in Theological Seminaries," a sermon delivered in the First Pres- byterian Church of Pittsburg, Oct. 16, 1828, on the occasion of the inauguration of the Rev. Jacob J. Janeway, D.D., as pro- fessor of theology in the Western Theological Seminary.
" The Character of God," a sermon published in "The Pres- byterian Preacher," July, 1832.
An Address delivered to the congregation of the Second Presbyterian Church of Pittsburg, March 3, 1833, on the sabbath following the dissolution of the author's pastoral re- lations to that church, by the presbytery of Ohio, at the request of the executive committee of the Western Foreign Missionary Society.
A Sermon on Isa. xviii. I, "Woe to the land shadowing with wings," preached before the synod of Pittsburg, in Washington, Penn., Oct. 16, 1825.
He edited "The Western Foreign Missionary Chronicle," in 1833 and 1834, which contains a full account of the proceedings of the Western Foreign Missionary Society.
" The Misdirection of Physical and Intellectual Effort," an address delivered to the Franklin and Philo Literary Societies of Jefferson College, on the occasion of the annual commence- ment, Sept. 28, 1837.
"The Nature and Importance of a Revival of Religion," a sermon published in " The Presbyterian Preacher," March, 1837.
" Semi-centennial Retrospect," a sermon delivered in the First Presbyterian Church of Allegheny, Dec. 8, 1839, being the day appointed to be observed as the fiftieth anniversary of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States.
"The Calamity of Pittsburg," a sermon delivered in the
266
HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY.
First Presbyterian Church of Allegheny, April 24, 1845, being the day appointed by the mayor of the city as a season of fasting, humiliation, and prayer, in consequence of the appal- ling destruction of a large portion of the city of Pittsburg, on the 10th of the month.
A Funeral Sermon, delivered on the death of the Rev. Robert Dunlap, A.M., March 28, 1847, to which is prefixed an address delivered at his interment, March 23, 1847.
A Charge delivered at the inauguration of the Rev. William J. Plumer, D.D., as professor of didactic and pastoral theology in the Western Theological Seminary, Oct. 19, 1854.
" Judah's Mercies and Transgressions," illustrative of the duties and dangers of the American nation : a discourse deliv- ered on the fortieth anniversary of the author's ministry in Pittsburg and Allegheny, Nov. 6, 1859.
" The Prophets, do they live forever ? " a discourse commem- orative of the character and labors of the Rev. Robert John- ston, delivered before the synod of Allegheny, in session at New Castle, Penn., Sept. 29, 1861.
He had the degree of A.B. conferred upon him at Williams College, Mass., and that of A.M. at Yale, Conn. He was a member of the first faculty connected with the Western Uni- versity of Pennsylvania, organized in 1822; and occupied the chair of moral science and general evidence of Christianity.
C
m
sa
C
a
in
th
T
m
SL of of
b
t P
e W
PC
in
se
267
WILLIAM B. ADAMS.
WILLIAM B. ADAMS.
WILLIAM B. ADAMS was elected mayor of Allegheny, and served in that position from 1854 to 1856. The history of Mr. Adams is quite an eventful one. He was born in the State of New York in 1822, and was a cooper by trade.
He commenced his political career in Allegheny as constable in the Third Ward, and was subsequently employed on the police-force, and in 1852 was appointed its chief. He then became conductor on the P., F. W., & C. Railway.
In the contest for the mayoralty in 1854, he was taken up as the citizens' candidate, in opposition to H. Campbell and R. W. Park, both Whigs. The delegates from the four wards were equally divided between the regular nominees, neither of which would yield : the consequence was a triangular fight, which re- sulted in the election of Mr. Adams. He had the reputation of having made a faithful and efficient officer. The popularity of his administration was fully demonstrated by the fact of his succeeding elections.
Some time after his retirement from the mayor's office, he unfortunately became involved in complications of a very seri- ous nature, over which, in view of his subsequent merit as a gallant soldier, let us cast the mantle of charity.
He went West at the beginning of the late war, and was re- cruited in one of the Illinois regiments of volunteers, and com- missioned a lieutenant in one of the companies attached to the same. This regiment took part in the sanguinary battles of Chattanooga and Stone River, and was highly complimented for its bravery on these occasions.
Lieut. Adams served honorably throughout the whole war, and was wounded in the engagement at Stone River.
After having been mustered out of the volunteer service, he immediately enlisted in the regular United-States Army for three years, and was ranked as quartermaster-sergeant in the Thirteenth Infantry. At the expiration of his term of enlist- ment, he took up his residence near Cleveland, O.
268
HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY.
HERMAN DE HAVEN.
HERMAN DE HAVEN was chosen mayor of Allegheny in 1857. He was born in 1806, near the head waters of Conestoga Creek, Lancaster County, Penn. He served an apprenticeship to the blacksmith business, and came to Allegheny in 1831, and there kept the principal hotel, located on the west side of Federal Street, between the Diamond and Water Alley (now Park Way). He was subsequently engaged in the manufacture of linseed-oil in the old mill on the west side of Middle Alley, between Gay Alley and Park Way.
In 1840 he removed to Trumbull County, O., and in the autumn of 1845 returned to Allegheny. In the spring of 1858 he removed to his farm in Shaler township.
Prior to the Presidential campaign of 1840, he was an ardent and devoted Democrat. Since then he has been identified with the Whig and Republican parties.
During the contest at which he, as the nominee of the " bolters " from the Republican convention, became mayor, there was a fierce triangular struggle for the supremacy, in which B. C. Sawyer and R. P. McDowell were his opponents. The latter, however, withdrew ; and Tony Haslitt took his place as the Democratic candidate. The voting on the day of the election was close and exciting, resulting in the choice of Mr. De Haven by a majority of twenty-seven. He was much admired for his sterling integrity, and highly respected by the citizens generally.
He died June 20, 1880, in the seventy-fourth year of his age. He was married to Miss Diana C. Lightner, sister of the late J. Lightner, Nov. 9, 1830, who died May 28, 1837. The fruit of this marriage was a son and daughter. In 1839 he married Miss Jane Mager, who also died, Feb. 6, 1872. There are five children living of the latter marriage, two sons and threwdaughters.
ar h
to
ta
R er J 0 A
H
fr
H
y
of h
F Ca b
269
JACOB STRICKRATH.
JACOB STRICKRATH.
JACOB STRICKRATH was elected mayor of Allegheny in 1858. He was born in Sinsheim, in the Grand Duchy of Baden, a quiet village, about eighteen miles east of the city of Heidel- berg, on the 3d of December, 1809.
He came to the United States, arriving at New York in 1829 : from there he went direct to York, Penn., where he remained for a few years, working at his trade of a tanner and currier. From York he went to Philadelphia ; from the latter city he came to Westmoreland County ; and in 1833 he arrived in Pitts- burg, and was employed in the tannery of the late John Caldwell, on the south-east corner of Second Street and Redoubt Alley. He continued with Mr. Caldwell until 1835, when he removed to Allegheny, and was employed as foreman in James B. Irwin's tannery, located on the north-east corner of North Avenue and Race Street, formerly Middle Alley. After the close of his engagement with Mr. Irwin, he formed a partnership with Mr. John Taggart, and with him carried on the tanning business for over eight years on the east side of Pasture Lane (now Irwin Avenue).
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.