Standard history of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Part 124

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 124

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).

In 1851 Mr. Howe was elected President of the Exchange Bank and held that office until the pressure of other duties required its relinquishment. He was elected president of the Chamber of Commerce at its origin and held it con-

1005

HISTORY OF PITTSBURG.

tinuously until his death in 1877. Much of its success and usefulness was due to his sagacity. About 1840 he assisted in organizing the Pittsburg and Boston Mining Company and was elected its secretary and treasurer. It was designed to work the Lake Superior copper regions, which field of operation was visited by Mr. Howe in person. The company prospered exceedingly. In 1871 he sold his interest therein to Boston capitalists. He helped to organize the firm of C. G. Hussey & Co., copper manufacturers of this city, with which he was identi- fied until his death. He was also a member of the steel manufacturing firm of Hussey, Wells & Co., afterward Hussey, Howe & Co .- now Howe, Brown & Co., Limited-and in this connection did incalculable good with money and measures to make Pittsburg the greatest steel center in the world. He was at all times full of public spirit and business grit and had the unlimited confidence of his business associates and fellow citizens. He participated in the construction of the Cleveland and Pittsburg Railroad; was one of the incorporators of the Allegheny Cemetery and president of its board of managers for thirty years; was for the same period of time a vestryman of Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church and warden and vestryman of Calvary Church after its origin; was for many years a member of the Diocesan standing committee and twice a deputy to the General Convention, and at all times was regarded as one of the city's strongest contributors to charitable and benevolent enterprises. He died July 20, 1877, lamented by the entire city, the citizens of which yet speak with pleasure of his eminent public services, his unblemished character, his great ability and his use- ful life. His memory will long remain green in the hearts of all who had the honor of his acquaintance. His home life was a solace to him and his wife his confidant and companion. Her advice and sympathy assisted him in his trials with the busy world and together they went hand in hand in benevolent work. At their beautiful home is a fine natural spring of pure water over which Mrs Howe has erected a large and costly memorial fountain which she has presented to the city in honor of her late husband. The sons of Mr. Howe are promi- nent business men here: useful and respected citizens.

Mr. Howe was married December 13, 1833, to Mary A. Palmer, daughter of the Rev. Anthony A. Palmer and Mary Bryan Palmer, of Philadelphia. Mrs. Howe is still living. Two sons and five daughters are now living: Wm. R. Howe and George A. Howe, of the firm of Howe, Brown & Co., Limited; Mrs. James H. Childs, Mrs. James W. Brown, Mrs. George W. Guthrie, Mrs. F. B. Nimick, Mrs. W. D. Corcoran.

David Hostetter, a distinguished business man, financier and railroad pro- jector, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, January 23, 1819. His father was a cultivated physician of extensive practice, widely known and highly esteemed in that portion of the State. The boyhood of Mr. Hostetter was spent upon a farm, owned and cultivated by his father, where he was free to devote his time to reading and study. Having obtained a thorough English education, at the age of sixteen he set out to "make his way in the world." His first employment was in a dry goods store in Lancaster, with Christopher Hager, where he remained seven years, beginning as a "boy" and ending as "chief clerk and manager." On leaving Mr. Hager's employ, he entered into the same line of business, and was actively engaged in building up a successful trade when the gold fever broke out in California, and he like many others, became possessed of the desire to seek his fortune in the new El Dorado. Leaving his partner in charge of the business he started from New York, on April 15, 1850, for California, crossed the Isthmus on a mule, and passed a dreary wait of three months at Panama. His experience there was fraught with exciting events and dangerous surroundings, both from the dreaded Isthmus fever and the cut-throats and robbers who infested Panama at that time; and it was with feelings of great

1006

HISTORY OF PITTSBURG.

relief that he heard of the arrival of the steamer on which his passage was en- gaged. The trip to San Francisco occupied three weeks, and was made memorable by the death of seven of the passengers from the Isthmus fever. On his arrival at San Francisco he found the country overrun with prospectors, and after a few weeks' experience in the gold-fields, he gave up the uncertainty of prospecting, and invested his remaining capital in the grocery business, where the prospect of success was excellent; but within a month, all that he possessed was swept away by one of those conflagrations for which San Francisco was then noted, and to which, from the combustible nature of its buildings, it was constantly exposed. Though left absolutely penniless, he did not despair, but strove in every way to find another opening for employment of some kind in California. Failing in this, he determined to return to his native State, and in a short time was again in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, ready to take hold with his partner in the business he had left behind. It would seem as though he was destined to pass through a series of failures and disappointments at that period of his life to prepare him for the future, for after the dangers, disappointments, and privations of his Cali- fornia trip, he was only to discover on his return that his partner had absconded, leaving their firm deeply involved in debt; and probably there still survive some of the creditors of this firm who remember with pleasure receiving some years afterward from Mr. Hostetter every dollar owed them by this firm, with interest up to the very day of payment. He never rested day or night until all the credi- tors had been paid in full. His first employment after his return from California was as paymaster with McEvoy & Clark, contractors of the Pennsylvania Rail- road, at Horseshoe Bend. Two years later he determined to put in operation a project he had long entertained, but had delayed for lack of capital; this was the manufacture of Hostetter's Bitters, an article which has now become world- famed and a staple in trade. Mr. Hostetter obtained the formula for this tonic from his father (who had satisfied himself of its excellent qualities during a long medical practice) and associated with him George W. Smith, a former resident of Lancaster, and who had been with him at Horseshoe Bend. They removed to Pittsburg, and founded the firm of Hostetter & Smith. It was in the introduction of this article that Mr. Hostetter showed his tireless energy and perseverance, traveling constantly as he did, from Maine to California, meeting with success and disappointment alternately; and so continuing with nothing but his own energetic nature to depend upon, he pressed forward, until success slowly but surely crowned his efforts. Having firmly established the reputation and sale of the bitters, he gave his attention to numerous enterprises calculated to foster and promote the trade and welfare of Pittsburg. He was one of the founders of the Fort Pitt National Bank, and for fourteen years or over, he was one of the directors of the Farmers' Deposit National Bank. He took a prominent part in the inception and promotion of railroad enterprises, and it was largely through his efforts, backed by subscription to its capital, that the Pittsburg and Lake Erie Railroad was built, forming with its connections an air line to Cleveland and a direct line to New York, Chicago and the West. He was one of the directors of the company from its organization, and for many years held its vice-presidency. He was also president of the Pittsburg, Mckeesport and Youghiogheny Rail- road Company, and was one of the prime movers and promoters for the building of the South Pennsylvania Railroad, which, had it been carried through to com- pletion as originally laid out, would have been of immeasurable advantage to the city of Pittsburg. He was always ready with capital, experience and personal influence to aid in forwarding any railroad enterprise that promised to be of any benefit to the trade of the city. Mr. Hostetter was one of the first to take hold of the natural-gas problem; he invested freely of his money to aid in the de- velopment of this great source of wealth, and constructed and carried through

1007

HISTORY OF PITTSBURG.

to completion the first lines of pipe from the natural-gas fields to the city of Pittsburg. As president of the Pittsburg Gas Company, he brought it up from an old-style, antiquated gas-works to one of the most improved and modern plants in the country. The Allegheny gas-works were also, through his energetic in- fluence, improved and modernized; and though not a gas engineer in any sense, his knowledge gained by personal experience in this business convinced those interested with him that his judgment in the management of these companies was sound and productive of good results. He was interested also in the East End Gas Company and Consolidated Gas Company, and served as director in both companies. Such an extensive connection with the utilization of this natural product could not fail to draw his attention very fully to its possibilities, and in consequence he was one of the few great capitalists who mastered the subject in its numerous and intricate details. From first to last he was courageous and active in making and ascertaining the trying and varied experiments which have culminated in rendering this important agent one of the most valuable servants of man.

In common with many others, Mr. Hostetter was early interested in the oil business, and in 1869 he made a venture in this direction which involved him in loss and litigation. In 1875 he engaged in the building of the Columbia Conduit Pipe Line from Millerstown to Pittsburg, a distance of thirty miles. In opening this line for business he encountered the opposition of the Pennsylvania Com- pany. In attempting to cross the tracks of the West Penn Railroad Company with the line of pipe, a bitter fight ensued between the two companies at this point, and he personally superintended the holding of their position with his men until the commencement of the litigation between the companies, and the novel means was then adopted of carrying the oil across the tracks by a line of tank wagons by which the pipe-line was enabled to keep up a constant flow. He then endeavored to negotiate with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad for the trans- portation of the oil from Pittsburg to the seaboard; but not being successful in liis efforts, and becoming disgusted after so long a struggle, he sold out his in- terest in the business to the Standard Oil Company, of Cleveland, in 1877, receiv- ing therefor enough to make good his previous losses in the oil business. Many more details might be given, if space would permit, to show Mr. Hostetter's in- tense energy and activity. He was a gentleman of strong brain and will power, possessing excellent administrative talent, and was a tireless worker and thinker. His success in life was due not to accident or chance, but was the result of his unfailing energy and clear-sightedness. He was a Republican, a believer in a protective tariff, and took a deep and abiding interest in the city of Pittsburg and its prosperity. Indeed, in that city so noted for the activity and public spirit of its wealthy citizens, there were few who equaled the subject of this sketch in energy, judgment and courage. Having a firm faith in the future of the city, which he believed holds a strategic point in the commercial advance of the country, he was unwearying in his devotion to its interests and development, re- peatedly risking large amounts of his capital, and always ready and willing to back his pet industries. The wisdom of his course finds its best attestation in his great personal popularity and in the magnificent fortune which he accumu- lated. Identified with Pittsburg for fully thirty-five years, during the larger part of this period as an investing capitalist, he ranked among the patriarchs of the city, respected and esteemed by all. Mr. Hostetter was married July 13, 1854, to Miss Rosetta, daughter of Randall Rickey, of Cincinnati, and four sons and one daughter were born to this union. During his active business life he en- joyed unusually good health, but within two years of his death he was suddenly stricken with a malady which caused him intense suffering, and on the afternoon of November 6, 1888, in the city of New York, he passed peacefully away, sur-

1008

HISTORY OF PITTSBURG.

rounded by his stricken family. In the death of Mr. Hostetter the city of Pitts- burg lost one of its most worthy citizens, who, as already stated, had ever labored zealously for its welfare and prosperity. His acts of charity were many ,and those in distress who sought him never left empty-handed. Although he made no display of his good works, he was identified with many movements looking to the relief of suffering humanity, and his name will ever stand on record with his honored fellow citizens as a bright and shining example of duty well performed throughout a strenuous, coherent, and useful life.

General James Kennedy Moorhead. The sketch here given is a tribute paid to the memory of a man whose noble and honorable life was an example to all, for he was prominent in the affairs of State and country, was one of the pioneers of Pittsburg, and, while laboring for the benefit of those about him, and for those who might come after him, accumulated a comfortable fortune, and left behind him a name synonymous with all that is upright and honorable in life. He was born in Halifax, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, in 1806, the eldest scion of his father's house, and was but eleven years of age when the father died. The latter came to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, from the north of Ireland in 1798, but in 1806 removed to a farm he had purchased a few miles above Harris- burg, and until 1815 was busily engaged in clearing and improving this property, and the remaining two years of his life resided in Harrisburg. He was a cul- tivated and intelligent gentleman, and was made collector of internal revenue by President Madison in 1814, of the district in which he lived. After his death his widow placed much of her dependence for a living upon her eldest son James, as her husband had left his business affairs in an unsettled condition, and as a natural consequence his opportunities for obtaining an education were very lim- ited, and were confined almost wholly to his first two years of residence in Harris- burg. They leased the farm which they had previously owned, and there the youthful James learned such lessons of industry, perseverance, self-command and reliance that were of incalculable benefit and the chief characteristics of his later years. After a time he decided to learn a trade, and accordingly became a tan- ner's apprentice in the Pequa settlement, Lancaster County, and by his honesty and faithfulness to the interests of his good old Quaker employer, became fore- man of the business before the term of his service had expired. During this time he pursued his studies as best he could alone, and in 1828 decided to embark in business for himself, and with a brother-in-law he built a tannery at Montgomery's Ferry, but did not long remain in this business, for with Mr. Montgomery, his brother-in-law, he took a contract for a portion of the Susquehanna division of the Pennsylvania Canal, and so congenial was this employment to him that he decided to continue the work. While thus engaged he planned a line of light packet boats on the canal, for the exclusive use of passengers, and the result was the establishment of the Pioneer Packet line between Philadelphia and Pitts- burg. His connection with this enterprise called Mr. Moorhead to Pittsburg in 1836, where he at once identified himself with the best interests of the place, and was one of the most useful in its development and upbuilding. Very active was he in making the Monongahela River navigable, an enterprise which has been of the utmost benefit to the Monongahela valley and Pittsburg, and also to all towns and cities located on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. His labors were pursued under the most discouraging circumstances, but with characteristic energy and the display of the most practical business methods, he bent the force of circumstances to his will, and in time achieved the most gratifying success. He was president of the company for the improvement of this river from 1846 until the day of his death in 1884, and his successor was his son, M. K. Moorhead,. who died January 13, 1897. His operations were not confined to this work alone, however, for in 1838 he was offered the important position of adjutant-general

1009

HISTORY OF PITTSBURG.

of the State, filled it a short time, then resigned. In this manner he secured his title of General, which he unsuccessfully tried to shake off many times. In other parts of Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Ohio and elsewhere he built many locks, dams, bridges, reservoirs, etc., and his work was always thoroughly done. In 1840, with other gentlemen of Pittsburg, he established the Union Cotton factory in Allegheny City, of which he was made chief manager, but after the usual ups and downs of the average business enterprise, the factory was burned, and General Moorhead's residence with it. The buildings were insufficiently insured, and the loss fell heavily on the General, but his courage and determination soon placed him on his feet again, financially, and the following year he became a partner in the Novelty Works of Pittsburg, after which he was engaged in many of the industrial and commercial pursuits of the Keystone State. He became president of the Atlantic and Ohio Telegraph Company and the Pittsburg, Cincinnati and Louisville Telegraph Company, both of which he helped to form, and these lines finally became a part of the great Western Union combination. He was always interested in public and political affairs, was fearless and outspoken for what he believed to be right, and vehement in his denunciation of what in his estimation was wrong and detrimental to his section. First a Democrat in poli- tics, he became a Republican at the birth of that party, and in 1858, contrary to his wishes, he became the Republican nominee of his district for Con- gress, was elected and served three successive terms, declined a fourth nomination, but, notwithstanding, was sent back a fourth and fifth time, when he declined to be returned in so emphatic a manner that his wishes were respected, and he retired to a much needed and well earned rest. His services in Congress extended over a very trying period-that of the Civil War and reconstruction -- but he always displayed the utmost love of country, intelligence and activity. He was chairman of various committees, and at all times his methods were so open and direct and so courageous withal, there never was a doubt as to his position on any question. He was faithful to every duty, was an intimate friend of Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Stanton, and therefore wielded no inconsiderable influence with the War Department, and in the kindness of his heart, it was always for the in- terests of the soldiers and their families. Praise of his many noble qualities of beart and head would fill a volume, suffice it to say that he was a model man in every relation in life, and universally respected and beloved. He was postmaster of Pittsburg during Van Buren's administration, was chairman of the Republican county committee during the Garfield campaign, and his last appearance in any public capacity was in 1882, when he presided over a meeting in the memorable Wolf campaign. From 1849 until his death he was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and was always one of its most generous and active supporters. He was also connected with many prominent educational institutions, director in a num- ber of banks, insurance companies and other commercial enterprises, and was a leader in each. December 17, 1829, he was married to Miss Jane Logan, of Lan- caster County, and a long and happy married life was granted them. They cele- brated their golden wedding December 17, 1879, and were happy in the presence of numerous descendants and in messages of congratulation from all parts of the Union. At his death, which was universally lamented, he left two sons and three daughters: Max K., William J., Mrs. Dr. J. B. Murdoch, Mary E. and Henrietta L., who are proud to bear his name, and who revere and cherish his memory.

Thomas Shields Clarke. The value to any community of a business man is not marked merely by the amount of money that he makes or the magnitude of his business operations, but also by his character, his honorable adherence to business ethics and his personal integrity and desire to "do as he would be

IOIO

HISTORY OF PITTSBURG.

done by." So great was the influence wielded by Thomas Shields Clarke during his lifetime, in everything pertaining to the welfare of Pittsburg, that his name will ever remain indissolubly linked with her history, and fresh in the memories of those who knew and loved him in life. He was born at Cannonsburg, Pennsyl- vania, January 18, 1801, a grandson of Thomas Clarke, a native of County An- trim, Ireland, who came to America in 1771 and settled on a farm on the Brandy- wine, some six miles from Wilmington, Delaware. During the famous battle of the Brandywine in 1777, Generals Proctor and Lafayette encamped on Mr. Clarke's farm, and the Marquis made his headquarters at the latter's house for some weeks. Mr. Clarke was a member of General Proctor's army, and was at one time made a prisoner by the British. After the war he sold his farm, and the continental money which he received therefor, which soon became worthless, is now in possession of his descendants. He finally removed to Washington

County, Pennsylvania, and there passed from life. His wife, formerly Martha Stuart, was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland. Their son William, father of Thomas Shields Clarke, settled at Cannonsburg, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits. He married Agnes Shields, daughter of Matthew Shields, and in 1804 they removed to Beaver, Pennsylvania. Thomas Shields Clarke was given the advantages of Jefferson College (Cannonsburg), after which he clerked for a time in a store belonging to an uncle at Brownsville, Pennsylvania. In 1819 he went to Wheeling, Virginia, where he was employed in the forwarding- house of Knox & McKee, and by this firm was sent with a barge load of produce to New Orleans in 1824, from which place he embarked on a vessel for New York. In 1825 he came to Pittsburg and opened a branch house for the old firm of Knox, McKee & Co., which took the style of McKee, Clarke & Co., and in 1832 be- came connected with the firm of D. Leech & Co. Two years later, with Captain John Vandergrift, he put in operation the first stern-wheel steamer on the Ohio River, called the "Beaver," and daily trips were made between the village of that name and Pittsburg. Later Mr. Clarke became interested in other vessels, and in 1842, in company with his brother-in-law, William Thaw, and under the firm name of Clarke & Thaw, they established the Pennsylvania and Ohio line of boats and cars, continuing up to 1855. He then became associated with George Black W. F. Leech and George W. Harris, as a member of the firm of Leech & Co., and they were given charge of the western freight business of the Pennsylvania Rail- road. William Thaw became Mr. Black's successor at the end of nine months. The books of this firm contained the names of one hundred steamers in which they owned a partial or total interest, many of which were palatial side-wheel vessels, plying between Pittsburg and New Orleans. Notwithstanding his active business life Mr. Clarke found time for many deeds of charity, and was always a generous contributor to churches and charitable societies, being especially liberal with his means during the trying times of the Civil War. He was of a kindly, generous nature, social in disposition, and his numerous laborious business occu- pations, instead of chilling and hardening his heart, brought him more in sym- pathy with his fellows, many of whom he aided in a substantial manner. He possessed a keen and practical mind, was energetic and ambitious, and his good name was ever above reproach. July 5, 1831, he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza, daughter of John Thaw, and was called upon to mourn her death August II, 1864. He did not long survive her, for his death occurred at his home in Oakland, Pittsburg, October 19, 1867. Two children survive them: Charles J., who was for many years his father's business associate, and Agnes Shields, wife of Elias D. Kennedy, of Philadelphia.

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.

Standard history of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Part 124

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