Standard history of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Part 102

Author: Wilson, Erasmus, 1842-1922; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926. cn
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: Chicago : H.R. Cornell & Co.
Number of Pages: 1192

USA > Pennsylvania > Allegheny County > Pittsburgh > Standard history of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania > Part 102

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The various newspapers of Pittsburg about this time made great efforts to secure the support of the laboring classes. The Post took an ultra position in favor of labor, and succeeded in securing a large patronage from them. In 1849 Mr. Youngson, who had established a small sheet devoted mainly to libelous articles on local affairs, was convicted of libel and imprisoned. Later he was pardoned, upon the understanding that he would never again connect himself with a flash newspaper similar to the one he had conducted. At this time the Neebs conducted the German's Frccdom's Friend. In 1850 Mr. Back- ofen issued a paper devoted to socialism as an organ of the German Working- men's Association. Mr. De Hess was editor. About this time the Daily Enter- prise was issued in Allegheny by Messrs. Gamble, Irwin and Callow. The Mammoth Weekly Journal was issued as an adjunct of the Commercial Journal at this time. The Evening Tribune was issued by Hiram Kaine from the office of the Mercury. Late in 1851 Thomas Phillips succeeded John Layton as the associate editor of the Post. The Daily Transcript was issued about this time by Joseph S. M. Young. In 1851 J. Herron Foster and R. C. Fleeson became associated as joint partners in the ownership of the Dispatch. In 1852 the Daily Union was issued by Elliot, Layton & Co., with Lynd Elliot as editor. It was a penny paper, and supported the Democracy. In June, 1852, Rev. Homer J. Clarke succeeded Rev. William Hunter as editor of the Christian Advocate. The Union Artisan, devoted to agriculture, horticulture and mechanics, was issued in May, 1852, by R. D. Hartshorn and W. S. Havens. In 1854

(i) Commercial Journal, December 28, 1847.

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HISTORY OF PITTSBURG.

D. L. Smith issued the Allegheny Bulletin. The Pittsburg Evening Times was started in June, 1855, as an organ of the American party, with Dr. McPher- son as editor. At this time The Sower was being issued by W. A. Eaton, and the West Pennsylvania Staats Zeitung was merged with the Pittsburg Courier. The Pittsburg Pricc Current was issued by Joseph Snowden about this time. The Mckeesport Standard was issued in 1855 in that suburb. In 1855 the Consti- tution, a weekly paper devoted to the interests of the liquor element, was issued here under the editorship of J. H. Clarke. In February, 1856, the Chronicle passed to the control of Kennedy Brothers. The Evening Register was issued in Allegheny in 1856 by Bossler, Robertson & Co. In September, 1856, Mr. White, of the Gazette, retired, and was succeeded by D. L. Eaton and Russell Errett, who assumed editorial management. Mr. Eaton had previously been connected with the Journal. In April, 1857, Gilmore & Montgomery sold their interest in the Post to James P. Barr, who became editor and proprietor. In 1857 John H. Bailey & Co. bought the Pittsburg Union from T. J. Keenan & Co. In April, 1858, R. M. Riddle, who had made a signal success of the Commercial Journal, sold his interest to T. J. Bigham, who assumed editorial charge. Mr. Snowden was placed at the head of the commercial department. W. L. Foulk & Co. were publishers. In 1859 S. Riddle, Russell Errett, J. A. Macrum and D. L. Eaton took charge of the Pittsburg Gazette, and in 1866 F. B. Penniman, Josiah King, N. P. Reed and Thomas Houston succeeded to the ownership. H. M. Long was admitted in 1871, but soon sold out to G. W. Reed and D. L. Fleury. In 1883 Nelson P. Reed & Co. took charge of the paper. In 1877 the Gazette and Commercial were consolidated. The Commercial was started in 1864 by C. D. Brigham, who later was connected with the Times. Richard Realf, the novelist and poet, was connected with the Commercial. In 1865 O'Neill & Rook purchased a one-half interest in the Dispatch, and at the death of Mr. Foster, in 1867, became sole proprietors. After the deaths of Messrs. O'Neill and Rook, Eugene M. O'Neill became manager. In 1847 or 1848 the Chronicle passed to Duncan & Dunn, and in 1851 to Barr & McDonald. In 1853 Mr. Barr sold out to Rev. Samuel Babcock, and in 1854 Kennedy Bros. purchased the paper. In 1856 it passed to Charles McKnight, and in 1863 to Joseph G. Siebe- neck, and in 1874 Mr. Collins secured an interest, but retired in 1874. In 1884 the Chronicle was merged with the Telegraph. The latter was started by H. Bucher Scoope early in the seventies, and passed through many hands before it was merged with the Chronicle. The Lcader was founded in 1865 by John W. Pittock as a Sunday journal, but in 1870 was greatly improved, and passed to the new management of Pittock, Nevin & Co. Robert P. Nevin and E. H: Nevin became associated with it when the daily was established. In 1877 Joseph and Theodore Nevin secured control of the paper. In 1880 the Times was started by Robert P. Nevin as a morning penny paper. Later in the same year it passed to C. L. Magee and others, and is still issued by them. In 1855 the Press was started by John S. Ritenour and others, and is still issued, having passed through many hands. The Pittsburg Illustrated Star was founded in 1883 by John H. Detker. The Daily News made its appearance in March, 1896, hav- ing been issued by the Daily News Company, at the head of which was Morgan E. Gamble. Many other newspapers than those here mentioned, representing all classes and opinions, have been issued from time to time in Pittsburg and Allegheny.

The first writer of note who resided in Pittsburg was Hugh H. Bracken- ridge. He contributed many articles on historical, political and scientific sub- jects to the Gazette, the most of which were afterward collected and published in book form. Late in the last century he published his best work, entitled Modern Chivalry, a romance similar to Don Quixote and one of unquestionable

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merit. One volume was published by Mr. Scull-the first west of the moun- tains. His writings abound in catchy phrases and epigrammatic sentences similar to the following: "He is a senseless politician that will not yield where he ought, that he may gain where he can;" "I am willing that my judgment should be questioned, but not the rectitude of my intentions;" "When a man hints darkly and does not speak directly there is no answering him; it is like a wink or shrug of the shoulders; it means anything or it means nothing;" "Villainy is always cool, honor and honestly feel with a generous warmth." He was the author of several legal works and considerable good poetry.

The Gazette of February 22, 1800, spoke of Dennis Loughby, "the blind poet of Pittsburg," but what he wrote cannot be learned.

The most important early publication which was the result of Pittsburg enterprise was the Navigator, published first in 1802, by Zadoc Cramer. It is the source from which all historians must obtain much of the early statistics concerning Pittsburg. It was continued for many years, though not without intermission. In subsequent issues the matter which had been published previously was revised and brought down to date. Copies of the Navigator are now prized highly by historical collectors. He also issued an almanac which contained miscellaneous matter and an abridged history of Pittsburg. It was called The Pittsburg Magazine Almanac and sold at 50 cents per dozen. One of its most important features was "A View of the Manufacturing Trade of Pittsburg." Mr. Cramer also published The Youth's Gazetteer or a Concise Geographical Dictionary, the Shorter Catechism and Crocker's Arithmetic, be- sides spelling books. His Almanac of 1803 contained selections from the best prose and poetic writers.

John Scull published an almanac, spelling books, The Shorter Catechism and other similar works presumably of his own compilation as early as 1787. A little later he published one of the volumes issued by H. H. Brackenridge. In 1812 Patterson & Hopkins issued from their establishment at the corner of Fourth and Wood streets the Honest Man's Almanac, which contained a di- rectory of the chief merchants, manufacturers, professional men and magistrates of Pittsburg. In the following year R. and J. Patterson continued the publica- tion of this almanac. In 1813 H. M. Brackenridge issued from the publishing house of Cramer, Spear & Eichbaum his Views of Louisiana. This was a work of decided merit and attracted considerable attention at the time. The "Views" were first issued as a serial in the Western Gleaner, a publication issued by Cramer, Spear & Eichbaum. About 1818 R. Patterson & Lambdin published a Treatise of Practical Arithmetic, the author being Robert Patterson, who had been previously professor of mathematics and natural philosophy in the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania. The Counting House Assistant was a similar work issued in 1818 by James C. Gilleland from the press of Butler & Lambdin, the publishers being Patterson & Lambdin. Mr. Gillcland was also the author of a Digest of American Mercantile Law.

The first person to succeed in Pittsburg as a writer of verses is supposed to have been Morgan Neville. He began about the time he secured an interest in the Gazette, and continued until his removal to Cincinnati. The first to at- tract general attention was entitled "Comparisons," and first appeared in Oc- tober, 1818. It was considered so good that it was copied, or rather paraphrased, by the Sheffield Iris (England). The poem as written by Mr. Neville is as follows:

"Man is the rugged, lofty pine, That frowns on many a wave-beat shore; Woman's the slender; graceful vine, Whose curling tendrils round it twine, And deck its rough bark sweetly o'er.

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HISTORY OF PITTSBURG.

"Man is the rock, whose towering crest, Nods o'er the mountain's barren side; Woman's the soft and mossy vest, That loves to clasp its sterile breast, And wreathe its brow in verdant pride.

"Man is the cloud of coming storm, Dark as the raven's murky plume; Save where the sunbeam, light and warm, Of woman's soul, and woman's form, Gleams brightly o'er the gathering gloom.

"Yes, lovely sex! to you 'tis giv'n To rule our hearts with angel sway; Blend with our woe a blissful even, Change earth into an embryo hcav'n, And sweetly smile our cares away."

In the "Maniac's Song" he wrote:

"Softly breathe, ye sighing gales, Lightly o'er his deathbed sweep, Hark! the mermaid's song bewails; See, around him Naiads weep. They've made his grave In ocean's cave; And I'll to his bosom creep." And in his "Apology for Gaiety:" "Then frae sic premises, what rule Might be deduced in logic's school, By grave divines sae clever? T'wad surely be that folks like me May laugh and sing and dance a wee Without bein' damned forever."

In 1815 Mr. Riddle issued a directory of Pittsburg. In 1818 Rev. Joseph Stockton issued from the press of Eichbaum & Johnston The Western Calculator, a "new and compendious system of practical arithmetic." At this time and during the decade of the twenties Cramer, Spear & Eichbaum issued the Pittsburg Almanac and the Magazine Almanac, while Patterson & Lambdin also issucd an almanac. At the same time Henry Holdship issued the Farmers' and Mechanics' Almanac, the Western Farmers' Almanac and the Western Farmers' Magazine Almanac. At the time these almanac publications supplied a means of advertising which could not be effected in any other way. They were dis- tributed in immense numbers throughout the Western country and it was a rare case to find a farmer's home without one. They contained the advertise- ments of Pittsburg manufacturers, together with considerable useful miscellany. J. C. and P. C. M. Andrews issued the Christian Almanac from the office of The Statesman in 1826. In 1820 Rev. Andrew Wylie issued a new and important English grammar, and about the same time James C. Gilleland published a work entitled "Pilot and Geographer." The publication of the statistical and his- torical work of Samuel Jones (junior member of the firm of Sibbet & Jones), is- sued in 1826, was an important event to Pittsburg, as it was one of the most important steps taken to preserve the early history of the city. As will be seen elsewhere in this volume, his publication preserved much interesting historical matter of that date. In 1828 appeared the work issued by Mrs. Anne Royall, an

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eccentric woman, who possessed great penetration and whose observations and reminiscences concerning Pittsburg form a valuable contribution to the history of that date. Her eccentricities led to an attack upon her by some man un- named on the occasion of her visit to a Pittsburg bookstore, where she was publicly whipped. He was promptly fined and received the condemnation of the citizens generally and of the press throughout the entire country. Previous to this date several of the publishers here had issued numerous editions of the Bible. In 1828-9 a large map of Pittsburg, 36 by 24 inches, on a scale of ten inches to the mile, showing Pittsburg, Allegheny, Bayardstown, Northern Lib- erties, Sidneyville and Birmingham, and locating a number of manufactories, in- cluding Anshutz Salt Works, was issued by Jean Barbeau. William Kelly an- nounced in 1828 that he intended to prepare and publish a directory of the city. One of the best books resulting from Pittsburg thought and enterprise was issued by H. M. Brackenridge on the subject of the War of 1812. It was a standard publication of that day and was taken by some Eastern publishers, con- siderably altered and transformed and issued during many years in thirty editions as an abridged history of the War of 1812. In 1833 Charles B. Taylor ad- vertised that he would shortly issue a register and directory of Pittsburg and vicinity. In 1838 Johnston and Stockton issued their American Almanac and Repository of Useful Knowledge. About this time Richard Biddle issued his work entitled "Memoirs of Sebastian Cabot," which was referred to in com- plimentary terins by Mr. Bancroft in Volume I of his History of the United States. About this time also William B. Conway, who had previously published works of a similar character, issued a novel entitled "The Cottage on the Cliff," from the press of C. H. Kay & Co. at the corner of Third and Wood streets. A work entitled "The Early History of Western Pennsylvania" was published in Pittsburg during the forties, the author being Daniel W. Kauffman. William H. Burleigh, anti-slavery advocate and temperance reformer, was a poetic writer of much promise in the thirties and forties. He published a volume of his poems and his miscellaneous writings were wide and varied. In 1841 he wrote a desultory poem entitled "Our Country; Its Dangers and Its Destiny," which was admired throughout the United States and was circulated in Europe. Per- haps the most noted literary works issued in Pittsburg during the decade of the forties were the prose and poetical effusions of Mrs. Jane G. Swisshelm. They possessed high merit and were usually iconoclastic in their nature, as her views led her to attack nearly all existing social, domestic and political institutions. Some of her prose writings were full of philosophy and at times were replete with pungent criticisms on the shams and idiosyncrasies of the day. She some- times wrote under the nom-de-plume of Karl Benedict. She did more than any other local writer to reform and readjust public opinion on the question of woman's rights. John Black, D. D., was the author of a book entitled "The Everlasting Kingdom." Late in the decade of the forties appeared Neville B. Craig's celebrated publication "Ye Olden Times," and a little later his History of Pittsburg, which to this day is a standard work on the early records of the city.

Rev. John Tassey published a work on the "Life of Christ" in the forties. Late in the decade of the fifties H. M. Brackenridge, who had previously covered the same ground in the local newspapers in a capricious controversy with Neville B. Craig, published in book form his History of the Western Insurrection. That event has been variously named by writers. Apparently those wishing to cast ignominy upon the movement denominated it the Whisky Insurrection. Others, among whom was Mr. Brackenridge, called it the Western Insurrection. Among his other works are Voyage to South America, History of the West Indies, Recollections of Persons and Places in the West, etc.

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HISTORY OF PITTSBURG.

Among the writers of the last half century may be named Charles P. Shiras, author of a work entitled "Redemption of Labor" and other poems, and a drama called "Invisible Prince, or The War of the Amazons," which was played at the Old Drury Theater early in the decade of the fifties. Bartley Campbell, the famous playwright, was formerly a Pittsburg newspaper man. James M. Swank published many articles of great value concerning local industries. Stephen C. Foster, the great musical composer, was usually the author of the verses set to his songs. The recent works of Samuel Harden Church are fresh and strong. His Life of Cromwell is a careful study of character and a valuable contribution to literature. His other works rank among the ablest literary products of the day. Thomas B. Plympton, once connected with the Dispatch, furnished many poems of merit to local literature. Judge J. E. Parke and Judge Thomas Mellon have contributed valuable works to the historical literature of recent date. Josiah Copley, who was once connected with the Gazette, issued a number of valuable works, among which was "Gatherings in Beulah." William G. Johnston's work on "The Experiences of a Forty-niner" reveals with great fidelity the hardships incident to a visit to California in the early times of the gold excitement. Logan G. McPherson has issued valuable works on money, banking, etc., and is considered authority on these abstruse subjects. The "Life of Napoleon," written by William M. Sloane, is considered a standard work. The writings of Robert P. Nevin are well known and admired; among them are "Black Robes; or Sketches of Missions and Ministers in the Wilderness and on the Border;" "Les Trois Rois" (The Three Kings), and miscellaneous tales and poems. Samuel P. Langley wrote many interesting articles on astronomical subjects while a resident of Pittsburg, one especially noteworthy being "Re- searches on Solar Heat." James E. Keeler was first the assistant of Professor Langley, but later has come into prominence as an original astronomical in- vestigator. He has contributed many articles on the subject to the leading

periodicals. His book, Spectroscopic Observations of Nebula, is a creditable work. William Darlington's historical books on Fort Pitt and Journals of Gist exhibit careful research and possess great value. The historical writings of Rev. Andrew A. Lambing are standard works. The articles of Joseph D. Weeks on industrial subjects will be referred to by all writers on those subjects in future years. The poetical writings of Richard Realf possess subtlety of thought, aptness of imagery and ease of expression. Unfortunately they have never been collectively placed before the public. Following are the third and the concluding stanzas of his "Symbolism:"

Oh, Earth! thou hast not any wind that blows Which is not music; every weed of thine, Pressed rightly, flows in aromatic wine; And every humble hedgerow flower that grows And every little brown bird that doth sing, Hath something greater than itself, and bears A living word in every living thing, Albeit it holds the message unawares.

All shapes and sounds have something which is not Of them; a spirit broods amid the grass; Vague outlines of the Everlasting Thought Lie in the melting shadows as they pass; The touch of an Eternal Presence thrills The fringes of the sunset and the hills.

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Sometimes (we know not how, nor why, nor whence)

The twitter of the swallows 'neath the eaves, The shimmer of the light among the leaves,

Will strike up through the rich roofs of our sense, And show us things which seers and sages saw In the gray earth's green dawn; something doth stir Like organ hymns within us, and doth awe

Our pulses into listening, and confer Burdens of Being on us, and we ache With weights of Revelation; and our ears Hear voices from the Infinite that take The hushed soul captive, and the saddening years

Seem built on pillared joys, and overhead Vast dove-like wings that arch the world are spread.

Charles McKnight showed exceptional genius in certain branches of litera- ture. His "Old Fort Duquesne," since renamed "Captain Jack," attracted con- siderable attention. "Our Western Border," "Simon Girty" and others were valuable contributions to history as well as to literature. Miss Sarah H. Kil- likelly, F. S. Sc., is an authoress of prominence and popularity. Her essays on natural history, literature, art and science are highly praised by the most emi- nent writers and the most versatile critics. Her "Curious Questions in History, Literature, Art and Social Life" is an important demarkation in literature. Her contributions to newspapers and periodicals are always instructive, artistic and interesting. Mrs. A. Annie Wade entertained as well as instructed the students of Pittsburg with her poems, essays and stories written in charming style. Mrs. Martha F. Boggs has written several strong romances. Andrew Car- negie has published several volumes on industrial subjects, travel, etc. The works of Mrs. Margaret Wade (Campbell) Deland are well known. She is a leading writer of both prose and poetry. Her "John Ward, Preacher," "The Old Garden and Other Verses," "Sydney, the Story of a Child," "Mr. Tommy Dove and Other Stories," "Phillip and His Wife," "Florida Days," etc., are excellent. The following verses are from her poem, "The Old Garden:"

"Still the grapevines hold

The leaning arbor, where the leaves scarce stir,

In cool, green darkness that shuts out the sky; For, if a sunbeam wandered there, 'twas lost, Or flitted like a golden butterfly Across the ceiling that the fruit embossed.

Neath it the path was worn and mossy green. Still the garden glows And 'gainst its walls the city's heart still beats,

And out from it each summer wind that blows Carries some sweetness to the tired streets.

"Here, in warm darkness of a night in June, While rhythmic pulses of the factory's flame Lighted with sudden flare of red the gloom, And deepened the long black shadows, children came, To watch the primrose blow! Silent they stood, Hand clasped in hand, in breathless hush around,

And saw her shyly doff her soft green hood And blossom -- with a silken burst of sound!"

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HISTORY OF PITTSBURG.

Emily E. Veeder is one of the strongest recent writers. "Her Brother Don- nard," "Entranced," "The Unexpected," "In the Garden, and Other poems," are works of great value. C. C. Hodge issued strong religious works. Dr. W. R. Mackay was the author of a number of interesting tales which were edited by Miss Killikelly. The sketches of Erasmus Wilson prove him not only a quiet observer but a profound philosopher on the ways of the world. S. L. Fleishman has recently translated selections from the blank verse of Heine with the beauties almost wholly preserved. Mrs. Ellen Boyce Kirk has stic- cessfully adapted for children and others a number of standard works. Miss Clara Reese is the author of a new book entitled "And She Got All That." Anna Pierpont Siviter is a creditable writer of verses, jokes and short stories and contributes to many periodicals. Miss Cora Thrumston is a popular con- tributor of stories. Mrs. Jane S. Collins and Mr. Lee Smith have written in- teresting books. Sarah H. Carpenter, Kate McKnight and Virginia D. Hyde are also known in the field of letters. Other writers deserve special mention.

CHAPTER XXX.

ART-FIRST OIL AND MINIATURE PAINTERS-MR. BOWMAN-MR. LAMBDIN-THE PITTS- BURG MUSEUM-MESSRS. WALL AND MC CLORY-DALBY AND FOERSTER-OFFICER AND MCCLEAN-GEORGE HETZEL-GLOGGER, BOTT AND LAWMAN-WOODWELL, MCCLURG AND POOLE-DALMAIN, LEISSER AND KING- DARLEY, SMITH AND WALZ-THE WALLS-CLARK, ALEXANDER AND REINHART - JOHNS, FAIRMAN, BEATTY AND OTHERS-RECENT GREAT ADVANCE IN ART-LOCAL ART COLLECTIONS-MUSIC- FIRST TEACHERS-CONCERTS AT THE COURTHOUSE-MR. TYLER-THE EARLY MUSICAL SOCIETIES - PIANOFORTES MANUFACTURED-EARLY MUSICAL PRO- GRAMMES-INSTRUMENTS USED-MUSIC STORES-FIRST COMPOSERS-KLEBER AND MELLOR-ERA OF SACRED MUSIC-RISE OF COLORED MINSTRELSY-1TS WONDERFUL EXPANSION AND POPULARITY-THE CONCERTS IN THE SALOONS AND HALLS - COMPOSITIONS OF NELSON KNEASS-BEN BOLT-PITTSBURG ACADEMY OF MUSIC-COMMON SCHOOL MUSIC-LIND AND PATT1-NEW SO- CIETIES-GENIUS OF STEPHEN C. FOSTER-HIS FAME-RECENT ADVANCE IN MUSIC-ARCHITECTURE-CARPENTERS THE FIRST DESIGNERS-FIRST NOTA- BLE ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES-THE COLONIAL, GOTHIC AND ITALIAN STYLES-DECORATIONS-INTRODUCTION AND PREVALENCEOF THE ROMAN- ESQUE-NORMAN, FRENCH, ITALIAN AND OTHER FORMS-COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE-REAL ESTATE-THEATERS-THE JOCKEY CLUB-FIRST THEATRICAL ENTERTAINMENTS-WHAT MR. CUMING SAID-SUCCESS DURING THE WAR OF 1812-THE THESPIAN SOCIETY-DRAMATIC SOC1- ETY-LAMBDIN'S MUSEUM-FIRST THEATER BUILDING-ITS UPS AND DOWNS-WAR AGAINST THE THEATER-JIM CROW RICE- TRAGEDY OVERDONE-NAMESOF MANY OF THE EARLY ARTISTS-OLD DRURY- SUCCESS OF THE BURNT CORK ARTISTS- JOSEPH C. FOSTER'S EFFORTS -HIS NEW NATIONAL THEATER-RECENT EVENTS AND STATISTICS.

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Standard history of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Part 102

Author: Wilson, Erasmus, 1842-1922; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926. cn Publication date: 1898 Publisher: Chicago : H.R. Cornell & Co. Number of Pages: 1192

Author: Wilson, Erasmus, 1842-1922; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926. cn
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: Chicago : H.R. Cornell & Co.
Number of Pages: 1192