USA > Pennsylvania > Allegheny County > Allegheny in Allegheny County > Recollections of seventy years and historical gleanings of Allegheny, Pennsylvania > Part 23
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On his arrival in Pittsburg, he connected himself with the First Presbyterian Church, and was one of the principal con- tributors to the erection of the brick church on the site of the then log edifice, and which was afterwards taken down, and the present magnificent structure erected. His three sons served in the war of 1812 with credit. The records of their military services prove them worthy scions of their patriotic sire.
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JOHN HANNEN.
JOHN HANNEN.
Sketch of the Builder and First Warden of the Western Penitentiary.
IN preparing this brief memoir of the late John Hannen, how far I may be able to do justice to his memory, I will leave to others who knew him best while living, to decide.
Writers, as a general thing, are more apt to confine them- selves to the memoirs of heroes and statesmen, whose love of country and high-toned courage have justly adorned the pages of our national history ; and this may be considered just and proper, provided it does not cast in the shade the merits of those in humbler life. The passion for military glory, or fame won by eloquence, induces the people of all countries to devour with avidity any fact recorded upon these fruitful themes, because both are calculated to excite a proper ambition, as well as a love of country. But while we are willing to accord the meed of praise justly due these great men, let us not forget that others have arisen from comparative obscurity, who for usefulness, goodness, and philanthropy, are equally entitled to our favorable recognition.
The deceased was born in Strasburg, Lancaster County, Penn., on the 26th of January, 1777. He was married in Stoystown, Somerset County, Penn., to Elizabeth Richards, Jan. 1, 1800. Shortly after his marriage he removed to Pitts- burg, Penn. He was a brick-mason by trade, and followed it up to the time of the completion of the Western Penitentiary, on which he was engaged, in connection with the late Thomas Fairman, as contractor.
On the completion of the penitentiary, in 1826, he was appointed its first warden, which position he held until the year 1829. His first residence was on Sixth Avenue, Pitts- burg, on the site now occupied by the Cumberland Presby- terian Church. On the twenty-second day of July, 1823, he
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had the misfortune to lose his beloved consort, who died at the old homestead, full of hope in the promises of a blessed immor- tality. Subsequently, on the 30th of January, 1827, he was married to Mrs. Clarissa Caldwell, who survived him a few years, and died at Meadville, Crawford County, Penn., full of years and Christian hopes. By his first marriage he had nine children, -two sons and seven daughters; one son and two daughters died in early life ; the others reached their majority. Mrs. Eleanor Bushnell, Mrs. Jane H. Parke, and Mrs. Sarah E. Blake are the only ones living of this family. By the second marriage he had two children, a son and daughter, who are also living, and reside at Meadville. Subsequently he resided on the corner of Ohio and Sandusky Streets, Alle- gheny. About this time he carried on the drug-business on the south-west corner of Market and Liberty Streets, Pittsburg, and also, in connection therewith, the manufacturing of white and red lead on Sandusky Street, Allegheny, on the site now occupied by the Covenanter Church.
During his residence in Pittsburg, he received the appoint- ment of justice of the peace, the duties of which he discharged with rare integrity. He early connected himself with the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburg, and for many years exercised the office of ruling elder. In the year 1830 he was chosen one of the three elders at the organization of the First Church of Allegheny.
The Rev. E. P. Swift says of him, "For years he stood among the eldership of these cities, and I may say of this synod, as pre-eminent for the depth and vigor of his piety, the consistency of his Christian life, and the abundance of his evangelical efforts to do good. The lineaments of his counte- nance bore the impress of the tranquillity of his mind and the kindness of his heart."
The Rev. Elliot E. Swift thus speaks of him : " It was his custom to linger, particularly at the close of the evening ser- vice, to enjoy the company of his pastor on their homeward way. Often by the help of their lantern they would pick their steps along the street, conferring together of the interest of the church. He carried the old-time ivory-headed cane, and
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walked with careful and deliberate tread. No better concep- tion of his character can be obtained than is derived from the fact that he was called the 'beloved disciple.' He was particu- larly solemn and impressive in prayer ; and in leading the devo- tions of the communicants' meeting, he seemed to have a lofty conception of what it was capable of being made."
Mr. James McKain, who was associated with him in the eldership for nearly forty years, says, "In all my association and intercourse with this godly man, I can truthfully say, in the fullest meaning of the words, he was a righteous man, cer- tainly one of the purest Christians I have ever met. I vener- ate his memory. He was truly a man of God, and has made for himself a record superior to the wisest and greatest states- man or soldier with his military renown. He has been the means, in the hands of God, of the salvation of many souls, who are now brilliant gems in his celestial crown of glory. . .. He was ever active and faithful in the discharge of his duty as ruling elder, until the mysterious, afflicting hand of Providence was laid upon him, rendering a continuance of these duties impracticable. Although his last days were marked with extreme suffering, he died in the triumph of faith in the promises of his blessed Master."
He continued to exercise his office in the church until the year 1843, when he removed to Manchester (now embraced in the Fifth and Sixth Wards of the city of Allegheny), and there became an elder in what is now called the Second Presbyterian Church of Allegheny. Subsequently he removed to Meadville, Penn., where he died on the fifteenth day of December, 1854, aged seventy-seven years and ten months.
His character, like his frame, was established in youth. Under every circumstance of life -like a clear water-drop in amber - there ever abode within him the tenderness of heart he ac- quired from the gentle teaching received in his early youth.
Those who knew him best gave him full credit for his many Christian virtues.
His heart was attentive to the cry of the helpless and op- pressed. To assist the one, and uphold the other, was his constant aim.
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He early espoused the cause of the colored race in their struggles for freedom, and often expressed his abiding faith that God in his own good time would raise up a second Moses to lead this down-trodden people from their dark and gloomy condition, to the light of freedom and their rights as men. '
A warm and zealous advocate of the cause of temperance, he early took an active and intelligent interest in all questions bearing upon the movement, believing its opposite to be the fruitful source of crime and unhappiness. He manifested by his walk and conversation his hostility to the demoralizing habit, and he was ever ready to counsel and encourage the repentant inebriate. Many revere his memory for the good they realized from his kind and gentle admonitions.
In the sabbath school he always took an active part, believ- ing it to be the nursery of the church, leading souls to Christ. Many of the young have abundant reasons to be thankful for the good derived from his labor of love. In every relation of life, either in Church or State, he proved himself a man of ster- ling integrity, conscientiously performing the duties committed to his care. Wise in counsel, and true in his friendship, he leaves behind him, as a parent, citizen, and Christian, the best of all legacies, - a blameless reputation and an honored name.
It may not be considered irrelevant to this imperfect sketch, to introduce a few incidents illustrative of prison life experi- enced by John Hannen during his official relation of warden. His kind and considerate treatment of the unfortunate pris- oners had the happy effect, in a certain degree, to soften the asperities of their confinement. Notwithstanding their misfor- tune aroused the sympathetic feeling of his nature, he never for a moment relaxed his vigilance in guarding the trusts com- mitted to his care. His confidence in their repentance and good behavior was rarely betrayed. One of the incidents referred to was of an alarming nature, and bade fair to result in serious consequences. Although fifty years have passed away, yet the scenes of that fearful night left an impression on the writer's memory, enduring as life itself.
An organized effort by the prisoners of one of the wards to escape, was betrayed to the warden by one of their number,
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who was far gone in consumption, and whose death was daily expected. On the information thus obtained, the authorities went gently to work, so as not to alarm the other prisoners, to organize a volunteer force in addition to the regular guard, to meet the exigency of the contemplated outbreak, the writer being one of the volunteers. On the first regular nightly round, we were quietly introduced into the ward, and took our stations under cover of an out-house. The guard having made their examination, and finding all apparently right, retired, lock- ing us in. Silence reigned supreme for a while, then the nov- elty and danger of our position became apparent. True, we were armed ; but what could four novices expect to accomplish against twenty or thirty desperate men in their struggle for liberty, limited by the order of the warden that under no cir- cumstances should we kill ?
At length the silence was broken by calling softly to each other, and the desperate struggling of some one immediately opposite our concealment, indicated by his curses and laborious breathing. The night being dark, and no light in the ward, we had to depend solely on the sense of hearing. Silence having again been restored, we remained concealed until about mid- night, the pre-arranged time for the guard to again appear. The examination of each prisoner disclosed the fact that all were prepared for the bold attempt. A large and powerful mulatto, in whom the officers had reposed the most confidence, was the ringleader in the plot. He had fashioned a key out of some filched material ; and in his intense eagerness to accom- plish his purpose, had broken it short in the lock, thus dissipat- ing all hope of escape at the time.
The incident connected with the notorious and successful escape of Lindsay and Garrabrants partook, in some degree, of the nature of a romance. The former was an extraordinary man, and had often asserted that the prison had not been built, nor the irons forged, that could hold him a prisoner. In view of these bold and defiant declarations, he was guarded with more than ordinary care. Notwithstanding, he effected his escape (taking Garrabrants along with him), by the aid of a key ingeniously manufactured out of the copper spouting, and
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which he left with a message to the warden, stating that he had started for Washington City to take out a new patent for an old Yankee trick. He was arrested in Canada ; and the warden was instructed to go there at once, and claim the fugi- tive. On the return to the United States, while crossing the lake, he contrived to free himself of his irons ; and to the aston- ishment of the warden, he found his prisoner promenading the deck free from his shackles. Upon inquiring how he did it, and what he did with the irons, to the former he replied that that was another Yankee trick, for which he had not yet taken out a patent : the latter he would answer, provided a promise was given not to put them on until near port. The required promise having been given, he told where he had ingeniously hidden them about the machinery of the boat. As the vessel was entering the port of Erie, he quietly submitted to be ironed again, and was safely returned to his old quarters.
John Hannen died as he lived, a devoted and humble Chris- tian : although pain and suffering marked his latter days, his faith in the divine declaration, "Whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth," never forsook him. The privations of the body had the effect of rendering his mind somewhat inert ; yet from time to time, by a mighty effort, he would arouse himself to act as vigorously as ever.
Who would not desire to have the ending of their earthly journey adorned with the surpassing grace and glory of the dying Christian ? As the brightness of the morning star pales before the superior glory of the rising sun, as the rosy dawn brightens into full day, so does the Christian's hope take away the terrors of death, and leaves for the living a day of glory. " Let my last end be like his."
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GEN. ALEXANDER HAYS.
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3
GEN. ALEXANDER HAYS.
THIS gallant officer was born in Franklin, Venango County, Penn., on the eighth day of July, 1819. He was the son of Gen. Samuel Hays and Agnes Hays, whose maiden name was Broadfoot. In 1840 he graduated at Allegheny College, Meadville, Penn., and in the same year entered the West Point Military Academy, in which institution he also graduated in 1844, and was breveted second lieutenant in the Fourth Infan- try. His regiment was among the first to advance upon the enemy's territory in the late war with Mexico. In the memo- rable engagements of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, he displayed great bravery and undaunted courage, capturing, in connection with Lieut. Woods, the first gun taken from the Mexicans. In the latter action, he was seriously wounded. In recognition of his gallant and meritorious conduct on these occasions, he was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant, and was transferred to the Eighth Infantry. The painful nature of his wound, however, rendered him unfit for active duty, in view of which he was ordered on recruiting service, but soon rejoined the army at Vera Cruz, with over two hundred recruits. He participated in all the principal battles of the war, and for his gallant and efficient services received the earnest commenda- tion of the commander-in-chief.
In 1846 he was married to Miss Annie, daughter of the late John B. McFadden. In 1848 he resigned his commission in the regular army. The education he acquired at West Point made him an efficient civil engineer ; and at this period the importance of railroad construction was agitating the country, and it had need of talents of this kind.
In California he first found employment, and subsequently in Western Pennsylvania. He was employed as chief in making the preliminary survey for the Allegheny Valley Railroad, and
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making draughts for the construction of bridges, etc. In 1856 he was appointed by councils, chief engineer of the city of Allegheny.
Fired with becoming zeal and military ardor, at the com- mencement of the late civil war, he cast aside the implements of his profession, and recruited a military company in Pittsburgh under the call for the three-months' service, called the City Guards, of which he was chosen captain.
They were soon on their way to Harrisburg, to join the other troops concentrating there for assignment to duty. In a short time he was commissioned major of the Twelfth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers.
During the summer of 1861 he was tendered the position of captain in the Sixteenth United-States Infantry, but declined the honor; and at the close of the term of service of the Twelfth, he returned to his home, and immediately commenced recruiting a regiment for the war.
His comrades of the City Guards, in whom he had infused his own military ardor, followed him, thus forming the nucleus of the Sixty-third Regiment, of which he was commissioned colo- nel. The regiment, having been thoroughly drilled and disci- plined at Camp Wilkins, departed for the war.
The military record of this regiment is full of heroic deeds, brilliant achievements, and laurels gathered on many battle- fields, hallowed and made memorable by the blood of its deci- mated ranks.
Col. Hays possessed a warm friend and comrade in the brave and heroic Gen. Kearney, who took occasion on several well- contested battle-fields to highly compliment him for his cool and indomitable courage, and skill in handling his regiment.
During the interim occurring between the engagement at Fair Oaks and the seven-days' battle, the Sixty-third occupied the front facing Richmond, and was frequently engaged in attacks with the enemy, and was the last to leave the intrench- ments upon the retreat to the James, and, when in the vicinity of Charles-city Cross-roads, was attacked with determined force and earnestness by the enemy. Col. Hays, however, was fully prepared with his well-disciplined regiment to give them
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a warm reception. It was here that the intrepid Hays with the Sixty-third Pennsylvania and a part of the Thirty-seventh New York were advanced to the line of the battery ; and amidst the carnage of that eventful period, the gallant colonel and his noble regiment won for Pennsylvania laurels of imperish- able fame. What grape and canister failed to accomplish, was effected by the determined charge and raking volleys of the indomitable infantry. Checked by the raking fire of the rifles, the foe sullenly retired, disputing every inch of ground : the space between the opposing forces having been cleared, orders were issued to the Sixty-third to "lie low," and the artillery again commenced its terrible work of destruction.
At the second battle of Bull Run, the Sixty-third and the Fortieth New York suffered severely : it was in this engagement that Col. Hays, while leading his command up to the breast-work occupied by the enemy, was shot in the ankle, terribly shat- tering the limb. For the heroism manifested on this occasion, he was promoted and confirmed a brigadier-general of volun- teers, and lieutenant-colonel in the regular army.
His command captured during the war twelve banners and battle-flags, and over three thousand stand of arms. He par- ticipated in all the engagements of the Army of the Potomac up to the day of his death, which occurred at the battle of the Wilderness, May 5, 1864. Whilst advancing in line through its labyrinthian mazes, he suddenly encountered the enemy's forces. In the early part of the battle, amid the smoke and roar of the artillery, and rattle of musketry, he had ridden along his entire front ; pausing on his return for a moment in front of his favorite regiment, the Sixty-third, he was struck with a minie ball, which penetrated the brain ; he sank unconscious to the ground ; in the brief space of two hours he expired in the arms of his sorrowing comrades, who, whilst the storm of battle still raged, bore his body to the rear ; from thence it was con- veyed to his home in Pittsburg.
The day of his funeral was a sad one to the citizens gen- erally. The trappings of mourning, and evidence of sorrow, everywhere met the eye, and roused a response in every heart. All that was mortal of this gallant soldier repose in the Alle-
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gheny Cemetery, over which an appropriate and beautiful monument has been erected by loving friends as an appropriate memorial.
He possessed all the qualifications for a commander ; thor- oughly educated in all the theories as well as the sterner prac- tice of war, he had omitted nothing that would enable him to defend his post as a man of courage; a soldier by profession and name, to his natural and acquired abilities he added a clear judgment, a strong mind, and the courage of a hero.
His orders were few, but they were always to the point, marked by brevity ; they were obeyed with alacrity, and carried out with a perfect reliance upon his sagacity and bravery : with his trusty sword he has established his fame, and fenced it around by his gallant deeds.
He leaves to his widow and orphan children the proud legacy of a brilliant record of military achievements.
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GEORGE S. HAY, M.D.
.
GEORGE S. HAY, M.D.,
WAS born on his father's farm in St. Claire township, Alle- gheny County, Sept. 28, 1807. After acquiring a rudimentary education in the schools of his native place, he entered the Western University of Pennsylvania, and devoted himself zealously to an academic course of studies.
At an early age he evinced a decided inclination towards the profession of medicine. With this object in view, he entered the office of the late Peter Mowry, M.D., under whose instruc- tion he evidenced the possession of eminent abilities, which ultimately enabled him to take a prominent and enviable posi- tion among his contemporaries.
Thoroughly inspired with an ardent desire to perfect himself in all the principles and manifold details involved in the study of the profession, he attended two courses of lectures in the Medical University of Pennsylvania, in which he graduated, and had the degree of M.D. conferred upon him.
On his return to the rugged hills and valleys of his native place, he commenced the active practice of his profession, meeting with marked success. The high position to which he attained, in a great measure was won by his indomitable per- severance, promptness, and professional ability.
He was married three times, in the following order : To Miss Mary Taylor of Hobbestown, Allegheny County, Penn., on the twenty-second day of May, 1835, who died April 1, 1839. The issue of this union were two daughters, Elizabeth and Margaret. The former died in infancy : the latter is still living, married, and with her husband, Mr. Hernott, resides at Redwood, Minnesota.
Early in the year 1844 he was again united in marriage to Mrs. Rachel Montgomery, née Arthur, of the city of Pitts- burg, who died in the latter part of the same year. She and her infant occupy the same grave.
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He married his third wife, Maria Thompson, née Beltzhoover, of Allegheny County, Feb. 5, 1846, who died in the city of Allegheny, March 16, 1882. The fruits of this marriage were two sons and one daughter, named respectively Robert, George S., and Maria, wife of Addison Lysle.
In 1847 he was elected on the Whig ticket, prothonotary of Allegheny County ; held office until 1851, the duties of which he discharged to the satisfaction of his fellow-citizens.
At the commencement of the late civil war he recruited a company, and was elected its captain, which subsequently became united with the Eighth Pennsylvania Reserves, Thirty- seventh Regiment, as Company C.
The Eighth Reserves were formed from companies recruited for the three-months' service, but were not accepted, the quota having been filled, and who were rendezvoused at Camp Wright on the bank of the Allegheny, under the command of Col. J. W. Lane. There were at that time forty-three com- panies here assembled, and only those from Erie County had a regimental organization. In June, 1861, Gen. McCall visited Camp Wright, and selected the companies to form the Eighth Reserves, who were ordered to Camp Wilkins, and there organ- ized on the 28th of June, the subject of our sketch being placed in command. He being well versed in military science, having commanded the Duquesne Grays, an organization of considerable notoriety, it was considered a wise selection. The regiment being now armed, uniformed, and thoroughly drilled by battalions, the camp was placed under the command of Col. Hay until the 20th of July, when the regiment was ordered to Washington, arriving there on the 23d of July, and went into camp on Meriden Hill. From hence it was transferred on the 2d of August to the Reserve Camp at Tennalytown, and assigned to the first brigade, Gen. John F. Reynolds, command- ant. From the latter position the regiment, on the 9th of October, crossed the Potomac to Langley, Va., and went into winter quarters.
In forming the line of battle at Charles-city Cross-roads, the first brigade was held in reserve ; but as the struggle became desperate and doubtful, the Eighth was ordered to advance to
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a position opposite the Sixth Georgia, which was on the point of charging. Here the gallant Eighth, under an impetuous onset led by their intrepid colonel, forced the Georgians to retreat : the enemy, however, massing their forces on that point of the field, the Eighth was reluctantly compelled to retire, until it reached support from a new line. In this engagement, Col. Hay had his horse killed under him, and was himself severely injured. Notwithstanding, he immediately mounted another horse, and remained on duty to the close of the conflict. This was the last battle he was engaged in : owing to loss of health, he was compelled to resign his command on the eleventh day of July, 1862.
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