Standard history of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Part 110

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 110

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HISTORY OF PITTSBURG.

on Sunday was brought forward to add still greater confusion to the times. Judge McClure held that liquor licenses could not be granted to eating-houses, coffee-houses, restaurants, etc., but only to taverns where there were beds, house- room, stabling, etc. All the churches united in meetings of large size, pledging themselves to vote for no man not in favor of the temperance cause. It came to be fully regarded at this time that the temperance question was destined to become a strong feature in politics. In December, 1851, the Allegheny Tem- perance Society forwarded a petition to the Legislature praying for the passage of a law abolishing the liquor traffic.

The passage of the acts of 1847 and 1855 to restrain the sale of liquor were really great victories for the cause of temperance, though not wholly recognized as such by temperance advocates, who thought with much sincerity that a pro- hibitive law should be passed. An immense stride was made toward a control of the traffic, which fact was abundantly proved as time passed. Dealers at first obeyed the law, but gradually began violations, and continued until brought into court by the observant and persistent temperance advocates.

In July, 1855, it was boasted by the liquor-dealers that they had a secret oath- bound organization, pledged to secure the repeal of the liquor law of 1847, which had a membership here of 2,500, had collected in cash $5,000, and had subscrip- tions to the amount of $15,000 more, all of which was to be used in securing the repeal of the law of 1847. In 1855 the Temperance League, organized for the enforcement of all laws restricting and prohibiting the traffic in liquor by legal and honorable means, had a large membership in this community, and at this times James Marshall was president, J. H. Foster secretary, and C. L. Magee treasurer. Meetings were held by this league weekly, and great results were accomplished.

The crusade movement, afterward destined to become widespread through- out the United States, originated in the little town of Hillsboro, Ohio. It soon reached Pittsburg, and its promoters met in the Third Presbyterian church, on March 2, 1874, and elected the following officers: President, Mrs. Rev. Samuel Collins; vice-presidents, Mrs. L. H. Eaton, Mrs. Dr. Sterrett, Mrs. Finley Tor- rens, Mrs. Rev. A. M. Milligan, Mrs. H. D. McGaw, Mrs. W. W. Grier, Mrs. Morgan, Mrs. Woods, Mrs. J. K. Smiley, Mrs. Rev. Cranage, Mrs. Livingston, Miss Lizzie Cook, Mrs. George Finley, Miss Beeson, Mrs. W. A. Herron, Mrs. Linford and Miss Haller. Mrs. Hill was made secretary and Mrs. S. B. Rob- inson treasurer. On March 16, 1874, the following names were added to the list: Mrs. W. G. Reed, Mrs. Oudry, Mrs. A. W. Black, Mrs. Morris, Mrs. Mawhinney, Mrs. Rev. Bain, Mrs. Gormley, Miss Mary Duncan, Mrs. Graham, Mrs. King, Mrs. Bryan, Mrs. Rev. Squier, Mrs. McGonnigle and Mrs. J. B. Herron. The interest and enthusiasm increased from day to day, and unions were formed in Allegheny and most of the neighboring towns. Delegations were sent to the mayors of the two cities asking them to enforce the law prohibiting the selling or giving away of intoxicating drinks on Sunday, and they promised to do so. Members of the union also visited the manufactories and foundries and called on the workers there to sign the pledge. The jail and workhouse were also visited and many signers obtained in these institutions. After some time it was decided to visit the saloons, and on April 8, 1874, the band of crusaders, thirty-two in number, started out on that mission. They were joined by a big crowd and by the time they reached the "Scotch Hill House" on Ross and Fourth Avenue, there was a perfect mob. They were refused permission to hold a service in this house, so they stationed themselves in front of it and sang hymns. Meantime the bartenders in the saloon were busy waiting on the thirsty crowds, and the crusaders were subjected to many taunts and jeers. They subsequently called at the Monongahela House and the La Belle House, across the street, in both of

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which places they were courteously received by the proprietors. After under- going many disagreeable experiences, Lieutenant Hager arrested the band at a wholesale house, and they were arraigned before Acting Mayor McMasters on a charge of disorderly conduct. The liquor men complained that the mect- ings in and about their places interfered with their business. The mayor dis- charged them with an admonition on this occasion. The next day, May 21st, the band continud on its mission. After being at Hostetter & Smith's, policemen arrested the band. They were marched to the Diamond Alley lockup and put under a guard. The information contained only three of the names of the band, Watt Black, Mrs. A. W. Black and Mrs. Van Horn. They were charged with singing and praying on the street and obstructing the sidewalk. Mr. Black was fined $100 and Mrs. Black and Mrs. Van Horn $25 each. They protested against the fines, and the mayor said they could appeal to court, but must pay them. W. D. Moore came forward, and, against the protest of the party, gave his check for the amount and they were discharged. On Saturday, May 23d, the band resumed its mission to saloons, and they were for the third time arrested and taken to the lockup. The mayor decided to hold them for a hearing on the Monday morning following at 9 o'clock in the sum of $30 each, but he sub- sequently made it $10, and Dr. Collins filled out a check for that amount, when they were released. On Monday the thirty-three crusaders were arraigned for "disturbing the city by holding religious meetings on the streets." The acting mayor announced that as there was an appeal in the former cases before the court, which would probably be decided in a few days, he would hold the case over until the appeal was decided. On Thursday, May 28th, the appeal was heard before Judges Stowe, Sterrett and Collier. Attorneys Marshall and Swartz- welder appeared for the crusaders, and Attorney Coyle for the mayor. Judge Stowe, in rendering the decision, said that singing and praying on the public streets were not disorderly. This had been done from time immemorial. He ordered that the decision of the acting mayor be set aside, restitution be made, fines and costs returned, the city pay the costs and the crusaders be set free. The other judges concurred in the decision. Following are the names of the thirty-three crusaders who were placed in the city lockup, May 23, 1874: Mrs. J. S. Collins, Mrs. A. W. Black, Watt Black, Mrs. W. W. Morris, Mrs. Van Horn, Mrs. Gormley, Miss McClurg, Mrs. Moffct, Mrs. Makin, Miss Carmichael, Mrs. Matchett, Mrs. Gilchrist, Mrs. Logan, Mrs. Gray, Mrs. Johnston, Mrs. Albin, Mrs. Tutell, Mrs. Hill, Miss A. Starr, Miss Pearl Starr, M. D., Miss Lee Starr, Mrs. M. B. Reesc of Ohio, Mrs. Youngson, Miss Foster, Mrs. Caldwell, Mrs. Allinder, Miss Beeson, Mrs. Courtney, Mrs. Nelson, Mrs. Woods, Mrs. Foster, Misses Hopeful and Bessie Black. After a time the members of the original band of crusaders joined other temperance organizations and their work as a distinctive organization ccased. The Law and Order Association, estab- lished in 1878, was an outcome of the crusade, several members of the band being on its board of managers, and the association still exists, though the crusade feature, as far as visiting saloons is concerned, has been abandoned (k).

The Brooks law went into effect in 1887, and on the whole has furnished a satisfactory restriction of the traffic. Sunday selling has been almost wholly eliminated. However, many improvements have suggested themselves in the method of granting licenses.

The great bluc-ribben movement was inaugurated by Francis Murphy at Pittsburg in 1876. Several gentlemen, at the head of whom was George Woods, chancellor of the University, formed a tempcrance society, and in November secured Mr. Murphy to conduct the campaign. His first lecture was delivered

(k) Leader, April 14, 1897.

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in the Opera-house and later ones in churches-particularly the Fifth Avenue Methodist Episcopal church. He was sustained by the leading men of the city-George Woods, J. K. Moorhead, Joseph Dilworth, Colonel Hetherington, James Park, Jr., Richard Realf, Joseph Hunter and others. By the fourth week 5,000 people had signed the pledge, and by the fourteenth week the extraor- dinary number of 40,000 had signed. The influence of this movement was felt throughout the country and endures to this day. It is said that in 1877 there were about 1,000 saloons in Pittsburg, but this movement reduced them steadily until there were at one time less than 100, and they were thoroughly controlled. The present careful restriction had its origin in the movement conducted with such wonderful success by Mr. Murphy. The efforts so well begun were not per- mitted to lag in the least, and when Mr. Murphy finally concluded his lectures about 80,000 had signed the pledge. On Christmas, after the movement had been started a sumptuous dinner was given to the unfortunates who presented them- selves. Hundreds of men are met in Pittsburg to this day (1898) who thank God for the movement that reclaimed them from drunkenness. Mr. Murphy secured a world-wide reputation, which subsequent years have still further improved and enhanced.

The subject of insurance to property was considered in Pittsburg as early as 1794, at which time the owners of flatboats afforded insurance on cargoes of household goods destined for points down the Ohio River. Not only owners of flatboats, but a few of the leading business men here afforded such insurance to owners of property. To what extent such insurance was based upon the property of residents cannot be definitely determined, but it is certian that the leading citizens at that early day represented in some cases Eastern insurance companies.

The Eagle Fire Company was organized in 1794, soon after the borough was created. The hand-engine was brought from Philadelphia, and John John- ston was first engineer, and Jeremiah Barker and Robert Magee assistants. William Leckey was engineer in 1800, and William Eichbaum in 1811. In the latter year the Vigilant Fire Company was organized, with William Wilkins as president and John Thaw secretary and treasurer. The hand-engine cost $600 and was brought from Philadelphia at a cost of $98. The Neptune Fire Company was organized in 1815.

The hazard of shipping goods down the Ohio River, and especially to points in the vicinity of New Orleans or in the Gulf of Mexico, was well understood. At that early day it was necessary, when goods were shipped in the Gulf of Mexico, to protect them by arming the crews of flatboats with rifles, and provide the vessels themselves with cannon. The gulf and the lower Mississippi were infested with pirates, who took every advantage to capture the rich produce boats from up the river, and murder their crews. A little later Peter Lafitte was the terror of the gulf. It was claimed that in one year he and his band captured $25,000 worth of slaves and sold them in Cuba, Mexico and other foreign ports.

The borough owned a fire-engine and a number of buckets as early as July 3, 1801,, but complaint was made at that time that there was not enough of the latter. They were used to supply the engine with water, as well as to pour water on the fire. Michael Adams' house burned on the night of July 3d, in spite of all efforts to extinguish the flames. In August, 1801, an ordinance providing for the purchase of more fire-buckets was passed.

By the act of March 10, 1810, it was provided that no outside company should carry on insurance in this State except under a heavy penalty. One of the first companies to insure here was the Pittsburg Manufacturing Company, which began business in 1812, and it is well known that during the War of 1812 it did an extensive insurance business. No doubt other companies here during

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the same period were engaged in insuring property both against fire and water. On the night of July 23, 1812, at about II o'clock, a fire started in Davis' bakehouse, on Market Street, between Front and Water streets, and before it could be quenched destroyed nearly twenty buildings. At that time the bor- ough owned two engines, and although the citizens poured out in great numbers with buckets, the flames could not be checked. Blair's brush factory was destroyed. Among the sufferers were Messrs. Cannon, Mays, Tannehill, Peters, Barnwell, Ewalt, Banton, Kepner, Hamilton, Scott and Liggett. Mr. Hamilton lost $500 in banknotes, supposed to have been dropped by him in the confusion. This "awful calamity" was used by the newspapers to urge the necessity for another engine and more buckcts.

In 1818 the principal insurance companies doing business here were the Pennsylvania, North American, Union, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Delaware, Marine and United States, all of which had headquarters in the East.

In 1819 the Pittsburg Navigation and Insurance Company was incorporated, with a capital of $100,000, but it was announced by the company that no insur- ance would be afforded until a later date. In 1819, also, the Western Navigation and Insurance Company was organized here, the object of which was to furnish transportation, and at the same time satisfactory insurance upon all goods sent down the river. "Pittsburg .- A large frame house took fire in this city a few nights since, and, terrible to relate, a young lady and two children, six and eight ·years old, perished in the flames" (1).

Among the first agents of distant companies to afford insurance were George Cochran, who represented the American Fire Insurance Company, and M. B. Lowrie, the Protection Insurance Company. Others of the leading citizens represented Philadelphia insurance companies. On April 2, 1826, a fire at 5 o'clock a. m., on Wood Street, between Fifth Street and Diamond Alley, destroyed sixteen buildings. In 1827 John Snyder represented the Ohio Insur- ance Company of Cincinnati. On January 19, 1827, a meeting was held here to form a fire insurance company. Michael Allen was made chairman and James S. Craft and Thomas Bakewell secretaries. Messrs. Sample, Eichbaum, Allen, Craft and Bakewell were appointed a committee to draft a constitution to be presented at a subsequent meeting. In March, 1827, a destructive fire on St.' Clair Street caused such a heavy loss that a public subscription for the sufferers to the amount of $1,380 was collected.

One of the first fire companies to be organized here was the old Eagle organization, connected with which, either in an honorary capacity or otherwise, were several of the most prominent citizens. Another early organization was the Pittsburg Hose Company, established in December, 1828, which, in May, 1829, passed resolutions to dissolve, owing to the failure of the city to afford them a suitable appropriation. During the twenties the fire department of Pittsburg was placed in as high a degree of efficiency as the apparatus of that day afforded. Large quantities of hose were sccured from Philadelphia for the local organization. The Allegheny Fire Insurance Company was thoroughly organized by 1830, as was the first Pittsburg Hose Company, also. In 1830 both Pittsburg and Allegheny greatly improved their facilities for fighting fire. In 1832 the Pittsburg Navigation and Fire Insurance Company was duly incor- porated and authorized to insure against fire and against loss upon the rivers, and was likewise authorized to insure lives. The shares were fixed at 2,500 of $100 each. Nine directors were to manage the affairs of the concern. In 1832 the cotton factory of Breed & Brewer, in Northern Liberties, was destroyed by fire, and the loss, amounting to about $8,000, was promptly paid by the

(1) Niles Register, November 29, 1823.

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various insurance companies. Of this amount $4,000 was held by the Pittsburg Navigation and Fire Insurance Company. For many years Michael Allen con- tinued to be president of the Pittsburg Navigation and Fire Insurance Com- pany.

In 1833 the various fire companies of Pittsburg and Allegheny formed a general association for mutual benefit and assistance. One of the early organiza- tions was the Vigilant Fire Company, under James Crossan, president, which, by 1833, had attained a high degree of usefulness. The Allegheny Engine and Hose Company, of which Benjamin Darlington was president, was thoroughly organized by 1832. Under the act of the City Councils, fire wardens were appointed to cooperate with the fire companies.

By act of April 15, 1834, the Firemen's Insurance Company, with a capital of 10,000 shares of $25 each, was incorporated, and was soon on a substantial basis. Much of the stock was subscribed at a big meeting, firemen and their widows and orphans being given the preference.

"The Pittsburg Navigation and Fire Insurance Company are earning golden opinions in ready and cheerful payment of losses sustained by them. Instances are mentioned which show that this establishment is in the hands of practical business men" (m).

In 1834 the following engine and hose companies were represented here: Eagle, Allegheny, Neptune, Vigilant, First Pittsburg Hose Company and Union Hose Company, and small appropriations were made by the City Councils for their maintenance. All these companies were united in 1835 into the Pitts- burg Firemen's Association, of which John P. Bakewell was secretary. Other companies were organizing, until in September, 1835, the following were rep- 1 esented in a large public parade: Eagle, Allegheny, Union, Neptune, Columbus, Phoenix, Fame, Juniata, Vigilant and the First Pittsburg Hose Company. The rate of insurance varied with the degree of risk. All the insurance companies afforded protection both from fire and from water on the rivers. The usual rate of insurance varied from one-half to two per cent. In 1837 a reign of terror ensued here by reason of many incendiary fires, as well as from many false alarms. In October, 1837, a large fire at the water-works was subdued by the Allegheny and Neptune companies. It was customary in those days, at least once a year, usually in the autumn, to hold a general firemen's parade, on which occasion the efficiency of the department was thoroughly tested. The organization of the companies was not as thorough as at the present day. Upon the burning of Mr. Burnett's store, in 1837, the firemen all got drunk, and. continued their spree and uproar all night. The only two companies here in 1842 were the Pittsburg Navigation and Fire Insurance Company and the Firemen's Insurance Company.

"Trial of Engines .- On Saturday last there was a trial of the power of the engines and the skill of the engineers. In this we are happy to record that the superiority of Pittsburg firemen, as well as the excellence of Pittsburg en- gine-builders, was fully proved. It had been a matter of boast among the Philadelphians that by the combined power of three of their engines water had been thrown from a one and one-quarter inch nozzle a distance of 200 feet. By the combined power of three Pittsburg-built engines water was thrown 245 feet from a nozzle one-eighth of an inch larger. The parade and exercises terminated without any accident or untoward circumstance" (n).

On March 31, 1841, the Pennsylvania Insurance Company was organized here, with a capital of $200,000, in shares of $50 each, and authorized to issue risks upon property and life. In January, 1848, the Pittsburg Navigation and

(m) Niles Register, August 16, 1834.

(n) Mercury and Democrat, June 9, 1841.

W. T Taucher

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Fire Insurance Company, pursuant to the law of April, 1842, made the following report :

Discount notes with approved endorsers. $ 70,418.51

Premium notes ... 11,694.38

344 shares in Exchange Bank. 17,200.00

253 shares in Pittsburg Nav. & Fire Ins. Co. 10,100.00

Cash in Exchange Bank.

7,592.72

Due from other companies

4,190.98

Due from individuals.

3,778.64

Domestic creditors, State scrip.

1,026.00

Bonds and mortgages.

375.00

Total. . $126,376.23

By act of February 15, 1842, the Pittsburg Navigation and Fire Insurance Company, which seems to have lapsed for a number of years, was again incor- porated, and from this time forward, notwithstanding the great fire of 1845, managed to exist and do a fairly successful business. By a supplemental act of 1846 its duties were enlarged and its uscfulness increased. By act of April 4, 1844, the Allegheny County Mutual Insurance Company was incorporated, the first directors being William Robinson, Jr., John Sampson, James Wood, William Bagaley, Sylvanus Lothrop, John Morrison, Lot O. Reynolds, Thomas W. Steward, Lyman Wilmarth, Griswold E. Warner, E. W. Stephens, S. R. John- son and Harvey Childs. By act of April 15, 1845, it was provided that the Allegheny Mutual Company might receive cash premiums at such rates and for such periods as the directors should determine, and such premiums might be returned to persons insured after ten per cent. had been deducted to cover the expenses and losses incurred by the company.

Shortly after noon of the Ioth of April, 1845, the great fire of Pittsburg commenced. It broke out at the corner of Second and Ferry streets, from some shavings which had been ignited under a wash-kettle in the yard of a dwelling. The bell of the Third church was the first note of warning. Previously, for several weeks, the weather had been extremely dry, so that the conditions were favorable for such a fire. In addition to that, a high wind prevailed, but it is doubtful whether the fire could have been stopped by the companies and citi- zens had there been little or no wind. Soon buildings across Ferry Street took fire in the teeth of the wind, and the cotton factory on the opposite side of Second Street burst into flames. As in all such cases the fire did not progress steadily from block to block, but great masses of burning wood were carried high into the air by the wind and the intense heat, and new fires were kindled therewith, in several instances more than a block distant from the line of advanc- ing flame. The wind was blowing from the south or southwest, and it was only through the efforts of the fire companies that the Third Presbyterian church was saved and the line of fire directed up the Monongahela River. Had this change not been made it is not improbable that the extent of the conflagration would have been much greater. When once fully started the progress of the fire was extremely rapid, and the sight was beautiful to beholders. In less than an hour the fire was sweeping everything before it on the east. The entire fire forcc of both cities could do nothing whatever to stay its course after it had once well commenced. The heat was so intense that people could not approach within a block of the line of flame, and cverything, including glass, iron, brick and stone, melted or crumbled under the intense hcat. The fire spread over what was at that time the wealthiest and best business portion of the city, covering nearly sixty acres. The tract extended from Second and Ferry streets, spreading out to Fourth Avenue by the time it reached Wood Street, thence expanding until it

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reached Diamond Street, and then extending eastward until it was checked at Pipetown for want of further material. In other words, its boundaries may be described as follows: From the corner of Ferry and Second to Wood, thence to Fourth, thence to Diamond Alley, thence to Ross, thence irregularly eastward to Pipetown, thence to the Monongahela, thence down the same to place of begin- ning. About 1,100 dwellings, warehouses, churches, hotels, stores, schools and other public buildings were burned, and the loss by the most accurate accounts was from $5,000,000 to $7,000,000. Some placed the loss at $25,000,000, but this figure was undoubtedly much too high. The citizens could do nothing but look on with horror as their houses and possessions, and the city in which they took so much pride, were thus devastated, and, as they then believed, ruined, Only two lives were lost, those of Samuel Kingston, a lawyer, and a Mrs. Brooks. The fire created great hardships, particularly among the poor, and in many instances business men were ruined; but, as a whole, it was a real benefit to the city. New capital poured in, other enterprising citizens took the place of those who were burned out, and within two years, so rapid was the growth, it was difficult to tell over what section of the city the fire had spread. The State Legislature appropriated $50,000 for the relief of the sufferers, and passed an act exempting from taxation, under certain conditions, property within the fire limits. Large quantities of supplies of all kinds, such as provisions, clothing, household articles, money, were received from all parts of the United States, and even from Europe. In all, the State contributed $109,889.66; other States, $88,332.46, and Europe $651.28. Those who witnessed this greatest fire Pittsburg ever suffered never forgot the sight, and often recalled its horrors at the request of later generations. The Legislature enacted that the whole amount of State and county tax, previ- ously assessed and unpaid, upon personal property, and real estate upon which buildings had been destroyed, in the First and Second Wards and in Kensing- ton, should be returned to persons liable for the same, and on such property no tax for State and county purposes should be levied for the three years 1846 to 1848, inclusive. Persons whose merchandise had been destroyed by the fire were released from the payment of licenses for 1845. At this time the State was in bad financial condition, and it was provided that the cancellation of relief notes should be temporarily suspended, to enable the State treasury to pay the $50,000 appropriated for the relief of the Pittsburg fire sufferers.

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Standard history of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Part 110

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