Standard history of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Part 67

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 67

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On September 27th one hundred guns were fired from the surrounding hills in honor of General Sheridan's great victory in the Valley of the Shenan- doah. In November there was wild rejoicing here over the result of the Presidential election and over the daring of General Sherman in cutting loose from his base of supplies and piercing the heart of the Confederacy with torch and gun. The gunboat Marietta, built by Tomlinson, Hortupie & Co., was successfully launched on November 22d. The ironclad monitor, Manayunk, built by Snowden & Mason, was launched from the south end of the Monongahela bridge on December 18th. It was the first vessel of the kind ever constructed here for ocean service. The Sligo iron of which it was composed was furnished by Lyon, Shorb & Co. The vessel was 225 feet long, over 43 feet wide, drew 12 feet of water, weighed 1,400 tons and could travel in still water twelve miles an hour. At this time the light draft monitor Umpqua, in the yards of Snowden & Mason, was nearly ready for launching. On March 6, 1865, the Manayunk was towed down the Ohio River. The night before it had broken loose from its moorings and floated three miles down the river without encountering any mishaps. It was, perhaps, like all other natives of this patriotic soil, eager to fight the rebels. In December, 1864, one hun- dred guns were fired in honor of the victory of General Thomas at Nashville.

Late in December, 1864, the President's call for 300,000 more men elec- trified the citizens and set them again at work raising recruits under heavy bounties. As all felt that the rebellion was tottering, extra efforts were made and inducements tendered. The local bounty offered varied from $500 to $550; Government bounty, $100; special county bounty, $400; wages for one year, $192; clothing (estimated) $150; rations, $200. The net quota of all that portion of Allegheny County in the Twenty-third District (north of the Ohio and Alle- gheny rivers) was 910; of Pittsburg, 1,192; of the boroughs in the Twenty-second District, 401. Colonel William Sirwell, who had commanded the Seventy-

(p) Commerical, September 14, 1864.

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HISTORY OF PITTSBURG.

eighth Regiment, called for a regiment under the new quota, and Captain H. W. Horbach called for a company. In February Captains Tyler and Wright left for the field with two full companies. By February 23d Captain Wiley had raised 78 men, Captain McCormick 65, Captain Crawford 55, Captain Boggs 95, and Captain Shaw 55. At this time Captains Scriba and George had each a small squad, and a little later Captains Gang, Graham and Trovillo reported their companies full. Captains Wright and Tyler took their men to the Sixty-first and Captain Wiley his to the Seventy-eighth. "The recruit- ing business on Thursday continued brisk, but owing to the great demand for men the bounty rose to $555. A large number of men, however, arrived in the city last evening for the purpose of enlisting (seventy men coming from Butler County in one squad), which may have the effect of reducing the bounty to $500" (q). Early in March, 1865, the folowing statement was furnished by the enrolling officers:

Wards.

Enrolled. Gross Quota. Net Quota.

First

388

250

Second.

437

286

Third.

912

597

258

Fourth

44I

288

Fifth

872

57I

183

Sixth.

866

567

173

Seventh

3II

203

Eighth

482

315

I45

Ninth

544

3,56

140

Total.

5,253

3,433

1,146

The 4th of March was fixed by the citizens on which to celebrate the glorious victories to the Union armies and the happy prospect of the ter- mination of the war. Flags were everywhere thrown to the breeze, bells were rung and 100 guns were fired from the hill over Bayardstown. In all the churches special thanksgiving services were held. In the evening an immense meeting was held at Fayette Hall. Witty and eloquent speeches were delivered by James Lowry (chairman), A. W. Loomis, John M. Kirkpatrick, Rev. John Doug- las and T. J. Bigham, all interspersed with the triumphant notes of National and patriotic airs from bands and glee clubs. In March, 1865, General Sherman, having captured Charleston, placed the city under the command of General Schimmelfennig.

"The gallant Dutchman Schimmelfennig Holds Charleston as he would a hen egg;

He grabs the traitors by the ear, And brings them to their lager beer. We wish we had a million such men As this bold, rebel-hating Dutchman."

-Boston Paper (r).

The news of the evacuation of Richmond early in April, 1865, was received here with enthusiastic demonstrations of joy. The message came a few min- utes after II o'clock on the 3d, and it was then that the enthusiasm of the people reached its zenith. An immense crowd assembled with incredible

(q) Commercial, February 17, 1865.

(r) It was related that the literary sharp of the Boston paper was bantered to compose a military verse in which should appear the name Schimmelfennig and a suitable rhyme therewith; whereupon he evolved the above lines. History is silent as to his fate.

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HISTORY OF PITTSBURG.

speed on Fifth Street, and assumed the form of a love feast of joy. The Courthouse bell was furiously rung-not in steady, sober strokes, but in spas- modic, tumultuous peals, now joyous almost to frenzy, and then in rapturous tones to keep pace with the bounding pulses of the shouting multitude. Promi- nent men were vigorously seized and forced willingly upon the steps to say something that might be used as a safety valve to the joy that was effervescing and bubbling around. H. B. Childs, Dr. McCook, Mr. Loomis, Mayor Lowry, J. W. F. White, J. M. Cooper, Rev. Mr. Gaw, Lieutenant Hurst, grand old Tom Marshall, John M. Kirkpatrick, J. I. Kuhn, Colonel J. T. Geibner and T. J. Bigham were thus seized and drafted for speeches. Under the stimulus of the occasion all delivered fiery and eloquent addresses. Mr. Bigham an- nounced that the recruiting officer on Wood Street wanted 500 men at once to send to the front, and that all who desired to visit Richmond at the expense of Uncle Sam should report without delay. One manufacturer present vol- unteered $10,000 toward paying off the National debt. This meeting was wholly informal and wholly unique.

Another held in Wilkins' Hall, at 3 o'clock p. m. of the 3d, considered the most suitable manner of celebrating the event. A resolution was adopted appointing a committee of ten to prepare resolutions and a proper program for celebration, and S. F. Von Bonnhorst, J. P. Glass, W. M. Hersh, Joseph Kaye, Thomas J. Bigham, Henry A. Weaver, John D. Bailey, John McD. Crossan, Thomas Reese, William Tomlinson and George E. Brewer were appointed such committee. Thomas Howard then addressed the meeting in brilliant style.

The people in vast numbers met as if by magic in the evening of the 3d, at the postoffice steps, and congratulated one another on the glorious results. At the evening mecting the resolutions presented by the committee previously appointed were read by John P. Glass, and adopted with overwhelming and uproarious unanimity. They recommended the total suspension of business on the 4th; announced that 100 guns would be fired by Captain Knapp on that day; gave notice that the evening would be given over to a torchlight pro- cession; and the clergy were requested to hold special services in honor of the glorious occasion. The name of Grant was on every lip. The name of Lincoln was wildly cheered. Sherman and Sheridan were not forgotten. General J. K. Moorhead, John B. Butler and J. J. Siebeneck spoke amid enthusiastic cheering. The people gavc themselves up to unrestrained re- joicing.

"Babylon is fallen! The city of abominations is captured by the armies of Freedom. The conspirators are driven from their lair, or are held in the firm grip of their captors. The old flag waves in triumph over Richmond" (s). "Yesterday will take rank in history as the most joyous day since that on which was proclaimed that these United States should be forever free and independent of Great Britain. The wild enthusiasm of the people knew no bounds, and thousands of men, women and children surged through the crowded streets, each eager to catch the last gleam of news that flashed along the electric wires, carrying additional particulars of the glorious success of the invincible Union hcrocs" (s). "During the day (3d) guns were fired from Prospect Hill, the wharf and other points in the city. Every- where flags were flung to the breeze. The scene in the Courthouse on the receipt of the news beggars description. When the judge quietly but firmly announced that the court stood adjourned until 9 o'clock this morning, the shouts that went up from judges, lawyers, jurors, witnesses and

(s) Commercial, April 4, 1865.

589

HISTORY OF PITTSBURG.

spectators may be imagined, but no words can paint them upon paper. In less time than it takes to tell it there was not a man, from the president judge down to the humblest tipstaff, within the walls of the Courthouse. All had rushed forth to catch the news" (s).

On Tuesday, the day set apart for public rejoicing, the enthusiasm suf- fered little or no abatement. Many gathered to see the great cannon fired. All day long the people gave themselves up to the luxury of patriotism and loyalty, and at night the firemen paraded, rockets were sent aloft and shouts of delight rent the air. All the leading buildings were ablaze with banners and light.

"Our city continued jolly all day yesterday and last night, and is so yet. In fact, it is a growing complaint. The thing refuses to stop and is becoming decidedly chronic. The rolling-mills, the factories, the foundries and work- shops stopped all of a sudden and refuse to start again. The entire city has taken to the street and refuses to go in, rain or shine. The men are jolly- the women are jolly-the children are jolly-everybody is jolly, and there is no knowing where the thing will stop" (t). "The city was thrown into the wildest excitement yesterday by reports from Philadelphia, followed by others said to have been received from Washington, that Lee had been cap- tured" (u).

The news of the surrender of Lee's army, received here on April 7, 1865, gave an unexpected stimulus to recruiting, Captain Kirker succeeding in enlist- ing fifteen men, who no doubt had two objects in view: To get the large bounty and be in at the closing scenes of the tragedy of war. On Sunday, April 9th, thanksgiving services were held in all the churches to express the sentiments of the community of gratitude to God for the splendid victory of General Grant and the prospect of the dawn of peace upon a Union saved and regenerated. "The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice"-"Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory"-"Thy right hand, O Lord, is become glorious in power; thy right hand, O Lord, hath dashed in pieces the enemy," were the texts chosen by Revs. Douglas, Howard and Davidson, respectively.

The official news of the surrender of General Lee to General Grant was received here on Sunday evening, April 9, 1865, at 9:30 o'clock p. m. and was promptly bulletined. At that hour the rain was pouring in torrents but in an incredibly short space of time crowds were thronging the streets, bonfires sprang into flame in scores of places in spite of rain, illuminations usurped the domain of darkness, rockets soared heavenward and shouts of delight flew echoing to the neighboring hills. Impromptu speeches from the postoffice steps were delivered by W. W. Alexander and James L. Graham. The crowd, led by a city band, marched to the Monongahela House, where John M. Kirkpatrick voiced the general gratitude in a speech of great eloquence and patriotism. As he concluded, he moved that the meeting adjourn to meet everywhere; and stated that, if placed in command, he would march them all over Pittsburg and Allegheny and wake every man, woman and child in the two cities. The jubilant crowd took him at his word, placed him in command, assisted by James L. Graham, and up and down, back and forth, through the dripping streets, the happy people moved to the music of the band and the triumphant tones of the city bells. They stopped at the house of Mrs. Hutchinson, mother-in-law of Secretary Stanton, to cheer both her and him, she having been the first to illuminate her house; thence proceeded, gathering strength and enthusiasm, to the home of ex-Governor Johnston, where a happy and eloquent speech from him evoked repeated applause. He proposed three cheers

(s) Commercial, April 4. 1865.

(1) Commercial, April 8, 1865.

(t) Commercial, April 5, 1865.

590

HISTORY OF PITTSBURG.

for Abraham Lincoln, which were given with all the strength of the assem- blage. James L. Graham delivered here another address also, and at its con- clusion, it being Sunday, the doxology was sung in "the drenching rain in the open street in grand style." Mrs. Kirkpatrick was cheered at her home, and Colonel Kirkpatrick delivered another speech. The crowd then crossed the river to Allegheny, called out Rev. Dr. Howard, who delivered an impressive speech and a fervent prayer; thence marched to the home of Thomas M. Howe, where another speech of unusual power and eloquence awaited them; then to Mayor Morrison's, thence to Colonel J. B. Clark's, at both of which places they were gladdened with strong and patriotic speeches. Everywhere the crowd moved, windows were thrown up, flags and handkerchiefs waved and happy voices shouted praises to God. John W. Pittock was specially active in promoting the success of this spontaneous demonstration.

Upon receipt of the official news of General Lee's surrender, Major Joseph Knapp fired thirteen guns, when his powder was exhausted; but, having secured more, he continued the salutes of triumph until morning. During the night the fire-bells were rung continuously and volleys of musketry interfered seri- ously with the sleep of the sluggards and the local secessionists. No others cared to sleep.

On Saturday evening April 8th, the people of Allegheny celebrated the successes of the Union armies with a grand public demonstration. They opened with a magnificent display of fireworks in front of City Hall, and with a brilliant illumination of Federal and Ohio streets. Brilliant speeches were delivered by Thomas M. Howe, James L. Graham, Robert McKnight and H. C. Mackrell. Smith's brass band and Slack's glee club rendered National or patriotic airs. This is said to have been the first public celebration ever given by Allegheny without the aid of Pittsburg. It was the proper time for that city to burst into melody.

On April roth several of the wards of the two cities suspended for the time being the payment of bounties to volunteers; in other places, however, recruiting continued, Captain Foster mustering in ten men on that date. At this time Allegheny was still behind her quota by 159 men, the Fourth Ward only having met all calls. Manchester, Duquesne, Sharpsburg and Sewickley boroughs and Ross, Franklin, Marshall, Pine, Richland, Tarentum, Sewickley, West Deer and Fawn townships had filled their quotas. On the 12th the wards in Pittsburg ceased paying bounties to volunteers, while the Second Ward, Allegheny, was at this time still paying, though the local bounty had fallen to $400. On the 13th the War Department ordered discontinued all drafting and recruiting in the loyal States.

Late in 1862 Allegheny County was credited with having furnished 13,248 men for the war. The county quota under the special call for militia in June, 1863, was 3,6co; under the call of October, 1863, for six months' men, was 2,601: under the calls of February and March, 1864, was 4,308; under the call of July, 1864, for 100-day men, was 1,488; under the call of July, 1864, for one, two and three years' men, was (estimated) 3,000; under the call of December, 1864, was (estimated) 2,000; total, 30,245 men. As the county was behind its quota several hundred men at the time recruiting was ordered stopped, the exact number of men furnished cannot be given. It is safe to say that this county furnished a grand total of not less than 30,000 men for the Federal army. It should be borne in mind, however, that in this estimate each man has been counted as often as he enlisted, which, in some cases, was three times. Owing to the fact that Pittsburg was a central point and an official rendezvous for troops, this county may have received in the early stages of the war credits of men from other places-men who were anxious to enter

591

HISTORY OF PITTSBURG.

the service. But this number was small. It was estimated at the close of the war, and so engraved on the soldiers' monument erected on Seminary Hill, that 4,000 men from Allegheny County lost their lives in the rebellion.

The awful news of the assassination of President Lincoln reached Pitts- burg about 3 o'clock on the morning of April 14, 1865. The cities were soon aroused by the cries of the newsboys, from the sleep of victory and content- ment to the bitterest grief they had ever experienced from a public source, The revulsion in public feeling was sickening. It could scarcely be believed, so deep was the wound and intense the shock. Many wept without any wish to conceal or control their sorrow. Others were fierce and indignant. All were sad and terribly depressed by the awful calamity. The newspaper and telegraph offices became crowded with citizens eager for details of the paralyzing affair. Many ladies came with their husbands and wept over the harrowing details. It was scarcely daylight before the cities and suburbs were draped in mourning. No one spoke of anything but the great loss; a solemn sadness fell upon all classes and pursuits. Flags throughout the cities and on the steamers were displayed at half-mast; the emblems and tokens of death took possession of the community. All public buildings were arrayed in crape, and during the whole of that sad and memorable Saturday the funeral bells tolled in token of the Nation's loss. Rich and poor alike united in the universal grief, and the entire day was made holy and sacred at the shrine of sorrow. In all the churches sad congregations listened to praise of the great character and magnanimity of the martyred President. The pulpits and facades of all were appropriately draped. As one gentleman said to another, the news here was "the saddest since the crucifixion of the Savior." Likenesses of the dead President, draped in black and robed in the National flag, were displayed in hundreds of windows. On Saturday night one firm which attempted to do business was required to close instanter. A few of secession proclivities, having expressed their pleasure for the assassination, were summarily dealt with. The courts met and adjourned, after a formal announcement of the assassination and the appointment of a committee to prepare suitable reso- lutions to express the general grief. Mayor Lowry called a meeting of the citizens at Wilkins' Hall at II o'clock on Saturday, and committees were appointed to make arrangements for a meeting to be held on Monday, April 17th.

At 2 o'clock on Monday an immense multitude assembled at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Smithfield Street, around a stand which had been erected over the postoffice steps. Prayer was offered by Dr. Allison, editor of the Presbyterian Banner. Dr. George McCook was called out and delivered a patriotic and touching eulogy. Ex-Governor Johnston then took the stand and read an elaborate and beautiful address, reviewing the great cause and results of the war, and apotheosizing the life, private character, public acts and mar- tyrdom of Abraham Lincoln. He was followed by Thomas Williams, General T. N. Hyde of Kentucky, Colonel Hawkins of East Tennessee, General J. K. Moorhead and Thomas J. Bigham. The assemblage then adjourned, to meet in the evening at Wilkins' Hall. The evening meeting was largely attended; hundreds were unable to gain admittance. Mayor Lowry officiated as chair- man. Speeches were made by General Hyde, Colonel Hawkins and others.

At 10 o'clock on Monday the members of the bench and bar assembled in the District Court room, pursuant to adjournment on Saturday. Judge Hamp- ton was called upon to preside. Suitable resolutions were reported by the committee and unanimously adopted. Short, earnest, patriotic and eloquent speeches were delivered by A. W. Loomis, Judge McCandless, Marshall Swartzwelder, Judge Lowry, S. A. Purviance, W. M. Shinn and Thomas M. Marshall. The presiding officer, Judge Hampton, closed the affecting memorial

592

HISTORY OF PITTSBURG.

services by reading a beautiful response to the resolutions, all of which were ordered spread upon the court records.

The people did not recover from this sorrow in one or two days, but kept up and inereased the outward expressions of their grief for many days. Even the bed at the Monongahela House upon which Mr. Lincoln had slept (the same which had been previously occupied by the Prince of Wales) was draped with the somber trappings of death. The city councils, many societies and religious bodies passed resolutions of sorrow at the great loss. At the hour when the obsequies of President Lincoln were held in Washington, the cities of Pittsburg and Allegheny, pursuant to the proclamations of the mayors, suspended business and met in the churches for memorial services, while the solemn bells poured out their floods of sound and sorrow. In accordance with the proclamation of Governor Curtin, business here was suspended during the passage through Pennsylvania of the funeral cortege of Mr. Lincoln.

A meeting to take preliminary action in regard to the erection of a monu- ment to the memory of Mr. Lincoln was held in the Common Council Chamber of Allegheny on the evening of the 18th. A committee was appointed to confer with a similar committee from Pittsburg. About the Ist of May, 1865, Major Moorhead, mustering officer at this post, received orders from the War Department to muster out of the United States service all drafted men and substitutes then at Camp Reynolds. About the middle of May came the news of the capture of Jeff Davis; whereupon the following advertisement appeared in the Commercial of the 15th: "Wanted !- A sound, substantial, sour apple tree, for immediate use. For particulars apply to Mr. Stanton, in the War Depart- ment."

At the Union County Convention held in the Courthouse, June 6, 1865, George Burns of Findley Township offered the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted: "Resolved, That the chairman of the convention appoint an executive committee of nine persons to procure a suitable place, and also procure sufficient means to erect a monument to the memory of Alle- gheny County's noble sons who have laid down their lives for their country; and also that there be a committee of two persons in each ward, borough and town- ship, to aid the committee in procuring means to accomplish this noble work." In accordance with the first part of this resolution the following executive committee were appointed: George Burns, Colonel James M. Cooper, W. O. Davis, Alexander Gordon, Samuel Riddle, W. A. Herron, Captain James Miller, M. W. Watson and John W. Chalfant. On July 31st, at an adjourned meet- ing, a complete organization was effected, and General J. S. Negley was elected permanent chairman. An association of soldiers was first formed, but failed in its object to secure the necessary means. They were offered a free lot in the Allegheny Cemetery, which corporation further agreed to build a suitable foundation. The soldiers succeeded in raising $1,500, but seemed unable to increase the amount. Several years passed away, and finally the ladies accepted the responsibility, and within a few months secured subscriptions to the amount of $25,000. Among these ladies were the following: Mrs. Samuel McKee, Mrs. John Watt, Mrs. R. Robinson, Mrs. A. L. Pearson, Mrs. B. Preston, Mrs. R. E. Sellers, Mrs. R. D. Thompson, Mrs. Alexander Chambers, Mrs. John Barton, Mrs. H. H. Mann, Mrs. M. Cote, Mrs. L. S. Johns, Mrs. Q. A. Scott, Mrs. C. C. Scaife, Mrs. Annie Stewart, Miss Sue McCord, Miss Mary Howard, Miss Linne Prestley, Miss M. Galway and Miss Mattie Fowler. Mrs. Samuel McKee was elected president, and proposals for the location of the monument was thereupon called for. Several sites were offered. The Alle- gheny Cemetery Association tendered a lot free. The Allegheny park com- missioneis agreed to furnish a site for the monument free of cost; to bear

593

HISTORY OF PITTSBURG.

the expense of erecting the foundation; to guarantee at least $5,000 toward the fund; and to maintain the monument for all time to come. The ladies finally accepted the offer of the Cemetery Association, but this course met with great opposition, particularly from Allegheny, and generally through- out the county. The association was incorporated in the spring of 1869, and General A. L. Pearson, Captain W. B. Cook, John Chislett and Clarence S. Johns were appointed a building committee. The design of the monument, prepared by Mr. Morganroth, to cost $26,000, was accepted. The question of location was finally submitted to a vote of the people of the county, which resulted as follows :

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Standard history of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Part 67

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