USA > Pennsylvania > Erie County > The history of Erie County, Pennsylvania, from its first settlement > Part 29
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The hatchery is under the supervision of the State Fish Commission, one or more members visiting it monthly, and the entire board makes an annual inspection. The Erie hatchery is in charge of Mr. John Maher, an enthusiast in fish culture.
"Ancient Mariner," 1893.
In 1837 the steamboat Erie was built by the Erie Steamboat Company at the foot of French Street, in the borough of Erie. Thomas G. Colt and Smith Jackson, being the chief men of the company, sold out in 1838 and 1839 to Gen. C. M. Reed. August 9, 1841, she was destroyed by fire off Silver Creek, N. Y., two hundred and forty-nine persons being lost, twenty-six being residents of Erie.
Previous to the completion of the railroads on both sides of the lake, the New York Central and New York and Erie railroads built a class of steamers which for speed, elegance, and safety were marvels indeed. At the decline afterwards of passenger traffic, by the completion of railroads on the north
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and south shore, the propellers appeared which to-day are fine, large, seaworthy vessels, built and equipped regardless of expense, and in every respect fully equal to the best of ocean steamers. Iron ship building was commenced in 1862. The propeller and consort system was first established in 1870, and has become a great factor in solving the question of cheap transportation.
The navy has but one ship on the chain of lakes, the Michigan. The supply steamers of the lighthouse service are under the control of the Navy Department. Capt. John Richards built the first revenue cutter, Benjamin Rush, which was commanded by Capt. Gilbert Knapp, who was succeeded by Capt. Daniel Dobbins. The second was the Erie, which was succeeded by the iron steamer Dallas. This vessel was removed to the Atlantic coast by way of the Welland Canal and the St. Lawrence River in 1848. The six small revenue cut- ters, being one for each lake, at the outbreak of the war of 1861 were moved to the Atlantic coast under the direction of Capt. Douglass Ottinger by way of the Welland Canal. In 1864 the Perry was built on Niagara River and equipped with Capt. Whittaker's sidewheel propellers. She was remarkably fast, making nineteen miles an hour on her trial trip, but was sold, the present cutter Perry succeeding her.
THE LIGHTHOUSE.
On the mainland just within the eastern limits of the city is the land lighthouse site, which has been occupied since 1818. The first structure cost $3,000. In 1858 a new tower was built of Milwaukee brick. The foundation proved defective and in 1866 it was replaced by one built of Berea stone at a cost of $33,000. To secure a solid foundation an excavation twenty feet deep was made and filled with Portland cement, ,oak timber, and finely broken limestone. On this bed courses of stone were placed aggregating eight feet in thickness. It is sixty-seven feet in height from the water table to the focal plane of the lens, and one hundred and twenty-seven feet above the lake's level. The lens was manufactured in Paris and cost $7,000 when delivered in New York. It is a fixed white light and can be seen seventeen nautical miles. Min-
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eral oil is used in the lamps. In 1880, on the recommendation of Commander G. W. Howard, U. S. N., Inspector of the Tenth Lighthouse District, notwithstanding many protests, the light was discontinued, and the same year the property was sold for $1,800. The next session of Congress ordered its repurchase and re-establishment as a light.
In 1828 an octagonal wooden tower was erected on the east end of the pier at the harbor entrance, and fish oil used for the lamps. This was carried away by a schooner being thrown against it in a gale in 1857. In 1858 a cast iron skele- ton tower weighing nineteen tons was erected. Lard oil was then used and the lamps were the best. In 1880 this tower was taken down and transferred to the extreme end of the pier, which had been lengthened 2,000 feet. The light had been fixed white and was changed to fixed red, and was visi- ble eleven miles-mineral oil being used. In 1830 a keeper's dwelling was erected but was destroyed by fire in 1841 and a larger one erected. In 1858 a neat residence was erected on the beach. In 1878 a fog bell weighing 1,200 pounds was placed on the pier near the lighthouse, but has been of no practical value to the merchant service.
The Flash lighthouse is a modern square tower of brick, with a convenient keeper's dwelling attached. It was erected in 1872 on the north shore of the peninsula at a cost of $15,000. The light, varied with red and white flashes, is inside of a fourth order lens, and is said to be the finest in the light- house service. Being isolated and on the sand with a back- ground of evergreens, it presents a picturesque appearance as seen from passing vessels. The keepers of lighthouses must not be over fifty years of age, and they are not subject to re- moval when a change of administration occurs.
In February, 1878, Commander W. R. Bridgman, U. S. N., Lighthouse Inspector of the Tenth District, and Capt. D. P. Dobbins, Superintendent of Life-saving Stations, came to Erie and selected a site for the station on the lighthouse premises. In 1876, as the marine disasters usually occurred on the outer shore of the peninsula, a building which had been placed three miles from the beacon lighthouse, proved a mistake and was moved on trucks and the crew located in the present quarters.
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Surfman William Clark was placed in charge and fulfilled its duties until 1891, when he was drowned, after many years of service.
WATERWORKS.
Up to 1840 the ordinary cisterns and wells supplied the in- habitants of Erie with water. The thickly settled parts were then provided with water from a large spring on the Reed farm south of Eighteenth Street. The Erie Water and Gas Company was incorporated in 1857, and in 1869 the works were completed at a cost of $675,000. The first engines were the Cornish Bull engines, invented by James Watt. In 1887 a new engine house was completed, with the Gaskill engine, pumping 5,000,000 gallons per day. This was purchased of the Holly Company, of Lockport, N. Y., the contract price for engine and foundation being $24,850.
The engine house is a solid brick structure, with stone foun- dation 30x35 feet, and 65 feet in height surmounted by an oc- tagonal turret 14 feet high. The boiler house is 50x60 feet, and 12 feet high ; smokestack 14 feet square at the bottom and 100 feet in height, with a draft of 25 feet. The standpipe tower, built to enclose the standpipe, is octagonal in shape. Forty-five feet above its foundation, throughout which dis- tance the tower is brick, a belt of stones 5 feet high is placed ; thence upward it is a circular tower. Its total height is 217 feet, and its total elevation 237 feet above the surface of the bay, while an additional 16 feet has been added to the stand- pipe since its erection, making it 253 feet above the water level, the highest standpipe in the world. In the interior a spiral stairway ascends to the top of the tower, which is suitably decked and enclosed by an iron railing. The visitor may here obtain the finest view possible of the city and lake.
The reservoir on Twenty-sixth Street, between Chestnut and Cherry, has a capacity of 35,000,000 gallons. In 1872 the Water Commissioners purchased seven acres of land and con- structed a reservoir, the bottom of which is 210 feet above the surface of the bay, while the water is kept at an average depth of 25 feet. The construction account of the works up to 1888 amounted to about $1,000,000. The private street connections number from 5,000 to 6,000, with 60 miles of pipe, 300 fire hy-
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drants, and 550 stop valves. Some of the citizens who have been most identified with the works are W. W. Reed, W. L. Scott, H. Rawle, B. Whitman, George W. Starr, Messrs. Sel- den, Sherwin, Sloan and others. In 1892 the new 12,000,000 gallon Worthington pump at the waterworks was started, and the workings are smooth and perfect.
The first volume of the annual report of the Chief of En- gineers on the river and harbor improvements has been made public. This volume contains the reports of the officers in charge, which were suppressed by the chief last July. The re- port relating to Erie Harbor is as follows :
" Erie Harbor-The original survey of the harbor was made in 1819, at which time the channel was narrow and tortuous, with a depth of only six feet. In 1823 a plan for the improve- ment was adopted and constitutes the present work at the en- trance to the harbor, excepting some changes which have been required either on account of the age of the structures already built or other causes. The piers have been extended from time to time, and are now in pretty good order and con- dition. The north pier needs considerable repairs. The pres- ent project contemplates the extension of the piers to the 16-foot curve in the lake, and the maintenance of a channel of navigable width, 16 feet in depth from the harbor, inside to the lake outside. Operations have been prosecuted with more or less interruption and suspension (no work was done from 1838 to 1842, from 1846 to 1853, and from 1855 to 1864) and have resulted in much benefit to the harbor and its channel entrance. The work during the year consisted in the exten- sion of the north pier for 300 feet, of which five cribs were sunk at the end of the year and the last since that date. The total amount expended up to June 30, 1892, was $798,892.33. The amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1893, was $4,609.47.
"Presque Isle Peninsula, Erie Harbor-In a report upon the examination of Erie Harbor, made in 1885, it was recommen- ded that the neck of the peninsula be protected by a break- water, and the movement of sand around the eastern end of the peninsula be prevented at an estimated cost of $173,044.50. Work under this project was in progress until October, 1889,
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when it was abandoned, it having been found that the struc- tures would not stand against the violence of the storms. No further work is at present contemplated, but the sum of $20,- 000 has been reserved from the appropriation for the improve- ment of Erie Harbor to be used in case of necessity in closing any breach which might occur. The total amount expended up to June 30, 1890, was $60,000. Nothing was expended dur- ing the fiscal year ending June 30, 1893.
THE WAR FOR THE UNION.
When the thrilling tidings were received that our people must resort to arms for the preservation of the country, patriotism was universally manifested by all parties. Men of all classes were united, and ministers of the gospel were equally outspoken. The national flag was displayed from hundreds of buildings in Erie and throughout the county, and a solemn faith in the ultimate triumph of this righteous cause prevailed. A meeting was held in Wayne Hall, on French Street, April 26, 1861, which was largely attended. William A. Galbraith, a leading Democrat, presided, and speeches were also made by John H. Walker, a leading Republican, George H. Cutler, and George W. De Camp.
A movement had already been inaugurated by Capt. John W. McLane to form a three months' regiment, which was speedily filled, and a fund for the support of the families was provided. Seven thousand dollars was subscribed at this meet- ing, and $10,000 soon after was added. Three dollars and fifty cents was allowed for the wife, weekly, and fifty cents added for each child. Throughout the county similar meet- ings were held and funds provided.
This first regiment encamped at the southeast corner of Parade and Sixth streets, being the grounds occupied by the Agricultural Fair, and volunteers were more in number than could be accepted, so that many returned home sadly disap- pointed. One hundred came from Waterford alone, and five companies were recruited in Erie. The regiment left Erie May 1 for Pittsburg, Mehl's brass band accompanying it, and many friends were at the depot to give them a parting blessing. The next morning they took up quarters in Camp Wilkins. In many cases the companies exceeded their quota, and
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members were discharged. A flag was presented them by the ladies of Pittsburg May 5, in the presence of 10,000 spectators. May 29 they received their arms and uniforms and were carefully drilled each day, but returned to Erie July 20, not being called into active service, much to the chagrin of both officers and men. They met with an enthusiastic reception on their return, and supper was prepared by the ladies at the West Park. One member had died in their absence,
The Eighty-Third Regiment .- The 24th of July, Col. McLane received an order to recruit a regiment, the President having issued a call for 300,000 men. Many of the three months' men had volunteered and they were dismissed August 1st to await an answer. Recruiting was active in the northwestern coun- ties, and a camp was established about two miles east of the city by Capt. J. B. Bell of the regular army. Capt. Gregg, a recruiting officer for cavalry, enlisted a number of young men. The Perry Artillery of Erie offered its services and was accepted, with C. F. Mueller as Captain and W. F. Leutje as Lieutenant. An immense meeting at Farrar Hall was called on the 24th of August to aid in raising men for Col. McLane's regiment. The speakers were W. A. Galbraith, J. C. Marshall, G. W. DeCamp, Col. McLane, M. W. Caughey, Capt. J. Graham. In different parts of the county similar meetings were held and addressed by A. King, Strong Vincent, W. S. Lane, M. B. Lowry and Dan Rice. At Greenfield the Demo- crats and Republicans were united in a union pole raising. At the same time recruiting for the navy was being prosecuted by Lieut. T. H. Stevens, sixty persons from Erie recruiting, and by September, seven hundred seamen were forwarded to the seaboard at different times by Capt. J. C. Carter, of the U. S. Steamer Michigan. A Ladies' Aid Society had been organ- ized in Erie and other towns to provide hospital stores and comforts for wounded soldiers, and many boxes were for- warded during the war.
Col. McLane's regiment being full was ordered to Harris- burg on the 16th of September. Those who were witnesses of its departure will never forget the scene. A flag was presented it by the State December 21st, and it was officially known as the Eighty-Third Regiment.
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The One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment .- Maj. M. Schlau- decker of Erie, just before the departure, raised another regi- ment and occupied the same ground for his camp. This left the 25th of February, 1862, with every company full. It was presented with a stand of colors by Gov. Curtin, and took rank as the One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment. Its de- parture was fully as affecting as the former ones. Zimmer- man's brass band accompanied the regiment.
A rumor of war with Great Britain prevailed in the early part of 1862, and in anticipation a naval depot on the lake was projected. The City Council urged the claim of Erie as the site, and citizens visited Washington for that purpose. March 8th newspapers were notified by the Secretary of War that the publication of army movements was prohibited. Money was raised in Erie for the wounded who might need attendance, and war was the chief topic. Rebel prisoners were taken through on the Lake Shore Railroad.
The Eighty-third suffered terribly in the battles around Richmond. Col. McLane was killed, and grief was general and mourning pervaded the community. Hospital stores for the wounded were hastily forwarded. This was in June, and in July the President made a call for 300,000 more troops, and it was announced that five companies of 100 men each was Erie County's proportion. A meeting in Wayne Hall to urge enlist- ments asked of the County Commissioners the appropriation of $100,000 to equip a new regiment. Discouragement prevailed in consequence of the Virginia disasters, and greater induce- ments must be offered. A bounty of $50 was offered each recruit by the City of Erie, and some townships followed their example. Another call for 300,000 men caused the County Commissioners to offer an additional bounty of $25,000. In August another regiment, the One Hundred and Fifty-fifth, was in camp at the same fairground. Recruits came forward, and the regiment left for the seat of war September 11th. At the same time the navy received many accessions, and the cavalry companies of Capts. Lennon, Miles, and Roberts were formed. From official reports Erie City alone had furnished for the navy up to the 16th of August two hundred men. The above cavalry companies were in camp at Pittsburg the 4th of
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October. Notwithstanding great inducements to volunteers the quota of Erie County was still short, and a draft seemed inevitable. Insurance companies were formed, members pay- ing from $20 to $50 to procure substitutes provided their names were drawn. Recruiting for both the army and navy went on vigorously. At the call for minutemen to defend Harrisburg, six companies, composed of many leading business men re- sponded to the call of the Governor. Happily their services were not needed, and they returned the first of October. An enrollment of militia had been made, J. B. Gara having been appointed a commissioner. These proceedings were under the State militia law. W. P. Gibson was appointed a Deputy Marshal to prevent the escape to Canada of those liable to con- scription. The officers to manage the draft were B. B. Vin- cent and Charles Brandes, surgeon. Gov. Curtin gave notice that volunteers for nine months would be accepted up to the day of drafting.
The draft was held in the grand jury room of the courthouse on the 16th of October, 1,055 being drawn for the whole County, who were to serve for nine months. A blindfolded man drew the slips from the wheel and read the name to the anxious bystanders. In filling the wheel persons above forty- five years were exempt : also ministers, teachers, and school directors. Substitutes were to be found at prices varying from $50 to $250. About 300 were exempted from physical disability, and probably not more than 500 of the drafted went into the army. In October and November about 350 men were for- warded. Andrew Scott was appointed Provost Marshal to find delinquents. The Councils of Erie voted $45,000 for the relief of their families, and the Ladies' Aid Society supplied each family with a Thanksgiving dinner. Those who reached the front soon returned without seeing much service. Prices advanced, money became scarce from levies for bounties, and silver and gold almost disappeared. The city issued scrip to meet the demands for small change of 50, 25, 20, 10 and even 5 cents. Greenbacks, "shinplasters" and various checks and duebills served as a medium of exchange. Political feeling became intense about 1863, and though a patriotic spirit in- fluenced the large majority, still a fear of the results made
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great jealousy of " copperheads" and those who gave aid and comfort to the enemy, and fears of another class prevailed with Democrats-it was happy that the " war Democrat " party was numerous.
The Second Draft .- Early in 1863 Congress passed an act taking conscription out of the hands of the States, all persons being liable between twenty and forty-five and those exempt from physical causes furnishing a substitute or paying $300. Lieut .- Col. H. S. Campbell, late of the Eighty-third Regiment, was Marshal ; Jerome Powell, of Elk County, Commissioner ; Dr. John Macklin, of Jefferson County, Surgeon, to act for this Congressional district. Headquarters were established at Waterford, and a new enrollment made during May and June. The government was now enlisting negroes, and bodies of troops passed through Erie frequently. The news of the rebel invasion of Pennsylvania and of the battles at Gettysburg pro- duced a deep and fearful excitement. The Governor appealed for militia to defend the State, and it met with immediate re- sponse. June 15 a vast meeting was held, addressed by Messrs. Walker, Lowry, Marvin, Sill, McCreary and others, earnestly calling for the enemy to be driven from the State. About 400 citizens enlisted for the State's defense, but on reaching Pittsburg, the news of Meade's victory, rendered their services unnecessary, and they returned home. The Ladies' Aid Soci- ety forwarded stores to the wounded at Gettysburg. The fall of Vicksburg was celebrated with great rejoicings.
In June Capt. Mueller was in Erie recruiting for another battery, and large numbers of young men entered the navy. The county was announced 1,400 short, and substitutes ran up to $300. September 26, it is stated that 83 of the conscripts had furnished substitutes, 245 paid commutations, 706 had been ex- empted and 127 were forwarded to Pittsburg. Impatience for the return of peace was general. In October President Lin- coln made a call for 300,000 more men, and Gov. Curtin an- nounced Pennsylvania's quota to be 32,268, and he asked for volunteers. A bounty of $402 was offered veterans. To this sum the county added $300 more, and most of the districts $50 to $100 more. During a part of the season the United States Steamer Michigan, which had been fully manned, guarded
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Johnson's Island, where 2,000 rebel prisoners were confined, and fears were entertained that they might escape. In November a report was circulated that the rebels purposed an invasion from Canada, landing in Erie. Six hundred troops arrived from Pittsburg under the command of Maj .- Gen. Brooks. The citizens were called upon to aid in an intrench- ment to be thrown up on Block House Bluff, and about 1,000 responded with picks and shovels. The rumor proved to be false, and the troops left for the South, the battery remaining. On the 14th of January, 1864, the One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment returned to recruit its ranks, and after a grand re- ception, were given by the ladies a sumptuous repast at Wayne Hall. They went into camp until February 25, when they returned with ranks nearly full. Many members of the Eighty-third, whose term had expired, came home in January and were received with deserved cordiality, and 75 more ar- rived in March.
Several negroes were accepted to supply the quota of Erie County and five or six were released from prison at May ses- sion on condition they would join the army. To the general joy no draft was needed, though a few names were drawn for the other counties of the Congressional district.
Another call from the President in July, 1864, was for 500,000 more men. Erie subscribed $20,000 to induce volunteers, be- sides the United States, county, and district bounties. The quota of the county was 1,289, and the city's share 150. Negroes were taken as substitutes, and Asa Battles, John W. Halderman, and Richard M. Broas were deputed to go to the southwest for this purpose. Ensign Bone shipped men by the hundred for the navy. About 1,000 entered the service through this channel, receiving a bounty of $400. The price of substitutes ranged from $550 to $700. President Lincoln was re-elected in November after a severe contest.
A last call for 300,000 men was made in January, 1865. The Councils of Erie offered to increase their bounty $150, and ultimately it was increased to $400. A draft took place at Ridgway March 6, where the Provost Marshal's office had been removed and 2,010 names were drawn from Erie County. Girard borough was the only district that escaped. The price
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of substitutes arose to $1,500 at times, and the Legislature had passed an act authorizing any district to pay a bounty of $400. Of the drafted men, some had guard duty assigned them at forts near or at Washington.
April 9 came the glad news of the surrender of Gen. Lee, which was hailed as the termination of the war. Rejoicings in Erie were more demonstrative than before in its history and manifested by illuminations, firing of cannon, the ringing of bells, and display of bunting, with shouts for the Union and the gallant soldiers. On the 12th, joy was turned to mourning and the deepest sorrow, by the assassination of President Lin- coln. On Saturday all places of business were closed, and em- blems of mourning were everywhere for the martyred Presi- dent. A special train conveying the remains to Springfield passed through on April 27 and thousands gathered at the depot out of respect to the honored dead.
Remarks .- The Eighty-third Regiment was assigned to the Third Brigade of Porter's division, under Gen. Butterfield. It was highly complimented by Gen. Mcclellan, and awarded one of the French uniforms and equipments imported to pre- sent to the most proficient in drill. It was engaged in twenty- five battles, "more by two than any other Pennsylvania, infantry regiment." Col. McLane fell at Gaines' Mills the 27th of June, 1862, lamented not by his own men alone, but by the whole corps. Col. Strong Vincent, who succeeded him, and was in command of the whole brigade, fell mortally wounded at Gettysburg July 2, 1863. His appointment of Brigadier-General did not reach the regiment until after his death. After Gettysburg the members of the regiment were reduced by sickness and battle to 200, but later received accessions by draft and substitutes to the number 2,600, and disbanded July 4, 1865.
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