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PITTSBURGH AS IT IS
FACTS AND FIGURES,
EXHIBITING THE
PAST AND PRESENT OF PITTSBURGH, ITS ADVANTAGES,
RESOURCES, MANUFACTURES, AND COMMERCE.
GEORGE H. THURSTON.
PITTSBURGH:
W. S. HAVEN, BOOK AND JOB PRINTER,
CORNET! OF MARKET AND SECOND STREETS.
1 8 5 7
4 . PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
by Ensign Ward, and garrisoned by about forty men, was surren-
dered to Capt. Contrecoeur, who at once proceeded to erect Fort
Duquesne — now Pittsburgh.
In February, 1756, one John McKinney was taken prisoner
by the Indians and imprisoned in Fort Duquesne. After being
carried to Canada, from whence he made his escape to Philadel-
phia, he gives the following incident in his description of the
Fort. "While he was at Fort Duquesne, there came up the Ohio
from the Mississippi, about thirty batteaux and about one hun-
dred and fifty men, loadened with pork, flour, brandy, peas, and
Indian corn ; they were three months in coming to Fort Duqiiesne,
and came all the way up the falls without unloading."
November 24th, 1758, the French, terrified by the approach of
the English under Gen. Forbes, set fire to their Magazines, Bar-
racks, &c. burnt all their improvements to the ground, and evacu-
ated the place in boats. The remains of Fort Duquesne were taken
possession of by General Forbes, November 25th, 1758. The army
was immediately employed erecting a small military work upon
the east bank of the Monongahela river, capable of accommodating
200 men.
This was the first Fort Pitt ; whence our city derives its name ;
and was completed about the 1st of January, 1759 : from which
date this point appears in the newspapers of the day, and in letters,
to have been indiscriminately called Fort Pitt and Pittsburgh.
Of the trade at this point at that time, Smollett makes the fol-
lowing mention when recording the actions of Major General Stan-
wix, at Fort Pitt, in the winter of 1759-60. He says, "The happy
consequences of these measures were soon apparent in the pro-
duction of considerable trade between the natives and the merchants
of Pittsburgh."
In 1764, Col. John Campbell laid out a plan of lots, near the Fort,
now embraced in four squares, in the city of Pittsburgh, which act
may be regarded as the inception of the present city.
In September, 1766, Pittsburgh is mentioned by Rev. Charles
Beaty, in his Journal, as " some kind of a town without the Fort,"
leaving the inference that it must have been a miserable affair
indeed, when there was no other description applicable.
January 5, 1769, a warrant was issued for the survey of the
Manor of Pittsburgh, which survey was completed May, 1769, and
embraced 5,766 acres.
PITTSBURGH PROM 1703 TO 1800. 5
The next record of the progress of the city of Pittsburgh, we
extract from the Journal of George Washington, under date of
October, 1770, when he arrived at Fort Pitt on his way to the
Kanawha. He writes :
"We lodged in what is called the town, distant about 300 yards
from the Fort. * * The houses, which are built of logs and
ranged in streets, are on the Monongahela, and I suppose may
be about twenty, and inhabited by Indian traders."
Upon this extract, Neville B. Craig, Esq. in his History of Pitts-
burgh, makes the following remark: "It happens singularly
enough that the very first description of the point on which Pitts-
burgh stands, was from the pen of Washington ; and the very first
statement of the number of houses here is from the same pen. He
estimates the number of houses' at this place, out of the fort, of
course, at about twenty. We have no doubt that the number was
more likely to be under than over his estimate. But suppose there
were twenty, and that there were six persons to a house, Pitts-
burgh then contained, exclusive of the garrison, one hundred and
twenty persons, men, women and children."
The 23d of February, 1777, is worthy of preservation in the
records of the Manufacturing and Commercial history of Pitts-
burgh, as the date at which, it may fairly be said, commenced that
important branch of the business of Pittsburgh — boat building. On
that day " fourteen carpenters and sawyers arrived at Fort Pitt
from Philadelphia, and were set at work on the Monongahela, four-
teen miles above the fort, near a saw mill. They built 30 large
batteaux, forty feet long, nine feet wide, and thirty-two inches
deep, which were intended to transport troops." *
In January, 1778, provisions were very scarce, and flour rose to
$16 per barrel.
The year following, Januaiy, 1779, provisions still continued
scai-ce, and bacon at Pittsburgh was $1 a pound.
January, 1784, the first sale of lands was made by the proprie-
taries of the Manor of Pittsburgh, John Penn, Jr. and John Penn,
to Isaac Craig and Stephen Bayard. In June, 1784, the laying out
of the town was finished.
This labor being completed, was approved by the agent of
the proprietors, on the 30th of September, 1784, when it seems
* Crate's History of Pittsburgh, p. 141.
1*
6 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
that quite a speculative fever must have arisen, as it is said that
sales immediately commenced, and many applications for lets were
made as soon as the survey was completed, and before it had been
traced upon paper.
In December of 1784, we find in an extract from the Journal of
Arthur Lee, printed in the pages of Craig's History of Pittsburgh,
the following, which may be regarded as the first record of coal
mining at this point :
" The banks of the Monongahela on the west or opposite side to
Pittsburgh, are steep, close to the water, and about two hundred
yards high. About one-third of the way from the top is a vein of
coal above one of the rocks. The coal is burnt in the town and is
considered good. The property of this and of the town is in the
Penns. They have lotted out the face of the hill at 30 pounds a
lot, to dig coal as far in as the perpendicular falling from the sum-
mit of the bank."
Further on, the Journal mentions, "Pittsburgh is inhabited
almost entirely by Scots and Irish, who live in paltry log houses."
Mr. Arthur Lee, it will be as well to mention, was fresh from the
Court of Versailles, whither he, with Dr. Franklin and Silas
Deane, had proceeded as Commissioners, and consequently the
rudeness of a frontier settlement made no favorable impression
upon his fastidious tastes.
Of the commerce of the place the Journal records, " There is a
great deal of small trade carried on — the goods being brought at
the vast expense of forty-five shillings per cwt. from Philadelphia
and Baltimore. There are in town, four Attorneys, two Doctors,
and not a Priest of any persuasion, no church nor chapel. * *
The place, I believe, will never be considerable."
About this period the town began to expand slowly, and a certain
kind of manufactories were established. Isaac Craig and Stephen
Bayard, who were in the mercantile business, formed a partnership
with Turnbull, Marmie & Co. of Philadelphia, and in addition to
their original object, added a distillery here, a saw mill up the
Allegheny, and salt works some where on Big Beaver.*
On the 29th of July, 1786, the first number of the Pittsburgh
Gazette was issued, being the first newspaper printed west of the
Allegheny Mountains. A communication from the late Judge
* Craig's History of Pittsburgh.
PITTSBURGH FROM 1753 TO 1800. ,
Breckenridge was p\iblished in the first number cf the Gazette.
" on the situation of the town of Pittsburgh," from which we make
the following extract :
" The town consists at present of about an hundred houses, with
buildings appurtenant ; more are daily added, and for some time
past it has improved -with an equal but continual pace. The
inhabitants, men, women and children, are about fifteen hundred."
Mr. Breckenridge has either made some mistake in the estimate
of the population, or they stowed close, for his estimate gives
fifteen persons to each house, which is an unprecedented average.
At the time the Pittsburgh Gazette was first issued, there was
no mail to this point — all letters or correspondence of any nature
being carried by special express or travelers ; but in September,
1786, an order was made by the Government to establish a post
from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh.
In 1786, Pittsburgh contained, according to a statement in Niles'
Register, vol. 30, page 436, thirty-six log houses, one stone, one
frame and five small stores. This rather conflicts with the state-
ment of Judge Breckenridge, in his article in the first number of
the Pittsburgh Gazette, where he gives an estimate of houses the
same year at one Irandred, and a population of fifteen hundred.
The detail and the particularity with which the houses are men-
tioned in the statement in Niles' Register, gives it credibility, and it
is supported by the account given by Dr. Hildreth, of Marietta, of
the arrival of the May Flower, on the 3d of April, 1788, with a
body of New England emigrants. The account, after giving a
statement of the starting of the May Flower from Robbstown, now-
known as West Newton, the passage down the Monungahela, and
the arrival at Pittsburgh, says :
"Pittsburgh then contained four or five hundred inhabitant.*, sev-
eral retail stores, and a small garrison of troops was kept in old
Fort Pitt. To our travelers, who had lately seen nothing but trees
and rocks, with here and there a solitary hut, it seemed to be quite
a large town. The houses are chiefly built of logs ; but now and
then one had assumed the appearance of neatness and comfort."
This was two years after Judge Breckenridge had estimated the
population at fifteen hundred, — and as it agrees, allowing for the
lapse of time, with the statement of Niles' Register, we arc dis-
posed to believe that in April 1788, the population of Pittsburgh
was about five hundred.
8 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
Until the summer of 1788, Pittsburgh was located in Westmore-
land county, hut ou the 24th of September, of that year, an Act of
the Legislature erected the new county of Allegheny, and by the
act the courts were to be held at Pittsburgh, and trustees were
ordered to erect suitable buildings on the reserved tracts opposite
Pittsburgh, where Allegheny now stands — but by a subsequent act
the purchase of lots in Pittsburgh for Court House and Jail was
authorized.
In 1789, Allegheny was laid out by order of the sovereign
authorities of the State of Pennsylvania.
On the 1st of October 1790, the postages at Pittsburgh, for the
year ending that date, were $110.99.
On the 22d of April, 1794, the act was passed incorporating the
town of Pittsburgh into a borough.
In the winter of 1795, occurred an event that may be recorded
as the beginning of that large source of revenue to Pittsburgh — the
Allegheny river lumber trade. Major Craig having been informed
that Cornplanter, or Gyantawachia, the celebrated Seneca Chief,
had at his saw mill a large quantity of boards, an article much
wanted by the public service, despatched a messenger to the Chief
with orders and money to buy all his lumber : to which occur-
rence we shall have occasion to refer again, when we come to con-
sider the lumber trade of Pittsburgh as it is at the present time.
The spring of 1796 is also worthy of special notice in this chap-
ter, as the period at which the arrangements were made for the
first Glass Works here — of which arrangements we shall take occa-
sion to remark more minutely in the portion of this volume devoted
to our Glass Manufactures.
The Pittsburgh Gazette of January 9th, 1796, gives the follow-
ing first authentic statement of the population of the borough :
"The number of inhabitants in the borough of Pittsburgh, as
taken by the assessors last week, amounts to one thousand three
hundred and ninety-five. ; '
1797-98 is memorable in the history of Pittsburgh, as the second
era in its boat building interest, being the period at which two Na-
tional vessels, the armed galleys, President Adams and the Senator
Ross, were constructed here. Of this further mention will be
made in such chapters as may contain the history and statistics of
that branch of our trade.
In 1800 the census gives Pittsburgh 1,56-3 inhabitants.
WHAT CONSTITUTES PITTSBURGH. 9
Having traced and mentioned briefly the more important points
in the steady growth of the City of Pittsburgh, up to the year 1800,
from its first inception by Ensign Ward's Stockade, for the gratifi-
cation and information of all such as are unacquainted with the
earlier history of the city, we close the chapter to proceed to the
legitimate body of the work, and endeavor to show by indisputable
figures and irrefutable facts, that no point in the whole West, and
probably in the United States, is so worthy the serious attention
of the Capitalist, the Merchant and the Mechanic.
CHAPTER II.
WHAT CONSTITUTES PITTSBURGH.
Pittsburgh has been undervalued abroad, from her population
being improperly stated in the census and other public statistics.
The census gives separately the number of inhabitants in Pitts-
burgh, and in Allegheny City, but ignores in connection therewith,
the population of our suburbs, which contain a large proportion of
our citizens.
Pittsburgh in reality consists of nine distinct municipalities,
viz : — The Cities of Pittsburgh and Allegheny, the Boroughs of
Manchester, Duquesne, Lawrenceville, East Birmingham, Birming-
ham, South, and West Pittsburgh ; and in the manufactures and
business of Pittsburgh they all hold precisely the relation of wards.
The Manufacturer, having his factory in Birmingham, Manches-
ter, or Allegheny, has his warehouse in Pittsburgh, and his dwel-
ling in Lawrenceville ; and the Dry Goods Jobber or wholesale
Grocer, having his place of business in Pittsburgh will reside in
Allegheny. The effect being the same as in other cities of having
a factory in the 5th, 7th or 9th ward, an office in the 2d, and a
dwelling in the 10th ward.
It is greatly to be regretted there does not exist a state of
affairs that W( aid admit of a consolidation of the two cities and
the several boroughs, so that a proper rank in population would
be accorded to this city.
In this volume, undertaken for the purpose of giving an exhibit
of the wealth, advantages, resources, and progress of this commu-
10 PITTSBURGH A* IT IS.
nity, the whole is considered under the general title of Pittsburgh,
so that the real magnitude of our manufactures and population
will be presented undistracted by the municipal divisions, which
will be used only as distinctive terms for location of factories,
buildings, &c.
The area of ground covered by Pittsburgh is largely beyond any
idea held of it abroad. The city extends in a straight line along
the Ohio and Monongahela rivers 4J miles ; and an equal distance
along the Allegheny and Ohio ; and fills likewise a triangular space
between the Monongahela and Allegheny, of 2| miles base, by
3 miles on either side, embracing in all her surface, 5,876 acres
of ground, through which run the waters of three rivers, spaned by
sis bridges. Densely built upon for 2,000 acres of that area, the
suburbs are here and there unoccupied, which vacancies are yearly
growing smaller, and are generally rather unimproved lots than
open commons such as are usual to the suburbs of large cities.
Bewildered in the almost fabulous accounts which have been put
forth from time to time, of the progress of other western cities,
the Capitalists, the Merchants, and the Mechanics of the United
States have taken little or no heed to the progress of Pittsburgh.
Therefore with wonder visitors behold the sooty giant who stands
astride the head waters of the Ohio, and with astonishment con-
sider the promise given by its present immense powers and
resources, of its future overshadowing bulk.
The compiler of this volume has undertaken it with the intention
of showing fully, and clearly as possible, the growth, size, wealth,
advantages and resources of the city ; but he has been anxious to
keep all his figures rather under than over the reality ; endeavor-
ing only to claim its rightful importance for the city, and present
fairly for the consideration of those interested, its advantages and
resources ; not to create by assertions and suppositive figures, a
mirage dissolving before an examination — preferring that the exam-
iner into the facts shall find in all things a surplusage.
The growth of the city has been apparently slow, but its results
are sound. The prevailing characteristics of the community have
been to create wealth without noise.
While other western cities have been yearly making reports of
their progress, and continually crying out to the merchant, the ■
mechanic, the capitalist, here is "El Dorado," Pittsburgh has
been silently, industriously, but with almost equal rapidity,
WHAT CONSTITUTES TITTSBURCi II . H
enlarging her proportions and increasing her wealth. Although we
cannot but wonder at the rapidity with which, in some portions of
the country, the wilderness has been converted into the abode of
civilization, refinement, and great mercantile prosperity, yet in the
advance of Pittsburgh there is equal ground for surprise, even if we
have not in seventeen years, like Chicago, grown to our present bulk
from nothing. In the one instance, for that seventeen years the
voice of the country has raised a continual outcry of "speculation,"
"speculation," in connection with the name of that city. In
every counting-house her wonderful rise, and her immense for-
tunes, have been topics of daily discussion ; while around the
hearths of the laborer and the mechanic, the story of her prosperity,
and the opportunity in her environs to gain wealth, have been " as
household words." In the other, no yearly balance sheet of pros-
perity has been scattered over the Union ; and the only noisy inti-
mation of her existence, reaching the counting-houses of other
cities, has been the far-off echo of the clank and clang of her forges
and rolling mills, and the puff of her steam engines.
The one has in seventeen years of uninterrupted prosperity,
built fine wharves, erected huge warehouses, great hotels, elegant
dwellings, and gathered a population of 110,000 inhabitants, and
$97,000,000 of mortgages, and given yearly to the world, reports
of its progress to its present position.
In the other case, in the same time, an awful conflagration swept
out of existence $10,000,000 of her capital, while great droughts,
severe frosts, and the presence of the pestilence, have seriously, at
various periods, affected her business. In the last year, low water
and ice has rendered her manufactures, so far as progress or profit
were concerned, almost useless — so completely was the year's busi-
ness by these interruptions cut off. Yet notwithstanding the
drawbacks and actual losses in that time, immense manufactories
have been built and kept in operation, extensive coal beds have
been worked, rail roads built, hundreds of steamboats constructed
whole streets of houses erected, costly public buildings built,
acres of ground covered with dwellings, and a population of
138,000 people gathered into her limits, with less than $10,000,000
of mortgages ; and save the echo of her machinery, the shadow of
her smoke, the presence of her steamboats upon every navigable
river of the West, the presence of her manufactures in Canada,
California, the north, south, east, and west of the Union, no yearly
12 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
report of her progress has greeted the eyes or the ears of the
people of the country.
While we respect the position secured by Chicago, honor the
enterprise of her citizens, rejoice at her prosperity, and have
used her fortunes to illustrate our own, merely because of the fa-
miliarity of her name and progress to the whole country ; we may
be allowed to ask if her prosperity had met the same severe checks
as Pittsburgh, would her present position have been attained with
the same rapidity; or, had Pittsburgh, advancing as she. has
with equal rate of population with Chicago, escaped the blows
which have fallen upon her from time to time, what would in all
probability have been her population and wealth ?
That those disasters have had a serious effect in checking, for at
least ten years, the progi'ess of Pittsburgh, and thereby giving
other points the advantage in a comparison of increase during that
past time, there can be no doubt.
The fire of 1845 destroyed $10,000,000 of property, which was
said to have been replaced in eighteen months from the resources
of those who were the losers by the conflagration. Is it not at
once evident, that if the $10,000,000, which it took to replace the
capital destroyed, had not been required thus to supply the loss,
it would naturally have been used by the possessors in further
extensions of the city and its business, instead of being necessarily
applied to maintain the business and the city in the position they
occupied the day previous to the fire ? Such being the case, is it
not correct to say that, to this necessity is distinctly traced all
the depression which from that period has lingered over the real
estate interest of our city, and placed her in an unfavorable posi -
tion for comparison with other points in the advance of prices of
building lots ? and likewise given to many of our manufacturing
interests an appearance, when all our advantages are taken into
consideration, of dilatoriness of growth ?
Pursuing this thought further, we may start the inquiry of what
would have been the result to Pittsburgh, if the loss of the 10th of
April, 1845, could have been avoided? The ten millions of cap-
ital in such a case saved, employed in manufacturing, and yielding
but 10 per cent, yearly profit, would have produced, without con-
sidering the yearly produce of the profits reinvested, as would
naturally be the case, the siim of twelve millions of dollars ;
thereby giving to our business community an additional capital of
$22,000,000.
WHAT CONSTITUTES PITTSBURGH. 13
It is not necessary to point out the result of such an additional
capital in active employment through the term of years "which
have elapsed since the spring of 1845, upon our real estate, and
number and capacity of our manufactures.
It is fair to say fifty per cent, increase would in all matters
pertaining to the business of the city, have been the consequence.
Pursuing yet further the results of our losses, a brief remark
will not be amiss in mentioning the disasters we have sustained by
low water, ice, and the pestilence.
The interruptions to business the last six or seven years, from
these causes, has been that of eight seasons. It -was estimated that
the last season's suspension of navigation was a loss to our manu-
facturers of one and a half million of dollars. Multiplying that
sum by the number of seasons in which, from like causes, similar
losses have occurred ; and let it be noticed they are all in the
period in which the city was recovering from her severest commer-
cial misfortune ; and the product is another $12,000,000 of capital,
which would have been undoubtedly employed in extensions of
business, and consequently of the city.
If in twelve years, with a loss of $34,000,000 of capital, result-
ing from providential causes, the city of Pittsburgh is nearly, if
not quite, equal in progress with the most progressive city of the
Union, at what figure is it fair to say she would have rated, but
for these misfortunes ?
Taking these things into proper consideration, and the progress
she has made, under all these- reverses, it is just to say that, en-
joying the same freedom from public misfortune as other cities
from this time forward, she will be henceforth the most accumulative
and progressive City of the Union.
CHAPTER III.
GEOaKATIIICAL POSITION.
From the time the white man first set foot in the western val-
leys, the geographical position of Pittsburgh has rendered it a
marked point .
- - European powers, its s ; -
ject of center.- England and -
by the statesmen of those nations as an important position.
Pittsburgh is situated in latitude 40° So' nor.
80° 38' - - - vital of
' - > "vania.
Located at the head waters of the Ohio, and at the junction of
cs, she commands an inland
navigation of many :V - - miles.
Pittsburgh combines more geographical adv -. _ -
than any inland city or town in t ' Sta - -
from 300 to M • Iss a three t. the ■est -.aboard
cities of the Union, and but a summer day's ride firop
the pro .-.- - - trtation or importation she possesses m
the advantages
.t £00 miles from the great chain of in". seas
whose shores access is had in a few hours tide, she partakes of the
ties for intercourse -
and for outlet three _ fee the ocean ; while by her
- tor and an easy r.;::ss .; the ttean and
foreign nations. Thus having the choice of tire ;
she mo.; srs :t the Vnite.i States her man-
ufactu: BE ; the products of oti; s And if the
;n. unbroken water carriage frw*
-eutes.
S tted in the heart of the bituminous coal fanes
Appalachian field, and eeje .
GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION lo
deposits of iron ore, her geographical relations to the staple ma-
terials of Pennsylvania, as well as of the Union, are unequaled.
Her location to the whole extent of country bounded by the
Atlantic Ocean on the east, the Gulf of Mexico on the south, the
Mississippi River on the west, and the Lakes upon the north, is so
nearly central, that when viewed with reference to her natural
means of intercourse with the States within those boundaries, she
stands in the position of a geographical centre. Describing upon
an accurately proportioned map of the United States a circle, with
a radius of 400 miles from Pittsburgh, it embraces therein the fol-
lowing States entire, and in parts : Pennsylvania, New York.
Vermont. Massachusetts. Connecticut. Rhode Island. Delaware,
New Jersey. Maryland. Virginia, Ohio. North Carolina. Tennessee.
Kentucky. Indiana. Michigan, Canada West, part of Illinois, and
the northern portion of South Carolina. This circle embraces
every variety of climate, and nearly, if not quite all. the staples
of the various sections of the Union : for the products, and the
business of which, Pittsburgh as the centre Of the circle, reaches
but 400 miles on either hand.
To this extent of country the manufacturing advantages that
Pittsburgh and its neighborhood possess, must always prove a
magnet, attracting business and population.
Beyond her qualities as a manufacturing community, Pittsburgh
possesses another attractive feature — she is the gateway of the West.
From her situation at the head of the Ohio, such articles as have
a preference for water carriage, either on account of demanding
low freights, or from a desirability to be but little handled, must
pass through Pittsburgh, to reach such a channel for distribution
through the West.
The key point of a railway route, nearer by forty miles from
New York City to the Western States, than any line of rail road
now constructed, or contemplated, the travel between the eastern
and western sections of the country will find its way through
Pittsburgh, via the Pennsylvania Central Rail Road, and the west-
ern roads branching from Pittsburgh to all the sections of tho
West, North-west, and South-west: as will also such articles of
commerce exchanging between the East and the West as admit of
railway carriage.
liing through natural avenues of travel, the following States
and Counties by steamboats, without transhipment of goods, no
10 P1TTSBU1UUI AS IT IS.
one can, viewing iu connection with our railway system these great
river facilities, dispute to any extent, the propriety of allowing to
Pittsburgh the title of "The gateway of the West."
By the Ohio river, from Pittsburgh to Cairo, touching every im-
portant point in "Western Virginia, Southern Ohio, Northern Ken-
tucky, Southern Indiana, and Illinois. By the Mississippi, the
towns and counties bordering upon that river in Louisiana, Mis-
sissippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin,
and Minnesota. By the Missouri river, Central Missouri, Kansas,
and Nebraska. By the Arkansas and White rivers, Central, South-
ern, and Northern Arkansas. By the Bed river, Central Louisi-
ana. By the Wabash, Central Indiana. By the Tennessee, West-
ern Tennessee, Kentucky and Northern Alabama. By the Cumber-
land, interior of Kentucky, and Northern counties of Tennessee.
By the Big Black and Yazoo rivers, inland Mississippi. By the
Minnesota, the interior of Minnesota. By the Illinois river, the
interior of Illinois. By the Muskingum river, the interior of Ohio.
By the Allegheny, the Northern portion of Pennsylvania, and
the South-western of New York. By the Monongahcla, South-
western Pennsylvania and Western Virginia.
Thus reaching by river navigation, fourteen States and two
Territories — not only the border counties thereof, but the interior
of those States as well, affording unparalleled facilities for reach-
ing from the 46th degree of Northern latitude to the 30th ; from
the liiv-t degree to the 22d longitude West from Washington, em-
bracing an area of country 1200 by 900 geographical miles, or
1,052,000 square miles of territory: all of which is reached in
all directions by continuous river navigation from Pittsburgh.
Of this extent of country, the Ohio river passes along the
borders of 6 States, watering the shores of 64 Counties, viz : 2 in
Pennsylvania, S in Virginia, IS in Ohio. 2-i in Kentucky, 12 in
Indiana, and 5 in Illinois. Tho Mississippi traverses the boun-
daries of 10 States, and gives navigation to 83 Counties, viz : 3 in
Minnesota, 9 in Iowa, 3 in Wisconsin, 13 in Illinois, 16 in Mis-
souri, 2 in Kentucky, 5 in Tennessee. 10 in Mississippi, -3 in Ar-
kansas, and IS iu Louisiana. The Missouri washes the shores of
24 Counties in Missouri. The Tennessee gives water transportation
to 3 States, and outlet to 14 Counties, viz: 3 iu Alabama, 7 in
Tennessee, and 5 in Kentucky. The Cumberland affords water
carriage through 2 States, ami to 9 Counties, viz : 6 in Tennessee
Q BOG KA IMIIOAI. 1'OSlTln.S 17
and 4 in Kentucky. The Illinois and Kaskaskia give to 24 Coun-
ties in Illinois, navigation ; and the Wabash, similar privilege to
10 Counties in Indiana, and 5 in Illinois. The Arkansas affords
to 12 Counties in that State, a like advantage ; and the Red River,
the same to 9 Counties in Louisiana. The White river gives car-
riage by water, to 10 Counties in Arkansas. The Yazoo, tho Sun
Flower, and Big Black, afford to Counties in Mississippi, travel
by river communication. The Ilatehce and Obion the same facil-
ities to 7 Counties in Tennessee. The Kentucky, Green, and Big
Barren rivers, egress to the Ohio, to 12 Counties in Kentucky.
The Osage, La Mine, Grand, and Maramcc rivers, steamboat naviga-
tion to 13 Counties in Missouri. The Dcs Moines and Iowa rivers
give to 8 Counties of Iowa, access to the Mississippi by water; and
the Wisconsin, Rock, Chippewa, and Black rivers, the same facil-
ities to 13 Counties in Wisconsin. The Allegheny gives 2 States,
and 8 Counties in Pennsylvania and 2 in New York, communication
by water to a market for their productions; and the Monongahela
similar advantages to 2 States, and 5 Counties in Pennsylvania
and 1 in Virginia — being 340 Counties to which Pittsburgh has
direct communication — forming portions, as before observed, of
Fourteen States and Two Territories, by the rivers named — in
addition to which, there are many others unnamed.
This sketch of the inland navigation on rivers, possessed by
Pittsburgh, affords a brief view of its extent. Of its present and
future value, the tablo upon the following page, gathered from tho
Census of 1850, of the Counties mentioned, will give an idea.
18
; i i g
STATISTICS
OF THB
Hirers navigable from Pittsburgh t» their head waters, rrithout tran-
shipment of freights.
States
Popula-
- . value of
Value ol Agri-
Pennsylvania,
\
S
tion.
Farms.
oult'i Products
Allegheny.. -J
■
• -'
$ 7.256,880
V'" x t i rk
a
S9,44S
17,053,725
S,454.01S
-
Arkansas
Arkansas
12
52.821
8,914,063
!88 2
1.861,805
2,015,522
Mississippi. ...
4
•
1.624,776
S;824.808
CumberlaM j
Tennessee
6
2.087.218
Kentnekv
8
'
2,249.464
7531419
2.596,070
Pes Moines....
Iowa '.
5
51,418
4,387:670
•
Green
Kentnekv
7
81.410
S,82S,5S1
-
■
Brand
Missouri
S
it. iv:
• 1.574.407
572,759
405.988
Hatches
Tennessee
!
84345
2,410,136
5,446,017
Illinois
Illinois
is
174,192
5,S4S,18S
"
Iowa
Iowa
S
14,868
-
R
Ulinois
6
1,721,207
1,927,636
Kentnekv
Kentnekv
4
89,874
F84
1,204,348
2,896,S10
1 r Mine
Missouri,
2
20,798
2,628,936
749,664
La louche,...
s
S0.S22
14.032,926
791,400
Missouri
Missouri
24
816,812
i
4,130.256
18,156.4318
M.nvuuv
Missouri
3
122,927
7,590,420
752348
1,766,717.
Monong&'la ]
Pennsylvania,
4
1 o7.04o
i
4,621.414
6.082,000
Virginia
1
v.\ 85
1.669,392
- i
Muskingum..
Ohio
8
10S.174
15,105.56S
3,645,962
/
6
17.077
8,641,044
683,093
1.461.556
{
Iowa
9
81,297
-
L284.05S
2,781,988
I
Illinois
18
198,516
10,187
19.642,721
4,51i;S41
242*184
11.921,013
\
Kentnekv
81, :4
Bssiss pi, <
Louisiana
IS
S.S90.414
11.972,806
Missouri
15
219,967
'
2:703,504
7,272,411
Mississippi,...
10
108,735
16,260,297
-
5
6,444,779
"
\
•
■:
1S,667
-
■ '
1
Indiana
12
1 o.7 40. 50o
2 '. v; "
4,799,324
Illinois
5
8
Ohio \
Kentnekv
21
: i
36.077,182
5,120,695
Ohio '.
IS
S.1
64aS4;S26
■ !
15,274,S4S
1' ^i-. Ivan. a.
2
loVJSl
1 -
2,692.992
[
Virginia
s
(57,528
A
Osage
■Missouri
1,547,492
878,S11
-
Obion
-■ ...
'J
!
5
'
Red
Louisiana
9
:
10.770.51S
1.956,714
.
-
1,435,507
2.118.927
Sunflower
-
1
-
i
1
Kentnekv
6
:-. 888
'
Tennessee. J
Tennessee
6
49,191
3,172,469
"
Alabama
•J
782
•
.-
i
Wabash -!
Illinois
5
86,403
2,635,724
782,S0S
Indiana
10
123.011
liVTlO.ieO
8,148,231
6,726.714
White
Arkansas,-
10
._. ■ - s
i
Wisconsin
6
-
1,132,292
6
i •
S86
$87,41S,4iS
CHAPTER IV.
MIXERALOGICAL POSITION.
It is, without a doubt, to bcv locution in the bituminous coal
basin of Pennsylvania, that Pittsburgh owes her position as a man-
ufacturing city; and, after that advantage of position, to her
facilities for the reception of iron, and its distribution in a manu-
factured state.
Located in the north-western section of the great "Allegheny
or Appalachian Coal field," frequently known as the great central
bituminous coal seam, Pittsburgh lias given to that portion of the
coal measures from which her wants and those of the West are
supplied, her own name.
Rodgers and Trego state that the scam, known as the " Great
Pittsburgh Seam," is the most extensively accessible one in the
Western coal measures.
McCuilough estimates that the Appalachian coal field, which tra-
verses eight States, has an area of 05,300 square miles. R. C.
Taylor, Esq. in his " Statistics of Coal," says that deducting from
this the unprod\u?tive areas, erosions of strata, and such coal Holds
as will never be reached by the miner, the workable area of the wholo
is 40,000 square miles, or 25,600,000 acres.
Of this bituminous coal strata, according to McCuilough, Vir-
ginia has 21,000, Pennsylvania 15,000, Ohio 11,900, and Ken-
tucky 9,000 square miles.
Pennsylvania possesses no published geological ma]), ami conse-
quently erroneous estimates have been made of the extent of the
coal measures in this State. A report of the coal trade, in 1834,
stated the extent of the coal formation in Pennsylvania, at 21,000
square miles. R. O. Taylor, Esq, however, in 1848, gives it as his
opinion that the carboniferous formations of Pennsylvania, or
what is usually styled coal measures, do not exceed 16,000 square
miles.
The bituminous coal field lies principally west of the Allegheny
20 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
Mountains, and extends from Towanda on the north-east, to the
south-west angle of the State, a distance of two hundred and sev-
enty miles.
The "Great Seam," as it is called in most geological works, or as
it is more definitely known, " The Great Pittsburgh Seam," is
finely exposed at Pittsburgh, and along the Ohio and Allegheny
rivers ; also extending nearly the whole length of the Mononga-
hela river. This seam has been traced through Pennsylvania into
Virginia, and also into Ohio, and is from twelve to fourteen feet
thick at the south-western border, from six to eight feet at Pitts-
burgh, and about 5 feet still further westward, in Ohio.
Of this seam, Mr. Lyell, the eminent English Geologist, says in
his travels in North America, " I was truly astonished now that I
had entered the hydrographical basin of the Ohio, at beholding the
richness of the seams of coal which appeared every where on the
flanks of the hills, and at the bottoms of the valleys, and which
are accessible in a degree I never icitnesscd elseichere. The time has not
yet arrived ivhen the full value of this inexhaustible supply of cheap fuel
can be appreciated. * * To properly estimate the natural advan-
tages of such a region, we must reflect how three great navigable
rivers, such as the Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio, intersect it,
and lay open on their banks the level seams of coal. I found at
Brownsville, a bed ten feet thick, of good bituminous coal, com-
monly called the Pittsburgh seam, breaking out in the rivers' cliffs
near the water edge."
Of the capacity of the bituminous region for mining, Trego says,
" In the bituminous coal fields there appear to be not less than
ten separate layers or beds of coal, of sufficient capacity for mining,
and which vary in thickness from three to ten feet." R. C. Tay-
lor, in his coal statistics says, " It is possible that within the entire
series, from the conglomerate upwards, ten such seams may exist;
but we have not seen a position where more than half that number
could be approached."
Toward the north and north-eastern side of the coal range, the
scams range from three to four feet. Near Karthaus, eight coal
seams have been traced, three only are workable, the largest being
six feet.*
At Blossburg, and around the head of Tioga river, from three
* Report to the Clearfield Coke anil Iron Co. 1S"9.
MINER ALOGICAL POSITION. 21
to six seams occur, but not more than two have been mined, and
the coals are sent by railroad to New York State.*
There are commonly four coal seams existing within the forma-
tion in the north-east extremity of the field, and it is but seldom
that move than two workable beds occur in the same locality."
At Pittsburgh the main bed of workable coal is six feet, and
increases in thickness as it proceeds up the river to Brownsville,
where, as mentioned before, it is estimated by Lyell at ten feet.
Extensive as is the field of bituminous coal in Pennsylvania,
thus scantily dotted out in these remarks ; and incalculably val-
uable as it is to Pittsburgh as a manufacturing city; not less val-
uable to her is the anthracite deposit of coal, when viewed in
connection with the consumption of iron by her manufactories.
While the coal fields of Pennsylvania may be considered as
leading in importance to Pittsburgh, as a manufacturing city, yet
the carboniferous deposits of the surrounding States bear upon
her prosperity in a greater or less degree, according to their qual-
ity and proximity.
The coal fields of Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio and Virginia, by
reason of the natural avenues of transportation and trade, stand in
a supporting relation to the coal measures of Western Pennsylvania.
The area of the Tennessee coal field is 45,000 square miles, of
Ohio, 44,000, and of Kentucky, 40,500. A certain portion of
these in each, are iron producing regions at the present time, and
will no doubt become yet more productive.
In Ohio, although the statistics of McCullough give that
State an area of 40,000 square miles, Prof. W. W. Mather es1
the area undoubtedly underlaid by coal at but 12,000 square
miles, of which only 5,000 contain workable veins. "The Ohio
coal," says R. C. Taylor, "makes good coke, and mixed with
charcoal in the production of iron, creates an increased make,
equal, it is affirmed, to 33 per cent."
The Kentucky field, according to Prof. Mather's Geological Re-
port of 1838, has an area of workable coal veins of 7,000 square
miles. There are in that area several qualities of coal. The main,
or Pittsburgh seam, which extends from Pittsburgh through Vir-
ginia, reaches Sandy at the boundary of the State, but docs not
extend into it, Taylor says that nearly all the coal brought into
use in Kentucky is of the descriptii n called Carnal.
Taylor'a Coal
22 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
" The Tennessee division of the Allegheny range occupies an area
of 43,000 square miles, the greater part of which consists of the
elevated local group known as the Cumberland Mountains."* The
quality of the coal is spoken of as excellent. An analysis of it
shows that it approaches in character the semi-bituminous variety
of Pennsylvania.
These three States, from reason of their production of iron — a
portion of which comes to Pittsburgh for a market — must always
in their mineral productions, be important auxiliaries to the man-
ufactures of Pittsburgh.
Not less to the iron deposits which surround this locality, than
to her coal, is Pittsburgh indebted for her past, and dependent
for her future. Cheapness of fuel, in the larger proportion of
cases, justifies a transportation of mineral to the locality of the
fuel ; but where the transportation of mineral is necessary but for
short distances, and by easy artificial and available natural chan-
nels, the combination of cheapness of fuel, with great supplies of
mineral immediately at hand, constitutes the locality which must
become, and always be, a great manufacturing centre. These two
requisites Pittsburgh has.
Having briefly sketched the coal fields surrounding the locality
of Pittsburgh, we also spare a few paragraphs to an equally brief
description of the ore field from which she has drawn, and is to
draw, her supplies of iron.
Throughout the counties embraced in the bituminous coal region,
are to be found extensive beds of iron ore, aud equally large de-
posits in the counties east of, and lying along the bases of the
Allegheny Mountains. The Allegheny river aifords a cheap chan-
nel for the supply of iron from the counties lying upon that river,
and the Monongahela, for the iron from the neighborhood of the
Youghiogheny and Cheat rivers. The Pennsylvania Canal, and
the Pennsylvania Central Rail Road, for the metal of the interior
and mountain counties. In the Allegheny river region, there are
five counties and about fifty furnaces, whose product finds in this
city a market ; the region drained by the Pennsylvania Canal and
the Pennsylvania Central Rail Road, contains nearly as many
more, whose product, in part or wholly, is sold in this vicinity.
These two regions have been so fully opened up, that the quality
and extent of their metal are well understood; and need no des-
* Taylor's Coal Statistics.
UINEBALOQICAL POSITION. 23
cription here. Of the iron of the Youghiogheny region, Prof. Du-
catell, in a Report to the Maryland Legislature, 1833, says:
" On the Youghiogheny, Iron ore of the best quality, and in
great abundance, is found. It is of the variety described by min-
eralogists under the specific head of argillaceous oxyd of iron."
The deposits of iron thus favorably described, have been but
little -worked as yet, although there are some six or eight furnaces
in that region. The opening of the Connellsville Rail Road, and
the increasing demand for metal, will undoubtedly soon attract
capital to that locality. To the westward of this point, there are
in blast, in Eastern Ohio, and in Mercer county of this State,
many furnaces, whose number is yearly increasing, which look to
Pittsburgh for a market, and whose metal is transported here by
water carriage.
The furnaces of Kentucky, Tennessee, and the central river coun-
ties of Ohio, also send their metal here for sale ; and a portion of
it is considered a choice article. It will be noticed that in iron, as
in coal, Pittsburgh is centrally situated to the products of four
States, and that she is in her own State immediately surrounded
by vast deposits of that mineral; while in all instances, a cheap
water carriage is available for the transportation of it to the fuel.
What has been the natural effect of such a mineralogical position
upon the past of Pittsburgh ; and what will be its effect upon her
future ; it is hardly necessary to inquire.
Important as may have been her position at the head waters of
the Ohio ; and as a supplier of merchandise to the country aloug
the waters of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and a portion of the
Ohio ; and of the counties situated along the western bases of the
Allegheny mountains, before the age of rail roads ; — and prom-
inent as may have been that position under the circumstances
then existing : yet it is apparent that, to her manufactures she is
indebted for the importance which has enabled her not only to hold
her position as an important market for the last seventeen years,
but also to increase in a wonderful ratio.
The two substances, coal and iron, are always, when rendered
available, the basis of great and permanent commercial and manu-
facturing wealth. Spreading a map of the nations of the earth
before us, wc at once perceive that those in which exist extensive
deposits of these two, at first glance unattractive substances, are
among tho wealthiest, as well as most powerful nations of the
24 PITTSBUftG U AS IT IB.
world; and that upon and around these formations, the most flour-
ishing populations are concentrated. "Coal" says Vischers, "is
now the indispensable aliment of industry. * * It is to industry
what oxygen is to the lungs — water to the plant — nourishment to
the animal." Says Elett. •• This is essentially the age of commerce
and of steam, the foundations of which are our coal mines. In the
machine shop and factory, on the rail road and canal, on the rivers
and ocean, it is steam that is henceforth to perform labor, over-
come resistance, and vanquish space. There was no appreciable
iron trade anterior to the introduction of the steam engine, an
instrument lof power deriving its efficiency almost entirely from coal."
The connection of the past of Pittsburgh with the coal deposits
of Pennsylvania, so rich and so easily mined, is too plain to need
comment. Coal has been the life of the steam engine, and the steam
engine has been the great power which has called into existence
our manufactures. On the future of Pittsburgh, as connected with
her two minerals, we have no need to expatiate. Her past pro-
gress, under the influences of coal and iron, indicates her future.
" The employment of the combustible mineral, coal, in the
smelting of iron, has emancipated the iron manufactory. Hence-
forth the mineral comes to seek the fuel.
•• Coal is the most essential agent of industry. The foundry, the
iron, constitute merely the instruments, the elements of riches."*
"The occurrence of iron ore associated with coal has been con-
sidered the most prolific source of commercial prosperity possessed
bv Great Britain. Her political economists have long been accus-
tomed to ascribe the extent of her manufactories to the abundance
nnd cheapness of both these substances, by which are furnished,
not Only fuel for working the steam engines which put in operation
their machinery, but the material also for constructing the ma-
chinery."!
"Of all the physical circumstances which have contributed to
our extraordinary progress in manufactures and industry, none
have so much influence as our possession of valuable coal mines." J
"Since the iuvention of the steam engine, coal has become of
the highest importance as a moving power, and no nation, how-
ever favorably situated in other respects, not plentifully supplied
♦Bulletin J? la Commission CVntevale do Stetisque BruxoUes. 1848.
+ Dncatell's Report to Mug land Legislature, 1S3S
j McCullough's Statistics ■ English Manufactures.
M1NERAL0GICAL POSITION. 25
with this mineral, need hope to rival those that are, in most
branches of manufactures."*
"Our coal mines have conferred a thousand times more real
advantages upon us than wo have reaped from the conquest of the
Mogul Empire, or than we should have reaped from the conquests
of Mexico aud Peru."*
The remarks of the various writers we have quoted, are over-
whelmingly forcible in their application to Pittsburgh. It needs
no drawing of inferences to sustain how powerfully the past of
other localities of coal and of iron foretell the future of Pittsburgh.
When these two substances, as in the location of Pittsburgh,
combine with natural and artificial advantages, of great availa-
bility and extent for the distribution of their products, as well as
easy, cheap, and rapid means of concentration at the manufac-
turing point of the raw material, can it be a subject of hesitancy
to decido upon the employment of capital in manufactures at this
point? Says an authority we have already quoted, "Production,
which outstrips all local necessities, urgently demands new outlets.
Embarrassment no longer attaches to production; the trouble rests
henceforth with distribution. "f
Possessed of a river navigation of many thousands of miles, reaching
thereby nearly 400 counties, with their milliois of population : pene-
trating by these avenues into 15 States of the Union: commanding three
distinct avenues of access by teater to the ocean: the terminus of an
extensive rail road system, spreading its iron net work over eight States,
and reaching hundreds of inland cities and towns, otherwise unapproach-
able, excepting by the stage coach and road wagon : Pittsburgh laughs
at the last sentence of our quotation, "The trouble rests henceforth with
the distribution. "
Proof, in her past, of the quotation from the same authority, that
" henceforth the mineral conies to seek the fuel:" Sustai?ied in her ex-
pectancies of the future by the experiences of the past of the cities and
towns of other coal formations ; triumphant in her geographical position
over the troubles of distribution; what city, what locality, offers such
bright features for examination by the capitalist, the merchant, the
mechanic, the laborer ? What point presents greater inducements to
labor, to skill, to ability and to capital?
* M'Cullough's Statistics of English Manufactures,
t Commission Contralo i\o Stntisque, Bruxelles, 1843
3
CHAPTER V.
NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL TRANSPORTATION ADVANTAGES.
In a previous chapter we hare stated that the transportation ad-
vantages of Pittsburgh were not surpassed by those of auy other city
or point in the United States. To the support of this observation,
we name briefly the natural and artificial channels for distributing
the products of our manufactories. Considered in the proper order,
the rivers are the first in rank. At the risk of a little reiteration,
we enumerate them, and present in tabular form the length, value
by population, &c
TABLE showing principal Hirers navigable from Pittsburgh without
transhipment, giving length navigable, A-c.
Hirers.
8? e*
Mllos Popula- Value of A*r'l
S» 5i navig o tion. 1
Products.
£ o v
Allegheny,
i lo
248
40S.427
S 11,980,747
Arkansas
1 19
529
59,821
2,015,529
Big Black
1 4
60
68,301
5,824,808
Cumberland
S 8
107,806
P-s Moines
l |
900
ol.413
9,089,480
Green
i j
165
S 1.410
9,650,577
Brand
1 3
100
17.202
405.988
Hatehee
i :
To
S4.24o
6,446,017
Illinois
1 is
S02
174.192
12,748,697
Iowa.
1 s
80
14,368
723.372
Kask.iskia.
l
6
150
57,670
1,927,686
Kentucky
l
*
105
39.S74
2.S90.S10
Li Mine
i
•;
80
1.00o.o39
La Fouclie
i
s
60
30,829
2,913,831
Missouri
i
94
■:. -■ 310.S12:
18,156,438
Man-moo
i
a
oo v::...:-;
1,766.717
Honongaheta
i
5
oo 1:0.32:
Mask in gam
i
8
SO 103.174
3,646,962
.Mississippi
9
SO
2,000 991,087
48,512.663
Ohio
6
56
l.OOS 1.U0.3-O
44,883,679
Osage
1
B
200 22,229
1,101,218
On on
1
■:
00 13.909
S77.002
Ro>l
1
-J
620 7 9.21 8
4,967,245
Rook
1
S
48,206
9,118,927
Sun Rower
1
1
80 8,899
1,190.785
Tennessee
S
14
2S0 188,711
9,759,971
Wabash
2
IS
869 lo9.414
B£58 001
White
1
10
489 30.224
3,874,521
Wisconsin
1
6
100 87.398
1,132.999
Yazoo
1 6
300 54,079
6,154,758
Total.
15
386
11.212 4,597,025
J21S.092.iV7
NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL TRANSPORTATION ADVANTAUKS. 27
In addition to those there are many others, of whose navigable
length wo have no survey.
Tho means which are next in rank are the rail roads of the Pitts-
burgh rail system. Of these there are nine, viz : Pennsylvania
Central, Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago, Pittsburgh and
Connellsville, Pittsburgh and Steubenville, Cleveland and Pitts-
burgh, Allegheny Valley, Chartiers Valley, Pittsburgh and Erie,
and Cleveland and Mahoning.
Of these, threo seek wostorn connections and termini. Three
havo northern termini, and one a south-west, one a north-eastern,
and one an eastern terminus. Of theso there are two completed.
The Pennsylvania Central Rail Road, running in the straightest
possible line allowed by the formation of the country, from Pitts-
burgh to Philadelphia. The Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne and Chicago
Rail Road, running in almost an air line from Pittsburgh to Chi-
oago. The Cleveland and Pittsburgh, running regular trains from
Pittsburgh to Cleveland, also to Wheeling and Belle Air. The Pitts-
burgh and Connellsville, completed to Connellsville, and running
daily trains to that point. Tho Allegheny Valley, completed to
Kittanning, to which place the cars run daily. Of the uncomple-
ted, the Pittsburgh and Steubenville road is nearly to completion
point, and will hi transacting a regular freight and passenger
business inside of a year.
Canals are also among tho means of transportation oxtensively
available to this city ; and although in these days of fast traveling
they are much overlooked, yet in their peculiar ability, are equally
important with the river and tho rail road.
By her canals, Pittsburgh is enabled to transport to tho lakes
those heavy articles produced in her manufactories, which demand
cheap in preference to rapid transportation. 1st. By tho Beaver
and Erie canal, from Rochester to Erie, 13G miles. 2d. By the Ohio
canal, from Portsmouth on the Ohio, to Cleveland, 309 miles. 3d.
By the Pennsylvania canal and its branches, she has access to the
Atlantic?sea board, and tho interior of Pennsylvania, and a portion
of New York, allowing the transportation of her minerals and her
productions at a low rate, into the Eastern cities.
CHAPTER VI.
THE PITTSBURGH RAIL-WAY SYSTEM.
By a reference to the map it -will be seen that the Pittsburgh
Kail Road system is, taking into view the scope of its connections,
one of unsurpassed value.
Reaching eastward, by the Pennsylvania Kail Road, to Phila-
delphia, it attaches to New York and the North-east by the New
Jersey Kail Roads, and to Baltimore and the south, by the Balti-
more and Susquehanna Rail Road, which connects with the Penn-
sylvania Central at Harrisburg. Creat".-.g a nearer route to the
North-west, through the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago Rail
Road, by forty miles, than any route now in operation, or projected.
Westward, by the Pittsburgh. Ft. Wayne and Chicago Kail
Road, to Chicago, a distance of 466 miles, it embraces in its con-
nections the entire net-work of roads which cover the States of
Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, and by various projected, chartered and
initiated roads, through the States of Missouri and Iowa.
Westward again, by the Pittsburgh and Steubenyille Rail
Road, through another and distinct route, which forms a different
connection with the roads of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, affording
through them, a direct route to Si Louis from New York, 140
miles shorter than it is by way of Buffalo and Cleveland, according
to the report of its chief engineer for 1857.
The Chaktieks Yalley Kail Road is. if the consolidation with
the Hempfield and the Marietta and Cincinnati Roads is consum-
mated, an equally important route to the city: forming, as it will in
that connection, a third direct route to the West and St. Louis, and
draining the southern tier of counties in the States of Ohio, Indi-
ana and Illinois. This route gains additional value by the oppor-
tunity which it gives, the Pittsburgh and Maysville Road being
built, of direct rail road access through Kentucky and Ten-
nessee, and a connection with the rail roads of those States
THE PITTSBURGH RAILWAY SYSTEM. 29
debouching on the Mississippi at Memphis. The value, to Pitts-
burgh, of such a route as that mentioned, in connection with the
Pittsburgh and Maysville Road, and to the South-west, to which it
would give valuable rail privileges, and short routes to the East, is
one hardly yet considered by those interested, and its development
belongs to that prosperous future which awaits the Smoky City.
Southward, hy the Pittsburgh and Connellsville Rail Road,
now completed to Connellsville, and finding its terminus at Cumber-
land, Maryland, on the Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road; and through
it, and roads now building to that point, a valuable connection
with the roads of the south-eastern Atlantic coast.
The value of a direct communication between Pittsburgh and so
important a seaboard city as Baltimore, need not be pointed out.
It is of itself suggestive. Neither is it necessary to dwell upon the
importance of the connection thus made with the southern Atlantic
States. The road, when completed, will bring Baltimore 31 miles
nearer the Ohio river, (a great desideratum to heavy freights,) than
she now is placed by her Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road route to
Wheeling; and from the character of the route of this road, having
but one summit, the gradients are all level or descending east-
wardly and westwardly ; therefore it will attract travel and freights
by its ability, from these causes, to carry cheap.
North-eastwardly, by the Allegheny Vallet Rail Road, which
completed to Kittanning, seeks connections with New York roads
at Olean. When completed to Olean, the Genessee Canal, the
Rochester and Pittsburgh, and the Attica and Allegany Roads
will make connections with it at that point. The value of theBe
connections, a glance at a rail road map will at once show.
Northwardly, by the Cleveland and Pittsburgh Road, now
completed from Cleveland to Rochester, from whence it is using
the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago track to the city — the
Pittsburgh rail-way system reaches the Lakes, and by the ste".m
boat routes on them, with which this work forms close connections,
tbo rail roads of Chicago and Detroit, aud thence westwardly.
As a northern route this one ia extremely valuable to Pittsburgh ;
affording an outlet to a vast expanse of country for her coal and
her manufactured products, of all of which their is an increasing
transportation over this route, and a growing demand iu the
country reached by this road and its connections. Its western
3*
30
PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
connections, which are with the various roads of Ohio, are also
important to the city of Pittsburgh.
The Cleveland and Mahoning Road, now constructing, pene-
trates through a very wealthy section of Ohio, known as the West-
ern Reserve, and furnishes another route to Cleveland and the
Lakes.
The Pittsburgh and Erie Rail Road forms a direct northern
connection with Erie and the Lakes, and runs through a rich min-
eral and agricultural country.
These two last mentioned roads will make their termini, in all pro-
bability, at the very important inland town of New Castle, in Law-
rence county, of this State, from whence, they make continuation to
this city, by what may be termed a tenth Pittsburgh road, running
from New Castle to Darlington, on the Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne and
Chicago road, a distance of 13 miles, and known as the Pittsburgh
and Darlington Rail Road.
The extent and value of this system of roads cannot but be appa-
rent at a glance, and also, that when completed, it will contain seven
trunk roads.
Of the Western trunk routes, the Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne and
Chicago, being completed and transacting a heavy and yearly increas-
ing business, deserves the first mention, and exhibition of the value of
its route and connections. Having for its termini the great rail road
centres, Pittsburgh and Chicago, its character is that of a trunk line
from the seaboard to the North West. In its route it passes through
and into the territory of four populous States, and gives transportation
facilities to 18 counties.
The value of this trunk route is shown by the following Table :
States.
1
Popula-
tion or
1S50.
Value of
Farms in
1850.
Value of
Live Stock,
1850.
Bus. Grain
produced
la 1850.
„
1S5.75S
£27.91:1,454
$ 8,132,504
10.S32.4SS
1.4S4.104
3.147.087
12|259|883 54^668,682
S 59.219 7.246.140
10.212.588
12.259.749
1 ! 53!3S5 ! 2.094,523 1 888.416
1,102,477
S
Total,
558,245 $92,515,749 $15,837,512
20.722.501
The connection of the road from Crestline, Ohio, to Alton, Illinois,
is a valuable one, by the Indiana and Bellefontaine, and the Terre
Haute and Alton routes, as shown by the following table :
i'lIK PITTSBl i.iin itAll.UM SYSTEM.
31
Suites.
S
o
6
9
6
20
Popula-
tion iu
1850.
0o»n TOl.of
1850.
Vuluo of
Live Slock
lu 1850.
Boa. (Jraiti
produced
In 1850.
66,154
128,108
66,927
* 734.831
3,308,997
.',.!i i::,s-j;i
T.tc.s.r, i:;
2,077,852
266,249
$86,483,111
From Fort Wayne, it makes a second trunk connection to the Mis-
sissippi river, at Alton. The value of which is shown in this third
Table.
States.
i
o
8
7
15
Popula-
tion.
1850.
Cash Value
of Farms,
1850.
$15,223,884
6,789,148
$22,013,032
Value
Live Stock.
1850.
Bushels
or Grain.
1850.
112,972
60,519
$2,126,06}
1,711,488
6,833,741
5,777,615
Total,
$3,837,549
12,611,356
A third connection which it makes, is from Crestline to Cincinnati,
by the Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati road to Cincinnati, tra-
versing 8 counties with a population of 338,418, and a cash value of
farms, of $56,875,778, a value of live stock of $5,192,941, and produ-
cing 14,578,421 bushels of grain.
It also receives its share of the business concentrated at Chicago,
by that system of rail roads, which in 1856, was represented by
3,350,000 passengers, and by $17,343,242.23 of earnings.
By its trunk route and the three direct connections described, it
drains a total of 55 counties, with a population in 1850, of 1,320,303,
and producing 70,124,443 bushels of grain— having a value of live
stock amounting to $29,969,618, and farms to amount of $166,737,720.
In addition to these, there are many short connections iu the same
range laid down in these routes, which run through populous
counties, whose statistics must he passed, as the space devoted to an
exhibition of the valuo of the Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne and Chicago
road to Pittsburgh, is already overrun.
The working statistics of this road, from November 30, 1855, to
October 31, 1856, were as follows:
39 i'Ittslu won AS IT IS
The number Through tons Freight West, was, ;M>,224
" " " East, " 111,889
Tons carried one mile West, " .... 12.850,272
East, " .... 7,230,000
of Passengers transported, Way
and Through, was 472 578
The earnings for the year were,
From Passengers, $761,577.50
" Freight, 654, 542.26
" Mails, &e 62,368.94 $1,478,428.76
In the abovo statement of transportation and carriage, the three-
fourths of the figures are those of the road before its consolidation,
and of the business from Pittsburgh to Crestline only — being for 187
miles out of 466.
The other two routes, which will in due time become Pittsburgh
Western trunk roads, are not yet completed. To show, however, the
future value of those routes, they are Sketched in the same brief manner.
1st. The Pittsburgh and Steubenville Rail Road, by its
connections, through the Indiana and Steubenville road to Columbus
and the Indiana roads, will afford facilities to the following counties :
States,
i
Po P u-
l.vinu.
-• I860.
;s .,.,.,.
Value of
Farms.
1850,
Value Bushels
I.ivo StooJt. ! Grain,
1S50. ; 1850.
$ 33,382,466 $ 8,583,972 4,274,880
1,279,S6S 2>3.067 2+S.S14
l| 5,054
10 898,847
Ohio,
Indiana
Illinois
( 8,038,499
6,789,148
3,304 929 9,894.289
7,662,392 15.288,948
1,711,488 5,777,615
Total
28
679,899
3 55$ 83,484,040
2d. The Chartieks Valley Rail Road, forming the consoli-
dation mentioned in a foregoing portion of this chapter, will, under
the title of the Ohio Valley, in traversing to Cincinnati, pass counties,
populations and products, as shown by the annexed table:
Pennsylvania, .
Virginia
Ohio
Fovula. Cash value Va'.no of Bushels of
tion. Farms, I.i\ e St.vk. Graiu.
g 1850. is:*)- 1850. 1850,
is-:.-:-:.' -■ -os: 4.274.$so
18,006 l,988i654 194.663 354,840
240,497 r-lV.nS.214 4.0i>S,SU 14,
440,782 $75,218,334 $7,152,455 18,971,558
1 n K PITTSBURGH RAILWAY .systkm 3y
The most important connection which will be made by this trunk
line, is that with the Pittsburgh and Maysville Rail Road, and
through that, with the interior counties of Kentucky and Tennes-
see, and the Mississippi river at Memphis. Its comparative valuo is
not shown in this chapter, owing to want of information of exact
route, &c. That the connection must, whenever it is made, prove
extremely valuable to Pittsburgh, admits of no doubt ; giving her as
it does, access to the whole South-West, its wants and its productions.
The Southern trunk road is the Pittsburgh and Connellsville.
On the general value of this road as a connecting link, giving access
to tho South-eastern States, we have remarked in another portion of
this article. The value of its immediate route, taken from the census
of 1850, the subjoined table shows:
States.
U
1
5
Popu-
lation.
Cash Valuo
Varms.
Cosh Val.
LIto Stock
Bush. Grain
I'rncliii'i-il.
22,769
276,596
;■•■, 2,619,868
■45.735,010
$ 270,070
1*568,491
888,418
7,838,387
299,864
$48,264,878
14,838,561
8,226,802
The counties through which this road passes, are mineral in their
character; teeming with coal and iron, which much enhance the value
of the route to Pittsburgh, by giving easy access to large deposits of
those staples which are the source of her strength. Between the cities of
Pittsburgh and Cumberland, the two termini of this road, the distance
is 147 miles, and at Cumberland a connection is made with tide water,
by the Chesapeake and Ohio canal ; thus making, with the exception
of the 147 miles rail way, another water communication through
Pittsburgh, between the East and the West.
The Cleveland and Pittsburgh Rail Road, whose advan-
tages as a Northern route are mentioned in this chapter, some pages
back, is a valuable member of the Pittsburgh system. This road, in
its direct route from Pittsburgh to Cleveland, traverses 2 States and
5 counties, having a population of 199,892 in 1850, with a value of
farms, of $36,862,484,— of live stock, of $4,015,377,— producing
6,4.",5,813 bushels of grain.
The earnings of this road, ending November 1855, were $581, 877.89,
of Which 1850,799,09 were derived from freights, $204,041.34 from
passengers. For the year ending November, 1856. the earnings were
over $653,000.
3-4 1'lTTSBVROll AS IT IS.
The transportation of Pittsburgh manufactures over this road, has
been yearly increasing — demonstrating the value of this outlet, by the
increased traffic in the region which it penetrates, to Pittsburgh.
There were transported in four years, of Pittsburgh Manufactures,
as follows :
In 1S52 7,943 Tons.
" 1858, 14,4G1 ■
'• 1854, 20,938
'• 1 855, 28,937 «
'• 1S56 over 30,000 "
Of these there were forwarded from Cleveland, bv vessel, across the
lakes,
In 1S54, 5,007 Tons.
" 1855, 17.000 "
" 1856, over 21,000 "
Within the year 1857, this road has completed its connection with
the Central Ohio Kail Road, at Belle Air, 4i miles below "Wheeling,
and the Steubenville and Indiana, at Steubeuville, thereby affording
short routes to Cincinnati and the South-west
The outlet to the lake region, which this road will give to Pittsburgh
coal, is of itself sufficient to characterize it as peculiarly valuable to
this community. Extensive arrangements are being made to ship
heavy amounts of Pittsburgh coal over this route this year to the
hikes, to Canada, and to New York.
The Allegheny Valley Rail Road, running through the rich
mineral and lumber region from which it derives its title, is the sixth
trunk road of the Pittsburgh system. It is completed to Kittanning,
a distance of 44 miles. When finished, it will have many and valu-
able connections.
In its direct route, it passes through 7 counties, with a population
of 130,635 in 1850 ; and by the same census, having farms to amount
of $21,177,675— livestock valued at $3,026,246, and raising 4,469,005
bushels of grain and 400,000 pounds of wool.
In the absence of any later document than the Census of 1850, we
cannot show the full value of this road, from the products of the
counties through which it passes ; but dividing, as it does, one of the
most important supporting districts of Pittsburgh, it is a line which
must ultimately become very valuable to this city, which will be its
chief outlet for the heavy freights that will arise from the vast
THE PITTSBURGH RAILWAY SYSTEM. 35
deposits of iron ore, salt, coal, and the great forests of valuable timber
which are spread, from one end to the other, of the Allegheny valley.
There are, in three of the counties through which this road passes,
over forty furnaces, for the production of iron, whose capacity, in 1850,
was about 60,000 tons. Two of the counties now contain over thirty
salt works, producing more than 70,000 barrels of salt a year.
The immense freight which this road will deposit in Pittsburgh,
from the minerals and productions of the region through which it
runs, is apparent to all who are in any degree familiar with the mineral
and lumber resources of the " Valley." The character which this
road will assume, when completed to the New York line, our space
will not permit us to exhibit — beyond saying that its connections will
give it command of the counties of South-western New York, and
that it will form a third route, connecting Pittsburgh with the Atlantic
seaboard.
The earnings of this road for the year ending January 30th, 1857,
over its completed portion of road, 44 miles, were $77,581.91, of which,
$20,224.35 were derived from freights, and $53,705.4 1 from passengers.
Number of Way and Through Passengers was, 69.243
Tons of Freight carried one mile, were, 266,358
The seventh trunk belonging to this great outstretch of roads, is
that admirably constructed one, the Pennsylvania Central, having
its termini at Philadelphia and at Pittsburgh. This line, by its con-
nection at Pittsburgh with the Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne and Chicago
road, and its connections, creates the shortest known route between
the East and the North-west, by 40 miles, as before mentioned.
The chief engineer of the Pittsburgh and Steubenville rail road, in
the report for 1857, states, that when that road is completed and its
business connections made between its Western terminus and the
western roads, the route from New York to St. Louis, over the
Pennsylvania Central road to Pittsburgh, and thence by the Pitts-
burgh and Steubenville rail road, will be 140 miles shorter than by
any other route.
These simple statements of distances gained by the use of this road,
are sufheient to show its value to Pittsburgh, as a passenger route ;
and under the unceasing demand of freights for low carriage, are
equally determinate as to its value as a shipping channel, from the
lower rates, consequent on the smaller number of miles of transpor-
tation.
As it is natural for both freight and travel to seek the shortest and
least expensive routes; and this being, by tho saving of distance, both;
36 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
it is reasonable to suppose that the travel and freight from and to the
East, to and from that portion of the West which we have shown as
laid under contribution by the Western roads of our system, will pass
through Pittsburgh and over the Pennsylvania Ceutral road. The
quantity of country thus drained by the Western roads into Pittsburgh.
and consequently into the Central road, consists of 104 counties, with
a population, in 1850, of 3,012,972, having then, farms valued at
$439,926,077, and live stock, at S55.7S7.91 7. and raising 124,585,139
bushels of grain.
There is also concentrated at Pittsburgh, a river navigation of nearly
11,000 miles, giving transportation to 336 counties, which in 1S50,
had a population of 4,000.426. and a valne of farming lands, of
$601,312,416. producing an amonut of agricultural articles worth
$21$. 992.007. and having SS7,31 2,416 in live stock. To all these the
Central road offers the inducement of the shortest route East.
In this view, the value of this seventh member of the Pittsburgh
rail system is heavy, from the influence it must exercise in rendering
the o-;y a great- point for shipment of articles exchanging between the
two sections of the Union.
The tonnage of this road for 1S56, was.
From Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, Through, 177.415,403
« Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, " 152.903.7 IS
The number of passengers transported over the
road during the year 1S56, was 1,646,914
The earnings of the road for 1S56, were, $4,720,193.71
From Passengers Sl.325,0S1.39
" Freights, 3.244.291.51
Miscellaneous Receipts,. . . . . 150, $20.81
With this brief exposition of the routes of seven of the nine roads
of the Pittsburgh rail way system, we pause. In it we have not taken
into account many unfinished aud proposed routes ; nor followed the
lines laid down beyond their natural termini and unavoidable con-
nections.
There are but few roads in the West not seeking an Eastern connec-
tion, and a short consideration of a complete map of the Western
roads, shows how naturally they are all reaching for the head waters of
the Ohio. An examination of the East aud South-east will show
that the roads of those sections of the country are also converging to
the same point. The position thus presented of Pittsburgh, as a rail
wav centre, suggests at once a greatness, growing with the wants and
productions of the greater portion of the Union.
CHAPTER VII.
POPULATION OF PITTSBURGH.
Frugality and industry are prominent characteristics of the inhab-
itants of Pittsburgh; consequently, a large amount of conservatism is
observable in all their transactions.
The reputation abroad of its merchants and manufacturers for
solvency, is the result, not only of their industry, and their wealth, but
of the conservative element in their business transactions; an element
•which has enabled them to withstand general misfortunes in business,
with a firmness and ability, which there are few communities can
equal ; and has, in her manufacturing career, built up a foundation of
remarkable solidity, for the future commercial and manufacturing
operations of the city to rest upon.
The industry of its population is not surpassed by that of any other
city ; and there is, for all the wealth of its population, fewer gentlemen
of leisure, than in any city of the Union.
There are at the present time, but few, if any families, in which
the male members are not engaged in some occupation, from day
to day — of either a professional, mercantile or mechanical charac-
ter; and there could not be pointed out half a dozen men of wealth,
who, themselves, or their sons, lead the life of leisure which is usu-
ally led by persons equally wealthy, in other cities of the Union.
In the wealth of her population, Pittsburgh would probably compare
unfavorably with the large eastern cities, as to the number of persons
usually termed millionaires, implying the possession of SSOO.OOO or
over. Yet, in point of persons who may be considered independent,
and those possessing handsome fortunes and competencies, there is in
all possibility no other city, for the same population, can compare
favorably with Pittsburgh.
The wealth of the city is generally distributed — a result of the fru-
gality and industry before mentioned, as well as of the opportunities
here, for the accumulation of money. When it is known that the
chartered banking capital of the city is only about four millions, it must
be apparent to all. that to carry on the heavy business transacted in
t
38 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
this city — there must be, not only large amounts of private capital,
but a very general distribution of it, throughout the business com-
munity.
The population of Pittsburgh, is at the present time 138,000, even
leaving out precincts which might be truthfully classified in the city,
and the indications are, that a steady increase is going on.
There are many towns whose growth seems to have been more
rapid than Pittsburgh, and probably for a short period has been so ;
yet, viewing the increase of Pittsburgh, for a series of years, we find
there has been, in the swell of population, a progress which from its
quietness has attracted but little attention, and is in its comparative
ratio with the growth of other points, undervalued by even her own
citizens.
The early growth of Pittsburgh was slow ; the cloud over the Penn
title, the foreign tenure of Louisiana, and other like causes, had a
great effect in retarding her progress. A statement of the various
censuses of Pittsburgh from 1800, could not be more appropriately
commenced, than with an extract from a rare volume, entitled "An
Historical Review of North America; containing a geographical,
political and natural history of the British and other European settle-
ments, the United and Apochryphal States, and a general state of
the times, &c, &c. By a gentleman immediately returned from a tour
of that continent. Printed at Dublin, Ireland, 1789." Says the
volume :
" Pittsburgh is a neat, handsome town, containing about four hun-
dred houses ; it is situated at the confluence of the Allegheny and
Monongahela rivers. It is expected this town will in a few years,
become the emporium of the western country." Comparing this
statement with others which we have, of the appearance and size of
the town in 1786, we should judge it to be an overestimate. At that
period, Judge Breckenridge gives the population at 1.500, and 100
houses. Niles' Register, the same year, states that — " there are in
Pittsburgh, 36 log houses, one stone, one frame, and five small stores."
Dr. Hildreth state.'—" that in 1788, Pittsburgh contained 400 or 500
inhabitants, several retail stores, and a garrison of troops. That at
least two of these records of the early population of Pittsburgh, were
guess-work, the following extract from the Gazette of January 9,
1796, ten years later, proves. Says the Gazette: " The number of
inhabitants in the borough of Pittsburgh, as taken by the assessors
last week, amounts to 1,395."
From this period we have authentic returns of the population ; and
the following table shows its increase from 1800 to 1810:
Year.
1800 . . .
POPULATION
Stores.
OF PITTSBURGH.
Houses.
Inhabitants.
. .. 1,565
1807 ...
1810 ..
50 ....
707 .
. . . 4,740
. . . 4,768
641 .
1813 .
958 .
. . . 5,748
. . . 7,000
1817 ...
109
1,403 ,
1820 . . .
. . . 7,248
1830 . .
. . lfi 9RR
1836 . . .
1840 ..,
4,500 .
.estimated 30,000
38.931
89
From 1817 to 1825 the city was at a stand still, from effects pro-
duced by the termination of the war of 1812. In 1817 many factories
stopped, and until 1821 there was a continual downward tendency in
all business and property. In 1821 the distress appeared to have
reached its height ; manufactories, trade and industry were all pros-
trated. " In May of that year the price of flour was one dollar per
barrel ; boards were two dollars a thousand feet ; whiskey, fifteen cents
a gallon ; sheep and calves, one dollar per head. It required a bushel
and a half of wheat to buy a pound of coffee — and twelve barrels of
flour to purchase a yard of superfine broad cloth." *
In 1825 and 1826, the city began to rally, and in 1830, she was
again prospering. In 1837 she was with other cities retarded by the
subsidence of the land speculation fever, and the panic. It will, how-
ever, be observed that notwithstanding these adverse years, that from
1820 to 1830 there was an increase equal to 135 per cent, or 13^ per
cent, a year; and that from 1830 to 1840, an increase of 129 per
cent, or nearly 13 per cent, a year.
From 1840 to 1845 were prosperous years, and the city increased
rapidly in business and population. In 1845 Pittsburgh experienced
another severe check, by the great fire of 10th of April — which, beyond
a doubt, retarded its progress in population and business to an extent,
incalculable, otherwise than by the figures given in relation to this
subject, in Chapter III of this volume. The city, however, continued
to increase, even under the weight of that loss of capital, and other
things consequent, as the following table will show :
Population. Increase in ten Increase in ten
years from 1S30. years from 1840.
1840 33,931 21,943
1850 79,873 40,942
1857 138,534 estimated at same rate of increase, of previous 10 years.
* Lyford's Western Address Directory.
-iO PITTSBURGH AS IX IS.
The population which this gives for the nine municipalities, which
we consider as forming the community of Pittsburgh, shows a sur-
prising rate of increase. The number would be yet larger, if there
were taken into account the populations of Minersville, East Pittsburgh,
Oakland, Mt. Washington, Tinkersville, Woodville, Hatfield, &c. &c,
all of which immediately join the line, and are in reality portions of
the city — the streets of which are continuous into those precincts, and
are dotted along the whole distance with buildings as thickly as is
usual in the suburbs of large cities.
Pursuing the course usually taken in the census reports of the
various western cities, where every family within five miles circuit is
counted, the families in these suburbs should be properly counted as
part of the population of Pittsburgh. The more justly as they are all
within twenty-five minutes walk of the heart of the city, and are the
homes of merchants, mechanics, and laborers, whose daily occupation
is in the city. Consistent, howeves, with the principle with which
this volume was commenced, of being under instead of over the
figures, we leave out of the census the inhabitants of the seven
suburbs we have particularized, and some others, and state the popu-
lation of this community, for 1S57, at the figures given in the table.
That there has been a very rapid, although quiet, increase going on
in the city in the past few years, is evident, not only from those
figures, but from the fact mentioned previously, that there are but few
comfortable, decently-situated houses for rent here, and a demand for
more — and this also, in the face of the retirement of numbers of our
merchants to country residences along the lines of rail roads, and a
quite large emigration from this city to the new territories and
western states.
The following table shows the increase of Pittsburgh as compared
with four of the principal cities of the West, from 1840 to 1857.
POPULATIONS,
Year, | Chicago, i Cincinnati. I Louisville. | St. Louis. ' Pittsburgh.
lS-tO i 4,470 i 46,338
1850 29.963 i 115.435
1857 110,000 200.000
38,931
79,873
i:>.534
The populations for 1S40 and 1850 are taken from the census and
corrected by the statistical publications of those cities issued since.
Those of 1857 are from reports published in the papers. Pittsburgh,
CLIMATE AND HEALTH 41
embracing the eight or nine suburbs omitted in the calculation set
down in the table, which so immediately join the city that there is no
intermediate space, would have, calculating from the same data, a
population of about 141,000.
A statement mado iu a publication of the Cincinnati Chamber of
Commerce, 1855, estimates that the population of Pittsburgh in 1860,
at the average rate of increase for fifty years, will be 172,000. We
have given the data on which the calculations of the population of
Pittsburgh are made, and it will be seen that we have kept within the
limits warranted by the figures. The calculations of the report of the
Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce, before referred to, make the
average increase of Pittsburgh, each decade for fifty years, 122 per
cent.
CHAPTER VIII.
CLIMATE AND HEALTH.
Situated seven hundred and fifty feet above the level of the ocean,
two hundred miles from its tide marshes, one hundred and eighty
feet above the level of Lake Erie, and more than one hundred miles
from its south-west coast, the position of Pittsburgh is peculiarly a
healthy one. "Although nearly surrounded by hills more than four
hundred feet in height, tho valleys of the Allegheny and Ohio are
open to free ventilation by the north-east and north-west winds. The
summer winds from the south which visit other western cities, from
low and paludal grounds, here descend upon the town from a terrace
of four hundred and fifty feet, after passing for a long distance over a
well-drained, cultivated, broken and mountainous region."*
The average temperature during the winter months, taking the
results of the observations for 1856, made by W. W. Wilson, Esq., is
21° above zero. During the spring months, 46°. During the sum-
mer months, 71°. During the autumn mouths, 51°.
The greatest heats usually occur in July, and the extreme cold in
January. The winter does not generally set in with severity until the
latter part of December ; and in the average of seasons, the moderate
temperatures of spring begin about the middle of February. Vege-
• Craig's History of Pittsburgh, p. 307.
tation comes rapidly forward in the latter portion of March and April ,
bur there is almost, invariably, frost about the 10th of May : tiros are
not usually dispensed with, however, until the 1st of June. The
autumn is a delieious season in this vicinity. From the 1st of Septem-
ber, when usually the nights and mornings become slightly cool, until
the last of November, a period of delightful weather prevails, with a
elear serene atmosphere-— which acquires that peeuliar ha.-.y appear-
amy. about the middle of Oetober. usual to that pleasant season known
as the Indian summer. During the winter months the wind is gener-
ally from the north-west, and during rain storms, and damp weather,
from the north-east. In the summer months the pleasant south-west-
ern winds prevail — changing to south-easternly currents during
rains.
If it were not for the eoal smoke, which is to strangers more
objectionable than natives, there is not a pleasanter location in tho
United States. The scenery, which along the three rivers is highly
romantic and picturesque in its character, is highly diversified by
plain, mountain and valley; and the nature of the site upon which
Pittsburgh is built is such that a walk of fifteen minutes from the
business centre of the city, will bring the pedestrian out upon high
table ground, from two to three hundred feet above the lew'. ,
city, and clear of its smoke — affording the most picturesque sites for
residences that could he wished — and of which large numbers of our
inhabitants have already availed themselves. The smoke necessarily
arising from its hundreds of manufactories, and the thousands «f
bushels of eoal which ate daily consumed by private families, pervades
the atmosphere to a large extent— but this smoke, according to the
report of the late Dr. Meyers, formerly pltysieiau to the .Marine
Hospital of this city, is from the carbon, sulphur and iodine, contained
in it, highly favorable to lung and cutaneous diseases. The smoke is
-'■miasmatic, hence the few eases of remittent and intermittent
fevers. - Strangers with weak lungs for a while rind their lungs
aggravated by tin- smoke; bur, nevertheless, asthmatic patients have
found relief in breathing it. In this account, eoal is our creditor ; in
. way, its abundance, cheapness and consequent general and
profuse use by the poorest inhabitants, is undoubtedly a great eause of
our superior healthfulness. The low fevers so prevalent in the large
eities among rhe poor during a hard winter, and rhe ague and fever
so commOn in the eastern counties where wood is scarce, are here in
a measure prevented by the universal practice of keeping good eoal
.1.1 M A IK A N D H !•' V I. Til I ,
tires Lata iii the Bpring and early in the autumn, and indeed at all
seasons when the weather is damp 01' ineleinent."*
Bayfl ihe same authority we have just quoted— " Of all the great
western towns, Pittsburgh is the farthest removed from the baneful
exhalations o( the swampy holders of the Mississippi, and accordingly
enjoys a greater exemption fiom those diseases which during the
summer and autumn months prevail even as high as Cincinnati.
* * * Dropsies, dysenteries, diarrhieas and cholera diseases,
which are influenced by causes of a malarious origin, have never
prevailed to any extent. * * * In comparison with eastern
eilies, there is miieh less pulmonary consumption, less scrofula, and less
disease of (he skin. There is scarcely any fever and ague, and no
vcllovv lever. In comparison with western cities, including Cincin-
nati, there is less bilious fever, less fever and ague, less cholera
infantum, and far less malignant cholera. We are the intermediate
link of disease as well as of commerce. We have less hepatic disease
than the West, and less pulmonic disease than the East. * * *
On the whole, with regard to the health of Pittsburgh, it may be
said that no city in the Union is more healthy, and none better resists
the malarious diseases, to which, during the autumn, the whole great
valley is more or less subject. Indeed, of the adjacent country,
including Western Pennsylvania, it may he said that no part of the
United States IB better suited to a European constitution, and (hat
the greater part will hear no comparison with it in point of salubrity."
'There is no city in the United Slates so healthy as Pittsburgh, and
it is extremely problematical if there is a healthier or as healthy a city
in tho world.
The following tables, compiled from various authorities, and aver-
aged from reports of several years, exhibit the health of Pittsburgh
in comparison with other cities of the United Slates and Europe.
HEALTH OK PITTSBURGH
in oamparlaon with thirty-two amerloan mui European Oltlaa.
Pittsburgh, average 5 years, including 1 year cholera,. . . i in 99
CITIKS OV UNITED STATUS.
Buffalo 1 in 50
Philadelphia, average 5 years, l in 42
Charleston, average 2 years, 1 in II
i '...-ion, average 6 years l in -n
Baltimore, average 5 years, i in 40
♦ Dr. Win. ii. Danny, in <'nvi K 's Hlitorj ufPlttahurgU.
44 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS
Cincinnati, Cist's average 1 in 35
New York, average 6 years, 1 in 31
Chicago, average 8 years, 1 in 29
St, Louis, average 2 years, ] in 24
EUROPEAN CITIES.
Glasgow, Scotland, 1 in 44
Geneva, Switzerland, 1 in 43
London, England, 1 in 40
St. Petersburgh, Kussia 1 in 37
Birmingham. England, 1 in 37
Leeds, England, 1 in 37
Leghorn, Italy, 1 in 35
Berlin, Prussia, 1 in 34
Paris, France, 1 in 33
Sheffield, England, 1 in 33
Lyons, France 1 in 32
Barcelona, Spaiu, 1 in 32
Strasburgh, Germany, 1 in 32
Nice, Italy, 1 in 31
Palermo, Sicily, 1 in 31
Manchester. England 1 in 30
Madrid, Spain, 1 in 29
Naples, Italy, 1 in 28
Brussels, Belgium, 1 in 26
Eome, Italy, 1 in 24
Amsterdam, Holland, 1 in 24
Vienna, Austria, 1 in 23
Edinburgh, Scotland, , 1 in 22
HEALTH OF PITTSBURGH
Iu comparison with eleven mnmifacturluj; cities.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1 in 99
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1 in 42
Cincinnati, Ohio, 1 in 35
St. Louis. Missouri 1 in 24
Glasgow, Scotland, 1 in 44
Birmingham, England, 1 in 37
Leeds, England, 1 in 37
Sheffield, England, 1 in 33
Berlin, Prussia, 1 in 34
Lyons, France, 1 in 32
Manchester, England 1 in 30
Brussels, Belgium, 1 in 26
CHAPTEE IX.
MANUFACTURING ADVANTAGES.
By reference to the chapter of this volume treating of the geographi-
cal position of Pittsburgh, it will be observed that, in the very important
requisite of natural and cheap channels for the distribution of pro-
ductions, Pittsburgh is possessed of remarkable advantages. A similar
reference to the exhibition of the Pittsburgh rail way system will show,
that in her artiticial avenues for distribution, there is an equal superior-
ity of position. By that reference it will be observed that through
her natural channels, she reaches from her own site, an extent of
country embracing more than 1,000,000 square miles, over which she
has unlimited powers for distributing her manufactures to the popu-
lous cities, growing towns, aud thriving villages, which are profusely
located throughout it; and that by her rail road system, she possesses
almost equal facilities for distribution.
After the power of distribution, the next point which attracts the
attention of the observant person, is the position which Pittsburgh
occupies for the easy reception of the staple materials of the country.
By the Pennsylvania Central rail road, the Pennsylvania canal and
branches, the Beaver canal, the Pittsburgh aud Connellsville rail road,
the Allegheny Valley rail road, and the Allegheny and Monongahela
rivers, Pittsburgh penetrates into the entire iron regions of Pennsyl-
vania, in every direction.
By a report of the Convention of Iron Masters, published in 1850,
it is stated that there were then 298 furnaces in the State, and 6 bloom-
eries — being a total of 304; whose capacity was 550,959 tons. The
same report remarks, that there are but eight counties out of the sixty-
two iu the State, incapable of tho production of iron. To this vast
amount of material, Pittsburgh has full access ; and as already speci-
fied, great facilities for the transportation of the mineral from those
furnaces to her rolling mills and foundries. In addition to the Penn-
sylvania ore deposits, which are but just beginning to be developed,
she has equal facilities for receiving tho products of the eastern Ohio
iron furnaces, by transportation over the Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne and
Chicago, the Pittsburgh and Cleveland, and the Pittsburgh and Steuben-
4G PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
yille rail roads, the Beaver and Erie Canal, and the Ohio river. The
Ohio river gives also cheap facilities for receiving the products of the
Tennessee and Kentucky furnaces. The Allegheny river and the
Allegheny Valley rail road, penetrating one of the finest wooded
districts in the country, give to Pittsburgh enviable facilities for cheap
transportation from that district, of such timber as the various manu-
factures in wood which have and may arise, demand ; while for foreign
woods, the Pennsylvania canal, the Pennsylvania Central railroad, con-
necting with the eastern seaboard, and the Chesapeake and Ohio canal,
connecting, by the Pittsburgh and Connellsville rail road to this city,
with the south-eastern sea-coast, afford a fine transportation in such
quantities as may be required. For wool, hemp, cotton, and in
fact any of the staples of the various sections of the Union, the exhibit
which is already given of our rivers and our railways, shows how
readily they can be laid down in Pittsburgh, and how cheaply. After
the facilities for the. distribution of productions, and the receptions of
material, the next important quality in creating and continuing a
great manufacturing city, is fuel.
There is no point combining as Pittsburgh does, the two first neces-
sary advantages, that possesses the last in so valuable a shape. Other
cities may find within reachable distance, coal of a good quality, and
in large quantities ; yet the advantage remains with Pittsburgh, from
the easy access which is had to it, and the consequent cheapness of
the article. To manufacture in Pittsburgh there need be, from the
location of the coal strata, and the advantageous sites for factories at
this point, little or no cost for the transportation of fuel. The coal
lies in the hills from one to two hundred feet above the bottom lands,
on which the factories being located, the coal can be sent down by
cars directly into the yards thereof. On the left bank of the Mononga-
hela, the coal lies 200 feet above the level of the river bank, and is in
a number of instances sent down into the mills and foundries in the
manner described, in which cases the cost of fuel is only about eighty
cents per ton, of 2,240 pounds. Where from any cause the factory is
located in such a manner that advantage cannot be taken of these
unparalleled facilities for fuel, the cost of coal delivered in the yards
of the mills, foundries, &c. is only from $1.31 to $1.50 per ton; and
contracts have been made at $1.16 and $1.20. There is a large extent
of ground suitable for all descriptions of manufactories, where, as
previously stated, coal can be sent down into the yards at a cost not
above $1.00 per ton, of twenty-eight bushels, and down to eighty cents.
In any article which requires for its manufacture large quantities of
fuel, the great advantage gained by this easy obtainance of fuel, and
MANUFACTURING ADVANTAGES. 47
the almost nominal cost per bushel or ton, is decisive as to the supe-
riority of this point, for its production.
This advantage of fuel, without the ability to distribute widely and
cheaply, and to receive raw materials from a distance easily and
cheaply, would of course be in itself, isolated from the other two, of
little or no value ; nor would they without the other, be of the same
force or value ; but such a combination of these three, as exists at
Pittsburgh is, beyond disputation, unsurpassed — perhaps unparalleled.
The quality of the coal of the Pittsburgh seam is so well understood
by all manufacturers, that descriptions of its adaptations would be
almost superfluous. The following table, however, presenting a few
results from various analyses which have been made, is given in order
that a comparison can more readily be instituted as to Pittsburgh and
other western cities, in the one item of manufacturing — fuel.
Pennsylvania.
Pittsburgh,
Somerset Co.*
Mercer Co
Venango Co
Beavor Co
Virginia.
VTheeling,
Kenawha Salines,
Kentucky.
Breckenridge ,f
Henderson,
Hawsville,t
Casey villo,
BeH"s Seam
Ohio.
Pomeroy
Indiana.
Cannelton,+
Rockport,
Missouri.
Calloway,:]:
27.16.
54.29!
4V. i in
44.49
60.14
no.-io
19.50
40.50
43.20
36.00
44.04
47.10
42.50
40.00
31.S2
36.46
59.47
45.00
40.83 40.05
3.40
10.68
1.70
7.00
2.30
8.47
3.15
7.00
23.09
3.40
47.72 39.29 12
3.49
13,12
Pounds of
Steam at
212° per
cubic foot
280 J I
384.0
348.8
292.0
I Weight of
Specific cubic j"d,
gravitj. pound«.
1.205
1,382
1.275
1.23U
1.250
1.250
1,302
1,357
2,134
2.332
2.075
2,109
2.106
2,347
2,313
The value of coal as a fuel, or as a generator of steam, depends
very essentially upon the quantity of fixed carbon, which it contains.
A3 a general rule, in the manufacture of iron, the quantity of coal is
necessarily augmented, in the same ratio that the yield of carbon is
* Tliis Coal will in a short time come into the Pittsburgh market, via the
Pittsburgh and Connellsville rail road, which passes through the county.
t Cannel Coal.
t Above St. Louis, and Canuol Coal.
48 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
diminished. The same is the case where the manufacture of glass is
concerned, and in fact wherever heat is a requisite in manufacturing.
The advantage which the possession of this quality of coal gives to
Pittsburgh, does not stop at the simple possession ; hut continues in
the additional cost which the necessity for that coal, obtainable,
as will be seen from the table, only from Pittsburgh, entails upon
manufacturers at points below.
The fuel which costs the Pittsburgh manufacturer, from 80 cents to
$1.50 per ton of 2,240 lbs., or 28 bushels, costs the manufacturer in
the down river towns and cities, from $2.80 to $3.50 for the same
quantity ; being a difference, taking the average, of $2 per ton.
The advantage which this gives to Pittsburgh in the carrying on of
a rolling mill, for instance, is best shown by the following calculations :
A rolling mill of 20 puddling and 11 heating furnaces, and 25 nail
machines, will consume, running double turn, about 850,000 bushels,
or 34,000 tons of coal in a year; running single turn, about 525,000
bushels, or 20,000 tons a year. The additional cost to a rolling mill,
running double turn, in Cincinnati, Louisville, or St. Louis, would
be, at $2 a ton advance on the Pittsburgh cost, $68,000. A mill of
the capacity named will turn out about 14,000 tons of manufactured
iron ; the difference in price of fuel creating an advantage of nearly
$5 per ton to the Pittsburgh manufacturer. The same advantage
arising from fuel, will be the result in all manufactures where it is a
prominent requisite.
This estimated advantage is only as stated in years favorable for
the transportation of coal from Pittsburgh to the ports below. When
dry summers and severe winters interrupt the navigation of the Ohio,
as was the case in 1855 and 1856, manufacturers below must expect
to pay much heavier rates, and then the advantage to Pittsburgh
manufacturers is proportion ably greater. During the coal famine of
the fall and winter of 1856 and 1857, those manufactories whose stocks
ran out, were obliged to pay from 30 cents to 50 cents per bushel for
coal, or stop their works. Where contracts requiring fulfillment in a
specified time were completing in their workshops, the price was
necessarily given ; in other cases the works were thrown idle; in either
case, at a serious loss. In the one instance the articles were manu-
factured at a cost, taking the lowest compulsory price, over the Pitts-
burgh cost equal to $15.62 on the ton of pig iron. In the other
instance, a loss equal, each month, to 1 per cent, in time, and J per
cent, upon the interest of the capital was sustained for whatever
period the works were idle from the want of fuel. That this state of
MANUFAC'njJtlNU ADVANTAGE. 49
affairs will nut occur frequently there is no guarantee, and the only-
preventive adoptable by the down river manufacturers, is to stock ,
when it is plenty, sufficient coal to last a year. This would in itself
require such an outlay of capital, that the cure would be nearly as
troublesome as the disease. Those contingencies of fuel, the manu-
facturer in Pittsburgh is free from ; he can have his coal in the dryest
summer, or the severest winter, at the same cost as iu the favorable
seasons.
Loss from want of metal is also a result which the down river
manufacturer is liable to, from the same cause which enhances the
price of his fuel, and renders his supply of it uncertain.
An occurrence of this character did, in the winter of 1 856-57, cripple
a large down river manufacturing community — which, although
supplied with fuel, was destitute of metal. In that particular, as well
as in the supply of fuel, Pittsburgh is independent of the variations of
the seasons.
Following those great essentials, reception of material, distribution
of products, and cheapness of fuel, comes cheapness and eligibility of
sites for manufactories.
In this essential Pittsburgh presents, from the low price of real estate,
as shown in the chapter treating thereof, great advantages. Locations
for building, combining the requisites of space, water, transportation
facilities, and the best of those advantages already mentioned for
obtaining fuel, are to be had in every direction around the two cities
and the suburbs, at very low prices, and on accommodating terms.
Closely connected with this advantage are the low rates for warehouse
rents, in comparison with other cities. In Cincinnati, for instance, the
rentof a warehouse on the levee, twenty-five feet by two hundred, would
be about $3,000. In Pittsburgh, the same sized house rents from
$1,000 to $1,200. In the same proportions are the rents for dwelling
houses. It is fair to say that the difference in dwelling house and
warehouse rents is $3,000 a year, in favor of the Pittsburgh manufac-
turer, over one located in one of the larger cities below this point, a.,d
rorrespondingly in other sections of the Union.
Yet another advantage is the cheapness with which workmen can
live in this city in comparison with other points. The details of the
cost of living to the mechanic, the merchant, and the laborer, wc leave
to their proper chapter ; to which a reference will show that in the
expense of living, fuel costs but about one-third as much as at Cincin-
nati, Louisville, or St. Louis. Rents are only one-half as much. A
majority of the articles for food are one-third less than at those points ■
50 PITTSBUKGH AS IT 18
while all articles of wearing apparel, or the material for them, can be
purchased as cheaply as in Philadelphia or New York.
The fact that all species of labor in our manufactories is from ten
to 20 per cent, less than at manufacturing points below — and that
workmen, in most instances, prefer to labor here at less prices, is
conclusive as to the difference in household expenses.
In this consideration the article of fuel claims again, prominence ;
not so much from its price in ordinary seasons, although then one
dollar will go as far as three elsewhere ; but, from extraordinary
seasons, like that of the fall and winter of 1856-57, when a fuel
famine prevailed in all the great towns of the Ohio valley, at New
Orleans and other points upon the Mississippi. While at Cincinnati,
Louisville, &c. coal was commanding fifty cents per bushel, and for a
time none to be had, even at that rate, at Pittsburgh the price was
unchanged, and the supply plenty at the usual rates for supplying
households, from five and a half to six cents. Human knowledge or
foresight gives no data as to when a dry s ummer or a severe winter
may be expected ; and to the laboring classes, averaging one dollar
per day, or the mechanical classes, averaging two dollars per day, a
location where the comfort of their firesides is superior to the varia-
tions of the seasons, is of great importance. While to the mercantile,
manufacturing, and more remunerative professions of all classes, the
increased cost of fuel from a severe winter, is a matter of comparative
indifference; yet to the laboring and mechanical clashes who are
unable to lay in large supplies, but must replenish from time to time,
their winter's fuel, such contingencies of fuel as in 1S56-57 made
demands upon their purses, are ones to be avoided ; and that is why, in
the consideration of cost of living to workmen in Pirtsbiu-gh, the price
and uninterrupted supply of fuel possesses great interest and import-
ance.
In intimate connexion with the advantages belonging to Pittsburgh,
from cheapness of living, is the salubrity of the location. The table of
mortality given in another chapter treating upon this subject, is con-
clusive of the superiority on this point, of this community; and without
doubt, the great health shown by those tables to be possessed by this
manufacturing population, weighs heavily in the summing up of the
advantages of this location as a manufacturing point. Not only to
the workman, is the health of his family and of himself of importance,
but to the manufacturer, as well. The loss of income caused by three
or four weeks sickness suffered by the workman, whose recompense
for twelve hours' severe toil is from one to two dollars — or by the
MANUFACTURING AD V ANT Ai.J •. 51
increased demands upon it from frequent illness in his family, is
seriously felt, in the consequent deprivation of comforts, which the
money lost from lost time, and necessarily expended in drugs and
doctors' bills, would purchase. The lessening of such misfortunes is
an object in the selection of his place of toil. To the manufacturer,
whose profits often depend upon the skilled and unbroken labor of a
set of hands, the loss from the forced substitution of green hands for
competent ones, or the ragged running of his machinery, from the
forced depletion of his working force by illness, is also, especially if
occurring when his order books are full, a great injury, not only to
his profits, but to the smooth working of his business. To the employer,
therefore, as well as the employee, is the healthfuluess of a location
a subject of careful consideration; and there is no point, as statistics
show, in the United States, possessed of all or any of the requisites
for supporting a manufacturing community, which can in any way
compare with Pittsburgh, for salubrity.
From this brief sketch of some of the manufacturing advantages of
Pittsburgh, it is apparent that there are three advantages of cheap-
ness — those of fuel, material and living ; three of position — those of
reception, distribution, and manufacturing sites ; three of health —
unbroken labor, lessened expenses, and increased income .
The cost of manufacturing, from these advantages and many others
of a minor character, is so lessened in Pittsburgh, that it may safely
be called the cheapest point of the United States for the manufacturing
of most articles, especially those in which iron, wood, cotton, wool
and fuel are important components.
A writer in " Rees' Encyclopedia," at an early date, in mentioning
the advantage of this location, says — " The cotton of the Ohio and
Mississippi, the hemp of Kentucky, the ore of the vast iron district,
near Pittsburgh, the abundance of material for glass, will undoubtedly
lead the people of that place to rival Manchester in cotton goods,
Birmingham in iron, Russia in hemp, and Germany in glass.'' Two
of these specified rivalships are accomplished.
Among the powers used in manufacturing, that of steam is pre-
eminent, and its advantage being in proportion to its cost, its value
is great or small over other kinds of power according to its cheapness.
At Pittsburgh so cheap is the article of fuel, that steam becomes the
prevalent power. Its cost, at this point, is given in an estimate in
the Report of the United States Engineers upon the establishment
of a National Foundry, in 1823, as follows :
|| I' IT 1' MU Kit H AS j l ]v
The total OOSt o/rb-ir tngmm working SIS d.tys would be —
100 bushels of coal a day at S cts. $ 4.S0. or $l.r>02.40
Oil, per day 40 " 1 2.V20
Packing four times each, 16 times,, .at 1.75 ' 28.00
4 Engineers at 400.00 " 1.600.00
Or equal to $813.90 for each engine.
The same report, comparing steam and water power, states that
"there were employed in Pittsburgh at that date, fourteen engines
from twenty to eighty horse power, whose powers exceeded that ox'
the whole extent of the Muskingum, with a head of eight
The cost fif material for the erection of the various species of
manufactures is so low at this point, that a desirable advantage is
gained here from the reduced cost of building. All such component
pans of manufactories, as wood, brick, glass and iron, are cheap, and
labor is reasonable, in fact low in comparison with some other points.
Lumber is worth hem Sic to $30 per thousand feet: shingles, IS
per thousand ; glass, 12 by 20. sixty lights to the 100 feet. S6.50 per
1 80 feet ; I ricks. $4 per thousand ; castings are worth from $50 to $60
per ton: forged iron work about 5140 per ton: lime. 16 cents per
bushel: white lead. S2.?0 per keg of 85 lbs.: planed rlooring. $22 per
thousand: sash averages 7$ cents a light: door?. So each: tin. ^ X
$12 per box; sheet copper. S6 cents per ft*.: brass casting?, S7| cts.
per lb.: bar iron, 56;- per ton ; sheet iron. $136 per ton : nails. So to 56
a keg of 100 lbs.: spikes. S4 to S3 a keg of 100 *s.: slating, wirh
copper nails. $10 to Sll per square often feet.
The chapter treating of mechanics' wages furnishes data for esti-
mates of the expense for mechanical and manual labor in erecting
buildings in this vieinin. aud the capitalist or manufacturer can from
those and the data already given, at once discern the extent of the
advantage gained in Pittsburgh by facilities and cheapness for erection
of buildings.
There are in Pittsburgh abundant openings for manufacturing
enterprises, which will not fail to be highly renv.'
conducted. There is business and demand for more mannfaetories —
in iron, glass, wood, cotton, wool, and in fact every staple of the
country: and for the - - ' in the
Union where skill a ;• ' I :han at
Pittsburgh.
To the capitalists desirous of investing money, the mechanic of
MLA1, K STATU. 5;{
employing skill, and the merchant of exerting ability, a closer and
personal examination into the subjects treated of in these chapters,
Will be undoubtedly advantageous. To Eastern men, who may con-
template a jaunt to the West, we would suggest a halt at Pittsburgh
of a few days, in their route. Even those who have no desire to
change their location or to seek investments, will find much here that
will instruct, amuse and surprise.
CHAPTER X.
REAL ESTATE.
In Pittsburgh, the prices of real estate are extremely low; and at
the first glance, compare unfavorably with those of other cities. A
comparison, however, of the advance of real estate in this community ,
from 1810 to 1856, presents by no means an unfavorable picture, or a
depressing prospect.
In examining the value of real estate in Pittsburgh, it should be
borne in mind that from 1818 to 1824, the business portion of the
inhabitants, from the depressed state of trade, was in a ruined condi-
tion ; also, that real estate under the inflation of 1834 and 1836,
advanced to high figures; at which rates, the solid capital she
possesses, which has so often sustained her in adverse times, has kept
it. Unlike many other locations where real estate advanced with the
same speculative fever, that of Pittsburgh receded only in particular
instances — not generally! Consequently, from 1840 to 1856, the
advance in real estate has been mostly in the new wards, where the
expansion of 1836 enhanced only by the acre, not by the lot. The
effect of the conflagration of 1845, as shown in the second chapter of
this volume, should also be considered, in an examination of this
subject.
Repeating that, considering Pittsburgh's advantages of site, its busi-
ness, and its growth in the last 17 years, real estate is surprisingly
low, it is proper to assert, in that connection, that this very disparaging
point, in a review of the city and its past, is one of the strongest points
to build upon for its future.
The depression in prices of houses and of lots in Pittsburgh, for
the past few years, presents a singular paradoxical feature in the
history of the city. While it has increased in extent, population, and
5-i 1'ITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
business — real estate, which is always supposed to grow buoyant
under such circumstances, has been languishing. The propriety
might be doubted of exhibiting in a volume like this the depression
which exists in this city, in that barometer of a city's prosperity, real
estate, which in its rise or fall, is presumed to show the increase or
falling off of a location in wealth, population and business. Yet as
this volume was undertaken for the purpose of presenting this city as
it really exists, honesty toward the subject demands that the unfavor-
able should be presented as well as the favorable; although under the
singular aspect existing, of an increase in all things else, the depres-
sion in that particular should not be considered as unfavorable. The
statement that within the last year houses and lots have been repeat-
edly offered at asllow a price for the fee simple, as tho same dwellings
would command for rents in Chicago and Cincinnati or St. Louis, in
two years time, shows at once the condition of our real estate market.
In those cities mentioned, it would hardly be believed that well
built, well finished three story brick houses, with all modern conveni-
ences, erected upon lots 24 by 100 feet, in one of the most popular
residential wards of the city were offered at $1500 for house and lot,
and hesitatingly taken. Yet this is the case, with so great a
demand for houses for rent, that there is at present no comfortable
decently situated house, or but few, tenantless in the city. Such a
state of affairs, undoubtedly presages a profitable future. Evident as
it is that real estate cannot well go further down in the scale of prices,
and that the scarcity of houses for renting indicates that the city is
largely increasing in population; and plainly, as the bustle of business
in our streets shows, that business is increasing, as well as the
population ; it needs no logical deductions to show that the course of
prices of real estate in this city must be upward.
To predict an advance in the real estate of this vicinity, and a
substantial one, in the next five years, does not, in view of the forego-
ing exposition of affairs, need a prophet. Considering that this
coming event is casting its shadow before it, in the face of an unfin-
ished railway system, which has heavily burdened the tax-payer, and
threatens the placing of heavier burdens upon our real estate holders,
how much less does it need a spirit of prophecy to foretell a large
advance in real estate, and fortunes made thereby, in the space of the
next five years ; when it is certain that, iu that time, the rail road
system of Pittsburgh, which, as will be seen in the chapter treating
thereof, is immensely valuable, will be finished, and commence pour
ing its strength of business and population into this community.
RUAL KSTAl'K. 55
That taxes are in this city apparently heavy, there can be no
hesitation in saying, and many predict therefrom, and because there
is no perceptible buoyancy in the real estate market, with but one
railway line out of nine completed, and the others consuming capital,
instead of producing income, that no benefit will accrue to real estate
from the completion of the system. Such an idea, to any one who
surveys the whole ground of debate in the matter, is amusing, and is
similar in its aspect to any which might be advanced in regard to a
rolling mill or a glass house in which capital had been expended to
carry it on extensively, and while the whole works were completing
to running order point, because the turning of one pair of rolls, or
the blowing of one pot of glass a year, did not pay, to declare that
the glass or iron business would not.
The taxes, and the debt of the city, have a great bearing upon the
subject of this chapter, and a brief consideration of these two points,
while they will inform the distant reader, will also show to any who
have been frightened by this outcry gotten up by our own citizens,
what a scarecrow it is.
The debt of the two cities is one million six hundred and eighty-
seven thousand two hundred and eighty dollars. Heavy as this sum
may appear in a statement of liabilities, yet, reflecting that it is owed
by a community, where the partial interruption of business, by low
water, during the past fall was computed to have occasioned to the
manufacturers alone, a loss of a million and a half of dollars, the
debt loses its formidable appearance along side of the immense
resources which that fact suggests.
With a debt of $1,687,280, the value of the real estate of the com-
munity of Pittsburgh is $28,525,172, upon which is assessed a <ax
tor city purposes of $148,8 iC. 12, viz; Pittsburgh, $70,666.12,
Allegheny, $78,380.00, being but 8 mills to the dollar upon its real
value, although it is 16 mills upon its assessed value; it being the
custom in Pittsburgh to assess a house and lot costing $2,000, at
about $800, and so on through the whole range of property. In other
cities, property is given a true valuation, and taxes levied accordingly,
which system, if pursued here, would soon relieve the city of its debt,
or, with the valuation of $28,525,172, a direct tax of six per cent,
upon it would liquidate the indebtedness.
Although it would seem that such a course would be crushing, yet,
the debt thrown off, the result in the upward bound of property
relieved of the weight, would, our whole system of rail roads being
completed, pay in a short time the whole amount of taxes, while the
56 PITTSBURGH AS IT 1 S
thus leaving the city free to devote her whole income to public
improvements, would likewise enhance tiie value of real estate.
That a debt of $1,687,280 should, in view of the wonderful resour-
ces, the undoubted amount: of wealth possessed by the community of
Pittsburgh, lie like a nightmare upon the energies of our business
population and our real estate holders, is singular, and is, from the
nature of the causes, one which will not long exist.
While dwelling upon the aspect which the real estate interest bears.
the view of the subject would not be complete, if among the agents
which we consider as tending to produce the advance, we did not
consider the demand from so large a portion of the Union, that the
government should use some method to improve the Ohio river.
That it will, in a few years, probably cotemp oraneousl y with the
finishing of our railway system, be so improved as to be reliably
navigable except when obstructed by ice, there can be little or no
doubt.
The immense increase and increasing expansion of the West, has
rendered it imperative that so important an artery as the Ohio, to the
proper circulation of the commerce of the West, should be readily,
continuously, and extensively available ; and after the triumphs of
ocean steam navigation, the victories of the locomotive and the
magic of the telegraph, who is prepared to say that the navigation of
the Ohio canuot be so improved, as to be largely available at all sea-
sons, except when closed by frosts 1
Such being the ease, need it be suggested what will be the future of
Pittsburgh, or the tendency of its real estate.
It is iu view of all these matters bearing upon the prosperity of the
city, that there need be no hesitancy in saying, there is no point in the
United States where the same opportunities for investment in real
estate exist; with the same certainty of a heavy increase in the next
live or six years.
Those persons who peruse these pages for the purpose of learning
the opportunities for investment, will before this have discovered that
it is no fancy picture we are painting, but that we are presenting a fair
statement of both sides of the subject ; and when we invite capital
to invest here, it is not on onesided views, but upon facts and figures.
Having thus briefly presented the aspect of our real estate, a few
figures which exhibit the past and present values of it, and its ratio
of increase will fitlv conclude the chapter.
Table showing the increase in the assessed and aetval ealue of the
Heal Estate of Pittsburgh, from 1810 to 1856:
Tea,
Assessed
»;il«o.
Ratio of
Increase per
cent.
Seal
estimated
value.
Ratio of
Increase per
cent.
1810,
1820,
$ 1.023,885
2,067,680
9,729,240
14,202,586
324
47
$ 2.047.770
4,115,380
19,468,480
2S..VJS.172
101
1847
370
1856,
46
Tbe valuation in 1847, by the assessment, enjoys the benefit of
the great enhancement in prices caused by the speculations of 1834
and 1836: property in this city as mentioned elsewhere, remaining: at
inflation prices as a generality, sustained at that point by the solid
capital of the city. The assessed valuation of 1856, sutlers from the
depression mentioned before, as caused by "the great fire." and other
public misfortunes, which causes account for the large ratio of increase
in value in the former instance, and the small increase m comparison
therewith in the latter. The assessed value of the real estate at the
various eras given, is taken from the assessment books, and the esti-
mated real value is predicated upon the prevalent mode of assessing
as instanced a few paragraphs back, and \e set down at least twenty-five
per cent, under the sum even that basis would admit of.
CHAPTER XL
Coal was known in England as early as A. D. 853, and was applied
to economical purposes about the middle of the twelfth century. In
Belgium, according to tradition, a blacksmith discovered the value of
coal as a fuel, in 1 1 98 : and in 1 239, the men of New Castle, England,
were granted the privilege o( diguing coals by King Henry III.
From old writers upon the subject, it appears that the mining of
coal was, in the early days of its introduction as a fuel, conducted
under special charters. Its extraction in Belgium, was. prior to the
fifteenth century, subject to the control and supervision of ail especial
court; and in Scotland, one of the privileges granted to a religious
bouse, in A. P. 1291, was that of mining coals.
58 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
The adoption of coal as a substitute for wood was gradual — and
many prejudices had to be dissipated before the use of it became
general.
In Paris, the medical faculty was employed in the beginning of the
fifteenth century, in making a decision of how far- this new description
of fuel was injurious to health ; and in the early part of the sixteenth
century, the citizens of London petitioned Parliament against the use
of coals. Proclamations were issued in the reigns of the first Edward,
of England, and of Queen Elizabeth, forbidding the use of coal during
the sitting of Parliament, lest the health of the Knights of the Shire
should suffer from its consumption, during their residence in London.
It seems incredible that a human being should be condemned to
suffer death for burning coal; yet history records that a citizen of
London, for violation of a stringent law prohibiting its use in England,
was executed; so great an evil was once deemed that mineral, now
considered so great a good, that the value of the yearly extraction from
the deposits of that mineral in Great Britain, Belgium, France, Prussia,
and Pennsylvania, was, in 1848, estimated at $145,200,000, and every
year since has largely increased the demand and supply.
Taylor, in his coal statistics, computes that the above-mentioned
sum is "nearly nine times the annual value of the gold and silver
exported from Mexico, or six times that of the gross produce of the
precious metal in North and South America and Russia " A momen-
tary consideration of the immense excess in value, which is thus
shown to be possessed by coal over the gold and silver of the world,
y fully prepares the mind to admit that Pittsburgh is richer in her
coal fields than the balance of the world, in all their deposits of
precious metals.
The extent of the bituminous coal field by which Pittsburgh is sur-
rounded in her own State, and from which she derives revenue, is
15,000 square miles — being equal to 8,600,000 acres. The amount
of coal contained in that area, it is extremely difficult to estimate,
because of the variations of strata, and want of reliable information
as to the number of workable coal veins to be found in the same depth
from the surface reached by the English and French mines. The
upper, or Pittsburgh seam, would, estimating it at an average of eight
feet in thickness, contain in that area, 1,498,464,000,000 bushels, or
53,516,430,000 tons of coal — the value of which, at an average rate of
five cents per bushel, would be worth $74,923,200,000, or more than
the gold production of California, at its present rate of $24,000,000
annually, would amount to in 3,000 years.
COAL. 59
The tract of ground containing such a value of mineral, was pur-
chased by the Proprietaries, as the Penn family and their coadjutors
were styled, in 1768 and 17S4 — only seventy-three years ago, for the
sum of SI 0,000.
In Pittsburgh, coal appears to have been used as early as 1784, and
was then mined from the hill immediately opposite the city, where
the P<<nns granted the privilege at £30 a lot, " to dig coal as far in as
the perpendicular line falling from the summit of the hill."*
From that day to the present, Coal Hill, as it is familiarly called,
has furnished large quantities of fuel to this locality — and at no point
has coal of a better quality, for all purposes for which it is used,
been discovered. The importance of this mineral, and its value to
Pittsburgh, is so largely dealt upon in the chapters of this work devo-
ted to the mineralogical position of the city, and its manufacturing
advantages, that it is unnecessary to remark further here upon the
subject. The extent to which it is mined, the cost of its extraction,
and the various expenses attendant upon taking it to market, are
points which the distant reader will be gratified to find discussed
under the title heading this section of the volume.
Until a few years past, all the coal exported from this city, was
floated down the river in large flat-bottomed boats, which were usually
one hundred and twenty-five feet long, sixteen feet wide, and eight
feet deep, with flat perpendicular sides, bow and stern. Each boat of
this size holds about 15,000 bushels of coal; and they are floated to
their destination lashed in pairs. The usual complement of hands for
such boats, is twenty-three or twenty-four. These boats can only be
floated down the river, or as it is technically termed, " run," in the high
floods that generally, from time to time, in the spring and fall of each
year, swell the current of water in the Ohio river. Of late years a system
of towing has been introduced, by barges and steamboats constructed
expressly for the trade, which is being adopted to a large extent, and
will ultimately cause the Pittsburgh " coal boat " to disappear from
the waters of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. The " coal boat " is
yet, however, the popular conveyance for coal to the Mississippi
markets — the trips of the barges and their tow-hoats being confined to
the cities above the Palls of the Ohio, with the exception of a few trips
made to St. Louis, to supply contracts in that city.
♦ Arthur Lee's Journal.
60
PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
It is from the four Pools of the Monongahela river slack-water, and
from the Youghiogheny river, that the large proportion of the coal
boats start upon their voyage. The quantity of coal that yearly
leaves these rivers, the following table shows ; and it is proper, because
opportune, to here again call attention to the exhibit which the tables
afford of the serious effect that a suspension of the navigation of the
Ohio has upon the prosperity of Pittsburgh. By reference to the
table it will be noticed that the decrease in 1856 from 1855, in coal
shipped out of the slackwater, was nearly sixty-five per cent, or
13,650,914 bushels. Of this, 11,225,674 bushels was a decrease from
the amount exported in 1855 — worth at market value, in the ports
above the Falls, $1,403,209.25 — to which extent the suspension of
navigation affected the business of Pittsburgh in that one item.
STATEMENT of Coal shipped from the various Pools of the
Monongahela Slackwater during 12 years.
Year.
Pool No. 1.
Pool No. 2.
Pool No. S.
Pool No. 4.
Total.
1845,
BUSHELS.
2,527,879
BUSHELS.
1,328,604
4,188,258
3,986,643
4,420,347
5,540,470
5,846,16S
7,188,539
BUSHELS.
314,342
BUSHELS.
434,360
BUSHELS.
4,605.185
7,778,911
1847, -
1848,
3,377,703
3,536,761
2,944,044
3,998,200
4,105,624
4,797,704
1,227,201
1,436,666
1,434,723
1,862,548
1,769,302
1,736,622
851,965
859,291
909,393
906,749
800,134
907,976
i',317,'518
1,286, LOO
427,764
Total,....
Or, £
9,645,127
9,819,361
9.708,507
12.297,967
12.521.228
14,630,841
15,716,367
1854
4,756,263
6,829,2S2
3,910,978
9.251,532
11,485,072
3,213,740
2,006,633
2,633,555
1,031,613
17,331,946
22.234,009
8,584,095
144,862,689
,173,846 tons.
The above table shows that from the four pools of the Monongahela,
and from the Youghiogheny, there were "run" 144,826,689 bushels, or
5,173,846 tons of coal in twelve years.
The subjoined table shows in what manner it was distributed. The
figures under the head of " Boats'' showing the quantity run to down
river ports, and that under the caption of " Flats," indicating the
amount delivered for home consumption.
*Ohio river too low to run coal for 200 days or 6^ months, from May 14th, to
December 1st, and closed again Deconiber until February.
COAL. 61
TABLE showing Coal for home and export trade, shipped from the
Monongahela Slackwater for 12 years :
Year. Boats (exported.) Flats (home.)
1S45, 2,600,340 1,944,845
1846, 5,236,436 2,542,475
1S47, 6,513,997 3,131,130
1848, 6,496,057 3,223.304
1849, 6,329,907 3,378,907
1850, 7,825,042 4,472.925
1851, 7,645,200 4,876,226
1852, 9,903,921 4,726,920
1853, 10,800,632 4,915,735
1854 13,666,491 3,665,455
1855, 16,300,159 5,933,S50
1856, 5,174,485 3,409,250
98,642,667 46,231,022
VALUE OF TWELVE TEARS.
Exported, $9,864,266.70
Home, 2,311,251.10
Total, $12,175,517.90
By reference to the tables it will be seen that in 1855, which year it
is proper to particularize — from the business of 1856 having been cut
off by suspension of navigation — that the quantity of coal exported
from the Monongahela slackwater, was 16,300,159 bushels; of this,
about 5,500,000 were run to New Orleans. The quantity shown by
the same table, taken from the same mines for home consumption,
was 5,933,850 bushels. The value of these amounts may be summed
up thus :
To New Orleans, 5,500,000 bushels, $1,375,000.00
" other down river ports, 10,800,159 " 1,350,019.75
il home trade, 5,933,850 " 296,692.50
$3,021,711.25
The foregoing figures exhibit but one channel of the coal trade.
There are from the first dam on the Monongahela river, to the junction
of the Chartiers creek with the Ohio, a number of coal rail roads, which
furnish coal for home trade and for exportation.
The production of these for the year 1855, was about 3,000,000
bushels.
The value of which may be summed up thus :
For ports below, 2,000,000 bushels, $250,000
" home consumption, 1,000,000 " 50,000
v_ iUIISBUKttH AS II IS.
. IM iu and around the city limits, about 150 coal works,
- . - . . . vercd to the pure .
- ; - a»| - . ' > 56, was is near as we can learn,
;>.....:•.— i I ; $555,175
e uue by which the exportation of coals, and home coa-
sump::.- .? — - :. Central rail ioad. On this
- -
L8S8 65/MM 1.425,000
1854 lScv.W t$ ; -; ;. N
!>:•? ::;;■;•; 5.250.000
L85« :,>.,.- ;:;.:;<
V # amount was thus divided :
: -
>v.>"\ : 5
:
\ : . j . . r
353
. . : : ; : I
:::..\x>
14 ..
;;. .;;
1851
w.ooo
65.000
sas^MN
1855
- ;. ...vo
no.;;;
;■;..; ;
555
i
1 "
;;■;.;;
increase the business of the - us the road has only begun to
. Ml since the commencement 18 '■" "he future tonnage of
the Pittsburgh coal :: _:> increase.:
neuts from the Youghiog': - * by those which will
; from Somerset county, through which the road runs.
...._. ...ley Kail JRoad is likewise swelling the amount
of coal delivered in this city : and the coal carried erer this road in
"ounted to 1-4.523 tons, or 473.050 bushels — all of which was
Tne annual ralue of the coal trade of Pittsburgh, is, from the
absence of any source whence can be obtained the yield of the country
pits, which supply a large portion, of die demand arising from private
families, difficult to state correctly. The coal from oat me pools of
the Monongahela and Yoogbiogbeny, and that carried over the rail
roads, can be correctly obtained; but beyond these sources, an under-
.->.:-.• . - .... "..-.-; . . ■.; ..v. ;\y ;::;.: ;: . : . ;.-;-.: ". ::.e
"> - ' •
eitv. The mklQ of the eoal toads, howover, for iho your 18,'>r>. in llio
exportation I'.v tin 1 river. :m>l the value of tho home eonsutnption, may
bo quite satisfactorily ascertained. So near as we can discover, the
amounts will stand thus:
HOME CONSUMPTION.
Consumed in Dwellings, Stores, and public Build-
injs, 18$6 10,855,000
factories of all descriptions, and Steamboats 22. 000,000
Three Gas Works 850,000
Two Water Works 200,000
Total bushels 38,405,000
EXrOETKl),
By Ohio River, 1855, 16,300,150
" Pennsylvania Rail Road, 1856, 3,872,000
M Pennsylvania Canal, L856 560,000
" Cleveland and Pittsburgh R. R. 1856, 140,000
20.372,150
53.782.150
Value of Home Trade $11,670,250.00
•' " Export Trade 3,000,239.75
Total, $4,070,489.75
In the milling of this there are employed 1,920 men and boys,
whose wages amount to $1,075,643.18. Besides tho hands employed
in mining, thore are probably 400 more hands engaged in other
labors about the pits. The cost of mining coal is two cents a
bushel. The estimated eost of eoal in boats ready for running, is
four and a half eents per bushel.
To run a pair of boats to New Orleans requires the following
outlay and expense :
One pair of boats $ 750.00
Two skirls 25.00
Provisions for the trip 200.00
Lines for the trip 200. On
Canal fees at Louisville, 66.00
Wages of hands, 1,800.00
$3,041.00
64 PITTSBUBGH AS IT IS.
Equal to ten cents a bushel on the 30,000 bushels in a pair. To
run to ports above the mouth of the Ohio, the average cost is
about one-half of the expense of the New Orleans trip. The aver-
age price in New Orleans, of Pittsburgh Coal, is fifty cents a bar-
rel, of two and a half bushels, or twenty cents a bushel ; in ports
above the mouth of the Ohio, twelve and a half cents ; at St. Louis
the average price is eighteen cents.
Coal boats are usually sold with one streak of siding on, at §125
apiece. The purchaser desiring to use them for running coal, fits
them up at the following cost:
To side and rig a pair of full sized boats, it takes,
Of Lumber, 10,500 feet, $192.00
'' Oakum, 3 bales, 30.00
" Spikes, 150 pounds, 9.00
" Nails, 25 «' 1.00
" Labor, , 90.00
322.00
Original cost of pair, , ....„ 250.00
$572.00
The expense of running coal by the towing system, requires a
larger original investment of capital. Tow boats cost about
$12,000. and barges $600. Most companies have about twenty-
five barges to a tow boat, making the outlay for boats, in the
neighborhood of $27,000.
Having given, so far as information could be gathered, the value
of the coal trade, at the commencement of 1S57 — and such of the
details as could be reliably obtained, we devote a short space to an
exhibit of the growth of the Pittsburgh coal business :
Bushels. Exported, Value.
In 1S2S. it was estimated at 1,000.000 $ 50,000.00
" 183& » ,; returned at* 6^66,480 808^274.00
" 1S37, " ." estimated atf 11.304.000 2.515.000 753.361.00
•• 1S42. •• •• •• at+ 12,7(30,000 3.700,000 900.200.00
•■ 1S40, " " announced atf 19,000.000 0.000.000 1.370,000.00
■• 1856, itisf , 53.7S2.159 20.377.159 4.070.4S9.75
'• 1867, it is estimated that it will be, if
the Ohio river is navigable, atf 01.7S0.S5S 26,480,350 6,886,720.75
* Journal ot" the Senate of Pennsylvania. 1533, p 462.
f Harris' Directory, and Lyford's Wesferu Directory.
J Geography of Pennsylvania, Trego.
£ Governor Shuuk's Message. January 7, 1S46.
f Compiler - Pittsburgh as it is "
BOAT BUILDING IN PITTSBURGH. 65
From estimates for the year's business, made in the various
quarters, and by the various companies, the figures at the close of
1857, if the navigation is good in the Ohio during tho spring and in
the fall, will stand thus :
Home consumption, 1856, 33,405,000
Increased by new manufactories erecting and
increased capacity in old ones, &c 1,855,000
35,250,000
EXPORTS.
Ohio River, 19,560,190
Cleveland and Pittsburgh Rail Road, 2,500,000
Pennsylvania Central Rail Road,* 3,860,168
Pennsylvania Canal, 560,000
Total bushels, 61,730,358
Value of Home Trade, $1,566,500.00
" " Export " 4,774,220.75
$6,336,720.75
CHAPTER XII.
BOAT BUILDING IN PITTSBURGH.
The incident of the arrival of a keel boat from the Mississippi,
at Fort Du Quesne, mentioned by John M'Kinney in his journal in
1756, and quoted in the first chapter of this volume, is the earliest
record of Pittsburgh's connection with tho carrying trade of the
Ohio.
The contrast between then and now is extreme. To us of the
present day, the difference between the keel boat, laboriously
urged, from New Orleans to Pittsburgh, in four and five months,
* The increase in tho Eastern transportation of coal by this road, is governed by
the importation of English coal. This year, (,1857,) New York, in consequence of
cheap freights over the Atlantic, will be supplied from England with bituminous
coal. In 1855, she took 30,000 tons, or 750,000 bushels from Pittsburgh. The
English coal costs, on shipboard, in the river Tyne, $1.75 a ton. Pittsburgh coal
can ho furnished at $1.00 per ton on the siding, at the pit.
6*
tftf PITTSBURGH AS IT IS,
and the steamboat compassing the same route in three or four
weeks, is not startling ; but could the ashes of one of those hardy
boatmen -which mingle with the dust on the margin of the western
rivers, become again a living man, the transition between now
and then, would be to him accountable only by magic.
Seventy-three years ago, while the sturdy crew were propelling
their boat to its destination, the community they left, and that to
which they were proceeding might have been destroyed, and the
tenants of the solitary boat, struggling up the currents of the
river, remain ignorant of the event until they arrived at the end
of their route. Now, the traveler upon the western waters may
daily, and frequently more often, while the steamer is tarrying at
ways side ports, converse with friends 3000 miles away, and learn
the successes or misfortunes of his fellow men ; not only in the
wide territory through which run the waters over which he is
traveling, but in the far off nations of the earth.
The position that Pittsburgh occupies as the point where was
constructed, and whence departed the first steam boat that naviga-
ted the western waters ; gives her an historical prominence, in
connection with the invention of steam boats, and has enabled her
to attain, and preserve, an eqiial prominence in the boat building
business of the West.
From the date of 1756, up to 1777 there is nothing necessary
to record, showing progress in the carrying trade of the western
rivers, as connected with Pittsburgh.
In 1777, on the 23d of February, fourteen carpenters and sawyers
arrived at Pittsburgh for the purpose of boat building, and im-
mediately set about constructing batteaux, of which they built
thirty.
The following account, which it is proper here to quote, of an
attempt at intercourse with New Orleans which was at this time
made, we find in "Hall's Notes on the Western States," published
in 1838.
In 1776, Messrs. Gibson and Linn, the grandfather of Dr. Linn,
now a senator in Congress from Missouri, descended by water from
Pittsburgh to New Orleans, to procure military stores for the
troops stationed at the former place. They completely succeeded
in their hazardous enterprise, and brought back a cargo of 136
kegs of gunpowder. On reaching the falls of the Ohio on their
return, in the spring of 1777, they were obliged to unload their
BOAT BUILDTNG IX PITTSBURGH. 67
boats, and carry the cargo round the rapids, each of their men
carrying three kegs at a time on his back. The powder was deliv-
ered at Wheeling, and afterwards transported to Fort Pitt.
In July of the year 1794, on the 22d of April of which year
Pittsburgh was incorporated as a borough, a line of mail boats
was established to run from Wheeling to Limetown, and back, once
in every two weeks, the mails being carried from Wheeling to
Pittsburgh, and back, on horseback. These boats " were twenty-
four feet long, built like a whale boat, and steered with a rudder.
They were manned by a steersman and four oarsmen to each boat.
The men had each a musket, and a supply of ammunition, all of
which were snugly secured from the weather, in boxes alongside
their seats." *
The same year there was started a line of boats from Cincinnati
and Pittsburgh, in relation to which we quote from an advertise-
ment in " The Centinel of the North-western Territory," published
at Cincinnati under date of January 11, 1794. The advertisement
states : " Two boats for the present will start from Cincinnati for
Pittsburgh, and return to Cincinnati in the following manner, viz :
First boat will leave Cincinnati this morning at eight o'clock ; and
return to Cincinnati, so as to be ready to sail again in four weeks.
The second boat will leave Cincinnati on Saturday, the 30th inst. ;
and return to Cincinnati in four weeks as above. And so regu-
larly each boat performing the voyage to and from Cincinnati,
Pittsburgh, once in even/ four weeks.
"Two boats in addition to the above will shortly be completed,
and regulated in such a manner that one boat of the four will sot
out weekly from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh, and return in a like
manner.
41 The proprietor of these boats, having maturely considered the
many inconveniences and dangers incident to the common method
hitherto adopted, of navigating the Ohio, and being influenced by
a love of philanthropy, and a desire of being serviceable to the
public, has taken great pains to render the accommodations on
board the boats as agreeable and convenient as they could possibly
be made.
" No danger need be apprehended from the enemy, as every
person on board will be under cover, made proof against rifle or
* Craig's History of Pittsburgh.
6y PITTSBURGH AS IT 13.
nrasket balls, and convenient port holes for firing out of. Each of
the boats is armed with six pieces, carrying a pound ball ; also a
number of good muskets, and amply supplied with plenty of
ammunition : strongly manned -with choice hands, and the masters
of approved knowledge.
" A separate cabin from that designed for the men, is petitioned
off in each boat for accommodating ladies on their passage. Con-
veniences are constructed on board each boat, so as to render
landing unnecessary, as it might at times be attended with danger."
The advertisement further states, that '■ Passengers are supplied
with provisions, and liquors of all kinds, of the first quality, at
the most reasonable rates possible."
Travelers are referred to cards of rates, to be seen on board the
boats, and at the printing office at Cincinnati, for price of pas-
sage. &c.
The next event in boat building here, which shows the progress
of this point, was the construction of the armed galleys. President
Adams and Senator Ross.
In relation to these, we quote from an extract of a letter from
Major Craig, dated May. 1798. which is printed in Craig's History
of Pittsburgh.
■• On the 19th instant the galley President Adams was launched
and is now at anchor in the Allegheny. She will be completely
equipped in a few days, and will, I am confident, be as fine a
vessel of her burden and csnstruetion, as the United States
possesses.
••The keel of the second galley is laid, and other materials pre-
pared."
Of this second galley, a letter quoted in the same work
above referred to, remarks: v < The galley Senator Ross has been
launched, and is now rigged, and will, in a few days, be fully
equipped for the Mississippi.
" She is anchored in the Monongahela. abreast of the town. She
is certainly a fine piece of naval architecture, and one which will
far exceed anything which the Spaniards can show on the
Mississippi."
These national vessels were the first sea-going boats which were
constructed on the Ohio — although a brig of 120 tons burden,
called the St. Clair, was built at Marietta by Commodore Preble,
in 1798-99.
BOAT BUILDING IN PITTSBURGH. tJ9
From 1802 to 1805 the business of building sea-going vessels
seems to have been flourishing here, as, in a short period there
were constructed the ships Pittsburgh, Louisiana, General Butler,
and Western Trader ; the brigs Nanina, Dean, and Black Warrior;
schooners Amity, Allegheny, and Conquest. The ship Monon-
gahela Farmer, and brig Ann Jean, -were built in the same period
at Elizabethtown, on the Monongahela river. The subsequent
career of these vessels, and the adventures therein of those who
sailed them, would, without doubt, form a pleasant chapter, but
there are no records of their voyages ; only a semi-tradition
that a ship arriving at an East Indian port was, when visited by
the Custom House officer, in danger of confiscation because the
officer did not know, or would not believe there was such a port of
entry as Pittsburgh, from whence, according to her papers, she
cleared. He was not convinced of the legality of the papers until
the captain had, upon his maps, taken the officer through the
Indian Ocean, round the Cape of Good Hope, across the Atlantic,
up the Gulf of Mexico to New Orleans, thence a thousand miles
up the Mississippi to the Ohio, and thence another thousand miles
to Pittsburgh : when, enjoying the great astonishment of the
official, he demanded the recognition of the correctness of his
papers.
The year 1811 was an important one in the history of Pittsburgh.
In that year was built the first steamboat for the navigation of
the western waters. The construction of this boat was the first
step to the fulfillment of a prediction made by John Fitch of
Philadelphia, who was probably the first inventor of steam boats;
he haviDg conceived the design in 1785, and carried it into execu-
tion in 1788. He died in the West in 1799, and was buried near
the Ohio. Previous to leaving the East, he wrote three volumes,
which he deposited in manuscript, sealed up, in the Philadelphia
Library, to be opened thirty years after his death. These volumes
were opened in 1833, and in them he confidently predicts the suc-
cess of his plan. He prophesies that in less than a century, the
western rivers will be swarming with steamboats, and expresses a
desire to be buried on the banks of the Ohio, " where the music
of the steam engine may soothe his spirit, and the song of the
boatmen enliven the stillness of his resting place."
How full of disappointed hope is this sentence from his journal,
" The day will come when some more powerful man will get fame
70 VlTTSBl Ki'.H AS IT Is!.
and riches from my invention '. but nobody will believe thttt
John fUek, can do anything worthy of attention."
The boat whoso steam engine was the first to soothe the spirit
. ' ■ v ;.s the New Orleans. This boat, as before
observed, was built at Fitu-burgh iu 1811. She was loS feet keel,
aud between 300 and 400 tons burden ; her cabin was iu the hold,
and she had port holes : also a bowsprit eight feet in length, in
ocean steamer style, which was painted sky blue. She was owned
by Messrs. Fulton, Livingston and RosewVa. and her construction
was superintended by the latter gentleman. Her cost was $40,000.
$.v was lauuehed in March, and descended the river to Natehei. in
December, at which point she took iu her tirst freight and passen-
gers, and from thence proceeded to Xew Orleans, on the :24th of
the same month. She coutinued to ply between New Orleans
ana Natchei. until 1S14. making the round trip iu ten days, con-
veying passengers at the rate of S'Jo np and $1S down. Ou her
first year's business' she cleared $20,000 ;:■:. In the winter of
1S14 s - ttst near Baton Rouge. While this
boat was constructing, Mr. Fnlton traveled across the mountains
in company with some gentlemen from Kentucky, who were highly
amused with the apparent extravagance of his expectations: and
although entertaining a high respect for his genius, yet in the
course of the journey, which occupied several days, they jested
Somewhat upon tV; ■ . ■ . .- ■ .- .-•-•..--.-.:$ of steam. This free-
j.:-.ve rise to a prediction by Fulton, which it is apy -
mention here. •• In the course of some conversation on the almost
■-sable nature of the mount - ... they were dragged
great toil, upon roa.ls S» .able for wheels. Mr
B remarked. ' The day will come, gentlemen. I may not live
to see it. en. - .• -anger probably will, when
gcs will be drawn over these mountains by sto. -
a rate more rapid than that of as _ s ..oothest
turnpike.' '** The then apparent absurdity of this y
- . :' Fitch wad
S 18 .ability of the navig
the O stot - I A writer in the West:rn
- that in 1816, he formed one of a ,'
of gentlemen who. watch . a stern-
* H*ir$ w •-<• ■•-- H H
BOAT BUILDINU IN PITTSBURGH. 71
wheel boat to ascend the Horsetail ripple, five miles below Pitts-
burgh, came to the unanimous conclusion that such ** a contri-
vance," might do for the Mississippi as high as Natchez, but that
" We of the Ohio must wait for some more happy century of
inventions."
Recurring back to 1810, we find in "Cramer's Magazine Alma-
nack" for that year, the following:
" A company has been formed for the purpose of navigating the
river Ohio, in large boats, to bo propelled by the power of steam
engines. The boat now on the stocks, is 13S feet keel, and calcu-
lated for a freight as well as a passage boat between Pittsburgh
and the Falls of the Ohio."
The boat here alluded to, was the one afterwards known as the
" Now Orleans." The subsequent career of this boat we have
mentioned. The formation of companies for the construction of
boats at Pittsburgh, for particular rivers, appears to have been
the popular shape which this branch of business took iu 1810, 1811,
and 181:2. In the publications of the day, several such companies
are announced. Cramer's Magazine Almanack mentions iu 1811,
the "Mississippi Steam Boat Oo:" and that "another company
has been formed for the Ohio river." The history of some of those
earlier boats we shall briefly record.
The second boat constructed at Pittsburgh appears to have been
the Comet, of twenty-live tons; built by D. French, for Samuel Smith,
in 1812-13. She had a stern wheel, and a vibrating cylinder.
She made one trip to Louisville in 1813; descended to New Oilcans
iu 1814, made two trips to Natchez, and was sold, and the engine
put up in a cotton giu.
The Vesuvius and the ^Eliut, of 340 tons each, were built by the
•• Mississippi Steam Boat Co." in 1813-14. The Vesuvius, under
the command oi' Captain Ogdeu, left Pittsburgh in the spring of
1814, for New Orleans: in July, 1816, she was burnt near New
Orleans. The .Etna, under command of Captain tiale, started for
Now Orleans in March, 1815; and after reaching that point, went
into the Natchez trade. She was in continual employ until 1822,
when she was condemned as worn out.
The BM & p f iat, forty-five tons, was the fourth constructed iu
this vicinity. She was built at Brownsville. Pa. and made two
trips to Louisville in 1814. She departed from Pittsburgh, for
New Orleans, onthelstof December, 1814, under COBamtod of
72 FIIISBURGH AS II IS.
Captain Henry M. Shreve. -with a cargo of ordnance. For some
time she was actively employed transporting troops. On tne 6th
ot May. 1SL7, she left New Orlcaus tor Pittsburgh, and arrived at
5 mgport ^Louisville.) on the SOth. being tweuty-five days
port to port : and the first steamer that ever arrived at that
ram New Orleans: winch event the citizens of Louisville
Celebrated by B dinner to Captain Shreve. The Enterprise was
lost at Rook Harbor, in 1817.
In 1816, the Hm :'-.' .-.. l.d tons, the . 75 tons, and
the Hmrntt, of 40 tons, were built at Fitts.buj.-gh. The Franklin
was built by Messrs. Shims and Cromwell, and her engine was
built by George Fvans. She departed from Pittsburgh. December.
181 p. and went into the Louisville and St. Louis trade. She was
sunk in 1819. near St. Genevieve. The Oliver Evans was built by
Qeoxga Evans: left Pittsburgh. December, 1816, for New Orleans.
She burst one of her boilers iu April. 1817. at Point Coupee, killing
men. The Harriet was constructed and owned by Mr.
Armstrong of "WT/iamsport. Pennsylvania.
The T".:-: . \ 400 tons, built at Wheeling about this time,
had her eugines made at Brownsville. She was the first boat with
boilers above deck — the boats previous to that having them in the
hold. She. also, by making a towed trip from Louisville to New
Orleans, settled the question, whether steamboats could be ren-
dered useful as a mode of navigation for the ascending trade, and
is, which had continued doubtful, of thepv
L.s fflOCSS of steamboat navigation on the western waters.
g US b •.:,;.' J ' . - - ..;■.'-.- M 5 : . I ' : Uftd was
\_ * v . - •'■ Ken-
L816.
:' ... const IS18» tnc
first boat built for the exclusive accommodation ;.
j feet long and :v.cn:y-f.v; ;Vc: wide. In addL
tiou she had fourteen state--.
.-0 tons, and the Independmc*, of fif:;
were consta 8 ■ ~ - Expe-
, ' - - ...::...
the firs, stc - -
The Weston Skjmmt, built in > :tsburgh. under the
tejerS . '. . .. .......... ?..-...?
BOAT Bl'ILPIXG IX riTTSBU KG n . ~',]
Engineers, for the expedition of discovery to the sources of the
Missouri, and Rooky Mountains, was the first boat that ascended to
Council Bluffs. 650 miles above St. Louis.
In the first years of boat building, the progress was slow, and
many difficulties impeded the rapid advance of steam navigation.
We have gives some of the particulars connected with the build-
ing of the earlier boats, as illustrative of the progress and the
spirit of the business.
From 1817, when the success of steamboat navigation on the
western rivers was finally conceded by the public — convinced by
the trips of the Washington, from Louisville to New Orleans and
back in forty-five days, boat building rapidly increased.
In ISIS, there were employed on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers,
twenty-two steamboats, averaging nearly 230 tons each. In 1818,
there were building at different locations on the Ohio, twenty-three
boats, of which number,
9 were constructing at Pittsburgh,
6 " " " Cincinnati,
5 " " " Louisville,
2 " " " Wheeling,
1 was " " Corydou,
1 '• •* '• Limestone.
In 1835 there was published an official table, showing the entire
number of boats built at all the points on the Ohio river, from 1S11
to 1885 — giving their names — the year of their constmction — the
location where built, and their fate: whether sunk, burned, or
condemned and broken up. This table, which occupies several
pages, we find in Hall's Western Xotes, and condense from it the
boats built at Pittsburgh and vicinity, omitting the details of their
after career, which, however interesting, our space will not admit
of.
74
p 1 1 1 s u r k g B
T I B I E
Showing ihe names of Bonis oimslrnoi
from isn lo IS::.V
Pc^ts Mil *tu>n built. Beats and when Vuilt. Boats lad wlieu built Boats and when built.
Atom 1814 Expedition,.
Alleghany 1S\S Eclipse.
America.'. IS-V l.oho
American 18-4 Krie
Allegheny 1SS0 Essex. .
.1818 Keutuokian is:.) Packet 18M
.1828 La Fayette 1833 Peruvian, 18u0
.IS-o Liberator IS-.Y- Pittsburgh 1885
.1826 L^Vashingu.lSJe Planter." ISol
-IS" Lark IS'29 Privatoor ISoo
Aboona ISoO Enterprise 1SS0 Louisville 1833 Protector..
Argus 1881 Eagle 1830 Lancaster ISK Potest 1834
Antelope 1881 Franklin ISM Messenger 1826 Plough Boy 1884
Aid 1834 Florida l>--e Maryland 1S-J7 Pawnee....! 1SS5
Alert ISoe favorite 18-J-J Missouri IS-'S Pioneer
Algonquin 1885 Friendship 1825 Monltican IS'.':' Kapide. 1819
Arabian. ISoo Value I $20 Montioello 1>-V Rambler
Adventure 1S35 tree Trader 1882 Mobile !S;V Red Rover IS'JS
Buffalo. 1814 Paine 18S2 Mohawk 1831 Red Rover,.
Balise Packet. .1819 Parmer 1838 Mediterranean, 1SS2 Ruhama 1829
Bolivar 1S25 Flora ISSa Missonriau 1SS2 Return
Baltimore i>-'$ Oeo Madison....iSi: Mobile Farnier.l$32 Rol>t. Morris.._.l$So
Boston 18S1 Gen. Jacksony-1817 Miner 1SSS Rover 1836
Baltic 1881 Gen, Jackson...lMT Majestic ISoo St. bonis ISIS
Boon's Lick 18X5 Gen. Neville.. ..18'^ Moque 1SSS Shamrock 1827
Big Black ISS5 Gen. Brown iS-:o Minerva ISSS Shepherdess.... 182.
Comet
OarofCom'roo..lSU> O.ou. StOtt 18S
Cumberland 1819 Geu. Ooifi
Columbus IS26 Gondola 18;
Commerce 1826 Gleaner,, i>> :
Cumberland 18-8 Gar.etle IS*
18-8 tialiman 1S, ;
Citizen 1829 Herald 1824 Nile
Cora, 1829 Hercules, 1826 Ne» Jerseg
Marion 1SS5 Star,,
Madison iSoo Stranger 18-8
New Orleans... .1811 Sam Patch...
Now York TS-:o Scout 1831
New penn'a 1827 Sangamon 1832
Neptune 1S2S Siain -
N. American..... IS'JS Selina 1835
1S29 ramerlane 1818
os.Jeflerson.1818
1829 Uun!.s\ille 1829 Napoleon ISSJ telegraph 18l9
Carrolton 1881 Huron 12S9 N. Brunswick,. JSS2 Talisman,..
Columbus 1881 Home 1829 Niinrod 1SS3 Talma ISlV
Courier 18S1 Huntsman 1S29 Olive Branch. ...ISP. 1 Tv.
18ol Hudson 18--V Ohio 1830 Tally ho, 1829
Chief .lust ice) ...... Uatchee 1829 Olive 1880 Tariff
Marshall,-, f l88a Herald 1S29 OTJonnell ISSS Transport..
Chester ...18?'J Henry Clay ISol Ohieau 1888 j Tempest 1888
Chieasaw ISSS Huntress 1S34 President 1S24 Tuskiua. 1638
C.in oga ISSS Hunter 1881 Phoenix 1823 Uncle Sun 1829
Commerce, is;** ludopendeuce...isi$ l\t:s'o'g < St. I |S2g (Jncas
Olairborue 18S4 Illinois -.1826 bonis P.i.k't. I " -' Vesuvius 1SU
Dolphin 1819 Industry 1829 Pittsburgh 1S2S \ ictory. is;9
DamUClinton,1826 Ivanhoe,. I8;u Pennsylvania,. J83S Van Buren 1833
lies Monroe..l8l0 Panl .loncs.. >;;• w .s:. V.ngiueor.1819
Dove 1ST-1 dames Ross. 1818 Pocahontas IS-o William Per
Despatch 188-; ."ubiUv 1826 Powhatan 1828 Wni.D,Duncan,1827
- ,'' •-> Phoenix ISJS Woodsman 1831
ISS6 .luniata ISSS Plaquemine 182S Warrior,.- 1838
Dayton 1836 John Neteon,...lSSS Pennsylvania, -1S25
Making - built in the period embraced in the table.
were built at Brownsville in the same period, twenty-two. and at
Heaver, seven.
BOAT BU1LH1M) IN PITTSBURGH.
In 18M the construction of boats was greatly increased, lu that
year, the Alton, Asia, Amite, Boonsville, Bee, Brighton, Bogue-
homa. Baltimore, Columbiana, Chamois, C. L. Bass. Camden, Corin-
thian, Emerald, EutaW, Florida, General Wayne, Gipsey, Grand
Gttlph, George A. Bayard, Georgia, Hnntsville, Havana, Howard,
11 uka way, Kentucky, Kansas, Lilly, Loyal Hannah, London,
Louisville, Mobile, Massillon, Nick Biddle, Newark, New Beaver,
New Lisbon, Ontario, Octiola, Palmyra, Pavillion, Prairie, Paris,
Quincy, liobt. Morris, llionzi, Salem, Sandusky, Savannah, St.
Peters, Steubenville Packet, St. Louis, Troy, Tremont, United
States, Vaudalia, Vermont, Wabash, Warren, Wm. Wirt, Win.
Hurlburt — in all 61, were built, being 252 steamboats constructed
at Pittsburgh, from 1811 to 1836. Of these there were finished in
1811,.
1812,.
1814,.
1816,.
1817,,
1818,.
1819,.
1882,.
1828,.
1824,.
1825,.
1 I 1826, 16
1 1827, 7
1S28 16
1829 25
1880, 12
1831, 17
1832 18
1833, 12
5 1834, 10
3 1835 19
1836, 61
One oiroumstance among these records of boat building is
noticeable, and that is the pioneer character of many of the boats
constructed at Pittsburgh.
For instance, the New Orleans was the first steamboat to navi-
gate the Ohio and Mississippi. The Independence was the first to
asoend the Missouri. The Western Engineer, the first to reach
Council Bluffs; and the American is mentioned in Niles' Register,
in April, 1825, as the first to ascend the Monongahela. The Enter-
prise tho first to ascend Red river, and to make the return voyage
from New Orleans up the Ohio.
Iu 1837, there were owned here, and running in regular lines to
this city, sixty-throe boats of an average valuo of $15,000 each,
being a total of $'.'15,000.
In 1846 there were built here, sixty-three steamboats, besides
keels, bargos, &c. The tonnage of the steamboats was 11,084 tons.
w
MTTSUUKtiH AS IT I!
From 1852 to 1806, there wer<
boats as specified below :
constructed at this point, steam-
1852,
Steamboats.
70
Tonnage.
Value.
$1,050,700
1,560,000
1,660,000
1,440,000
1,180,000
1853,
78
21,007
14,692
15,360
11,424
1854,
1855
83
,....72
1856,
59
The business of 1856, from low water, was less, by probably one
third, than it would otherwise have been. The number of boats
constructed in that year, and the tonnage thereof, shows a falling
off from previous years; notwithstanding which it contrasts
brightly with the six boat-building points on the Ohio, as given
below :
Of 177 steamboats, barges, keel-boats, &c. constructed on the
Ohio river, in 1856, there were built at Pittsburgh,
Steamers, 59
Keels, 15
Barges, 14
Flatboats, 20
Total,
108
At Cincinnati, Steamers, ,
" " Barges,....
Total,
At New Albany, Steamers,
" Lords ville, "
" Jeffersonville, "
" Madison, "
" Paducah, "
30
Tonnage.
11,424 60-95ths.
664 54 "
1,417 23 "
553 8 "
14,059 45-95ths.
Tonnage.
, 8,281 58-95ths.
. 259 73 "
8,541 26-95ths.
Total, ,
On account of the great abundance of the different kinds of
timber, the cheapness of iron, of labor, of paint, and of all other
materials used in the construction of steamboats, they can be built at
a less cost at Pittsburgh than in any western port, and consequently
BOAT BUILDING IN PITTSBURGH. it
there are built and fitted out here, more steamers than at any three
or four other cities of the West. That they are built equally as well
as elsewhere, there is no denial ; and were there, the superb, power-
ful boats which have in the last seven years been sent out from this
port, would at once assert and maintain the superior ability of our
shipwrights. The leading city, for nearly fifty years, engaged in
the construction of boats for the western waters, there is a vast
fund of practical knowledge, accumulated by those many years
experience, existing in the minds of the contractors and mechanics
employed in that branch of trade in Pittsburgh ; and such boats as
the Buckeye State, the Pennsylvania, the City of Memphis, and a
score of others similar, attest the skill with which that knowledge
is brought to bear in the production of boats unequaled on the
western waters for speed, beauty, comfort, convenience and cheap-
ness.
It is estimated, taking the close of the first quarter as data,
that, if the water is favorable in the Ohio this year, by the
close of 1857, there will have been completed at this port, eighty-
four steamboats of a value of $1,680,000. There were enrolled, up
to the 1st of April of this year, thirteen steamers, of a tonnage of
2,814 tons, and there were then partially finished and not yet
enrolled, eight more. For the same quarter there were enrolled
eighteen keel-boats and barges, having a tonnage of 1,092 tons ;
also two schooners of eighty-eight tons each, making the entire
enrollment of the quarter thirty-three boats, having a tonnage of
4,082 tons, which is in reality much greater — in fact double the
amount of the Custom House admeasurement; or, 8,164 tons. The
law under which boats are measured having been enacted in 1793,
before a western steamboat had been constructed, it did not contem-
plate their peculiar build in the measurement therein prescribed.
Beside the building of steamboats there is a heavy business car-
ried on in the construction of barges, keel-boats and coal flats.
There is no reliable source from which the number of these can be
estimated. An examination of the yearly reports of the Mononga-
hela Navigation Company, shows that the requirements of that
trade alone, have consumed in twelve years, over $2,753,608 of
flat-boats, or $221,134 a year; the average for the last three
years is $223,080. In 1855, the consumption was $311,088, and
would have been equally as large in 1856, if the continued low water
had not prevented the running of coal. In 1857, it is estimated
7*
7*< MTTSBVRttH AS tl IS
the consumption of Bat m coal boats in the pools
water, will be about $388,888 wwth for the running of eoa".
amount ot' kec - - -
data to es lirexaents of the
as the
(&S i the .'.'.stem-house exhibit.
The following table shows the comparative state of the boat
building trade for : .. - Bed:
\ t.;7*.
Sttfim-
teais-
Karats.
A."
TMmm
x -
Tonnage
Boats.
Total Value.
ISSJ
TO
rs
i
ta
...
a
as
49
-
• 8
£?«
14,688
- ■
•
1854
-
:;,'.. '
•
i
ijwr.400
■:onnage in the above table 3 -
. be double that registered at Custom-h:..-
0» the first of January. 1855, it appeared from 8 -
. Qastom-hotts* . - ..-.gh. by
order of the Secretary of the Treasury . aed at
that date, loo steamboats- - which
_ . g < iition: and thi
was. Costa -n-house adiv.c •
about 86,006 .
Taking the construct io v. — - 355 - Mud 185? as
' ■ 5 3 COBS
would be se^eatg -sax. The aver...;. -
....-•■ - - 88 -
This a -
■g S - -
Average JOS - " - I
■ •"'•• •• • Keels - _ -
- 38
s tggregatc uaoai : .
-
- - 3 staa*
ers enrolled in the first quarter of 1857, emimerstw before.
CHAPTER XIII.
PR OGRESS 01'' MANUFACTURES FROM 1804 TO 1840,
The expression, "Pittsburgh Manufactures," is one of the
utmost familiarity, all over the West and South-west, and is rap-
idly becoming so in the East. In the large cities and in the grow-
ing bowns, the announcement of "Pittsburgh Manufactures"
appears in the daily advertisements of the merchants ; and at the
store of the cross roads and of the fresh grown village, it is a conspic-
uous item upon the signs of their proprietors. Before entering into
mi exposition of their value, it will be interesting to trace their early
growth.
In 1804, Cramer's Almanack says, "Do not be surprised when you
are informed that the averaged value of the articles manufactured
in Pittsburgh lor 1803, amounts to upwards of $350,000." From
the same book the following table is extracted verbatim:
of the Manufacturing trade of Pittsburgh with the average
amount of each article as made from raw material and
jit for tlu> market, for the year 1803.
Glass, window bottles, Jars, decanters, tumblers, blue glass, $12,500 00
(.ilass-culting— V 1'.. t'.jiuil to any cut in the states of Europe, 500 00
Tin ware— 320 boxes, 40 dollars each, 12,800 00
Uarr iron, mill, ship-work, axes, hoes, plough irons, &c. — 50 Tona
at 17 cts per Jb 10,800 00
Brass band irons, still cocks. Sec, 2,800 00
Cutlery, angers, chisels, hackles, planing bits, drawn- knives, &c 1,000 00
Cut ami hammered, nail-. In tons, IS cts. per lb 10 12S 00
K 11-, row 200 00
Guns. Rifles, &c i s 80fi on
Otoe* . Liver smith work, y,ooo 00
to m U 3, 40 dollars each, 12000
Scythes and sickles 1,500 00
Cut stones, grind, tumb stoues, Sec, 2,000 00
Cabinet work, much exported 14 000 00
ra Planes s30 00
Waggons, carts, Sec, 1,500 00
tubs, and buckets, 1^30 Q0
Kentucky and keel bottom boats, ships of burden, and barges, 40,000 00
Windsor- chains— 180 do/.. 15 dollars perdoz 0,7,10 | h!
Spinning wheels— 400, 3 dollars each 1,200 00
Pumps 00 o 00
Oarpenterwork 18)800 00
80 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
Candles— 12,000 &s., 20 cts. per a., $2,400 00
Soft soap— 800 bbls., 4 dollars' per bbl., 3,200 00
Beer and porter— 900 bbls., 5 dollars per bbl., 4,500 00
Bread and biscuit flour— 1400 bbls., 6 dollars per bbl., 8,400 00
Shoes— 5180 pairs, 75 cts. per pair, 9,065 00
Boots— 550 pairs, 6 dollars per pair, 3,300 00
Saddles— 450, 15 dollars each, 6,750 00
Bridles— 1,600, 50 cts. each, 2,250 00
Harness work, 600 00
Buck-skin breeches, and dressed skins, 2,300 00
Cloaths, price of labor only, 5,950 00
Segars, snuff, and pigtail tobacco 3,000 00
Ropes, cables, beds cords, &c, 2,200 00
Matrasses— 19, 20 dollars each, 380 00
Dyed cotton, and flaxen yarn (labor,) 450 00
Carded and spun cotton by the carding engine and spinning jenny,... 1,000 00
Woved striped cotton — 5,500 yards, 1 dollar per yard, 5,500 00
linen, 700,— 3000 yards, 40 cts. per yard, 1,200 00
Tow linen— 1500 yards, 25 cts. per yard, , 375 00
Lindsey woolsey — 3,500 yards, 60 cts per yard, 2,100 00
Carpeting, rag— 1,200 yards, 75 cts yer yard, 900 00
Stockings, wove, 500 00
Coverlid and diaper weaving, 500 00
Weavers' reeds, 200 00
Hats, wool and fur— 2,800, 5 dollars each, 14,000 00
Chip hats— 90 doz., $7,50 per doz., 675 00
Leather, tanned, 10,000 00
Brushes all kinds, Russia bristles, 2,500 00
Bricks— 1,250,000, 4 dollars per thousand, 5,000 00
Crockery ware, 3,500 00
Mason work, 10,500 00
Plastering and painting, 3,500 00
Paper made up into books, 1,000 00
Total, $266,403 00
The following articles of Country Manufactures may be considered the
principal in which the bartering trade is carried on in this place.
Whiskey— 2,300 bbls., 12 dollars per bbl., $27,600
Linen, 700—28,000 yards, 40 cts per yard, 11,200
Lindsey woolsey — 4,009 yards, 50 cts per yard, 2,000
Tow linen— 9,000 yards, 25 cts per yard, 2,250
Twilled bags— 3,000, at $1 each, 3,000
Striped cotton,— 3000 yards, 80 cts., per yard., 2,400
Raw cotton from Tenii — 30,000 pounds, 25 cts per pound, 7,500
Maple sugar — 15,000 pounds, 12 cts. per pound, 1,800
Lake salt, Onidago— 1,000 bbls., 12 dollars per bbl., 12,000
Castings — 50 tons, 100 dollars per ton, 5,000
Barr iron— 80 tons, 160 dollars per ton, 12,800
Flax, hemp, oats, cheese, &c. — say, 5,000
Total $92,505
1'KOGRES* Of MA.NLtAL'TL'KKt UtOM 1XU4 TU 1840. Si
The following is from Cramer's Almanack, of 1800: " W« feel
peculiar pleasure in noticing the improvements of our town, two
very important manufactories have been lately erected and are
now in operation. The one a cotton manufactory, which can spin
120 threads at a time, with the assistance of a man and boy. The
big cylinder of the carding machine has on it 92 pair of cards
attended by a boy ; the reeling is done by a girl. The other is an
air foundry, for the purpose of casting iron pots, kettles, mill
irons, &c. ***** * * We also
learn that a machine for carding wool is about to be erected." The
same page contains the following : " Mr. Lintot has been engaged
some time in building a boat to go up stream with the assistance
of horses. If the plan succeeds it will be attended with many
important advantages to those concerned in the trade of the
rivers."
1807. It is mentioned that "this town isgrowing rapidly into im-
portance." The following manufactories are recorded: "O'llara's
glass factory, producing yearly $18,000 ; Kirwin & Scott's cotton
factory; M'Clurg's air furnace; Poter's, Stringer's & Stewart's
nail factories, producing about 40 tons annually. Two extensive
breweries (O'Hara's & Lewis',) whose beer and porter is equal to
that so much celebrated in London ; two rope walks (Irwin's &
Davis') ; three copper and tin factories, (Gazzam's, Harbeson's,
and Bantin's & Miltenberger's.)"
1808. There were in the town the following " master workmen
in each particular branch of business carried on in Pittsburgh:"
1 0Otto& Factory, 1 Wool and Cotton Cord 17 Blacksmiths.
1 Green Glass works, manufacturer, 1 Machinist and White-
2 Breweries, i Plane makers, smith,
1 Air Furnaco, li Milliners, 1 Cutler and tool maker,
4 Nail Factories, 12 Mantua makers, 02 House Carpenters and
7 Coppersmiths, 1 Stocking weaver, Joiners,
l Wire Manufactory, 1 Glass cutter, 21 Boot and Shoe makers,
1 Brass Foundry, 2 Book Binderies, 1 Ladies' shoe maker.
Idlers. 4 House and sign painters 5 Windsor chair makers,
2 Gunsmiths, 2 Tinners, 1 Split-bottom chair ma-
2 Toha. 1 Sail maker, ker,
1 Bell maker, 2 Mattress makers, 13 Tailors,
1 Scythe and sickle maker 11;. 3 Spinning-wheel spindle
5 miles up the Allegh'y, ;j Wagon makers, rank makers,
i Watch and Clock ma- 1 Breeches maker,
"Hers, kers and Silversmiths, 1 Glove maker,
I Brush maker. 5 Brick Layers, I : School Mi '
02 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS
1 Trunk maker, 4 Plasterers, 33 Tavern keepers,
G Coopers, 8 Stone Cutters, 50 Store keepers or nier-
10 Blue dyers, 5 Boat Builder's, chants.
13 Weavers, a Ship Builders, i Printing offices,
1 Comb maker. 1 Saddletree maker, 1 Copper plate printer,
7 Cabinetmakers, 1 Flute and Jew-sharp ma- 6 Brickyards,
1 Turner, ker, 8 Stone masons,
6 Bakers, 1 p uulp maker, 2 Booksellers,
S Butchers. 1 Boll hanger, 1 Harness maker,
8 Barbers, 2 Looking-glass makers. I Horse farrier,
Hatters, 1 Ladles' lace •• 1 Starch maker,
4 Physicians, 1 Lock maker, 1 Gardner aad seedmau,
- Potteries, 7 Tanners, . 3 Board & lumber yards.
- Straw Bonnet makers, 2 Eope Walks,
1 Reed maker, 2 Spinning Wheels,
Some of the comments upon the various occupations, as given in
the account from which we copy, are illustrative of the times, viz:
The cotton factory is mentioned as producing cotton yarns, &c. "to
the great credit and profit of its industrious proprietor." The
comb maker "wants boras, and gives for good ones $3 per 100."
" Two rope walks (at which hemp is much wanted)." The machi-
nist is announced as •' equal if not superior to any workman iu the
United States."
In addition to the manufactories enumerated in 1S0S, there were
in 1809,
1 "White Glass Works, Messrs. Robinson & Eusel!, iu which
is manufactured all kinds of Glass-ware of a good quality."
1 •« Bell-metal Button manufactory, by Thomas Neal — the but-
tons well made and sell as manufactured — 60 cents per gross.
He gives the highest price for old pewter, brass and copper."
1 Pipe manufactory by Mr. Price.
1 Cotton «« by Mr. Scott.
1 Patent boot aud shoemaker. " The heel and seal is tacked- —
without a stitch — and are strong. Abel Smith is the pateutee."
1810. According to " A cursory view of the principal manufac-
tures in and adjacent to Pittsburgh" there were in the town —
Throe Glass Works "in handsome operation.'' producing Bint glass
to value of $30,000
Producing BottteS and window glass, to value of. 40,000
Two Oottou Mills "are working do spindles, the other contemplates
working shortly Cot spindles." Their manufactures are set down
at a value of 20,000
"Their machines are set in motion by the power of horses "
PROGRESS OF. MANUFACTURES FROM 1804 TO 1850. 88
QM Air Furnace, which -Mutely mat TO tons of cannon balls for the
United States."
One Iron grinding mill, " recertly got into operation.' -
"A manufactory of white metal buttons to the extent of 40 or 60
gross a week."
Of Ironmongery, there were made "of chisels, claw hammers, steel-
yards, shingling hatchets, drawing knhes. cutting knives, shov-
els, tongs, hackles, gimlets, augers, squares, door handles, Jack
screws, files, stock locks, spinning-wheel irons, axes, hoes, chains,
kitchenware, Ac" to amount of. $15,000
Of Nails, there were "manufactories of these in town which make
about 800 tons cut ami wrought nnils of all sizes annually."
It is mentioned of bridle bits and stirrups, that "a manufactory of
these has been recently established."
Of tin, copper and Japan wares there were "' six manufactories briskly
carried on, " manufacturing to amount of 30,000
Wire weaving was carried on to a considerable extent.
Of Glass cutting it is recorded, " This business has been recently
established by an ingenious German, (Eichbaum,) formerly glass
cutter to Louis XVI. late King of France. We have seen a six
light chandelier with prisms of his cutting which does credit to the
workman and reflects honor on our country, for we have reason to
believe it is the first ever cut in the United States. It is suspended
in the Ohio Lodge, No. 113, in the house of Mr. Kerr, innkeeper."
About 52,800 yards were annually woven of linsey-woolsey, cotton,
and linen mixed, averaging 0(5 cents per yard, worth $S8,848
Of Linen, Cramer's Almanack gays, "About 80,000 yards of flaxen
linen, coarse and fine, are brought to the Pittsburgh market year-
ly." The average price appears to have been about 60 cents.
Of this article the same publication says : " We feel a pleasure
in having seen a fine piece of linen made by Mrs. James Gormly ot
this place; it is spun six dozen cuts to the pound, and is 1600 in qual-
ity, it sold for $1.50 per yard." * * * * * *
* * * " Let it no longer be foolishly and roundly assorted
that American llax will not make, nor the American women cannot
spin fine linen."
In connection with this it will not he out of place to say, that all the
publications of about this date, contain articles, and many from dis-
tinguished citizens, urging the manufacture of linen, and attention ta
the culture of flax. Pittsburgh appears to have been then looked to
as the most important point for the establishment of such factories.
Says one publication of the manufacture of fine thread : " We are
happy to find that fine and beautiful thread is now spun and brought
84 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
to our market. We have seen some of twelve dozen euts to the
pound, about the quality of No . 28 imported."
Of Rope Walks there was but one, and that on a small scale.
3,000 pounds of rappee snuff and 800,000 segars were manufac-
tured principally from Kentucky tobacco, at that date.
We quote the writer in full upon the two articles, flour and whisky :
" Of these articles a vast and unknown amount is made throughout
this country. There is too little foreign demand for the former and
too great a home consumption of the latter.''
Of boat and ship building, the publication from which we extract,
says: "Kentucky and New Orleans boats, keels, barges, skiffs, &c.
arc made in great numbers on all our rivers. And there is a vessel
of 150 tons now building on the Allegheny, by Mr. Robbins."
At that date one steam mill had been erected by Owen and Oliver
Evans, of Philadelphia, at a cost of $14,000. " She is calculated for
three pairs of stones, which it is expected will make 100 barrels of
flour in the 2-1 hours."
In that year it was estimated that within sixty miles of Pittsburgh,
" about 4,000 tons of bar iron, 18,000 tons of pigs and castings, and
400 tons of slat iron were made annually. Exclusive of what is made
at these forges, there arc about 500 tons of rolled and bar iron come
to our market annually from forges in the mountains."
The business of saddlery is " carried on briskly to the value of
about $40,000."
The account of boots and shoes says " there are made in this place
to the amount of 45,000 pairs of shoes and 15,000 pairs of boots, annu-
ally."
In 1812, an article for Cramer's Pittsburgh Magazine Almanack
of that year, set down the manufactures of Pittsburgh as follows, from
the enumeration by the marshal, in 1810 :
Ono steam grist mill, manufactures 60,000 bushels of grain.
Three carding and spinning mills, manufacture to value of. $14,218
One flat iron mill, manufacture to valuo of. 2.000
Two distilleries, make 600 barrels of whisky.
Four brick yards, make to amount of 13,600
Oue rope walk, make to amount of 2,500
Two air furnaces, make 400 tons, to amount of..., 40,000
Three red lead factories, 13,100
Six naileries, make to amount o f 49,890
Three glass works, 62,000
Two potteries, 3,400
Two gunsmitheries 2,400
Three tobacconists, 11,500
Sixteen looms, manufacture 19,443 yards of cloth.
PROGRESS OF MANUFACTURES FROM 1804 TO 1840. 85
Six tanneries. 15,500
Seventeen smitheries 34.400
Four cooperios 2.250
Saddles. Lioota and shoes, 65,878
Ten batteries, 24.507
Four Silversmiths an. I watchmakers 9,500
Si\ copper, brass and tin factories, 25,500
Three stone cutters, 8,800
Three boat and ship builders, 43,000
Two wagon makers 2,872
Three chandlers, 14,500
One button manufactory 3,000
One stocking weaver.
One cutlery, 3,000
One glass cutting, 1,000
One wire weaving establishment.
Three printing establishments.
One book bindery.
Upon this statement the writer of the article remarks that some of
the estimates are too low for the time, especially in the saddlery line,
which was ascertained in 1807, with some degree of accuracy, to
amount to $40,000. In the same year, boots and shoes were made to
amount to $70,000. The value of the above manufactures is given at
$2,000,000. The same article also mentions that the manufacture of
coffee mills and locks by James Patterson, an English artist, has
lately commenced.
In 1 813, there were five glass factories in the town, producing flint and
green glass to amount of $160,000 ; two large air foundries, M'Clurg's
& Beelen's, casting about 600 tons a year, worth $54,000; also, one
small one, carried on by Mr. Price, for casting butt hinges, &c. ; one
extensive edge tool and cutlery manufactory, Messrs. Brpwn. Barker
& Hutler ; one steam works, carried on by Messrs. Foster & Murray,
for making shovels, spades, scythes, &e. ; one rolling mill (erecting) by
C. Cowan, with a capital of $100,000 ; one lock factory (Patterson's);
one factory (Updegraff) for files, door handles, &c; two steam engine
works (Stackhouse & Rodger's and Tustin's); one steel furnace (Tupcr
& M'Kowan); one wool carding machine factory (James Cummins);
one woolen factory (James Arthurs) ; one flannel and blanket factory
(Geo. Cochrane); one cloth steam machine factory (Isaac Wickersham);
two manufacturers of stirrup irons and bridle bits ; one wheel iron
factory (Stevenson & Youard) ; one wire mill (Kichhaum & Sons) ;
one button factory ( Reuben Ncal); one knitting needle factory (Frithy
& Pratt); two silver platers (Benj. Kindricks and Mr. Avers); one
86
PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
morocco factors* (Scully & Graham); one white lead factory (Beelen);
one suspender factory (William Gore); one brass foundry (Thomas
Cooper)' one trunk factory (J; ME. Sloan ) ; one brush factory (Mr.
Blair); six saddle factories; two breweries; one steam tlour mill; one
rope walk (Jno. Irwin 8 Co.); eleven copper factories, and three plane
factories (Win. Scott and Lithe-row b
The following account of manufactures carried on in the city and
vicinity was collected under the direction of Councils, and reported
to them in January. 1S17, bv their Committee:
Business. No.
Auger maker i
Bellows maker, 1
Blacksmiths IS
Brewers 3
Brash makers 3
nut ton maker 1
Cotton spinners S
Copper and tin smiths u
Cabinet makers 7
Carrier l
Cutlers S
Iron foundries 4
Gunsmiths and bit makers S
Flint glass factories 2
tlreon glass factories S
Hardware merchants 8
7
Locksmith 1
Linen manufactory 1
Sail manufactory 7
Paper maker 1
Pattern maker 1
Plane maker 8
Totter tine ware 1
Rope maker 1
Spinning machine maker 1
Spanish brown manufactory 1
Silver plater 1
Steam engine makers 8
Steam grist milts -
Saddlers, 8
Silversmiths. &c S
Shoe and boot makers 14
Tanners 7
Tallow chandlers, 4
atets 4
Wagvn makers o
Hands.
Amount.
6
S 8,608
3
10,000
74
7?. 100
17
7
8,600
5,880
86
loo
-W.00O
43
4
6
2,000
ST
180,008
14
18.888
y:
110,000
93
130.00O
17
18,000
49
44.040
7
12,008
80
86,000
47
174.710
40
23,000
a
1,600
6
67,600
6
B
8
16,000
6
■J
6,730
40
80,000
70
186,008
10
60,000
60
$0,000
17
18,000
TO9
180,000
47
s
7
B
83,090
81
33,600
PROGRESS Ob' M ANUKACTURKS PROM 1804 EO 1840. S,
ffetttti 2 8 i^<«
Windsor chair makers :! 88 12,600
Woolen manufacturers, 8 80 L7,000
Wire drawer x ia °> 000
White load factory, 1 » 40 - 000
148 1,280 $1,890,300
Iii addition there were the following
trades returucd by committee, of which no
estimates were furnished by "conductors :"
Chair makers, 3 •••
Ourrier, 1 ••■ •
Cabinet makers, 2 ...
Cotton carder, 1 •••
Comb maker, 1 •■•
Coach maker, 1 •••
Copper plate printer, 2 ...
Bookbinders, 3 ...
Hatters, 4 -
Oilder, -1 .»
Ma. hino makers, 2 ...
Nailers, 6 ...
Printers, 6 ...
l'lano makors, 1 •••
Blacksmiths, 21 ...
Shoemakers, 23 ...
Saddlers, 2 ...
Silk dyer. 1 -
Stonecutters, 6 ...
Tallow chandlers, 3 ...
Tanners 5 ...
Weavers, 15 •••
Wire worker, 1 ...
mill maker, 1 ...
357 ! 0,oi |08
259 1,637 $2,266,868
In 1825, the Gazette of November 19th says, there are seven rolling
mills, eight air foundries, six steam engine manufactories, and one
extensive wire manufactory.
In the same year, and at the same date, Nilcs' Register states that
window glass is made to the amount of 27.000 boxes, having B value
of $135,000, and flint glass to the value of $.'10,000— about $100,000
of which is exported.
In 1829, the Pittsburgh Gazette says, "There are in Pittsburgh
nine foundries that consume .'5,500 tons of metal, and employ 225
hands; eight rolling mills, using 6,000 tons of blooms, 1,500 tons pig
$g PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
iron, and employing 860 bands; nine nail factories, employing ISO
hands and producing eighteen tons of nails; seven steam engine fac-
tories, employing -J 10 hands, and that the total consumption of iron
was 6,000 tons pig and ait equal quantity of blooms."
In 1830, there were i^.iSi tons of iron rolled and 100 steam engines
built.
In ISol there were eight glass houses, four Mint glass. SS pots,
four window glass, employing 108 hands, using 7.000 cords of wood.
700 tons of sand. 1,000 barrels of salt. 40.000 pounds of potash. lJO.OOO
bushels of coal, producing about §560,000.
Twelve foundries in and near Pittsburgh which consumed S7.000
bushels of coal ; east 2,968 tons of metal : employed 132 hands ; pro-
dueed to value of $189,614.
There were the following rolling mills and nail factories i*
Milts. WeisUt at mot.il. Value.
Union 720,000 $48,000
SUgo 400,000
• Hill 500,000 20,000
Juniata
rine Creek 457,000 M»10Q
Miscellaneous SOoioOO aS^OO
ion SJ Steam Engines.
In 1836 there was given by authority quoted, t the following state-
ment of rolling mills :
500
Pennsylvania. ...Miltenl ers^r i Brown 8,500 1.500 ;
Juniata GK&J.B - 4.ooe
StigO I - 4,000
Iipnincott A Bro „_
Bovran Smith, RoyerA Co 2,500 500:
8,45
-.) .»<,
H.S.Spang i Son |
no
a
110
a
•
a
220.000
90
"
i
-
100
Nine mills ; 28,000 tons of pigs and blooms; 1.000 hands: 2,000,000
bushel > c ^ - . 1 60.000 prodiuv.j:
s, engine and machine shops, consuming 5
s Western Directory.
Oik valuation is iuchided. bar and sheet iron, shovels, axes, hoes, saws,
stivl. nails, spikes. wire. Ac
PROGRESS OF M \ \ t; !■ Af i'i u Ks ffftOM l «u-t TO L840. $9
bushels of coal and coke, 12,000 tons of pig metal, 3,000 tons of sheet
ami boiler iron ; employing 1,000 hands; produce $2,130,000 manu-
factures. Of these, RIcClurg, Wade & Co., Arthurs, Stewart & Co.,
Robinson & Minnas, Arthurs, Nicholson &Co., Bemis & Co., Stack-
boose & Tomhnson, Warden & Benny, Freeman & Miller, Kingslandft
Lightner, are nine of the linns — four being engine manufacturers, four
foundries lor all descriptions of castings. The eight used 0,500 tons of
pigs, and employed 780 hands. Four of the cngiuo shops turned out
in the year, 56 engines and 158 boilers.
The following establishments are given from data collected from
Lyford's and Harris' Directory, 1837, and other publications:
GLASS WORKS.
Style. Firm. lianas. Value.
Bakewell A Co Flint,
Stourbridge, Kobinson, Anderson & Co, " 05 $ 90,000
Pennsylvania Whitehead, Hansen 4 Phillips, " 114 120,000
" « '• " Black, 32 60,000
Birmingham, C. Ihmson & Co Vial, 32 38,500
" « Window,.. 20 38,500
Park, Campbell & Banna Flint, 40 50,000
O'Leary, Mnlvany & Co " 16 60,000
Curling, Robertson & Co " 50 70,000
S. M'Kee A Co Window,.. 40 38,500
W. M'Oully
W. A. Buchanan, L Window,.. 62,550
F. Lorenz f
O O T X ON FACTORIES.
Style. Firm.
Bale i
Ootton
Spln-
dloa.
Looms.
Hands.
Value.
1,100
1,600
1,600
1,800
i „>
350
6,200
5,000
i.OI 111
8,600
2,200
1,000
220
■Jin
200
150
70
50
800
76
42
118
$150,000
200,000
180,000
150,000
50,000
40,000
Pittsburgh Bliirkstork. ivll
Hope Marshall, WO. & Co
'total, 8
21, SOI)
$770,000*
Lyford gives the spindles of the same factories at 28,900 ; operatives
at 1,030, and states that 2,100,000 yards of brown sheetings are made.
ii.ii. is Diivi-tory, l s;l "
.- .
****. &***& Sam
- .
■
-
-
■ v §
^
-
- :- -.v.-
-
J
•
S ■ -.
\ ,-•:.•
-
<" •'-
-
O^N*
.. JJJ(nm M-
'
AVaV
. - -
_ . «.
.
MteM **Wv>«&**iU
~
* --.■..-• ■ ~~ -- ****
»
M .*£
^.Mfee-WNttBteflNMS
~4*$w333iMtt
im>.' ■ \ \ i i LC ir H an b b\OM i.m. i CO L«U0 ;i |
in is; 1 .;, Harris* Diraotory sums up Hie manufaotoriea of the
• iiv thus:
8 Cotton faotorlei *770,i
• u bite Lead factories 106,000
Manufactories "I Birmingham 8,401,000
c [i^ manufacturing oatablisknionts, and rolling mills,
Monongakola I," ■•■
Iron foundries 500,000
io Steam engine faotorles, and foundries attached 700,000
7 GMaaamam] I Monongahola 130,000
;; Rope walks 200,000
S Icon manufactories oi saws, ihovelfl, spades, boas, axes
n.'u is. fa 880,900
i n tngeton'a platform Beala manufactory 00,000
[ngersol's steam bat body manufactory n ■ ISO
.vii other manufactories and meohaaicft] prodnotlonsol the city
and 1'in irons 1,000,000
'I'oiul manufactories, Ac 11,001 > :
The mercantile business is aummed np at, I I 100,000
Ih« coiniiiissioii business at i 876,000
•riio ooal trade al 000,900
Making n total of 81,1 V
in L 840 there were returned bj tiu> oensua of that year as in
Pittsburgh, Allegheny, and Birmingham:
88 Lumber yarda, with a capital of
87 Kuriia. 'os and 7 forges, « 1th s capital of. 1,000 000
io Qlaas Houses, and gloss i with a capital of..... 880,000
Cotton faotorli plndles,
i Pottery, 1 falling mill, tanneries, broweriea,8 flouring
mills, i oil mill, i rope walk, »u of which employed a capital
of $8,111,890
CHAFTfiB \U
i i M Q v i; ,
Tho iuoidont which it ia just to oonsidor as tho oommenoomont
of that valuable portion of tho business of Pittsburgh — tho lumber
trade, is thus recorded in "Craig's History of Pittsburgh :"
'• Major Thomas Butler, (lion oonuuanding (1796»j at Franklin,
had Informed Major Craig, that tho very worthy and excellent
Seneca Chief, Coraplanter, or Gyantawaohia, as his name y>as
spoiled in signing tho treaty, had at his saw-mill a large quantity
of boards an artioio muoh wantod tor tho sovyioo Of tho public.
rhe Major therefore Immediately dispatched Marcus Rulings, an
experienced waterman, with three bags of money and some other
articles, up the river to his place, to purohaao all tho hu
tag tho next day that some private persons had gone on tho same
errand thaMajor dispatched James Beard, a trusty person, on horse-
back, with a letter informing Coraplanter of Rulings'
Beard arrived in time and secured tho lumber. The follov
tho reply of Coraplanter, gin ::«*♦.*
mssadsgo, 8d Beoember, 1786,
••l thank khe States for making mo suoh hind ofers. w<e have
made peace with tho United Statos as long as waller runs, which
was tho reason that I built a mill in order t^ SUport my family by it.
Mo: o SO because I am getting old and not able to hunt I also thank
tho Statos for tho ploashuro I now fool in mooting thom again iu
friendship. Ton have sent a man to make a bargain with mo for:*
sextain timo which l donot like to do. But as long as my mill makes
boards tho United States shall always havo thom in preference to
any other, at tho market price, and when yon want no
l oant make blankets of thom. As for tho money you sent if 1
•s to tho amount leave it and 1 will pay it iu ;
in tho Spring "
UUMBBS. 96
The rest of the chief's letter, as nol apposite to this subject, is
omitted, although au interesting composition.
In 1807 there were in Pittsburgh four lumber yards.
In 1812 the quantity of lumber brought down the Allegheny
river and inspected at Pittsburgh, was 7.000,000 feet— worth about
$70,000.
In 1817 we find the following record in Cramer's Almanack, of
the timber trade of the Allegheny river :
•«0n Prokenstraw creek. Wanes county. Pennsylvania, are fifteen
saw mills, sonic of which use eleven saws. They cut on an avenge
feet of boards a day, and can be worked eight months iu the
year, making about 9,460,000 feet annually, worth iu Pittsburgh.
$100,000. On the Conewango. which rises in the State of New
York, and empties into the Allegheny river above Prokeustraw. in
the same county, our informant assures us that more than twice
that quantity of lumber is sawed."
This account would make the lumber business of the Allegheny
river then, and consequently of Pittsburgh, as at that period the
product of all those mills was floated to this city, worth $800,000.
and the number of mills about forty-five, producing l28.o50.000 feet
of lumber.
In 1831 the amount annually brought down the Ohio is estimated
in •• Peck's Guide" at 30,000,000 feet, worth in the neighborhood
of $800,000.
The increased demand consequent upon the rapid progress of the
population of the Ohio Valley and the manufactures of Pittsburgh,
rapidly swelled the amount of lumber annually cut on the Allegheny
and its tributaries, until the amount of lumber now run from that
.-ection and sawed upon their batiks, has increased to an immense
amount. About one-half of the entire "cut" of the mills is consumed
at Pittsburgh: the remaining half is taken to ports below and sold.
There are now in the city the following lumber dealers, whose
names, locations of yards, and the year of the establishment of
them, are given below in tabular form:
Firm Location of yard. By whom established. Tear
•the No. Liberty street, Pittsburgh "Willis Booth*, 1S-U
Brewer. Kyu.l A. Oo Cor. Vk l-iue;uul Su.ulusky Bt. AlUg'y.rivver .V OowJAtt
WBDuDttworth Oor. Tth tad Great, Pittsburgh Taos. Scott 1-vW
J. lhuilevy Coertiera street, Allegheny J- Dunleyj
Win. Brans Point Win. Eva
P Rower I Boa, No fit Pean street, Pittsburgh P. Bntrer ISO
i 1 I PITTSHUKr.H AS IT IS.
•'■'"■ H '--■- Oor.U.i-...; gad t'oiui. Putsfrgh _.,Toh:i BOB
Benon & Pollock v - - ■ •• u.
- soaard, ..No. r. •■ J>. Leonard
Andrew jfortoa — Dnonesw . •• A. Morton li4-t
David JTKoo. V- . ' Pqon street, •• -.PsvidXTU.
v ".>. Ufegfr, W. MoBrUT....l$37
Pean street Pittsburgh
- Ulegheny
- - berry Alley, Pittsl
Sill .v Oo _ Qor. Hand and ftaqvesM Wsy. •• Benon .t SiU.-AS-^
B. K. WAruor.. . :•..'..;.-. . .
The amount of Lumber piled by the above dealer? -was, taking
the ••rim" of 1855 — in this branch of business the low water eur-
; the extent of their operal - - —34,000,000
feet, of which about 4*500,000 was clear stuif. The SUM firms
purchased in same years 18,500,000 shingles. The value of which
lumber was as follows :
a of Lumber at 11 i $309,000 At Yards (645,000
: gpos 46,750
There, are also in th. Rowing
SASH FACTORIES.
Chambers. CVr. Plum aa, : . CS Tumi.
mil Jt MVlure _ C i •• " ISM
John B. Iugrahani .Rebecca, Bear € "
-- 3vrea - - • "
■ 1S56
- - fcnd Osuisl. Allegheny— ■ ISoo
s»M< - ( i s ■ ■ r ■
*
• ^ "
In these are manufactuv. - is and window
sash, of which artio. : _
a rata - $S for
-
$se factories
3,832,00(1 $31,152
- - -.mouut to....
. F8»80t
. in the busk\c^ -
ital of
There are in Pittsburgh the following
PLANING MILLS.
Style. Firm. Looation. By whom establ'd. Tear.
Allegheny John A. Bloomer \mlerson A Laeock, Alleg'y, Same, 1S50
W. H. Bwen Cor. PennA Marbury, Pitta'gh, "
J. B. Hill Morris street, " " 1850
Buquesne, Heath & Co Marbury and Pnquesne, " " 1856
Birmingham,...J. & A. Hays Ormsl.y i Water. Birmingm, " 1856
John B. Ingraham, Rebecca, near Cory, Allegh'y, " 1856
Jas. Meliin-er. Cor. i>t A Carson, S. Pitta'gh, " 1847
Patterson A Brans Rebecca, Allegheny li !s;4
Union, Union Planing MU1 CaJHarion Avenue, Allegheny,... " 1857
The above nine mills pile from the Allegheny river 19,000,000
feet of lumber, worth $208,000
They employ 120 hands, whose wages are 76,584
" produce 12,220,000 feet of planed flooring, worth 268,800
" sell 6,680,000 feet of lumber, worth 102,000
" have in buildings, machinery &c. capital to
amount of — 104,000
" consume 30,000 bushels of coal a year, 1,500
" keep twelve steam Engines running.
The planed flooring of these mills are shipped to a heavy extent
to nearly all sections of the West, beside supplying the home trade,
at the rate of $22 per thousand feet, planed, grooved and tongued.
There are also eight
SAW MILLS.
Mill. Firm, Locatiou. By wiiom estab'd. Year
Bewhurst A Hays Cor. Main & Bk. Lane,
Allegheny, G. E. "\Varner,..1832
i \.Tl. Harvey A Co Pnquesne Boro Same 1866
Duojusne John Morrison, •• " li 18-10
Morrison. Stewart A Co. " " " 1856
Outlet Nease A Nixon Craig St. Allegheny, Smith A Parsie, 1830
Manchester T. A A. Patterson Manchester
roint Samuel Wickerahani Pennb.Marbury,PitfgT. Wickersham, 1831
Lawrenceville. \\. A S. Wlghtman I.awroiu cvillo.
These eight saw mills employ seventy men, whoso yearly wages
amount to $26,250
They consume 50,000 bushels of coal, 2,500
Tho capital in buildings is $24,800
" " machinery, 35,000
59,800
00 PIIISBUMA i8 II l?.
The<-- ■ la ira a stout si -."insr. ami
feet o( timber, worth... $1
"... H?,00Q
i,30C - •• ... 14*600
-
- .\000.
- aess - ..'•. would therefore son op thus:
2,600*000 |
- 13,300,000 227,000
• 5.800.000
$ ; i#h l" m ■: v .< : B 13,000
< 34,600,000
•■ '<..\\UW
$1,440,300
The foroc.' : SS . . '.■:"■..- A";.
- i
s
: .n the
-
s
: . (M90.00C
■ -
s
■ ". s
Pitts ..~$1,440,3M
...... |g .
-."
I -uount
I
ii HBBB.
meant the felling o( tho timber in the forest, and hauling it to t ho
mill; for which labor the average rate of payment is $1.60 per
thousand foot. l\v cutting is meant tho saving of tho timbor into
boards; andbj rafting, the placing and securing tho same in rafts,
which two labors aro rated at $1.60 per thousand foot. Tho cost
of running or navigating tho rafts to Pittsburgh, is from $2.50 to
$8 00 per thousand foot. Where persons not owning timber lands
desire to go into t he lumbering business on the Allegheny streams,
it is customary for them to rent a privilege from some land owner
10 out the timber on his land, for which the rentee pays from $3 to
$6 per thousand feet, the land owner finding tho mill, and the.
rontce paying for or doing all tho labor. The hands required to
run one saw night and day. or double turn, as it is termed, are six.
The price of hoards is almost yearly on the increase. In 1832,
tho best quality of pine boards was sold in this market for $4.60
a thousand at the river; and not more than ten yoars ago they
wore selling at $6 per thousand. Tine boards aro now worth, by
the raft, in tho water at the Allegheny wharf, $12 per thousand
foot.
The pine timber land in the Allegheny valley is also rapidly
enhancing in value as well as the lumber. Ten years ago the best
timber tracts could be bought at from $1 to $G per acre, according
to their location and distance from good rafting streams. The
same quality oi land is now worth from $5 to $2$ an acre; and
the value oi' the entire timber region ol' the Allegheny is increasing
at a yearly rate of 33A per cent.
In these days o( western land speculation, it might be well for
all who have capital to invest in such enterprises, to bear in
mind the few facts we have stated about the lumber trade of Pitts-
burgh, and give a further examination to the subject. There are
no western lands that aro more steadily rising in value ; and with
the consumption and demand for pine lumber, the same increase
will continue in proportion as the demand enlarges and tho supply
diminishes.
lu addition to tho Allegheny lumber region, there aro at tho head
waters of the Mouongahela, dense forests of tho finest pine timber,
Which have as yet not come into tho market, owing to the ditiioulties
of navigation ; yet that that region will become equally valuable in
a few years there can bo no doubt, as tho rapidly increasing price
of good pine timber leads will justify greater expouso in bringing
98 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS,
it to market and consequently expenditure of capital by private
individuals, or public companies in clearing the head waters of the
Monongahela of such obstructions as now prevent the running of
lumber.
The Pittsburgh and Connellsville Rail Road, which penetrates into
the same region of country, will add to the resources of the lumber
trade of Pittsburgh. In Somerset county there are large sections
of unsurpassed pine and hemlock. In 1S53 the lumber business of
that county was estimated at $300,000, most of which found an
outlet to the East and tide water by the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.
The products of the mills of Allegheny county, Maryland, and
those which will arise from the forests of pine timber in Fayette
county, Pennsylvania, will also largely swell the value of the lum-
ber business of Pittsburgh.
CHAPTER XV.
As an article of trade, salt is one of the staples of Pittsburgh;
and although from the low price at which it is sold it does not pre-
sent so imposiDg a front as some other articles, yet it is deserving
of a distinct and separatemention, asoneof thesourcesof herwealth.
Until the beginning of 1796, Pittsb\irgh was supplied with salt from
the eastern cities, packed across the mountains on horses, and in
wagons, at a high rate of freight. In the beginning of that year
Quartermaster-General James O'Hara had occasion to visit Niag-
ara. He there ascertained that salt could be brought to Pittsburgh
cheaper from the Onondaga works in New York state, than from
the eastern cities. And he was instrumental in causing large
quantities to be brought by way of the lake to Erie, and thence to
Pittsburgh, by Le Beeuf and French creeks and the Allegheny
river. The supply from this source was continued until 1S10,
when the manufacture of salt on the Kenhawa came into competi-
tion with the New York works, whose supply was ia 1812 entirely
cut off by^the war. The opening of the salt works on the Kiski-
minetas and the Allegheny, produced a third revolution in the
salt trade. Of the opeuiug of the salt wells of the Kiskiminetas
the following account is given by tho Hou. Walter Forward, in
1817, in an article on Western Pennsylvania, published in "The
Magazine Almanack " of that year. " About 30 miles north-east
of Pittsburgh, in the margin of the Kiskiminetas on Conemaugh
river, a navigable branch of tho Allegheny, a body of salt water
has boon discovered nearly as strong as brino, aud sufficiently large
to furnish salt for a million of inhabitants. William Johnston, a
man whose enterprise deserves to bo hold in grateful remembrance,
began to bore for salt water on tho beach of the river at low water
mark in 1S12-13, under circumstances of the most discouraging,
and against tho remonstrauoes of the neighborhood, who ascribed
his undertaking to folly and madness. With an auger 2\ inches
in diameter, he perforated the rock to the depth of nearly 200 feet :
at a time when hope was sinking in despair, and all hands were
about relinquishing tho undertaking, a largo vein was struck. No
sooner was the auger withdrawn than tho salt water spouted six
or eight feet into tho air. A copper tubo was then procured, and
sunk so deep as to exclude the fresh water, and the salt water
recoived in wooden tubes and conducted under the surface of the
beach to a large reservoir at the bend of the river. As soon as
furnaces could be erected, tho operation of boiling salt com-
menced. * * * * * * Four
large establishments are now erected and in operation, and yield-
ing from 2-1 to 50 bushels of salt a day. Two or three others will be
completed in two or three mouths."
Tho mineral formation of tho Western Pennsylvania salt regiou,
renders it, from the great abundance of coal and the ease with which
it is mined, one unsurpassed for advantages in tho prosecution of
the manufacturing of salt — the great articlo fuel not costing
more than three cents a bushel. Pittsburgh is the market to
which the salt works look, not only for the sale of their produc-
tion, but also to purchase their supplies.
In 1834, tho inspection of Salt in Pittsburgh was 34,381 barrels.
" 1835, " " « " « " 18,273 "
'< 1836, " " " " " " 17,460 "
The salt works in the vicinity of Pittsburgh are principally situ-
ate. 1 in Allegheny, Armstrong, Indiana and Westmoreland conn-
100
PITTSBUKliH AS IT 15.
ties. The data from whence the following statistics are made
up was furnished by the firm of J. M" Cully & Co. of this city.
Counties.
j No.
Works.
No.
Hands.
Bushels Coul
Consumed.
Barrels Salt.
Capital.
Allegheny,
i j?
SI
65
20
76
884,000
487,000
S6.C00
474,000
64,500
32.S00
10,000
3S.500
$152,500
66,000
Westmoreland,
19
74,000
Total
I 49
242
1.931,000
145,S0O
$322,500
The expense and production in dollars would stand thus :
242 men $72,600
1,931,000 bushels coal 67,585
145,800 bbls. salt.
$140,185
.$187,200
Of this production there is delivered at Pittsburgh an average
amount of 105,000 barrels, having a value of $180,000. The
remaining 40,000 barrels are shipped to other points, and meet
the wants in the immediate vicinity of the various works. The
entire value, however, finds its way into Pittsburgh, from the fact
that it is the market whence they derive their supplies.
CHAPTER XVI.
IRON.
The manufacture of Iron is antediluvian in its character, Tubal
Cain being admitted to have been the first producer of that motal ;
but the scale of manufacturing was, up to the days of Homer, of
so small an extent, that at the games in honor of the death of
Patrocles, the most precious pi-izo was a piece of iron which a
single man could throw. And it is recorded that when Porus came
from the east, from the land of gold and of pearls, to propitiate
Alexander the Great, his most valuable gift was a piece of Indian
iron weighing forty pounds.
It is thought the Crusaders brought back with them a knowl-
edge of manufacturing cast iron ; but although that knowledge
was early put to use in Europe, yet the progress was so slow that
in 1740, only 117 years ago, the whole production of England was
made from fifty-nine furnaces, averaging 249 tons each, or a value
of 17,350 tons. In 1856 it was calculated by Abram S. Hewitt,
that the consumption of iron was
Production Consumption
Nations. per head. per head.
England, 287 lbs 140
United States 84 " 117
France, 40 " 60
Sweden and Norway 92 " 30
Belgium, 136 " 70
Austria, 12£" 15
Russia 10 " 10
Switzerland, ,00 " 22
Prussia,... 50 " 50
Germany, Zollvcrein, 50 " 60
Spain, 4£" 6
The same authority computes that from the ratio of increase in
9#
102 I'lTTSmiRGH A3 IT IS.
116 years, doling which time it increased seventeen fold, the next
century would show a demand requiring ;vn annual make of
140,000,000 tons. The consumption of iron is so rapidly increasing,
that it requires shorter periods for the doubling of the production
from a given date. In Great Britain, commencing at 1806, it
required until 1824, or 18 years, to double the amount consumed
at the former date. In 1886 it had again doubled, being only
twelve years. In 1847, eleven years, it had doubled agaiu; and in
1855, a period of eight years.it had reached 8,500,000 tons, being
an increase of 1,500,000 tons in thai time, at which rate it would
double in ten years.
The following table, taken from a lecture by Abrara S. Hewitt,
gives the production of various countries, at the dates specified:
Toils.
England 1855 8, 585. 906
France 1845 650,000
Belgium 1S55 225,000
Russia 1851 800.000
Sweden 1852 157,000
Norway lS*u"> 22,500
Austria 1847 1115.705
Prussia lOQ.OOO
Germany 200,000
Elba and Italy 7-.000
Spain 27.000
Denmark, and balance of Europe 20,000
United States, 1856 1,000,000
By the foregoing tables of production and consumption, it will
bo seen that the United States is the second nation in the con-
sumption and yield oi iron. The iron product of Pennsylvania
in 1849 was 253,370 tons, and the make in 1856 it is estimated
reachod about 380.000 tons, being 88 per cent, of the whole
estimated product oi the United States, and larger than any
nation of Europe, excepting England, France and Prussia. The
report of the committee on statistics of the Iron Convention of
1850, gives the number of furnaces and blbomeries in the State, at
804. with a capacity, at that time, of 550,959 tons.
The present sources from whence Pittsburgh draws her supply
of pig iron, are.
IROJT. 103
First., The Allegheny region, from whence she receives hot and
oold blast charcoal metal. This metal is of various qualities,
usually inclining to cold short, but the best sorts are of both hot
and cold, and are strong in wrought iron : most of it is useful for
correcting the red shortness of the anthracite metals; when gray
it makes tine castings.
Second, The Anthracite region. The metals of this region are
usually red-short, though there are exceptions, and nearly all
make excellent castings when gray, (No. 1 grado,) and strong
wrought iron when mottled, (Nos. 2 and 3.)
Third, The Hanging Rock region. From this district, 34b' miles
from Pittsburgh, on tho Ohio river, a fine quality of charcoal
metal, making good castings and wrought iron, is brought largely
by river to Pittsburgh.
Fourth, From Tennessee. From this State large quantities of
charcoal pig, of various qualities, are brought to this market.
Fifth, From the Juniata region. From this section charcoal
metal of a very superior quality is obtained, but at tho present
time in very limited quantities, most of it being turned into
blooms before it comes into the market.
From tho Monongnhela river section of country, from Missouri
and a few other sources, a limited supply is obtained. The coke
iron consumed by the manufactories of Pittsburgh, is at present
obtained both from a distance and from tho neighborhood. The
metal of this description made from the Fossil ore of the central
counties of Pennsylvania, is excellent for castings. The produc-
tion of this quality of pig is now confined to a few furnaces, but
the deposits of this class of ore in the State being immense, there
will probably be a large and rapid increase in its production.
From tho neighboring counties of Fayette, Cambria, Beaver,
Mercer, and Lawrence, coke metal is now brought to Pittsburgh;
some of it making very fair castings.
From this cause, the introduction of metal smelted with coke
or raw coal, it is reasonable to anticipate that in a short time a
revolution will be effected, giving to the iron manufacture of Pitts-
burgh, in all its branches, an impulse, the extent and results of
which it would now be premature to estimate. For though one
might go below tho truth, yet they would be above belief.
In England tho ores of tho coal measures, smelted upon the spot
where thoy nre mined, lmvo furnished the iron which, from it*
104 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
has commanded the markets of Europe. A similar
result will arise in this country, when the ores of the American
coal measures are fully understood, and properly worked ; and from
the superior quality of its fuel, the Pittsburgh coal region will
take the lead*
If Pittsburgh has been able heretofore, from the cheapness and
excellence of her fuel, to bring from such yarious and great dis-
tances, pig metal and (excepting the eastward,) to send back
bar iron and castings to compete at home with the local mills
and foundries, she will do it still more successfully, if she can
find her supplies of metal in her own vicinity. Until recently it
was not imagined that the oresexisted in large quantities in this
vicinity, except in a few cases, as the Cambria iron works location.
Now, the best informed persons believe that many such locations
can be found. If to the above named neighboring counties, we
add Butler, Armstrong, and Westmoreland, all known to possess
large deposits of ore, we have a belt of counties which either
already have coke furnaces, or known locations where they would
be successful.
Considering how little skilled research has been brought to bear
upon this matter, the commencement already made is really sur-
prising, small as it is. The carbonates of the coal measures,
unlike most other ores of iron, are often difficult of detection,
except to the practiced eye. The attention of but a few individ-
uals, here and there, has yet been attracted to this subject, and
not one-tenth of the whole region within a circuit of 60 miles of
Pittsburgh, has been really explored at all. The great profits
which will be reaped by the well located of the coke furnaces now
running, or shortly to be erected, will, it may safely be expected,
lead to a general development of whatever mineral wealth of this
description we really possess. Time only can determine whether
it will prove as great as we are led to expect, from the general
geological formation, the marked presence of iron in nearly every
rock, and the rich deposits already casually hit upon, through a
circuit of counties clustered about us.
One reason for the languid interest until recently felt in the
coke metal manufacture, was the fact that the production was of
very inferior quality, and was unskillfully worked at the mills.
Later experience, both at the blast furnace and the puddling fur-
nace, have obviated this difficulty, and a satisfactory quality is
IRON. 1U5
now made. The same early delays and txials attended the first
attempts in England, and embarrassed the beginning of the
anthracite metal manufacture in this country. The following
facts will serve to give some idea of the importance of this change
in the method of producing Pig Iron.
Charcoal pig, to be sufficiently profitable to maintain its manu-
facture on a large scale, insuring steady production, must be worth
$25 at the furnace. The furnace sites are necessarily isolated
from main channels of transportation, so as to command large
tracts of cheap woodland, and the conveyance is hence costly,
from actual freight charges, and from uncertainty and danger
attending its delivery in market. Hence $30 per ton in Pittsburgh
is as low a price as will support this mode of production profita-
bly. Past experience shows this.
Anthracite pig can perhaps be made in Eastern Pennsylvania
for $20 per ton at the furnace, and yield profit enough to make
(he production permanent. Much lower than this it can never go.
The coal is costly to mine, is not found in the same locations with
the ore, and is salable at high prices for other purposes wherever
mined. Here is a natural barrier forbidding forever the rivalry
of anthracite with bituminous coal in the cheap working of iron.
Call the freight of the anthracite pig $5 per ton— $25 per ton
then, delivered in Pittsburgh, may perhaps sustain this mode of
manufacture. Prices, both of metal and freight, have heretofore
r uledhigher.
Coke pig, where as is now the case, ore coal and flux are mined
out of the same or adjacent hills, can bo made for $12 to $13 per
ton. Near any of the rail roads, and within 60 miles, it can be
delivered for $1 per ton. Sold at $17.50 per ton, it would yield a
profit sufficiently handsome to cause the employment of enough
capital to create an immense production.
fJuj'ing metal at $17.50 per ton, the foundries could then sell
castings at two cents per pound and realize the same profits as
now at two and a half cents, which may be taken as the current
price, with the average cost of metal at $27.50 per ton. The
rolling mills could sell bar iron at two cents per pound here, or
deliver it on the sea-board at two and a quarter cents, which is
about the same rate as the English ton at $50. The products of the
iron foundries and mills of Pittsburgh could then enter successfully
tho eastern markets.
I U(i M i t'sni iui it IS i I is.
Such prices can only bo profitable where coke metal of good
quality is worked with tho cheapest and host of bituminous coal,
but under theso conditions it must supplant in :v grout measure
all ilio other modes of manufacture. The resulting demand can-
not well bo estimated, but it' to tho increasing wants ot* tho "West,
bo added tho opening ot* tho markets ot' tho sea-board and of tho
South, soino conception nun bo t'onnod of tho rosult, to Pittsburgh
and tho country at largo, of tho development of tho manufacture
of coke pig metal.
Out of the 804 furnaces and bloomeries in tho State in 1860,
those of tho western oounties, 68 in number, find their exclusive
market hero, and a majority of those in the Kast send large quan-
tities of their metal to this city. Not only from the furnaces of
her own State does Pittsburgh procure iron for the USQ of her
rolling mills, her foundries and her engine shops, but, as previously
shown in this ohapter, from Ohio, Kentucky. Tennessee. Missouri.
and tho far off shores of Lake Superior. The tables of production
and increase in the various branches of iron manufacture in this
city show at their proper place in this volume, how steadily tho de-
mand for iron has enlarged the business in Pittsburgh In a fore-
going paragraph in this chapter, it is stated on tho authority v
S. Hewitt, Esq., of New York, that if the consumption continues to
increase in the ratio of the last 1 1 7 years it will require I 10.000.000
tons yearly to supply the demand in the next century. The question
at once arises, where is the inunouse quantity to be made? To sol\ e
this question, there is a certain condition of things to be considered.
First, is required an adequate supply of the raw materials: then a
location of those materials that will enable them to be cheaply
brought together; for as previously stated in other chapters of
this volume, the value of raw material does not lay so much in
what it is. but where it is. There must be cheap and extensive
means for transportation to market, also a sufficiently populous
country to render labor attainable at a reasonable cost; and like-
wise skill to manage such works as may be erected in an economi-
cal manner.
Ail these requisites exist in the western and eastern irou
counties of which Pittsburgh is tho focus; and it is obvious that
in the solving of the question, of from whence will come tin?
-v increase required by the calculation of Mr. Hewitt, that
ntrv mentioned must aid largely in supplying any such
IKON. 107
demand; and thai Pittsburgh will consequently Increase wonder-
fully in furnishing her quota of the demand. For col only in tho
manufacture of pip; Iron, ar6 the requisites just mentioned requiredi
hut In the manufacture of metal into merchant bar, tin 1 various
qualities of ulccl, mimI tho multiform prodUOtiOUS Of the foundry
ami tho machine shop. For the rapid, large, and oheap production
required for the profitable conversion of metal into the artioles
arising from the various manufaotories just instanoed, Pittsburgh
possesses in tiio highest degree that oondition of things already
specified, as accessary to the produotion and manufaoture of Iron.
Thai tin- prospeol of increase in the ase '>i' iron fully justifies the
estimate of Mr- Hewitt, no one oan doubt who carefully considers
the various trades whose every movement demands iron : wloi
takes into view the rapid strides which civilization is making "Wi-
llie earth, and the OOnSUmption of iron it. demands as it. goes: the
hundreds of new inventions consuming iron, which are \ early giving
ease to the labor Of man, safely ami comfort to his existence, and
Wealth to his coders : who attentively follows mil. the demaml after
demand lor iron which the const met ion of a single rail road cre-
ates, the building of a steamer, the erection of a factory, or the
apspringing of the hundreds o[' villages in theWost and clsowhoro,
and their cnm-eipieut lm-iness.
The production of a Ion of iron foretells lo tho enrol' ul observer
mil the BatiSfying Of B demaml, but rather the creation of other
demands, from the m-v\ necessity which arises in its eonsuni|it ion,
to consume more in order to properly upplj the first production to
its designed vises. The laying of a rail way does not imply tho
Completion of a BUpply, ami the destruction of a demand; hut rather
the creation of an agent whose e\er existing necessity w ill impera-
tively demand ji daily supply, working to the raising up of fresh
demands "which grow by What I hey feci! upon." With 28,000 miles
Of rail way, which the United States possesses, the annual con-
sumption to keep them in repair will he, it is estimated, 890,000
tons, or ten pel cent, of the original outlay; and in a large propor
tion of the instances Where iron is the foundation or the
Supporting element of a husiness, a nece^ity, or a convenience,
tho Same results follow as the workings of a rail way exemplify.
It has been staled that the future millionaires of America will ho
found among the iron and coal mines of Pennsylvania. Thai they
will he found among the rolling mills, the foundries, the machine
108 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
shops, the coal companies of Pittsburgh, there can be no doubt.
A reference to the various chapters treating in this volume of
those requisites, supply of raw material, facility for its concen-
tration, for manufacturing, and for distribution, will at once
convince how surely nature designed the location of Pittsburgh
for the focus of a huge manufacturing district, and how skillfully
the cunning hand of man is improving it by rail roads, by canals,
and by rendering yet more available the rivers.
The tremendous increase in the production of iron by Great
Britain has been the result, not so much of want in other
countries of the material, or the capability of production, but
that England was the best market ; rendered so by the cheapness
of labor. In the rapid increase of consumption of iron, a point
will be reached in which the natural resourc es of Great Britain
in material and labor will be overtasked, when, the probabilities are,
the United States will come into an equal if not superior posi-
tion _ as a supplier of iron to the world.
The price of coal and iron stone has doubled in Great Britain
in the last three years, and the price of labor has materially
increased. The Russian war, and the financial troubles conse-
quent in England thereon, have had no perceptible effect in the
price of iron. Although the natural result in former days would
have been to create a fall, the increased cost of production
would not permit of any material reduction. This single fact is
indicative of the approach of that point at which the United
States will take rank above all other nations as a supplier of iron.
Of which assertion, the fact that her ores and her coal strata are
of sufficient extent to enable her to produce 50,000,000 tons with
the same drain on her natural resources as Great Britain can
produce three and a half million, is conclusive. Beside which
"from the greater richness of the ores in the United States, and
the more general use of anthracite coal, the same results could
have been achieved with less than half the quantity of raw mate-
rials, thus economizing labor to an enormous extent. In point of
fact, the materials for making a ton of iron, can be laid down in
the United States at the furnace with less expenditure of human
labor than in any part of the known world, with the possible excep-
tion of Scotland."*
* Hewitt's Lecture before the Statistical Society, New York, 1856.
moN. 109
The position which Pennsylvania would attain in such a state of
trade is apparent from her 15,000 square miles of coal and the
deposits of the various iron ores which accompany it in every
direction ; and the rank of Pittsburgh is easily deducible from
the remarks and the data given in this and previous chapters.
More capital is sorely needed in Pittsburgh, to improve her vast iron
privileges ; and we commend the facts in relation to them to the
more than serious thought of capitalists, — to their close personal
examination.
Although the consumption of iron enters more or less into all the
business of Pittsburgh, yet her iron manufactures are understood to
comprise the product of her rolling mills, her foundries, and her
machine shops.
Foremost in the list stands the rolling mill. To Henry Cort, an
Englishman of education and fortune, the world owes the invention,
without which rail roads would not have been built, and many other
daily uses of iron would have been impracticable — because without its
aid the production now required by civilization would have been
impossible. Although Henry Cort was pecuniarily ruined, and died
broken-hearted, the British nation has been an immense gainer by his
invention. It is estimated that the whole saving to the nation was,
a few years ago, £300,000,000, beside feeding and clothing four gener-
ations of workmen and their families, or more than 600,000 people for
sixty-six years.
In 1782, previous to the invention of the rolling mill, the quantity
of British hammered iron exported did not exceed 427 tons — in 1854
there were exported 1,470,723 tons. In 1782 the make of hammered
iron in Great Britain did not exceed 10,000 tons — in 1853 the total
make of puddled and rolled iron was nearly 3,000,000 tons.
The following table shows the increase in the production of pig iron
in the United States :
Tear. Tons. Year. Tons.
1771,* 7,525 1840, 765,000
1810, 54,000 1S47, 800,000
1828, 130,000 1849, 650,000
1830, 165,000 1850, 564,755
1832, 200,000 1856, 1,000,000
1840, 847,700
♦Imported into England— being one-sixth the entire imports by tli.it country,
of all kinds. For ten yenrs previous it. had averaged 2.360 ton* a vear.
10
110 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
In Pennsylvania, the make of iron is exhibited from 1828 to 1846,
by the following table from Taylor's Statistics of Coal :
Years. Blast Furnaces. Forges and Rolling Mills. Pig Iron, tons made.
1828, 44 78 24,822f
1830, 45 S4 31,056f
1842, 213 169 151,885
1S43, — « 190,000
1844, « 246,000
1846, 317 " 368,056
In 1850, a committee of the Convention of Iron Masters reported:
298 Furnaces, producing 388,705 tons, in 1S47
6 Bloomeries, " 545 " " "
253,370 " " 1849
198,813 " " 1850
In 1856, the make of the Pennsylvania furnaces was estimated from
300,000 to 380,000 tons.
In 1850, the number of rolling mills in Pennsylvania was reported
to the Convention of Iron Masters at —
Eastern Pennsylvania,..
Idling
Heating
Furnaces.
Nail
Machines.
Produce,
!47
164
252
91,598
LS7
12S
330
72,132
Of which number eight were in Philadelphia, thirteen in Chester
county, and sixteen in Pittsburgh. .
The increase of the Pittsburgh mills is shown in the following state-
ment:
Progress of Rolling Mills from 1SOS to 1S54.
180S, There were 4 Nail Factories, making 200 tons of Nails.
1810, " " 6 " " " Nails to the value of. $ 49,890
1813, " was 1 Rolling Mill erecting.
1817, " were 7 Nail Factories, 47 hands, 174,716
1810, " " 4,900 tons of bar and sheet iron sold in the Pitts-
burgh market.
1829, " " 8 Rolling Mills, using 6,000 tons blooms, 1,500
tons pig iron, and employing 300 hands.
" « " 9 Nail Factories, employing 150 hands, and pro-
ducing 18 tons of nails.
1830, ' " " 9,282 tons of iron rolled.
1S31, " " 6 Rolling Mills, using 1,S60 net tons of metal.
t Returns much underrated.
IKON. Ill
183«, There were 9 Rolling Mills, using 10,950 tons pig, 17,500 tons
blooms, consuming 2,000,000 bushels of coal,
and employing 1,000 hands.
1837, Harris' Directory gives the value of the production of five of
the Rolling Mills at 1,497,500
1850, Fahnestock's Directory says :
"There aro in Pittsburgh thirteeen Rolling Mills, with a capital of
about $5,000,000, and employing 2,500 hands. Those mills consume
60,000 tons of pig iron, and produce bar iron and nails amounting to
$4,000,000 annually."
1854, There were, according to C. A. McKnight, in Pittsburgh, 19 Rolling Mills,
having 176 puddling, 121 heating furnaces, and 253 nail machines ;
consuming 98,850 tons of pig, blooms and scraps, employing 2,720
hands.
The details of the foregoing exhibit of the progress in the rolling
mill business of the city, are gathered from various sources, and
many of them were apparently loose estimates, made from general,
not special data.
In 1857, there were in Pittsburgh twenty-five iron and steel
rolling mills, as shown by the table on the following page.
PlTTSBUKtfR A3 IT 13.
Q G £ 0) C :
i S = 3 = £~ £ £ £
2££gS2S8228«2j2££if:;£:
«J2
s s s
s
"It
|a||| ssssss is^ss ; • ? H -s ;§&s
■xxnc :«t~^c^cr-
; .-? £ i- -* o : js m « » : as : i-no*^»oc*
Ir-flHMJ) - ,-, r-. n i-i !lH Il-tj-lH 1-1 r-l
«V5 1 MP
•---::
! 1311
°1
i-s § a 3 jt^
- ~0 • -
ill;
il^giife'isS
-5 : ~
1
Iftilfciilll
<* ■? % £ g h- i 5 3 ic ?^3
s?3 j.
IKON. HjB
Theee mills consume.
Value.
188 tous Pig Iron, $3,159,900.00
27,267 " BIooiub, 2,1S1,360.00
4,931 " Scrap Irou, 180,440.00
2,660 " Swedes and Rolled Iron, 178,600,00
6,187,616 bushels of Coal, 251,500.00
118,000 " Coke, 6,900.00
6,010 tons Fire Clay, 21,500.00
2,095,000 Firo Brick, 41,900.00
9,258 tons Oro, 120,696.00
51,800 gallons Oil and Grease 53,034.00
Small items lo amount of 43,000.00
Total, $6,243,820.60
They oinploy 4,623 hands, whoso yearly wages amount to 2,366,020.00
The capital in the ground, buildings and machinery employed
in prosecution of the business, is 3,280,000.00
They produce as follows :
Value
3,212i tons Boiler Iron, $ 388,712.00
67,100 " Bar, of various sizes, 4,097,000.00
6,637 " Sheet Iron, 081,077.00
699,762 kegs Nails, Spikes and Rivets 2,797,048.00
10,000 boxes Tacks, 50,000.00
800 tons Galvanised and Imitation Russia Iron, 96,000.00
10,850 " Blister, Plow, Spring and Cast Steel, 1,747,850.00
2,600 Crow Bars, 6,000.00
1,600 Sledges, 1,875.00
Axles to amount of. 80,500.00
Springs " " 136,000.00
Vicea " " 60,000.00
In addition to the above articles, one of the mills (iEtna,) pro-
duces large quantities of wrought iron gas pipe or tubing, of the
best quality. The firm wore unable to give statistics of the pro-
duction of this article. They have been, for six years, engaged in
the business, and manufacture the tubes of sizes from | to 4 inches
(outside,) diameter. It is the only factory of the kind west of
the mountains, and supplies the western demand to a large extent.
THK POUNDBr BUSINESS
Is tho next in importance in the iron manufacture of Pittsburgh.
The first foundry which was started in the western counties of Penn-
sylvania was Trumbull & Marmio's furnace, which was situated
on Jacob's creek, fifteen miles from its mouth, and went into blast
on the 1st of November, 1790.
In 1804 the first iron foundry was established in Pittsburgh, by
10*
Ill SB! M ii >> i t IS
Mr. Joseph MYlurg. Tho growth of the foundry business in this
rOJB that time was Steady, MOid at periods rapid. At the
present day. tho\ rank sooond in tho iron business of Pittsburgh,
in the amount of capital invested, extent of ground and buildings
occupied, and number of hands employed. The variety of their
staple eastings is large : and there is no deseription ot* foundry
WOrk Which the skill, t'aeiiities and reSOUroesof the firms engaged
in the business does not justify them in undertaking. Uoa\y
mill gearing, rail road eastings, copper milting machinery, roll-
ing mill eastings, cotton and sugar mills and presses, cannon.
plows, chitted wheels, shafts, machines tor punching) drilling.
and planing iron. xe.. fitO., hollow ware, stoves, grates, platt'ortn
and other varieties of seales, steam engine work, a long list of
articles known as domestic 'Hardware, and in :'.-., iription
of form, which the necessities and the luxuries oi the Great West
demand, are daily turned out from over forty foundries located in
-'iinuuiiv. A circumstantial account of the numerous arti-
cles ..ist, and a history of each of the foundries, with however so
brief mention of interesting matters connected with them,
occupy morespaee than it is convenient to devototo the whole iron
business of Pittsburgh, and we content ourselves with simply
exhibiting in tabular form the progress of the foundry business,
from 1804 to 1867, showing the Dumber of foundries, hands, and
tons of metal consumed
War, Pwmi BMtto
\S04 \
tsio.* 9
; ; — -
18174 •» ST
G
i> 2»
.... LO00 18,000
•>.:«>
La 1867 there are in Pittsburgh the foundries given in the
table on opposite page. They are those whose business is simply
the converting of metal into castings, and who do not re-use
their own castings to manufacture iues, plows, domestic
hardware. &C, 8SC
* Census. l\v V. S. Marshal.
urj of Pittsburg) - to fowl's Wes
,-. SU5 - ibyC ■.'il>. \ V'rthv.ivteoVs i v -...-.
.. > kFKnigUt, iu Hunt '■> v SM
LKU N
L15
t
w
SoJsiSiSsJ
.
■5 <5 £■ S 5 S 08
^•' rt " ,-T eJ' A of <rf <tf ci m
1 [oanQ
*3
1
i* tj
3 I * Si g a
Mr
3 6
3 ? S ~
fill
s i
I 6
a e< waiitf
SgS
OOCOCCCCoboOOO lOPCOOOOC'QOQOOOob
S j s
E £ 5 _
1 1 -a 9 1 1 S
6 a 5 s s s I
If
Jisll
i :
1 1
w 55
n
?! a
£:. .
f
52 ffl
s * w 5
1 ^ * 1
I
3 S I
•a o j
l£ ft <■; M S ft^ P B ^ O if n S ^ »i
f|
Ifllllililillil
qi?uSj£5M3SZ^ SOU
I 16 riTi'Siil \iu H iS I I tS
Those sixteen Foundries consume
Value.
19,800 tOHS Pig Iron |
bushels Oofce ;uul OOJJ 27.0'AS
81,000 Kw Brlok uw
T9,600 bushels Kitv run , U,T80
1,266 barrels Blanking ;;.: ; >s
Ijtim gallons Oil
Lumber to amount of :. 7,000
tlvnmul Nails. •• 14,600
M.n\i\\;ii\\ ••
M "
town, " ^.700
t650,r«
They employ 860 hands, whose yearly wages are 3*6,100
•• koi-t> twenty steam engines running^ and the capital iu the
grounds, buildings end machinery, is t$3»QjN
Dhej produce 16,890 toss of castings ot* the various descriptions,
before enumerated, worth 1,818,380
in these foundries may be daily soon cast. articles ranging from
tho heavy Columbind, (oannon,) weighing 16,800 pounds, throw-
ing a ball ot' I- J pounds, io tho finest Berlin work of articles not
larger than :\ finger.
In addition to the above, there is a
Q v \ \ O X F o \ N i> K V ,
Established by Joseph nPClurg, in 1814 — now carried on by Knap,
Wade & Co,
The first Cannon made were Oast in the old Pittsburgh Foundry, at
the corner Of Fifth and Smithlield streets, on the ground now occu-
pied by the Custom House and Post Office. They Were bored and
finished in works erected for the purpose, at the corner ot'O'IIara
and .Etna streets, which made tho beginning of tho present Fort
F-itt Iron Works, where the manufacture of cannon has been con-
tinued ever since. At the commencement of the works, and for
BOme years afterwards, the boring machinery was driven by horse-
power: for at that period there were only three or four steam
engines in operation in the city or neighborhood.
The first contracts for casting cannon at this fouudry, were
made for supplying the fleet on l.ako Erie, and for the defence of
Now Orleans, during the war ^t' 1SFJ. A large number of cannon
iaoN. 117
imvo sinco beta made al the works, <>r nil sizes, weighing from 800
to 16,800 pmmdS each; almut. 1,600 in all up l<> this time.
There ta oonsumed bj the foundry,
Vfttuo.
BOO tend of Hg Iron $18,000
15,000 busli.'ls of ('nil roo
i Ire Brio* 80
200 gallons of Oil 250
20,000 foot of Lumber MOO
8,000 loisiiris of Siuni and Loam 180
100 ■• •• BireClay 10
Hardware and Files bo amount of loo
$:u),o-jo
'I'lifio mi' employed in this Foundry, twenty-eight bandB, whose
wages «iii amonnl to L2,040
The value of the work, i« 40,000
The capital in land, buildings and machinery] used iu tho busi-
ness, is 41,000
machine: shops
Axe third in rank in tin- consumption of metal in the iron busi-
ness ol' Pittsburgh. In tho product of those is comprised tho steam
engine. The value of the ateam engine to tho world, no one has
attempted to estimate. Tho value of tho invention of tho rolling
mill, has from the nature of its products been computed, so far as
tho iron products of Groat Britain are concerned, and could from
the same data bo calculated for every iron producing country ; but
tho labors of the steam cngino are employed in so multiform a way,
that no sufheient data can bo gathered to baso a calculation upon.
Some years ago, M. Miohael Chevalier estimated that the steam
engine had already furnished the world with amoving power of
more than 10,000,000 horses or 60,000,000 of men. Steam has
become tho universal agent. Wo find it in the machine shop, In
the factory, on the rail road and canal, on tho ocean and tho rivors.
By it distances are etfaced and the powers of man centuplicated.
It more firmly unites together every people — causes men to know
each other bettor, and softens and effaces national characteristics.
In a country like the United States, with a long line of sea coast
upon two oceans, intersected by rivers, containing immense inland
seas, it is not possible to assign limits to its use. Iu the applica-
tion of the steam engine to the purpose of manufacturing, it is a
difficult task to give an expression of the extent, it may reach oven
118 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
in Pittsburgh, whore the supply of iron and of coal at this poiut —
both necessary to its production, and both demanding; its labor —
give compounding values, to all its uses.
In 1775, steam engines were first applied to the pumping of
mines and the manufacture of iron: and in 1794, nineteen years
after, the steam engine was assisting at Pittsburgh to buildup that
system oi' manufactures which has given her so wide a reputa-
tion. "With the building of the steamboat, the construction of
steam engines was successfully instituted in this city.
The following table shows to a certain extent, the increase of
engine and manufacturing shops here from 1808 to 18o7:
isos. Then wns one Machinist and 'Whitesmith.
1818, " were two Steam Engine Works.
was one Wool Carding Machine Factory.
one Cloth Steals B
«
is-:;.. •
\Y01
■o six Steam Engine
footcries.
L829, -
seven ••
1S80, •• •• too Steam Engines built.
1S37, " « 10 Steam Engine Factories.
The sources from whence to gather figures showing the progress of
this branch of business are sparse ; and in the absence of any infor-
mation which will show satisfactorily the values of the steam engine
and machine business at the various dates given above, we proceed
to the business of the present day.
There are now in operation hero, sixteen Steam Engine and
Machine shops, as shown in the table upon the opposite page.
120 TITTSBURQH AS IT IS.
In addition to those mentioned, there is one other manufactory
of steam engines which declined giving the figures of their business.
There is also the " machine tool " factory of Joseph F. Hamil-
ton & Co., eorner of First and Liberty streets, established in 1850.
The manufacture of what is usually termed " machine tools," is
only carried on in this one establishment in the city, that being
the legitimate business of the firm, although Steam engines are
occasionally turned out.
The quality of tools made is not surpassed in design or capa-
city for work by any in the United States: an instance of this
is to be seen in the work-shops of the Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne and
Chicago Kail Road, where a machine from this house, costing but
$S00, has turned 120 car wheels a day when in operation, and
axles in proportion, for the last three years ; while at the work-
shop of another road a machine from the leading machine tool house
in the United States will only turn forty wheels a day. and is
incapable of turning axles.
This house employs twenty hands, whose wages arc $9,360 a
year; the products of the house are about $15,000.
The quality of work turned out by the machine shops of Pitts-
burgh is too well known to need praise. The engines gotten up
for the famous Pittsburgh and Cincinnati line of Packets were evi-
dence of the beauty and staunchness of the work and the skill of
the workmen. In tact there is hardly a boat that leaves the wharf
that does not carry in her motive power the best panegyric of the
steam engine builders of Pittsburgh.
BOILER YARDS
Are the natural accompaniment of our machine shops; of these
there are in the city the following :
StylQ. Firm. Loofction, SMt ostab- Ev whom.
listed.
Duou6sne,Jas. Blair i Oo.. Cor. Duquesne tod Du-
onesne Way. 1846, M'CoUistor i Co.
BarohHl & Go 61 Peon 1858, Bamhill a Co.
M.E. Busha A Co Cor. Liberty .v Water P JLS49, B. i DouglasB.
Douglass & English First, near Ferry.
Knap, Wade* Co Oor. ."K.tna .v O'Hara 1S30. M'Clurg a Pratt.
Robin^n. Minis* Miibr. ...South Pittsburgh.
Point, J. Wighttato,..* Wa,ter,below Liberty,.lS36, J, Wighjtmait,
These employ 1.040 hands, whose yearly wages are ( TS,980
Ihey consume 1,470 tons boiler and sheet iron 177.S70
•■ 751,000 bushels coal 5,600
•' " Bar iron, rivets and castings, to amount of 10,800
1868,160
IRON. 12J
Tboy tceep 7 million running, and produce
695 Boilers, worth $206.0fO
Bheel iron and bridge work, 40,000
$808,000
Tim capital In grounds, bulldinj and machinery neoessary to the
, Is $183,000
There are manufactured in Pittsburgh in addition to the visual
Btyle, boilers of two different patents, owned here. One is
" Barnhill's," built upon the plan of a locomotive, with a firo box,
thereby saving room. This boiler runs an engino of 30 horse
power all day, with the consumption of 10 bushels of coal. Steam
con bo got up quicker in it than in the old flued boilers, and from
its having no brick work it can be easily put up and moved. The
other is " Wightman's," the peculiarity of which is, that from its
compactness, it occupies but half the room of the old stylo boilers
and consumes but ono third the fuel.
SHOVELS AND AXES
Aro among the important iron and steel manufactures of the city.
Shovels of all descriptions are made here, and a very largo trade
has been built up. Tho samo advantago of iron and coal, alluded
to before, in connection with other products of our mechanics,
have in this class of manufactures given Pittsburgh an impetus
which has enabled her to rival successfully all other markets.
Iler shovels and her axes aro necessaries to tho completion of
tho stock of every dealer in hardware, in tho Wost ; and every
season adds to tho number of purchasers who order these articles
from Pittsburgh, to tho neglect of other points. There are four
firms in this business, viz :
Year
Stylo Work*. Firm. Location. Eatab'd. Who by.
Eaplo, J. Tlolmes & Co., 13 Wood, 1S40 J. Ilolmes.
Empire Newmyar .t Ciruff, 22 Wood, 1854 Dawson, Nowrayor .4; Co .
Lippincott, Lippincott. & Co., 118 Water, 1847 ^ippincott & Co.
Postley, Nelson & Co...... 22 Market, 184-3 *'eis u & Morgan.
These four factories consume
Valuo.
3,173 tons Bar and Sheet Iron, worth $228,468
670 tone Steel, worth 141.250
804 000 bnahels Coal and Coke, woith 1D.7O0
770 Grind St meg, worth 19,230
34.000 Boxes, worth 6.10J
81,400 doz. Shovel Handles, worth 23.550
Borax to amount of. 3,000
Th>\v employ MC bands, whrxw pearly wages sre 231,660
eflTl.<Wfc
123 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
They keep five steam engines running, and produce
44.000 doz. Axes a year, worth $462,000
$2,000 dor. shovels, worth 808,000
1S.690 doz. Ticks and Mattocks, worth 94,242
11,000 dr*. Planter's Roes, worth 3S.O0O
2,500 Vices, worth 16,500
Saws to amount of. 10,000
£$88^49
The production of these four factories, it will be observed, is
not confined to shovels and axes ; beside those, three of them,
Lippincott & Co., Kswmyer & Graff, and Postley, Nelson & Co.
manufacture picks and mattocks; Lippincott ec Co. also manufac-
ture saws; Newmyer & Graff, planter's hoes: and Postley,
Nelson & Co., vices : Holmes ci Co. confine their business chiefly
to broad axes and hatchets.
The capital in the ground, buildings and machinery in use in the
prosecution of this business is $154,409.
Of tho early history of this branch of business there is not
sufficient trace to institute ft comparison.
In 1803 the production of axes and hoes is mentioned in con-
nection with other articles. In 1S10 the making of hatchets,
shovels, and axes, is noticed in the valuation of ironmongery
made in that year in Pittsburgh. The value of the whole amount
of ironmongery is set down at $15,000, of which the value of the
hatchets, shovels, and axes, would, from the connection in which
they are mentioned, not exceed $2,000. In 1813 there was one
steam works for making shovels, spades. xc.
In 1886 'Messrs. Lippincott & Brothers, and Kings, tligby &
Anderson, manufactured 8,000 do?., shovels and spades, 1,600
doz. hoes, and 600 doz. saws. Oren Waters, on Chartiers creek.
and Ephrairu F.step, at Lawreneeville. the same year, made axes,
shovels, spades. &c, to amount of $00,000.
FORGES.
Of these for tho forgiug of heavy shafts and every variety of
like work, there are two: Tho " Pennsylvania," Everson, Preston
& Co., and "The West Point." P. Fawcet & Co.
These consume l,i';'0 tons Bar Iron. 820,000 bushels Coal, 37,000 Fire
Brick. 564 tons Clay. 760 -aliens Oil. which amount to $15
They employ titty-seven men, whose wastes amount to 29,000
" produce work to the value of. 224,500
'• run two * team engines.
123
HIVBB BLACKSMITHS AND CHAIN MAKERS
The heavy amount of steamboat building carried on at this point,
has created a class of blacksmiths whoso principal and peculiar
business is tho "ironing" of boats, as it is known. Of these there
are seven, viz :
Firm. Established. B.v whom. Locatloa.
Joseph Long, 1811,. ..Joseph Long, Cor. Short and Water.
John Wilkinson, !SH,...Johu Wilkinson W7 Liberty.
James Kennedy, 1343,. ..Kennedy .t Giacoy, Oor. West and Water.
Win. B. Scaifo 18t8,...Wm. B. Scaifo First, near Wood.
Qraoey, McKoo & Co.,...lS50,...Gmcoy, McKee&Co., '13 and 34 Water.
Douglass & Kuglish, ...Douglass & English, First, near Ferry.
Lycot& Itobison, ....Lycot & Kobison, Second street Road.
Those consume 9S5 tons of Bar Iron, $29,500
" 67,600 bushels of Coal, 3,380
" " steel to amount of 360
They employ forty-eight hands, whose wages are yearly 18,100
" produce work in their lino of business to amount of 61,200
These firms employ three steam engines.
Thero are in the city and environs, 100 blacksmiths who do a
general jobbing business in all descriptions of work \isually done
by blacksmiths, tho aggregate amount of whose work is about
$200,000 per annum.
PATENT nOT-PBESSKD NUTS.
As tho manufacture of these articles originated in Pittsburgh, a
short history of them will not bo out of place in this work.
In 1845 or 1840, 'William Kenyon, of Steubenvillc, Ohio, invented
a machine for cutting and pressing a nut at ono operation ; the
right of which invention was purchased by Haigh, Hartnpee & Co.
from hiai in 1830, who then applied as his assignees for a patent,
which was granted shortly after. Some period after the time men-
tioned as tho date of Kenyon's invention, Isaac H. Steer con-
structed dies for a similar purpose.
In the spring of 1850, tho first machine for that purpose was
built by Henry Carter and James Rees. Henry Carter has pur-
chased the right of Isaac H. Steer, and obtained letters patent,
both io the iuvention of Steer and Carter & Rees.
The manufacture of this article has since its inception been
prosecuted with success, and the demand has steadily increased.
In April, 1850, James Rees disposed of his interest in the niauu-
1^4 PlTT-SBUJUtH AS IT 1/8.
i'acture to Henry Carter, who at the same time formed a co-partner-
ship -with Charles Knnp, of the Fort Pitt Works in this city, under
the style of Knap & Carter, Charles Knap having purchased one-
half of the patent for the territory west of the Allegheny moun-
tains. On the 1st of January, 1857, they associated with them
John W. Butler of this city, a gentleman long and favorably known
to the business community — the style of the firm now being Knap,
Carter & Co.
Messrs. Haigh, Hartupee & Co., the producers of this article
under Kenyon's patent, have been manufacturing hot-pressed nuts
since 1851, and with a steady increase in their orders to the present
time. They contemplate the present season enlarging the capacity
and production of their works.
Both firms arc making arrangements to manufacture bolts of all
sizes extensively. Their capacity at the present time (April, 1857,)
is shown by the following table:
Eetab- K H
Firm. Location. lished. Who by. g <n
Haigh, Hartupee & Co...Cor. First and Phort,...1851, Haigh, Hartupee <£ Co. 4 2
Knnp, Carter* Co Cor. Market & Water,.. 1S50, Carter & Kees, 8 3
They employ two steam engines.
" " fifty-two hands, whose yearly wages are $ 19.344
" produce 1,700 tons Nuts, Washers, &c, worth 229,700
The steady increase in the demand for the articles of this branch
of manufactures, is the best evidence of their quality, and the inti-
mation given above of the intention of both firms to enlarge is sat-
isfactory as to the vitality and the prosperity of this portion of
the business of Pittsburgh.
BAIL ROAD SPIKE MANUFACTORY.
This important manufactory was started in 1852, by the present
proprietors, Porter, Rolfe & Swett, at the corner of Mechanic
and Pike streets, in the Fifth Ward, where they still carry on the
business. It is the only establishment of the kind of any extent
in the West, and the only one in Pittsburgh. The rail road spikes
are manufactured by " Swett's Bail Road Spike Machine," the
patent of which for the United States is owned by the firm.
The peculiarity of the spikes made by this machine is, that they
are larger under the head where the greatest strength is required,
and have a sharp chisel point, therein differing from the article
made bv other machines. The establishment is running three
IKON. 125
machines of Swctt's patent, and have in the last year turned out
8,000 tons of spikes worth $250,000.
They employ twentj bands, whoso yearly wages aro $y,300
Buildings it. ii ■ l In) u led in the manufacture are worth about 6,000
The machines are worth 15,000
and an average day's work of a machine Ih 5 tons.
Tlioy keep one engine m
IRON RAILING, SCREW ANO MACHINE MANUFACTURERS.
The manufacturing of iron railing, housen, tobacco, timber, mill,
cider press, and fuller's screws, and the construction of various
kinds of machinery, is carried on by the subjoined firms. The
advantages of construction of every description of iron work in
Pittsburgh have been dwelt upon in various portions of this vol-
ume, rendering it but reiteration to mention here any of the advan-
tages possessed by the firms engaged in the business, to compete
with and successfully rival manufactures of the same class at other
points.
Firm. I,ooatlon. Established. Who by.
Marshall & I!ro., No. 71 Diamond alley, 1818, John Marshall, Sr.
Andrew Einme, Neville & Carson, Birmingham,. ..1852, Andrew Emrao.
Cochran A ftro., No. — Second street, 1843, Jas. Cochran.
These employ fifty-four men, whoso yearly wuges are $15,460
They consume Bar Iron to amount of. $14,000
" - | Iron Castings " 0,120
" " Brass " " 400
" " ltf,500 bushels of Coal, 075
" " Steol to amount of 1,250
" " 240 gallons of Oil 230
23,025
Total $38,485
The capital absorbed by the buildings, grounds and machinery neces-
sary to the prosecution of the business, is 31,000
They have three steam engines running, and produce work yearly to
amount of 52,000
SAFE MANUFACTORIES
Occupy a prominent position among the manufactories of the city —
not so much from their number, as from the wide demand which has
arisen for their productions. The safes built by Pittsburgh houses
have been repeatedly subjected to severe trials, both intentionally and
accidentally, and with the most satisfactory results. In every case
where tried, proving that to their protection could be safely confided
by the business man the accounts and the papers of his business, not
11*
120 uttsuuuuh as it IsJ.
only for preservation from fire, but also from the burglar. In point
of workmanship in all the details of construction, they rival success-
fully the best Eastern manufactories; and the increasing demand for
them is indicative that in price, as well as workmanship and security,
they are entirely satisfactory to the business community.
There are engaged in the business the following firms:
Firm. Locution, l'.y whom. Established.
Burke & Barnes 129 & 131 Third st Constable, Burke & Oo 1840
I.ippiucott & Barr 157 First st J. S. Stricklw & Co 1S46
W. T. M'Clurg, 10 -Wood st W. T. M'Clurg 1862
These manufacturers employ
Sixty-five hands, whose wages yearly amount to.... $2S,C0O
They consume
Bar and Sheet Iron to amount of $29,500
Iron castings, " " 16.500
Locks, " «« 9,600
Brass castings, ,; " 000
Steel, « « 2,400
Lumber, " " .". 1,600
Coal, « « BOO
$59,700
They produce
1,600 Safes, worth $96,000
100 Vault Doors 10.000
60 Burglar-proof Boxes, 10,000
$116,000
CCTLEBV AND SVBG1CA1. INSTRUMENTS
Are manufactured to a considerable extent in Pittsburgh, by the
following firms :
Firm. Location. Established. Who by.
Bown & Tetley 136 Wood street, 1S48, Bown & Tetloy.
John Cartwright, 86 « " 18S9, John Cartwright.
U. Klemm, 147 Penn " 1852, E. Kleuim.
They employ twenty-nine men, whose yearly wages amount to $12,080
They consume 4}^ tons Steel, $1,050
'• " 21 " Bar iron, 1,260
" " 25 Grind Stones, 626
" " 9,000 bushels Coal, 450
" " Hardware, to amount of. 1,400
•' '' 200 gallons of Oil 250
" Woods aud Ivorv, to amount of. 500
$5,535
They keep three engines running, and produce articles in their line of
business to amount of...... , $30,000
IKON
127
In the productions of these firms are all varieties of cutlery of the
finest grades, and all descriptions of surgical instruments, of excellent
quality. The workmanship of the articles is not surpassed by those
of foreign importation, or by those made in the manufactories of other
cities. This branch of trade is yet in its infancy here.
SMUT MACHINES and SEPARATORS
Are also manufactured largely here by two firms. One only, furnished
the figures of their business. Jacob Berner, Lacock street, near
Cory, Allegheny, established the business in 1854 ; he employs three
hands, and produces smut machines to the yearly value of $20,000.
PILE MANUFACTURING
Is carried on by J. England, No. 263 Liberty street. He established
himself in this business in this city in 1841, and now employs
Fifteen hands, whose yearly wages amount to $ 6,24U
His business consumes Steel to amount of 2,600
Total,' $ 8,840
He produces Files to amount of nearly $12,000
SPIKES and BOILER RIVETS
Are, in addition to the quantities turned out by the nail factories
attached to the rolling mills, manufactured by S. Severance, No.
50 Water street, who makes the production of those articles his pecu-
liar business. The establishment originated in 1840 with L. Sever-
ance, and now employs one steam engine, running four spike machines,
with a capacity of 12,000 kegs a year. This factory employs ten
hands and turns out 5,000 kegs of spikes and rivets a year, worth
$50,000; the machinery is valued at $10,000.
THE GLOBE SICKLE FACTORY,
Thos. W. Shaw, Pine Creek, Manufacturer;
Cooper & Lavely, No. 58 Wood street, sole Agents,
Is another of the many manufactories of Pittsburgh which consume
irou and steel.
This establishment is of over twenty-five years standing and is as well
known in New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore, through its pro-
ductions, as it is at home, and is equally well introduced in the various
sections of the Union by the same means, particularly throughout the
West. The sickle from this manufactory is admitted to be superior
to any article either imported or of American manufacture, in the
market.
128 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
The quantity produced and sold per annum v.tries from 2,500 to
3,000 dozens, which is probably about three times the entire product
of all the other manufactories of the article in the. United States.
SADDLERY HARDWARE.
The manufacture of this article of trade is carried on by the follow-
ing firms :
Olnhausen, Crawford & Co. 157 Wood St., 1849, 1 Cupola and 1 Keatiug Furuace.
Cornwell & Kerr, No. 3 St. Clair, 1850.
They employ 85 hands, whose wages amount to $22,800
They run 1 engiue, and consume
200 tons of Pig Metal, worth $6,000
79 " " Bar Iron, " 4,354
260,000 bushels of Coal and Coke, worth 1,300
3,350 bushels of Charcoal, " 335
1,700 oz. pure Silver for plating, " 2,581
1,200 lbs. Brass, " < : « 720
60,000 Fire Brick, " 900
2,000 bushels Fire Clay. " 32
$15,402
They produce
4,000 pair silver plated Hames, worth $6,000
2,000 doz. Bridle Bits, " 8,000
2,000 " Brass Stirrups, '• 8,000
1,500 " Iron Japanned Stirrups," 2,250
Lightning Rods, worth 6,000
Japanned goods, and Malleable castings, worth 10,000
Silver plating to amount of 4,000
$44,000
The capital absorbed by buildings, machinery, and ground necessary
for the carrying on of the business is $10,400.
Another very important manufactory of Pittsburgh is the
JUNIATA RIVET MULL.
W. P. Townsend, 19 Market Street — established 1849.
It is the only manufactory of the kind in Pittsburgh exclusively
devoted to the production of Rivets, and is also the only one of
its kind in the West. The establishment makes all sizes of iron
and tinned rivets, suitable for every description of sheet iron and tin
plate work, from 8 ounce to § inch in diameter. The rivets are all
made of the choicest Juniata iron.
The establishment turns out about 150 tons of rivets per annum,
valued at $20,000, employing eight hands. The capital in machinery,
&c. is about $10,000.
The fact that this manufactory fills heavy orders for eastern houses,
IRON. |-.".l
ia . ouelojins m a> the quality of the article made, and of it« ability io
successfully compete with eastern producers of the Bame goods.
it. to\i\ni:\i» a « ..•». W1BB iaitoiiv,
N <». I '.I M A i; B EI S i i; i i i | - i A n l.i s ii UN 1 H *-i 7 .
is ill.- only factorj of the kind in the city, 'I he wire manufactured
is ik. in No. i i>> 86, and made <>i the first quality Juniata Iron.
'J lie establishment employs fifteen handa, whose yearly wai
87,020, There Is made in i' 800 ions "i wire annually, valued at
140,000,
In the manufactories of Pittsburgh consuming iron and steel, must
i'.- in. in.!. <i Bevcral for the production <>( arms.
in addition to the cannon foundry already described, there uro two
manufactories of
U l \ B XKUICL.H.
Kin,.. Loeatlon, i tebll tud. wtio by.
Little Cor. Allegh'y «t. A Mulberry ay....!860 1. * 0, Uttle.
Post] ■ i, 22 Market street 1848 Morgan & Nelson.
These employ thirty mi .. wh< bo wagon amount yearly t
ooni .mi.' Bar [ron t.> amount of
Steel
" " 88 110 buehels Coal,
.$10,720.00
a ioi
200.00
. 1,070.60
Total $26,3-10.60
'iii.-y mi. two engines, and produce 16,600 Gun Barrels, worth...$28,876
Tho value of the ground, buildings and maohinory <-ni|)loyoU In
the business, Is 6,600*
There is also ono
B1FLB mid Gl N MAM I'AITOKV,
BowN<fc Tkti.i-.y, No. L86 WOOD Bt«BBT— BBTABLUHED 1E48.
This establishment is the only one in the Wesl which constructa
rifles and guns for the trade, exclusively, it lias been in opi ration in
tho presi - iboul four years, and in that time this article
of Pittsburgh manufactures has attained a reputation throughout tho
whole western country that is rapidly drawing off trade from castt rn
I i this point. 'I he quality of the rifles and guns manufactured
by this est iblibhmcnl the outure ol this volume does not r< quire us to
record, or really permit— ii being the design ol the book Bimply
to show what is produced hero, and to what extent. Their reputa*
* This <e for one; tho vuluu of on» uHtai.liHiiin.-Mi was in. Luded before In auotUwr
branrli ofmanufaoturee
ISO rirrsdiKein as n is
- already died, is oo-.n-lusivo as to their value, and sis to the
advantages of purchasing here.
shment employ
amour. Mid tarns oat now M 1,000 cities a
year, with a steady increasing demand. Although rifles Had guns
ears in a limi way, this is tlio
species of anas here, 01 in Ike VS 1
Its success so Eur is hat Pittsburgh is oaeooaied,
as a point ^ also whence to eom-
mand I . i wesi of the Allegheny moaataias ,
in all articles she turns out From her workshops.
another spec as of arms, and a aw Pittsburgh maaufae •
tores, is the
KtVK VTlVt." flSTOI. MAMVUTOKY.
JOSIAB Bus, Vvr.'.xvn' .\\r> Vhm<wvi'svi:.
This is the Wes of the mountains. Tho busi-
j tools
:tionc he i too, has as yot no - t s< cs * arts
The pistt - if snperu
ss i y we may instance the fact that it
same certainty and precision as aay other
iade> and five times wl .tired
-
r, No. 58 Wti ■ bj arrange"
-.0 the
. s • or its sale.
Tho arrangements completing for the pa o - '" we
such, thai ia .. - a It wiU ho waked among tho principal
Pittsburgh maaufacttures.
The making of what is tei
ltOMKSTIO 11 A K l» W A K B
Is carried oo in two establishments on an extensive scale. In this
branch is included the manufacture of stock aad a rmant,
pig metal, portable, platform and counter scales ; paint, "kaugl
o mills} eopj ocks, of twent
dons; a; weights,
bell-pulls, sauce pan handles, wardrobe hooks, hinges, s
for fibre and sad irons, umbrella stands, tobaeeo eutters. locking hasps.
IRON. 13 L
screw wrenches, and in (act every description of malleable castings
and domestic hardware.
The following are tho firms :
Cupneltjr
OapolUi In tom.
Novelty Works, T-ivingston, Opoland A Co., cor. First & Ornnt,
rstnl.li«l.-.l is;;:;, by 1,. It. Livingston, 4 3,600
Viin.'t.v Works, Jones, Walllngford * 0o.) cor. runt and Water,
established 1848, by Edwards, Morris ACo 2 3,000
These two establishments employ BOO hands, whoso yearly wages
amount to $156,000
Thry consume 2,200 tona of Metal yearly 00,000
" " S( - Copper, Zlno and Lead 10,000
" '• S, I kogs of Nails, " 1,200
" " 42,000 hosliels of Coal and Coke 2,000
" " Lumber) to amount of 7,500
" " Bar and Sheet Iron, to amount of. 3,000
" " Knobs, Screws and Japan, " " 31,600
'< " Sand, lire Brlok and Olay, " " 2,500
Total, $270,700
They keep two onglneB running, and produce manufactures to the
value of. $450,000
PLOW MANUFACTORIES.
Of these- there are three, as givon in the subjoined table. The
plows from these establishments are to bo found in all portions of
tho Wost. Large quantities are shipped to tho South, and in fact
to every section of the country lying west of tho Allegheny moun-
tains; and also in considerable quantities to the East.
Cnpa-
Cupoln .'. oil
tODB.
Giobo Ball & Spear, WO Peon at , astakliehed 1899, by Sam'l Hall, 2 2,400
EtiVt R.HallAOo., 146 Liberty, " 1840, ,; It. Hull, l 2,000
Volley Forge, J. A. Spear, 188 •' " 1854, « Hall A 8poer,l 900
These works employ V~0 hands, whoso yearly wages amount to $ 71,760
They consume 1,375 tons of Pig Metal and Scran Iron, worth 41,250
" •' Bar and Sheet Iron, to amount of 18,500
" " Lumber, " ■ " 5,000
" " Paint and sundries, " " " 10,000
" " 100,000 bushels of Coa] 6,000
lata] $151,510
Tiioy gg lows, whioh with other artloles, such ascultlTa-
l"V«,.ti'.,:ip. worth $192,000
There are Hi ico engines kept running.
The buildings, lot and mnrhinery necessary to the business Is of (he
value of $44,61"
lo'2 rtTTSBrnon as it t§
The agriculturists of Florida and Texas are among the customer?
»Se factories : and one of the firms is making arrangements
to introduce their plows extensively into Cuba.
v k a \ t i s • M E TU.no urr is o v t a
Are also cumbered among the manufactures of Pittsburgh. The?
are constructed by Wm. B. Scaifs, First, neat Wood street, who is
the only agent for the western country. These boats are famous.
for their actual qualities, which have made them no
one of the most efficient of life preservers in marine disasters, and
the most economical boat for service; but also from two of thorn
having boon used by Lieut. Lynch, in his expedition to the Dead
Sea.
A pamphlet of 12 t pages, published by the »T their
manufacture, gives many I lunts of their efficiency in
saving life, and weighty statements of their durability Mid -
Mr, Scaife employs in their manufacture ten hands, whose wages
amount to $3,900, consumes ten tons of galvan\;ed iron, and pro-
duces 100 boats a year, worth $10,000,
CHAPTER XVII.
COTTER.
Pittsburgh being largely interested in the copper business in all its
blanches, and the Pittsburgh management of copper mining having
been peculiarly successful, a separate chapter is devoted to this metal,
ns eminently a Pittsburgh staple. There are managed here the fol-
lowing mines, which are now in successful operation, to a greater or
less degree : Cliff, North American. National. Adventure. Kidge, Mass,
A itec and Central. The attention is first naturally drawn to the
FITTSmium COPPER SMELTING WOUKS,
Prom the location of this establishment here. In connection with
it some mention of the celebrated - Cliff Mine " is made.
rhese works arc situated on the Monongaheia river, a short distance
from the fust dam. in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, and were erected in
1S4S for the purpose of converting into ingot and cake copper the
minerals of the Pittsburgh and Boston Mining Company, produced at
its mines on Lake Rupe-vior
COPPER. 133
From the several annual reports and other publications of this
Company, we are able to gather the following particulars in regard to
the organization, and the character and extent of its operations.
It appears that the concern was originally projected in 1844, by a
few of our leading business men, as a private enterprise ; amongst whom
wo find the names of Charlc Avery, Curtis G. Husscy, Thomas M.
Howe, and William Pettit, who associated with them other parties
residing here and in Boston.
In the spring of 1S45 they organized a joint stock association,
which was subsequently incorporated by the Legislature of Michigan,
nntler the name of the Pittsburgh and Boston Mining Company.
The three first named gentlemen, with whom wo find associated
at a later period, Thomas Bakewell, Esq., and at a still later date,
James iU. Cooper, Esq., have continued in active management of the
enterprise from the day of its inception to the present time ; and we
do not think it is too much to say, that to their untiring perseverance
and enlarged business experience the country is much indebted for
tho successful development of the mineral treasures of the Upper Pen-
insula of Michigan; and that they have a well grounded claim to be
regarded as the pioneers of a most important mining enterprise, pros-
ecuted amidst a variety of discouraging vicissitudes, in a wilderness
country theretofore wholly unexplored, and which but the year before
the date of the commencement of their operations was reclaimed from
tho dominion of its aboriginal possessors.
Tho capital stock of this Company is $150,000, divided into 6,000
shares of $25 each; of which $111,000 only has been called in, or
what is equal to $19.50 per share: and yet, such has been the success
attending the operations of the Company, that we notice the market
value of its shares quoted in Boston at $250.
The famous Gliff Mine is the property of this Company. It is sit-
uated on Keweenaw Point, on the southern shore of Lake Superior, in
the county of Houghton, in the State of Michigan, and is justly re-
garded as one of the most important copper mines in the world.
History furnishes no account of any other rivaling it in richness,
unless tho no less wonderful Minnesota Mine of the Ontonagon
district may claim to occupy that position.
From the Report of the Directors for the year 1855 we learn that
the product of the mine in rough copper, or what is improperly termed
mineral, for that year was 2,995,837 lbs., or 1484 > ' 9 '1 tons; and that
tho same produced when converted into refined copper at the furnaces
at Pittsburgh, 1,874,197 lbs., or 937^9^. tons, from which the Com-
11
134 PITTSBUBGH A3 IT IS.
pany realized, after paying the cost of smelting and refining, the
sum of $475,911.25.
We learn from the same source that tho receipts of the Company
from the sale of copper, for the whole period of its operation,
amounts to the sum of $2,120,101.10; and that the expenditures during
the same period, which were mainly for labor and supplies, amounted
to the sum of $1,405,719.58. The number of miners in the service of
the Company is two hundred and nineteen, their average monthly
wages being $37.37. The number of men employed in other capaci-
ties is two hundred and twenty-six. Their average monthly earnings
are $30.07.
The amount of dividends paid to stockholders to the close of the
year 1855 amounted to $720,000, and we learn that $180,000 additional
will be paid from the earnings of 1856, making the aggregate divi-
dend equal to $150 per share, or about eight hundred per cent, upon
the capital paid in.
The present Officers of the Company are:
Charles Avery, President.
Curtis G. Hussey, Pittsburgh,
Thos. M. Howe, "
Jas. M. Cooper, " ) Directors.
J. W. Clark, Boston,
Edw. Jennings, Michigan,
Thos. M. Howe, Secretary and Treasurer.
The National Copper Mine Company has been in existence about
three and a half years, during which time the shipments of rough
copper, or mineral, amounts to 518,132 lbs., the net yield of which,
in refined copper, was 385,950 pounds, from which was realized about
$92,000. The capital stock of the Company is $300,000— divided into
10,000 shares of $30 each, upon which $11 per share, or $110,000, has
been paid in. Upon that amount this Company has gotten itself into
so good a position that the proceeds arising from its product of copper
will obviate the necessity of further calls of assessments upon the
stock.
The prospective resnlts of this mine are such that the shares are
now at $50 each. The product of last year is nearly double that of
the preceding year, and netted 7 9 A- per cent.
This mine joins the Minnesota Mine immediately on the west, and
carries the same veins. The miners are now at work on the celebrated
conglomerate lode. An important controversy is pending between
this and the Minnesota Company, which has been twice- decided hy
COPl'KR. 135
the United State9 Court in favor of the National, The suit is for the
possession of 80 rods of mineral ground immediately between the two
mines, the possession of which is only withheld from the National by
the law's delay. The average number of hands employed by this
Company is eighty. The President of the Company is Charles Avery,
and the Secretary and Treasurer, James M. Cooper.
The Adventure Mining Company has been in operation some ten
years, and with but partial success, until within the last two years; in
which time the Directory, which is nearly the same as that of
the " Cliff" and National Companies, adopted the tribute system.
This system is that upon which the principal mines of Cornwall are
worked, being a per centage paid to miners on the amount of copper
obtained. The first year of the experiment the result was the obtain-
ing of 156,885 lbs. of mineral, yielding 62,253 fts. pure copper, or
40£ per cent. The following year, 269,165 fcs. of mineral were
produced, yielding about $36,000. The present product appears to
be equal to twenty tons a month, with a very considerably reduced
force, which will realize a small net profit to the mine. The capital
stock is $200,000— divided into 10,000 shares, on which $8.50 each is
paid in. C. G. Hussey is President of the Company, and James M.
Cooper, Secretary and Treasurer.
The Ridge Mining Company, (Wm. Bagaley, President; Joshua
Hanna, Secretary and Treasurer,) commenced operations in 1850.
The capital stock is $200,000— divided into 10,000 shares, on which
$18.65 each has been paid. In this mine there has been a steady
improvement as it attains depth. In 1856 there were taken out from
it 124,000 lbs. of mineral, and from present indications there will be
a large increase over that amount this year.
The North American Mining Company, (Thos. Bakewell, Presi
dent; Waterman Palmer, Secretary and Treasurer,) commenced
operations on its second mine in 1852. They raised, in the year
1856, 728,000 lbs. of mineral, which produced 482,000 lbs. of pure
copper, worth $120,500. This mine has not called any assess-
ments for two years. The mine in 1856 paid from its product of
copper all its expenses, and had a surplus of $11,000. The prospect,
of the yield for 1857 is, that it will reach from 450 to 500 tons of
mineral.
The Central Mining Company, (C. G.,Hussey, President; "Waterman
Palmer, Secretary and Treasurer,) is a new mine, which commenced
operations in 1854. The capital stock is $500,000 — divided into
20,000 shares of $25 each. On these only 85 cts. per share has been
130 PITTSBURGH AS IT 18.
assessed — the product of the mine, with this small per centage upon
the stock, paving all expenses thus far.
The Aztec Mining Cqmpany, (C. G. Hussey, President; and N.
Vceder, Secretary and Treasurer.) has been in operation six years.
There was raised during the first ten months of 1856, 106,870 lbs.
cf mineral, which produced 45,S2S lbs. of pure copper, worth $11,-
099.39.
There is one
COPPER ROLLING MILL
In the suburbs, for the manufacture of brazier s and bolt copper, which
works exclusively the product of the Lake Superior Mines, and Ave
understand makes a very superior article — one generally preferred,
when great tenacity is required, to that which is made at the east of
Chili, and South American pig copper.
The Lake Superior copper being entirely free from foreign delete-
rious matter, is much more ductile, and its tensile power is considera-
bly greater than the copper of South America or Cuba, which is
more or less alloyed with foreign substances. The Copper Polling
Mill to which we refer is that of Messrs. C. G. Hussey & Co., situated
upon the cast bank of the Monongahela river. The extent of their
annual product, amount of capital, or number of hands employed, we
are unable to state with anything like accuracy.
Another establishment of a similar character is in process of con-
struction, and is expected to be in operation seme time in the ap-
proaching summer or autumn.
COPPER AND TIN SMITHS.
There are in this city a large number of manufactories of tin and
copper. The following are the principal firms :
Firm. Location. Established. By whom.
Brown & Mills, 807 Liberty, 18S5, Thomas Brown.
L. 0. Cameron, 213 "
T. J. Craig & CtK, 134 Wood 1836, Barndollar & Moorhead.
J. H. Demniler, ISO Liberty, 1838, J. H. Dcmmler.
M. Doerfliiiser, 61 Smithfield, lS-Ui, M. Doerflinger.
I'itzsinunous & Morrow,... 8 Market 1852 M. Shirk.
John Sahby ■-'-! Wayne,, is:.;. l. at. Gabby.
Howard & Rodgers 139 Erst, 1825 Howard * KodgerS,
.lames T. Kincaid 107 •• 1S32 L. & P. Peterson.
Kem& Keller 112 " 1S42 KeanA Keller.
J. U. Oliver 61 SmMhfleld 1SST, J. MYvilliams.
Win. B. Strife, First, near Wood,...lS85 Win. B. Scaife.
.TohnB. Sheriff, 9 Market, 1835, JchuB. Sheriff
COTTON AND WHITE LEAD. 187
These firms employ 110 hands, whose yearly wages are $ 44,720
They consume 2.277 boxes Tin, worth 34,155
" « 133,000 lbs. Copper, " 33,250
" " Iron, Rivet-, Wire, Zinc, 4c, to value of 29,506
" " Coal and Charcoal, " " « 3,500
Total, $140,131
They manufacture articles in their line to the value of $175,986
Besides doing an amount of work in jobbing which cannot be given
with accuracy.
Several of the above firms also deal in stoves, and other articles of
a similar nature.
In addition to the foregoing firms, there are fifteen other manufac-
turing tinners, who make up for their own retail sales, and do but a
limited amount of business ; they use about 600 boxes of tin, worth
when manufactured, $18,000.
CHAPTER XVIII.
COTTON AND WHITE LEAD.
Cotton cloths, cotton yarns, and batting, are among the more
important branches of Pittsburgh manufactures. The first men-
tion of this manufacture in Pittsburgh, we find in Cramer's
Almanack for 1804, where in "a view of the manufacturing trade
of Pittsburgh," is the following remark: "Carded and spun
cotton by the carding machine and spinning jenny, $1,000." In
1806 the same publication notices, "one cotton manufactory
which can spin 120 threads at a time." In 1808 the cotton factory
is mentioned as producing cotton yarns, &c, "to the great credit
and profit of its industrious proprietor." In 1810 there were t..o
cotton mills, one "working 60 spindles, and the other contemplates
working shortly 234 spindles." The value of their manufactures
is set down at $20,000. In 1817 there were "two cotton spin-
ners," as they are called in the report of the committee of Councils,
who employed 36 hands, and manufactured cotton to amount of
$25,518. In 1837 there were six cotton factories, using 6,200
bales of cotton, runing 21,800 spindles, employing 900 hands, and
turning out cotton goods to value of $770,000, the details of
which factories may be 6eou on page 89.
12*
13S PITTSBl.'lU-tH AS IT IS.
In 1857 there are the following:
COTTON FACTORIES.
Mai - Firm. Location of Office. Established. Who by.
Anchor,.Thos. Arbuckle & Co.. ..Robinson and Bank
Lane, Allegheny,..lS2S..Blackstoek, Bell & Co.
Banner,. Park, Painter & Co, 120 2d st.Pittsb'g....lS50..Park, Painter & Co.
Eagle,. ..King, Pennock & Co 29 Wood St., " ...1832..Arbuckle & Avery. [Co.
Hope,.... I. M. Pennock & Co 37 " li " ... ..Wrenshall, M'Cormick &
Penn,.... Kennedy, Childs & Cc.Bank Lane & San-
dusky st. Alleg'y ,1846... Kennedy, Childs & Co.
Mill. Spindles. Xooms. Cards. Hands.
Anchor 5,412 161 50 200
Banner, 4,7 6S 151 54 250
Eagle, 8,370 140 — 290
Hope, 8,110 — 290
Penn, 7,000 207 S3 300
33,666 659 187 1,330
These mills consume 13,600 bales of Cotton, worth $816,000 00
" " " 299,000 bushels of Coal, " 14,950 00
" " " 6,000 gallons Oil, « 10,500 00
Incidental expenses, for Mill Findings, Starch, Taxes, Insurance... 105,000 00
$1,006,550 00
They produce 8,100,449 yards Sheetings, worth $648,035 00
" " 2,870,000 fi>s. Cotton Yarns, " 574,000 00
" " 274,000 "Batting and Wicks, 35,626 00
«. " 60,000 " Cotton Cordage, " 12.000 00
$1,209,655 00
It will be noticed that although there is a decrease of one in the
number of the factories since 1837, yet there is an increase of
over 50 per cent, in quantity of spindles, and the same ratio
through the various totals given, and- in some instances a greater
per cent.
WHITE LEAD.
The manufacture of redleadis mentioned in 1810 as having been
carried on in Pittsburgh, when in the list given by the census,
there were enumerated three red lead factories, proditcing leads
to value of $13,100. In 1813, there is noticed in Cramer's
Almanack, "one white lead factory (Beelin's)." In 1817 the
committee of Councils reported one white lead factory, employing
six hands and producing leads to value of $10,000. In 1837, as
will be seen by the table on page 90, there were eight lead factories,
producing 74,496 kegs of leads, valued at $206,000. In 1857 there
COTTON AND WHITE LEAD. 139
fire in the community of Pittsburgh but three -white and red lead
factories, yet their production is far beyond that of the eight fac-
tories of 1837.
Firm, Localiou or Office. Eatab'd. Who by.
15. A. Fahncstock & Co No. 10 Woodst 1844 B. A.Fahnestock & Co.
'J'. II. Nevin, No. 167 Liberty st....lS43 T. H. Nevin & Co.
W. C. Stockton & Co No. 24 Wood 1S45 J. Schoonmaker.
These three works employ 65 hands, whose yearly wages amount to $38,800
They consume 2,066 tons Pig Lead, $309,900
" « 50,000gals. Oil, 50,000
« " 131,000 " Vinegar, 10,480
" " 60,000 bushels Coal, 2,500
" 150,000 Kegs, 19,500
I
They keep four steam engines running, and produce 2.754 tons of
White and Kcd Lead, valued at $443,394
The capital lying dormant in buildings, machinery, and ground used in
the business, is $73,000
In the manufacture of this article, although the lead is brought
from a distance, the price of labor, and fuel as it rates in this city,
enables the manufacturer here of -white lead to compete -with those
nearer the location of the mineral, but further removed from the
fuel. The regular supply here is uninterrupted by any contin-
gency of the seasons, while in the -winter of 1856-57 the scarcity
of coal in the western cities caused the stoppage of lead -works
in them. The fact that our manufacturers of this article daily re-
ceive orders from consumers in cities where there are extensive
lead -works in operation, is conclusive as to the superiority of Pitts-
burgh lead. One of the lead factories (W. C. Stockton & Co.,)
lias lately introduced the manufacture of zinc paints, -with great
success. Heretofore they -were made in New York and Philadel-
phia, but can be made here as low, if not a per cent, better than in
the East. So far, the demand for the article is fully equal to the
supply, the quality being the same as that from eastern houses.
Our most extensive painters are using it. The City of Memphis,
one of the most elegant steamboats afloat on the western waters, is
painted with this article.
It will be noticed on a comparison of the white lead business of
1857 with that of 1837, that there is a falling off of five factories,
but it will also be observed that the three factories of 1857 pro-
duce 2,754 tons of lead, where eight factories in 1837 produce 902
tons, being an increase of oyer two hundred per cent.
CHAPTEE XIX.
Arrangements for the manufacture of this article were commenced
at Pittsburgh by Gen. James O'Hara, in company with Major Isaac
Craig, in 1796. Mr. Wm, Eichbaum, of Philadelphia, was engaged
to direct the erection of the works. We extract from a letter written
by Major Craig, dated " Pittsburgh, June 12, 1797," to " Col. James
O'Hara, Detroit," published in Craig's History of Pittsburgh, the
following remarks in relation to the first movements: "I then
took Mr. Eichbaum up the coal hill, and showed him the coal pits>
called Ward's pits, and the lots on which they arc, with all of which
he was well pleased, both as to situation and convenience of materials
for building. I therefore immediately purchased of Ephraim Jones,
the house and lot near the spring, for one hundred pounds, and have
made application to Ephraim Blaine for the two adjoining lots, which
no doubt I will get on reasonable terms. These three lots are quite
sufficient, and we are now quarrying lime and building-stone, both of
which are found on the lot. James Irwin is engaged to do the car-
penter work ; scantling for the principal building is now sawing ; four
log-house carpenters are employed in providing timber for the other
buildings, and I am negotiating with a mason for the stone work."
Although this enterprise of Gen. O'Hara andMajor Craig is usually
considered the first step toward the creation of our present glass busi-
ness, yet we are informed by William M' Cully, one of our oldest
glass manufacturers, and a practical workman, having learned his
trade in the glass house of Gen. O'Hara, that in 1795 there was a
small window glass factory at what is now called Glass House Hip-
pie, on the west side of the Monongahela, known in the early times as
" Scott's," having an eight pot furnace. The making of glass was
carried on with wood, and there was made three boxes to a blowing.
The first glass house of Gen. O'Hara had but eight pots, whose
capacity was equal to three boxes to a blowing. To his perseverance
Pittsburgh is indebted for the establishment of this important branch
of her manufactures, Major Craig having declined any further con-
GLASS. 141
nection in the business in 1 7 98. He built in 1 802 additional glass works,
and made preparations to carry on the flint glass business, sending an
agent to England for the purpose of procuring workmen, but tbeperson
returned unsuccessful from his mission. The progress of the business
as gathered from the various publications mentioned in the course of
this work, and from oral information, may be thus grouped:
In 1S03, Glass was manufactured to tho amount of. $12,C00
ami glass cutting was done to the value of. 500
In 1S07, 0'IIara's Llass factory is mentioned as producing glass ware
to the value of. 1S,000
In 1809, the white glass works of Messrs. Robinson & Ensell, were in
operation.
In 1810, there were three glass works, producing flint glass to value
of. 30,000
bottle and window glass to value of 20,000
50,000
In 1S13, There were five glass factories in tho town, producing flint
and green glass to the value of. 170,000
In 1S26, there were in operation in 1'ittshurgU and vicinity, 7 glass
works, viz:
Boxes.
O'llara's two works, called Pittsburgh Glass Works, 6,000
"Birmingham," opposite Pittsburgh 4,000
New Albany, at the mouth of Bedstone creek, 4 miles below
Brownsville 4,000
" Benedict Kimber," at Bridgeport or Brownsville 4,0C0
" New Boston," at Perryopolis on Youghiogheny 2,000 '
Williamsport, occupied by W. Ihmsen 3,000
Geneva Works, established by Albert Gallatin, 4,000
27,000
Valued at $135,000
In addition to which was made flint glass to value of. 30,000
$165,000
In 1831, there were eight glass houses, four flint and four window
glass, employing 102 hands, using 7,000 cords of wood, 700
tons of sand, 1,000 barrels of salt, 40,000 pounds of potash,
150,000 bushels coal, and producing glass to amount of 500,000
In 1837, there were, as by the table on page 89 of this Tdtume, thir-
teen glass works, viz. Hint, 5 window, 1 vial, and 1 black.
W hicfa establishments, as per table, employed 444 hands, the
number of employees in four of them being omitted. There
was produced $628,050 worth of glass, the production Of one
factory not being given, which would probably swell the
amount to 72S,000
In 1867 there are thirty-four factories as will appear by tho table on tho follow-
ing page
142
V 1 1 TSBlItflB AS IT IS.
S|
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ss«»*.
■s, ! C5£>&££?=
-2 l^a5s a
Factor's. ]
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No.Pots. |
gs i -ss°§sa i -s , -s o 3sss^\^ |
Cupolas. |
OCSl>-lrHC<lrH09.-':iNt-109r^CNT-ir-iiNNCSlCMrtCNI 1 CJ
g« ■<©■** s „ § -p a 25 ■So g S ;
i^** m* f*lifM i
O CS M ? 5 h go CS«P <OOP fe^ :
^1
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!-tnei- : o9
3 3 3 S -3 5
5fca fgg« $&%% til*
:-::
ESSSSS
j5 « S *h ^^S S"^
3 l^^si-s jJJ"5hJM
do^PUri wi* « g <s a o g ■< a; i-, ^ s» a„
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it it
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Si'faillgSSSS.sll
GLASS. 143
These 34 Glass Factories are carried on by nineteen firms, who have
employed in the factories —
1 MS hands, whose yearly wages are § 910,116.00
In the manufacture of Glass they consume
6.736 tons Soda Ash, 458,SS0.00
13,008 •' Sand 130,080.00
63T " Load, 89,730.00
■ Saltpetre 65,200.00
7,035,000 foot of Lumber 85,0:26.00
8,952 kegs of Nails 10,856.00
1611 tons Bar Iron i
■ Qermiui Clay 2,646.00
2,820,f.»18 bushels Coke and Coal 141.0J4.40
27i'..500 Fire and common Brick 3.450.00
3.173 tons Fire Clay 6,346.00
5,299 lords of Wood 15,S97.00
238,040 bushels Lime 47.7SS.00
4,100 barrels Salt, 7,2S0.00
442 tons Pearls, 66,300.00
1,514 " Straw 13,62600
40 " Castings, 2,000.00
90 " Willows 12,600.00
Total S2,078,734.40
They run twenty steam engines, and produce
6,310 tons Flint Glass $1,147,540.00
561,600 packages Window Glass, 50 feet each,... 1,123.200.00
131,700 " Vials, Bottles. Druggists' war-, ki 9^29,350.00
80,000 Demijohns 32,000.00
Total, $2,631,990.00
To give some further idea of the extent of these manufactories, is
enumerated below the real estate of one firm in the business. They
have and use
10 acres of ground, 3 Liuio houses,
3 factories, 3 Mixing houses,
54 Dwelling houses, 3 Pot hot
3 Cutting houses, 3 Tacking houses,
i (i rinding mills, 4 Storehouses,
3 Coal houses, 2 Box houses and shop.
2 flattening houses, 1 Mould house,
3 Sand houses, 1 Blacksmith shop.
RTAINXO 8LA8S MVXVFA C TORT.
An establishment for the production of stained glass after the
«rylo of the ancient Gothic ohnrehe*, and in modern patterns, is among
144 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
the manufactures of Pittsburgh. It is carried on by Wm. Nelsow,
corner of Short and Water street, by whom it was established in 1852.
It is the only one of its kind in this city or vicinity. Eor this species
of manufacture there is but a limited demand, and coasequently the
figures composing its statistics, are not heavy in amount. The prin-
cipal demand arises from churches and steamboats. The quality of
the work turned out is not surpassed in the East or West. No point
at which the business is carried on, possesses any advantages over
this in the production of this article, while in fuel and in glass, the
bulk of the materials used in this manufacture, the advantage is heavy
in favor of Pittsburgh.
Tinted and enameled glass in lead frames properly ornamented
can be furnished from this manufactory for 38 cents per square foot,
and ornamented stained glass, from 75 cents to $1.50 a foot. The
production of this article employs four hands, whose wages amount
yearly to $1,872; and the value of the work turned out is about
$10,000.
I/OOKINS-e&ASS MANUFACTORIEP.S.
The wants of the West and South for mirrors are largely supplied
from Pittsburgh. She is able to compete so successfully in the man-
ufacture of looking-glasses with all other points where they are pro-
duced, that she is rapidly becoming " the head of the market " for this
article of consumption.
There are in the city the following manufacturers of the article :
J. J. Gillespie, 76 Wood st., established 1S38, by Gillespie & Kennedy.
Jas. Love &. Co., 110 " " " 1850," James Love.
T. Kennedy, Jr. & Co., 62 " " " 1847, " Thos. Kennedy, Jr.
' Wm. Pickersgill, Jr 75 " " "
These four factories employ 88 men, whose yearly wages amount to....$ 36,400
Looking-Glass Plates, to amount of. 55,000
600,000 feet of Lumber, 12,000
230,000 " « Veneers, 23.000
Varnish, 1,800
Gold and Silver Leaf, to value of. 32,000 _
Boxes, to value of. 5,540
" " sundries, 16,000
Total, $152,740
They produce 194,000 German Plate Looking-Glasses, worth....$145,000
'" " French " H " " ... 25,000
$170,000
MISCELLANEOUS. 145
In connection with the foregoing article it is proper to mention a
gilt moulding manufactory,
Established and carried on by Campbell & Pollock,
No. 95 Wood Street.
This manufactory was commenced in 1855 by the above firm, for
the purpose of meeting a growing demand in the West for mould-
ings of a certain style, for the finishing of rail road cars, picture
and looking-glass frames, &c.
So far as we can learn, there is no other factory of this descrip-
tion west of the mountains, and but very few in the United States.
In consequence of the increasing demand for cars upon our Western
roads, this article will soon rank among the more important of
Pittsburgh manufactures. Although but a new branch of busi-
ness here, and but little known as yet in the section of country in
which the proprietors expect to find their largest market, still large
orders have been filled for various companies throughout the West,
These establishments employ ten men, whose yearly wages are $ 4,160
They produce 500,000 feet of Gilt Moulding, worth 25,000
And employ machinery, valued at 3,500
CHAPTER XX.
MISCELLANEOUS.
BRASS FOUNDERS.
There are the following brass founders in the city :
Andrew Fulton, No. 93 First street, established 1835, by A. Fulton.
Maffitt & Old, " 127 " " " 1820, " John Sheriff.
Phillips & Co., "109 " " " "
A. 4 J. MKenna, " 128 Third " " 1855, " A. & J. MX
These employ 59 hands, whose yearly wages amount to $22,984
They consume 33 tons Copper, 19,800
" " 4 " Tin 600
" " 4$ " Lead, 630
" " 6J " Zinc, 945
" " 33,540 bushels Coal 1.677
Total, $46,636
Also a large amount of Gas Fixtures and Iron Tubing.
They produce Brass Castings, worth in the rough state, $36,000
Finished up they would be worth 40 per cent mr>re.
13
146 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
Besides brass castings, they turn out a large amount of gas
fixtures, steam heating tubing, &c.
There are in addition to the above, some five or six small brass
foundries doing a limited business, employing from one to two hands
each.
Bell founding is extensively carried on by one of the above,
(Andrew Fulton,) who also manufactures Babbit's metal and Ful-
ton's metallic packing.
JAPAN WARE and PKKSSED GOODS MANUFACTOBY.
An establishment where the above description of goods are made
on an extensive scale, is owned by John Dunlap, corner of Mar-
ket and Second streets, who established the business in 1840.
Every variety of Japanned goods, of beautiful designs and fine work-
manship, and also numerous articles in the pressed tin ware line,
are annually turned out.
This manufactory employs forty hands, whose yearly wages are
$16,640. There are consumed in the production of the articles
made by them, 2,500 boxes of tin, with block tin, lead, wire, japan,
bronze, &c, to the value of $10,000. The productions are worth,
at a low estimate, $60,000. The machinery employed in the busi-
ness, and the buildings and ground used to carry them on, represent
a capital of $15,500.
BRITANNIA WAKE
Is quite extensively manufactured by Okin Newton, at No. 129
Second street, which business he established in 1821. He turns
out a great variety of articles. There are employed in the factory
eighteen hands, whose wages average yearly $4, 680 ; and the ware
produced is worth $18,000.
WIRE CLOTH MANUFACTURING
Is prosecuted by J. R. Taylor & Co., No. 63 Liberty street. The
establishment was founded by Thomas Pindar, in 1835. The firm
employ four men, and produce articles in their line of business to
amount of $10,000 ; consuming in the production, wire to amount
of $3,000, and brass to amount of $800.
A6BIOULTUBAL IMPLEMENTS
Are among the manufactures of Pittsburgh. There are the follow-
ing firms engaged in the business:
MISOKLI.ANKOHS. 147
Houses ft Colluia 129 Wood St., established 1852, by E.R. Shankland.
Wardrop, Stout & Williams 57 Fifth " " 1853, " Jas. Wardrop.
Win. Bastean 568 Peun " " "
These produce Agricultural Implements to amount of $80,000
KEG FACTORIKS
Are a natural result of the immense quantity of nails manufac-
tured here. Of these there are three, viz :
Firm. Location. Established. Who by. Capability
yearly.
Poor ft Reed, Cor. Baldwin ft Butler,..1853,...Poor& Reed, 200,000 kegs
G. W. Gregg ft Co...Mechanic street, 1847....R. Savery, 375,000 "
Kraft ft Lightner,..Cor. Taylor ft Butler,....1856 ...Kraft ft Lightner, { ^5 q^q bbls
They employ 180 men, whose wages, running full time, would amount
to $ 56,000
They consume Lumber, to amount of 58.500
" " 5,400,000 Hoop Poles, worth 21.600
" " 30,000 bushels Coal, 1,500
Total, $137,(100
They produce Kegs and Barrels yearly, to amount of $156,000
They keep three steam engines running.
RAIL ROAD CAR BUILDING
Is also increasing in this city ; there are now two regular rail
road car factories. As yet they are employed in constructing
burden cars. They are:
Joseph Tomlinson,..Corner Duquesne Way and Cecil alloy, established 1852.
Wm. Smith ft Co " Carroll ft Smallnian street, " 1856.
They ompioy sixty-one hands, whose yearly wages amount to $2S,538.00
" consume Lumber to amount of 14,000.00
" " Wrought and Cast Iron, and Springs, to amount of.... 10,991.99
Total, ;$53,529.99
They produce Cars to the amount of $65,000,00
THE LAWRENCE BUCKET FACTORY
Ranks among our extensive manufactories for the production of a
single article. It was established in 1854, by Eaton, Shea & Co.;
is now owned and run by Eaton, Bailey & Co. It has a capacity
for making 900 buckets and 125 tubs per day. It is the only one
in the city, and there are but three others, one at Beaver and two
at Marietta, this side of St. Louis. The articles which are turned
out by this factory find sale in advance of their production through-
out the West, and the firm is unable to keep pace witli their
148 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
orders. This establishment employs about thirty hands, and turns
out 270,000 buckets and 50,000 21-inch tubs in a year. The capital
in the machinery, building and lot, is $30,000. There is consumed
in the producing of the above-mentioned quantity of tubs, &c, 50,000
cube feet of timber a year, worth $4,000, beside hoop iron, paints,
wire, &c, to the value of $5,000.
COACHES AND CARRIAGES
Are among the manufactures of this community -which are yearly
shipped in quantities to the West and South-west. The character
of their -workmanship and beauty of finish and design, has given
carriages from this city a fair reputation in the western and south-
western markets, which the yearly increasing orders show is well
sustained by the use of the vehicles. There are six manufactories
besides several jobbing shops, viz :
Factory. Firm. Location. Established. Who by.
Excelsior,..Johnston,Bro. &Co.,..Cor. Rebecca and Belmont
sts., Allcgheny,..1850,... Johnston & Bro.
Allegherjy,.John South, Federal & N. Common, " 1843,. ..John Sonth.
Pittsburgh,M. L. Stephens, 46 Diamond a'y,Pittsb'gh..lS46,...E. M. Bigelow.
J. S. Schaffer Cor. Diam.ay & Decatur st.lS56,... J. S. Schaffer.
Joseph White, Cor. Penn & Boundary " 1841,...Jos. White.
C.West, 151 Pean Btreet, 1847,...C. West,
These establishments employ 117 hands, whose wagesyearly amount to..$ 60,800
They consume Springs and Axles, to value of. 3,500
" " Lumber to amount of. 5,700
" « Paint, " " 2,450
" " Bar Iron, " <: 7,600
" " Coal, " " 550
" " Trimmings," " 22,100
" " Varnish, " . '.' 17,00
Total, $120,200
They produce work to the amount of. $145,000
In addition to the above there are some four or five jobbing shops,
whose work annually amounts to about $30,000.
WAGON MAKING.
The making of wagons has always been an important branch of
Pittsburgh manufactures. They are sent in large quantities to
Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, and in fact to all the
States in the Mississippi valley. In 1849 large numbers of them
were used by California emigrants in their journey across the
MISOKLLANEOIJ 6. 149
plains; and on the "Oregon trail " are many furrows impressed by
the wheels of Pittsburgh-built wagons. Lumber and iron, the two
articles entering into their construction, are at this point so cheap
that an immense advantage is gained over all other locations. There
are now engaged in the business here the following firms :
Firm. Location. Established. Bj whom.
Frederick JEschleman, Beaver street, Manchester, 1842,. ..F. .Sschleman.
John A. Entires, Ohio st., near East Lane, All'y...l853,...John A. Endres.
Joseph Fisher, East Lane, near Ohio, " ..1847,. ..John Fisher.
Hemphill & Shaberger, Ohio and Sandusky, " ..1844,...H.DeHaven.
Harper & Caughey, Beaver Bt., Manchester, 1854,. ..Harp. & Caugh'y.
Frederick Kealer, East Lane, near 4th, Alleg , y,...lS42,...F. Kealer.
Wni. M'Kee, Cor. Diamond ay.4Sinithneld,.lS43,...W. M'Kee.
Phelps, Carr & Co No. 1 St. Clair, Pittsburgh, 1832,. ..C. Townsend.
Geo. Sweitzer, Carson St., Birmingham, 1851,. ..Geo. Sweitzer.
These employ 180 hands, whose wages yearly are $ 77,920
They consume Iron, Axles, Springs, 4c, to amount of. 26,000
P (i Lumber, to value of.. 20,800
" 80,000 bushels of Coal, 4,000
Total, $13S,720
And produce 1,810 Wagons, Carts, Timber-wheels, 4c, worth $159,500
These vehicles range from the small one-horse cart to the heavy
six-horse road wagon. There are in addition to the firms given
above, twenty shops which make each a few wagons yearly, and do
a large amount of repairing ; they employ 45 men, whose yearly wages
are $14,560, and the value of their work is about $45,000.
TANNERIES.
There are in this community thirteen tanneries doing business on
a hand-ome scale, besides several whose transactions are quite small.
The thirteen are a.« follows :
Firm. Location. Established. Who by.
Hays 4 Stewart, 100 Liberty 1800, ffm. Hays.
Hare 4 Brown, Duquesne Boro., 1855, Hare & Brow!..
C. Ka;rcher4 Son, 74 Smithfield st., 1S38, C. Kaercher.
Chas. Keifer, Spring Garden, 1849, C. Kcifer.
Henry Klunk, Duquesno Boro., 1851
G. 4M. Lappe, " « 1842, G. 4 M. Lappe.
J. C. Lappe Chesnut* O'Hara, Alleg'y,1843 J. C. Lappe.
M'Cune 4 Young, 109 Liberty 1823, Wm. Young.
Frank Peopp, Spring Garden, .1853,
John H. Ralston, Cor. Locust 4 Duq. Way,. ..1829 J. U. Ralston.
John Robenstein, Duquesne Boro., 1848, John Robensteln.
A. 4 C. Tnggart, " " 1S54, A. 4 C. Taggart.
Gotleib Wetach Spring Garden, 1855 G. Wetnch
18*
\5(j M-l'TS6(JR(3Hfef AS i? IS.
There are employed by these firms 132 hands, whose yearly wages
are $ 54,9*03
In these tanneries 477 vats and eight steam engines are used in the
transaction of the business.
They consume 31,800 Ox Hides, worth $174,900
" « 1,580 doz. Calf Skins, >• 18,990
« " 4,580 " Sheep " " 38,040
Total, $287,432
They produce Sole Leather, to amount of. $413,400
" " dressed Calf Skins, " " 31,600
« " » Sheep " " " 18,320 •
Total, $463,320
The capital in the machinery, buildings, &c, is ......$77,500
BREWERIES,
The reputation mentioned in the thirteenth chapter of this volume,
as attaching to the beer and porter made in this city in 1808, has
always been retained by it, and at the present day Pittsburgh ale is
considered the best article brewed in the United States. An article
of Kennet ale made by one of our breweries, has a wide sale, and the
demand both in the East and in the West is still increasing, incited
by the fact that an equal article to the imported is furnished at less
price. With an equal skill in brewing to that possessed by the brew-
ers in any other city, the pure soft water of the Allegheny river enables
ours to turn out an article so superior, that it has taken and maintains
the head of the market, in most every section of the Union.
There are now engaged here in the business five firms, and one
in malting, as follows :
Capacity.
Allegheny, R. A. Campbell, Rebecca st. Allegheny,
established 1832, by W. A. Irwin, 400 barrels weekly.
Oregon, .Rhodes & Verner, No. — Penn st., Pittsb.
established 1854, by Rhodes & Verner 400 * "
Point, G. W. Smith, Cor. Pitt & Duq. Way,
established 1826, by Geo. Shiras 500 " "
Phoenix Steam,....A. Woods, Wilkins & Smallman,
established 1845, by Woods & Hughes 1,000 " "
Wainwright's, Lawrenceville, 400 " "
Point Malt House,.W. H. Garrard, No. 17 Water street,
established 1856, by W. H. Garrard " "
These five breweries and one malt house employ 140 men, whose yearly
wages amount to $ 47,420
They consume 380,000 bushels Barley yearly, 456,000
» « 40,000 " Rye, « 24,000
« « 235,000 pounds Hops, " 58,750
" " 40,000 new Barrels, " 80,000
Total #56<U70
ttlSCELLA* toLs 151
iThov keep six steam engines running, and produce
•W.000 barrels Air and Porter, worth $435,000
180,000 bushels Malt, " 288,000
Total $723,000
The capital in buildings, machinsry and lots, used for the business, is..$120,000
There are also twenty-three lager bier breweries, viz :
Brewer. Location. Brewer. Location.
John Beck, 541 Liberty street. Leonard Karns,...cor. 2d & E.Lane, All'y>
Anth'y Bennett, ..Quarry " John Kern, .Chesnut street, "
Adam Byerlein,...455 Liberty " Languish & Co.. ..570 Liberty.
Deppel, Manchester. Lutz & iValz Diamond alley.
Conrad Eberhart,.Ohio ab. Chesnut, All'y.Miller &. Lang,... .Pennsylvania Avenue.
Ernst Birmingham. JohnMittler, Birmingham.
G. & P.Gerst, cor. E. Lane & 2d, All'y.John Nuaser, "
Giess & Nessel,....East Lane. " Seidly & Beflz,...cor. E. Lane & 2d, All'y.
Sebastian IIaid,...cor. Ohio & Canal. " John A. Straub,.cor. Oh : o. st. & Duq. Bor.
Anth'y Hoffman, .Chesnut street. " G. F. Schenck,... Diamond alley.
Fred. Krauts Pennsylvania Avenue. John Schmeltz,..Birmingham.
P. Kallenbom. " "
They employ 59 hands, whose wages amount to , $ 18,720
" consume 68,000 bushels Barley, 81,000
" " 69,000 pounds Hops, 17,300
Total, $117,620
Twelve steam engines are kept running, and they brew 113,000 kegs
or quarter barrels Lager Bier, worth $141,250
STEAM CRACKER BAKERIES.
Of these there are two, viz: — The Duquesne, established 1850, by
Rhodes & Verner, Nos. 189, 191, 193 and 195, First street, now
carried on by S. Barnes & Co. It. & J. Davis, No. 91 Liberty st.,
established in 1831 by John Davis.
There are also the following firms who make crackers by hand
machinery :
M. Connelly, cor. Irwin and Penn.
II. Rawrie Ohio, near E. Lane, Allegh'y, established 1S55, by H. Rawrie.
John Sheppard, 317 Liberty, " 1845, " J. Sheppard.
O. Skinner, 203 " " 1852 " G. Skinner.
These 6 factories employ 39 hands, whose yearly wages are $1 2,064
They consume 10,450 barrels Flour $73,150
." 24 tons Butter, 3,840
" " 69 hhds. Sugar, 5,600
m " 30,000 bushels Coal, 1,500
" " 220 cords Wood, 880
Total, $97,034
They produce Crackers to amount of S114.000
152 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
Large quantities of these crackers are shipped to the South and
West, and Pittsburgh crackers are in many cities an article of
regular quotation in the market reports.
MARBLE WORKS.
There are in this community sis marble cutting establishments,
where are cut all descriptions of monuments, images, furniture
marbles, &c, &c. The workmen employed in these works are of
great skill, and many of the monuments worked out by them
evince much talent. The beautiful grounds of the Allegheny
Cemetery contain numerous monuments from these establishments,
which are subjects of admiration to visitors from a distance, as well
as our own citizens. The following firms are located as follows :
J. Lawton, No. 333 Liberty st Established 1855
John M'Cargo, " 335 " " 1S56
Edmund Wilkins, " 253 " " 1843
JohnWilkins, " St. Clair st " 1848
Robert Watson, Ohio & Beaver st. Allegh'y " 1847
These five firms, employ 51 hands, whose wages amount to$23,S68.
They consume 350 tons of Marble, and do work in that line of business to
amount of $45,000.
There is one other establishment which declined being men-
tioned.
CABINET WARE AND CHAIR MANUFACTURE.
The manufacture of cabinet ware has always occupied a promi-
nent position in the business of Pittsburgh. The trade is yearly
increasing, and large quantities are annually exported. There are
now in the city the following firms :
Firm. Location. Estab'd. By whom.
Robert Fairman federal st. South Common, AUegh'y.l837....R. Fairman
J. D. Fackiner, No. 103 Smithfield st 1851.. J. D. Fackiner.
Hammer & Dauler,... " 178 " " 1838...Hammer & Dauler.
Jacob Hockuly East Lane, near First st., AUegh'y...l854... J. Hockuly.
John M. Irwin, No. 118 Fourth st. Pittsb'g lS42...Jno. M. Irwin.
C. F. Klopfer & Co corner of Wayne and Penn sts ...W. E. Stevenson.
James Lemon & Co.. ..No. 96 Fourth st lS30...Lemou & Powers.
A. Milliken," " 64andl79 Smithfieldst 1S32...A. Millikon.
Joseph Meyers, " 424 Penn st lS43...Joseph Meyers.
H. H. Ryan, " 31 Fifth st 1837. ..H. H. Ryan.
Geo. Singer, " 111 Fourthst 1832... Geo. Singer.
Peter Sneider, .Carson and Harmony, Birmingham.1851... Peter Sneider.
G. Schroder & Co Carson and Denham, " 1S51...G. Schroder & Co.
C. Suck, No. 271 Penn st 1853. ..C. Suck. [well.
J. W. Woodwell, " 97 and 99 Third st 1831...J. & J. W. Wood-
T. B. Young & Co Corner of Third & Smithfield sts,..1840...T. B. Young & Oo.
IHSCIiLI.ANKOUS. 158
These sixteen firms employ 504 hands, whose yearly wagesamount to $196,600
Ihey consume 2,257,000 li-et of Lumber, worth 45,140
" " 494.000 " Veneera " 29.040
" « 5,25S gals, of Varnish " 8,412
" " 45,000 bushels Coal, " 2,250
" " Hardware to amount of. 17,850
" " Mahogany and other fine woods to value of 4.500
Total, : $304,292
They keep eight steam engines running, and produce Chairs ami Cabinet Work to
value of $503,000.
In addition to these there are a number of small shops, in which
the proprietor and occasionally an additional workman is employed,
who produce articles suited to a class of retail customers. The
capital in the grounds, buildings, and machinery employed by the
above sixteen firms is $179,700.
The workmanship upon the articles made is of the best quality,
and the styles are fully equal to those of eastern houses.
SOAP AND CANDLE MANUFACTURES.
Of these articles there is a heavy amount made here. The fol-
lowing are the principal firms:
Firm. Location. Established. By whom.
Thomas Arnoldv Allegheny, 1849 Thomas Arnold.
Pen* SSArSu,} Pa - Avenue > 1847 Crumpton & Co -
A Wilson & Co., No. 47 Ross St.. 1834 A. Gilmore.
Stout & Hazen, Allegheny, 1853 Stout & Hazen.
Wilson & Gorman, No. 194 Fourth st 1S26 G. W. Jackson.
W. & H.Walker, 3d & Middle st., Alleg'y.lS37 W. & II. Walker.
John Matthews, No. 92 Third St., 1854 H. Beidler & Co.
These seven firms employ 102 hands, whose yearly wagesamount to.. $ 32,920
They consume 3,220,000 pounds of Tallow, worth 353,000
" " 3,524 barrels of Iiosin, worth 12.350
" " 3,100,000 pounds of Grease, worth 279,000
" " 15,000 " Palm Oil, worth 2,50u
1679,770
They produce 4,420.000 pounds of Soap, worth $245,000
1.400,000 " of Candles, worth 140.000
" " 1.800.000 Star " « 475.000
$860,000
The capital in the buildings, ground and machinery employed in the
amounts to $84,000
There is one other firm in the business which declined giving the
value of their transactions, whose figures would probably raise the
amount to between $900,000 and $1,000,000.
154 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
GLUE FACTORY.
C. Presser carries on a glue factory on Marion street, near Pa.
Avenue, which he established in 1832.
He employs eight hands, whose yearly wages amount to $1,560.00
Uses materials to amount of 3,500.00
5,060.00
And makes 50,000 lbs. Glue annually, worth $7,500.
The machinery, buildings, and ground used in the business, are
worth $2,000.
LIME.
There are five firms engaged in the production of lime, viz :
R. Milligan, Liberty st. near depot, John Kearney, Moore Thomp-
son, Mrs. Baine, Rodgers.
They employ 50 men, whose wages amount to $17,200
Consume 100,000 bushels Coal, which " « 5,000
$22,200
They produce 300,000 bushels lime, worth $48,000.
In the carrying on of this business, the above firms employ 40
horses and 15 carts and wagons.
JVE IV FLEXIBLE FIKE PROOF and WATER ROOFIN6.
This is a new branch of manufacture just going into operation
in this city. A patent for it has been applied for. The patentees
and manufacturers are Messrs. Adair & Grant, No. 57 Water
street. The article is very flexible and elastic, undoubtedly
water proof, and the material being laid on canvas, the roof-
ing has a very substantial character. Large orders have already
been received by the above firm.
SLATE ROOFING.
There is one firm here which carries on the slate roofing business
extensively, taking contracts for work in all the towns around
this city, and in the cities of Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis.
Thomas Arnold, whose office is at No. 45 Wood street, estab-
lished the business here in 1845, and has carried it on successfully
ever since, as is instanced above by the taking of contracts in other
cities. We believe he is the only master slater in the West who is
to any exteut engaged in the business. The fact of his having fre-
quent engagements at points throughout the West, is evidence that
MISCELLANEOUS. |55
the style and quality of his work is entirely satisfactory. He
employs 15 hands, whose yearly wages are $7,500, and he uses in
the course of his business five hundred tons of slate, and $1,800
worth of copper for nails, &c. The cost of slate roofing is given
in the chapter of this volume on manufacturing advantages.
STEAM WOOLEN {STOCKING FACTORY,
A manufactory of the above description is carried on by C.
Daly, corner Fifth street and Market alley. It was established in
1838 by M. Daly.
There are employed by this firm 100 hands, whose wages
amount annually to $15,600
Woolen yarn and dye stuffs are used in the manufactures
to theamountof 25,500
$41,100
The hosiery made at this establishment is worth $50,000.
There is one engine employed, and the value of the machinery
used in the business is $5,000.
MATCH FACTORIES.
Of these there are two, viz :
Valentine Benz, 673 Liberty street, and John Buhoup, Duquesne
Borough.
These two establishments employ 22 hands, whose
wages are $3,482.00
They consume Lumber to amount of $380 00
" " Phosphorus to " " 400 00
" " Brimstone to " " 130 00
" " Glue " " « 240 00
$ 1,150.00
Total, * $ 3,632.00
They make yearly 15,360 gross of Matches, worth... $10,752.00
DUQUESNE ZINC WASHBOARD FACTORY,
Is carried on by John Buhoup, in Duquesne Boro, by whom it
was established in 1852.
156 PITTSBURGH AS IT 18,
In it there are employed five hands, whose wages
amount yearly to $1,500.00
In the production of washboards, there is consumed
Zinc to the amount of $3,500.00
Lumber to the amount of 1,125.00
Nails, " " « „ 300.00
$4,925.00
Total, $6,425.00
He makes 3,000 doz. Wash Boards, worth $6,750.00
The buildings and machinery used in the business are worth
$2,500.00. One steam engine is kept running.
PORCELAIJVTEETH MANUFACTORY .
There is one factory for the production of teeth, as above ; it is
owned by Otto Kunz, No. 128 Third street, by whom it was
established in 1850. He manufactures about 10,000 teeth a year,
worth $2,000.
KID GLOVE FACTORY.
There is one factory for the making of kid and other descrip-
tions of leather gloves. It was established by R. Dean, in 18-44,
by whom it is still carried on, at No. 654 Penn street.
He employs eight hands, whose wages amount to $1,250.00
" consumes 2,000 Kid skins, 500 Buckskins, beside
German Lamb skins and Furs to a small amount.
There is made annually at this factory
160 doz. Kid Gloves, worth $1,600
200 " Buck " " 2,000
800 " other " " 1,800
$5,400.00
Total, $6,650.00
A1C OHO Ij .
A distillery of this article is kept in operation by James
M'Laughlin, at Nos. 168 and 170 Second street. It was estab-
lished by Martin & M'Laughlin, in 1850, and has been in success-
ful operation ever since. The products of the establishment are
principally sold in the eastern cities. There are six men employed in
the distillery, whose annual wages amount to $2,600.00. There are
distilled 5,000 barrels of alcohol and spirits, and 10,000 barrels of
whiskey are yearly consumed in the production of those articles.
MISCELLANEOUS. 157
ETHEREAL OIL,
This article is manufactured at No. 68 Fourth street, by P.
Hayden. The business was established here in 1850. He employs
three men, whose yearly wages amount to $1,560. Uses in the
making of the article 600 barrels of alcohol, and $6,000 worth
of other materials, producing 20,000 gallons of oil.
LIN'SEEl) Oil..
There are three establishments for the manufacture of this descrip-
tion of oil in operation in the city, viz :
Mill, Firm, Location. Established. By whom.
Pittsburgh Leonard Walter 424 Liberty st 1838 Hays & Painter.
Allegheny D. De Haven Middle alley 1S3G D. DeHaven.
M. B. Suydam Rebecca alley 1856 M.B. Suydam.
These consume 32,000 bushels Flax Seed, worth $56,000
Employ twelve men, whose wages amount to 4,368
Total, $60,368
There is made by the mills 52,000 gallons Oil, worth $52,000
" " 26,000 bushels Oil-cako, worth 19,500
Total, $71,500
There are three steam engines running in the mills.
LARD OIL.
This article is manufactured by two firms, viz : F. Sellers & Co.,
whose factory is at the corner of Pike street and Canal, and Wm.
B. Kelly, whose factory is in the Seventh Ward, near Pennsylvania
avenue. We give no statistics of these factories, as the one is a new
establishment, and has as yet no figures to give — and we were unable
to ascertain the yield of the other in time for this edition. The two
will, we presume, produce something like 60,000 gallons yearly.
VARNISH FACTORIES.
Of theso there are two in operation, viz :
Firm. Location. Established. By whom.
Levi Wads Uil Liberty st LS40 Levi Wade.
Kelly & Douglass... Office 135 Smithfleld st 1856 J. Finch & Co.
These employ 6 hands, whoso wages annually aro $ 2,496 00
Purchase 1,500 gallons Oil, costing 2,625.00
« 75,000 lbs. Gums, « 22,500.00
" 600 bbls. Turpentine" 13,500.00
Total $41,121
Make and sell yearly 20,000 gallons Varnish $40,000
Pell Turpentiue, Oils. Oum«, etc., to amount of 6,500 jifi.sryi.oo
U
158 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
TOBACCONISTS.
There are seventeen firms engaged in the manufacture and sale of
Tobacco, as given below:
Firm. Location. Established. By whom.
Henry Dallmeyer...... 151 liberty st 1S52 Henry Dallmeyer.
John Fullerton 170 Wood st 1837 John Eullerton.
E. Gleason Ohion'r. E. Lane, Alleg'yl842 E. Gleason.
John Hays 50 Fifth st 1848 John nays.
E. Hurd 448 Liberty st 1845 E.Hurd.
Martin Heyl 423 " 1850 Martin Heyl.
S. P. Johnson 55 Hand st 1854 Johnson & McDonald.
Jas. A. Mazurie 337 Liberty st 1837 Jas. A. Mazurie.
E. T. Megraw 241 " 1856 E.T. Megraw.
Jas M. McDonald c. Smf'd st. & Strawb'y al
Christian Oyer 17 Smithfleld St.
W. & D. Rinehart 129 "Wood st 1836 W. & D. Rinehart.
Geo. Sheffler 101 Smithfleld st 1849 Geo. Sheffler.
J. W. Taylor 427 Penn st 1839 J. W. Taylor.
E. Upstill, Jr 349 Liberty st 1856 E. TJpstill, Jr.
Geo. Weyman cor. Sm'f'dst.&D'm'dal..l823.. Geo. Weyman.
Geo. Wilson, 43 Smithfleld street 1840 Geo. Wilson.
In addition there are many exclusive retail stores, in some of
which a limited amount of manufacturing is carried on, of which
we take no account, although some of them are quite extensive.
The above 17 firms employ 198 hands, whose yearly wages amount to..$ 61,776
They purchase 978 hhds. Tobacco, 195,600
" " manufactured Smoking and Chewing Tobacco, 75,320
" " imported Segars, 80,400
$415,096
They produce 8,230,000 common Segars, worth...... $ 24,690
" " 7,560,000 Half Spanish " " 52,920
" ' " 42,000 Havana " " 9,040
« " 850 kegs Twist Tobacco, " 25,500
« « 130,000 pounds Cut and Dry," 14,300
« " 60,000 " Snuff, " 12,000
" sell Smoking and Chewing Tobacco, to amount of. 85,320
" " imported Segars, " " " 100,000
« " Leaf Tobacco, " " " 120,000
Total, $443,770
There are but three steam engines employed in this business,
and the majority of the buildings being leased property, there is no
return of capital in buildings, machinery, &c.
MISCELLANEOUS. 159
PAPER MANUFACTORIES.
There are two paper manufactories here, viz :
Buckeye, J. L. Shee, 225 Penn....Established 1850, by J. L. Shee.
Manchester, J. Howard & Co. 84 Wood... " 1832, " J. Howard & Co.
These mills employ 57 hands, whose wages amount annually to $15,912
They consume 650 tons Rags, 54,000
" " 46,000 pounds Chloride Lime, 3,320
" " 50,000 bushels Coal, 2,500
Total, $75,732
They produce 456 tons Paper, worth $86,640
The capital in buildings, machinery and ground used for the business is $55,000
One of the mills runs by steam power and the other by water.
There are three steam engines employed.
BOOK-BINDERS' BOARD FACTORY.
The Monongahela Steam Paper Mill was established in 1854,
by A. Culbertson, by whom it is still worked. This is the only
manufactory of this kind in the vicinity. It is an extensive establish-
ment, employing twenty hands, and manufacturing book-binders'
boards exclusively. Though of recent origin, the quality of its pro-
ductions has created an increasing demand for them in the East as
well as in the West.
The capital in the building and machinery of this mill is $30,000.
The office of the mill is at No. 1 91 Liberty street.
RAG AND PAPER DEALERS.
There are in the city three firms regularly engaged in this business,
beside others who deal occasionally in the business. The three houses
I. W. Chadwick, 149 Wood, Established 1847, by I. W. Chadwick.
H. M'Cullough & Co.,cor. Irwin &Penn, " 1838, " II. M'Cullough & Co.
J. L. Shee, 225 Penn, ' ; 1844, '•' J. L. Shee.
These firms employ a number of hands, and sell rags and paper to
amount of $80,000 annually.
FLOUK MILLS.
There are in this community five flouring mills, viz :
Mill. Firm. Location. Established. By whom.
Allegheny City,..John Voeghtly & Co....Chesnut and Canal,
Birmingham, Algeo & Co Carson and Craig 1S54,... Burke & Son.
Pittsburgh City..L. Wilmarth & Co cor. Adams & Liberty,.1850,...W. & Noble.
Pearl Bryan, Kennedy & Cc.cor. Lacock & Canal,. ..1854,... B., K. & Co.
M. B. Suydani Rebecca, near Craig,. .. I860,. ..M.B.Suydaui.
160 I'lTTSBUKUH AS IT IS.
Four of these orly are in operation at present, the Pearl not run-
ning.
These employ 44 hands, whose annual wages are $ 18,300
They consume 475,000 bushels Wheat, worth 760,500
" " 45,000 " Corn, u 27,000
" " 25,000 " Oats, " 6,250
$793,750
Total, $812,050
They produce 103,500 barrels Flour, worth. . .$ 828,000
" " 162,500 bushels feed stuffs, 36,000
Total, $864,500
These mills run eight steam engines.
Of the above mills, the " Allegheny City " has four run of stones,
and a capacity of 75 barrels a day. The " Pittsburgh City " six pairs
of stones, and a capacity of 400 barrels a day; and the "Pearl " a sim-
ilar capacity.
SPICE MILLS.
There are two mills for the grinding and packing up of spices, viz :
F. Dravo, Allegheny, estab'd 1848, by F. Dravo.
Baxter & M'Kee,...No. 117 Third st. ;< 1851, by M'Kee & Alcorn.
These employ 13 hands, whose wages amount to $4,732
Their sales of Ground Spices and other articles
amount to $25,000
WHIP AND UMBRELLA MANUFACTORIES.
Of this branch of manufactures there are two. \ iz :
J. W. Tim & Co 143 Wood, established 1848, by J. W. Tim.
Wells, Riddle & Co.. 86 Fourth, " 1855, " W., E. & Co.
Besides these firms there are some eight small shops where umbrellas
are repaired and made ; a limited amount of business is done, some
$5,000 in all.
The two firms given above, consume material to amount of $17,000
Their entire sales amount annually to $34,000
SADDLETREE FACTORIES.
There are two of these in operation here, viz :
John F.Hague 123 gmithfield, established 1S44, by Nealons & Hague.
A.Vance. 70 '•' " 1S37, '•' Geo. Fortune.
They employ five men, whose wages amount annually to $3,628
" consume materials to amouut of. 300
And make 5,000 Saddletrees, worth 5,000
MISCELLANEOUS, 161
COFFEE EXTRACT.
There are two firms engaged in the manufacture of this article,
which is used by many as a substitute for cofi'ue. The firms are
P. Felix & Son, 446 Penn established 1842, by F. Felix.
Quttendorf & Co.. 15 i; "
These employ nine men, and among other material use $9,000 of
sugar and molasses yearly. Their sales amount to $60,000 annually.
POTTERIES.
The burning of earthen ware is carried on to a considerable
extent here. There are many advantages, which will probably in time
render Pittsburgh quite a central point for the production of many
varieties of this ware. The facilities which we possess for ship-
ping this heavy article North, East. South and West, into nearly all
the States of the Union, give this city a prominent position as a loca-
tion for the transacting of the business, while the advantages of fuel
are sufficient to decide the question of engaging here in the manufac-
turing. A proper survey of the surrounding country will, without
doubt, so full are the hills of various qualities of fire clay, develop
deposits of clay and flint, which in themselves and in combinations
would furnish materials suitable for making many of the finer qualities
of Queensware.
There are now engaged in the business here, the following:
Daniel Bennett, Oor. Washington and Franklin, Birmingham,
established by Bennett & Brothers, 1844
A. N. Burchfield, Ohio, near East Common. Allegheny,
established by II. 3tevens. 1837
Fnler & Sunshine, East Birmingham,
established by Euler & Suushine, 1846
Fcell&Alt, East Birmingham,
established by Conrad Eoupp, 1852
Henry Petrix & Co,. ..Ohio, near North, Allegheny,
established by Henry Petrix, 1846
They employ 5S hands, whose yearly wages amount to $21,112
consume Leads to amount of. 2,560
" 30,000 bushels Coal, 1,500
" 110 cords Wood, 330
il 60 tons Straw, 400
" Clays to the value of. 2,800
Total, $28,702
They burn ware to tho value of. 33,850
Capital in ground, machinery, &c, 13,500
14*
162 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS,
Of these potteries, the "Pennsylvania," Daniel Bennett, is the most
extensive, making sixty per cent, of the whole amount burned. He
manufactures a very fine article of iron-stone -ware, Eockingham and
yellow ware, and finds a demand for his articles in advance of his
supply.
We would invite the attention of Potters to this point, believing
there is to be found here materials that need but skill and capital to
build up another large and profitable branch of business.
BRUSH MANUFACTURERS.
There are three manufacturers of brushes in the city, viz :
John Kennedy, 68 Wood, established 1843, by John Kennedy.
Loughridge & Maxwell,....126 " " 1853, " L. & Maxwell.
D. Stewart, 26 Fifth, " 1851, " D. Stewart.
These firms employ 21 hands, whose yearly wages are $ 7,800
They consume Bristles to amount of. 11,000
" " Stocks and Veneers to amount of. 1,309
" " Wire, Ferrules, &c, " " 400
Total, $20,500
They produce 10,000 doz. Brushes, worth $40,000
BLACKSMITHS' BELLOWS.
There are two manufactories of the above article in this commu-
nity, viz:
James Lemon & Co., No. 96 Fourth street, , Pittsburgh,
established by Lemon & Power, 1830
Isaac Williams, Lacock street, Allegheny,
established 1850
They manufacture $10,000 worth of this article yearly.
SADDLERY AND HARNESS MANUFACTURING.
In this branch of manufactures there are six prominent houses
who make up harness and saddlery. Besides these there are a num-
ber of shops who work on a very small scale, not keeping more
than one journeyman employed, besides the proprietor. Below we
give the names of the six houses, and the amount of their business:
Firm. Location. Established. By whom.
C. Barchfield, .10 Diamond, 1849 C. Barchfield.
R. H. Hartley & Co., 86 Wood, 1834 R. H. Hartley.
A. Holstein, 132 " 1843 A. Holstein.
R. Mackey, 61 Fifth street, 1823 S. Mackey
Saml. McClurkan 96 Wood, 1852 McClurkan & Beatty.
Thos. Oliver, V 117 Liberty, 1844 Thos. Oliver.
MISCELLANEOUS. 163
Those seven houses employ 106 hands, whose wages amount yearly to. ..$35,152
They consume Leather to amount of. 52,000
" " Hardware " 20,000
" "« Dry Goods " 10.400
Total $117,552
They produce and soil Saddlery and Harness to amount of 146,500
In the smaller shops there are manufactured of those articles $35,000
•worth more.
TRUNK MANUFACTORIES.
There are several trunk manufactories, distinct from the saddlery
and harness business, viz :
Firm. Location. Established. By whom.
Albert Jones, 1S2 Wood street, 1855 Albert Jones.
Robert Martin, 110 " 1830 Root. Martin.
Shorten & Co., 104 " 1S56 Shorten & Co.
A. Tindle 106 '• 1S53 A. Tindle.
These employ 36 hands, whose wages amount yearly to $11,132
Make and sell Trunks to the value of 30,000
Trunks arc also made to a large amount and in great variety by
the Saddlery and Harness house of E. H. Hartley & Co., No. 86
"Wood street, Samuel McClurkan, No. 98 Wood street, andotbers.
SPRINGFIELD PATENT LEATHER FACTORY.
This establishment, owned and carried on by the firm of J. T.
McLaughlin & Co., have their office at No. 127 Wood street. There
are manufactured at this factory all descriptions of enameled and
patent leather, and they employ 40 hands, whose wages annually are
$20,800. They are using at present 1,000 cords of bark yearly, and
100 barrels of varnish. The capacity of the works is equal to 15,000
hides a year, and it is the intension of the proprietors to run them to
their full capacity, shortly. They are at present running only half
capacity, owing to the high price of green hides, &c. The value of
this business we arc unable to give in dollars.
HILLSIDE PATENT LEATHER FACTORY.
This is a new establishment just about going into operation,
the office of which is 28 St. Clair street, up stairs. The firm is
Geo. H. Anderson, and they expect to manufacture largely, not
only patent leather, but all the grades of shoe leather. The capa-
city of the works is equal to 8,000 hides per annum, and when in
full operation, will employ 35 hands. Of course as yet this factory
has no statistics beyond those given of capacity.
16i PITTSBURGH Atj IT IS,
WOOLEN FACTORIES.
There are two woolen factories here, although the business is car'
ried on on a small scale. One is the Allegheny Woolen Factory,
Ci Reel & Co., corner South Common and North Canal street, Alle-
gheny ; the other Arthur's Factory, worked by James Arthurs,
Second street road. The Allegheny was established in 1843. One
of them the past year employed eight hands, worked up 20,000 lbs.
wool, and wove 200 pairs blankets and 2,000 yards of flannel.
COMBS.
There is a small factory of horn combs in Allegheny City, where a
limited amount and variety of dressing and other combs is made by
L. Lofink. The factory was established in 1844, but does not turn
out over $1,000 worth annually.
ICE CHESTS and WIRE SAFES
Are made quite extensively, by H. T. Price, of Allegheny City, who
follows it as an exclusive business. He employs in this business
Six hands, whose wages amount to ....$2,496
There is consumed in the business, 60,000 feet of Lumber, 1,000
" " Zinc, Wire Cloth and Nails, to amount of 450
Total, $3,946
There is made annually at the establishment,
300 Ice Chests and 100 Safes, worth $4,700
BOBBINS.
This article is made by John Hay, corner Lacock street and Race
alley, Allegheny. He employs four hands, whose wages are $1,056,
uses maple wood to the amount of $400, and metals to amount of
$50. He makes 50,000 bobbins annually, besides other turned work.
There is used in the establishment nine turning lathes and one engine,
and the machinery is worth $3,000.
CORK DEAJ0ER and MANUFACTURER.
There is in the city but one dealer in corks, viz : H. Overington,
No. 76 Smithfield street, by whom the business was established in
1853. He sells annually to the amount of 34,000 gross of corks.
BROOM FACTORY.
A factoiy for the making of corn brooms and wisps is carried on
by M'Elrot & Co., corner Ross and Water streets. They consume
MISCELLANEOUS. 165
sixteen tons of broom com, 22,400 broom handles, employ live hands,
and turn out 1 ,880 dozens brooms annually.
CHILDREN'S CARRIAGE FACTORY.
An establishment for the manufacture of children's carriages is
carried on by S. Kennedy, whose office is No. 62 Wood street.
It is the only one of the kind west of the mountains, and although
in operation but a short time, the orders for the goods are so large
that the hands are pressed to keep pace with them. Every variety
of carriages and wagons for children, and of other wooden toys, are
constructed. There is also made at the factory an article called
"Turkish seats " for parlors and doors, for which a large demand
is arising. The establishment employs eight hands, and turns out
over 1,000 children's gigs yearly, beside the other articles manu-
factured.
BOX MANUFACTORIES.
The business of making boxes for the various departments of
manufactures, is a noticeable one. Although there are a large num-
ber made in the various carpenter shops, &c. throughout the city,
yet there are two firms whose exclusive business this is. They are
Point Factory,. ..Munn & Barton, Cor. Pointalley & Duquesne Way,
established by Munn & Steele, 1S47
Allegheny do. John A. Bloomer, Cor. Anderson & Lacock, Alleg'y.
established by John A. Bloomer,.. ..1855
They employ fourteen hands, whose wages amount to $2,496
" consume 375,000 feet of Boards, to valueof. 5,625
" " 200 kegs of Nails, " " 800
Total, $8,921
They make 02,400 Boxes, 12,4S0
PUMP AND BLOCK MAKERS.
There are two firms engaged in the manufacturing of pumps and
blocks for steamboats, and all other articles usual in this line of
business. They are
Davage & Roberts, 57 Front, established 1852, by T. Davage & Co.
Jones & Birkheimer, 35 Water, " 1843, " Jones & Birkkeimcr.
These firms employ eleven men, and transact business in their
line to amount of $10,000 annually.
166 PITTSBU11GH AS IT IS.
TURNERS.
There are, besides several turning establishments which are por-
tions of cabinet shops, six firms which pursue the business of
turning disconnected from every other occupation. They are
Thos. Bratt, Cor. Sandusky & Canal, established 1850, by Thomas Bratt.
V. & L. Guckert, " Grant and Seventh, " 1836, " N. &. V. Guckert.
S. Patterson & Bro...l31 Second, " 1847," Sam'l. Allinder.
G. Scbroeder&Co...Birmingham, " 1856, " G. Schroeder k Co.
C. Seibert & Co.,....9 Irwin, " 1850," C. Seibert & Co.
N. Guckert, Ohio, near East Lane, " 1836," N. & V. Guckert.
These employ 41 hands, whose wages amount to $17,500
They consume 550,000 feet of Lumber, worth 8,000
$25,500
The value of the business is 55,000
They keep six engines running, and the machinery employed in the
business is worth 9,500
ROPE WALKS.
There are carried on here three rope walks, where are manu-
factured ropes, &c. regularly ; beside which there are several small
establishments that are fitful in their labors. The three are
F.Baker & Co established 1844,
J. & H. Gerwig, Cor. Penn & Walnut, " 1840, by J. & H. Gerwig
John Irwin & Sons,..No. 57 Water, " 1814," John Irwin.
These rope walks consume
279 tons of Hemp, $27,040.00
203 " Manilla, 38,540.00
They make Kope, Cord, Twine, Packing Tarn, &c, to value of. $117,451.79
They employ 57 hands, whose wages amount to $17,784
UPHOLSTERING.
The business of upholstering is carried on by three firms in Pitts-
burgh, viz :
E. Edmundson & Co.,...96 & 98 Third street, established 1833, by E. Edmundson.
Wm. Noble, .45 " " " 1333, " Win. Noble.
Jacob Seibert, 100 " " " 1846, " Jacob Seibert.
These firms employ about 85 hands, a large proportion of whom
are women. The value of the business, so far as we could ascer-
tain, amounts to $70,000.
MISCELLANEOUS. 167
PIANO MANUFACTURERS and DEALERS.
There are in the city four piano manufacturers and dealers, viz;
C. Blume, 118 Wood street, established 1843, by F. Blume.
Herbert Goodall, ..34 Smithfield, " 1850, " Goodall & Warren,
H. Kleber & Bro.,...53 Fifth, " 1848, " H. Kleber.
John H. Mellor, 81 Wood « 1831, " John H. Mellor,
Of these firms Herbert Goodall manufactures exclusively. The
others are agents for various Eastern factories.
The four firms sell annually 252 Pianos and 50 Melodeons, the value of
which is $125,800
They also sell other musical instruments to amount of. 35,000
Total, $160,800
The establishment of Mr. Goodall being a Pittsburgh manufac-
tory, it is proper some special note should be made of it. Chicker-
ings, Nunns & Clark's, and the Hamburg pianos sold by the other
firms, are already famous for their qualities in the musical world.
Mr. Goodall has yet a name to gain outside of the city for his, and
we have the authority of good judges in saying that in all the
requisites of a fine instrument, they are fully equal to those of any
maker whatever. For tone and finish we have heard them com-
pared with the best, and the only difference appears to be that the
others have the advantage of a reputation, acquired by years pur-
suance of the business and the expenditure of much money.
The prices of Goodall's pianos are very low in comparison with
other makes. We have remarked thus of his pianos, because, as an
article of Pittsburgh manufacture, we believed it was our duty to
give it prominence.
PHILLIPSVILLE OIL CLOTH FACTORY.
This factory was established in 1838 by the present proprietors,
J. & H. Phillits, whose warehouse is at Nos. 26 & 28 St. Clair
street. The factory is in the suburbs of the city, near Manches-
ter.
The business of manufacturing floor and furniture oil cloths and
window shades is carried on extensively by this firm, rendering neces-
sary a building 120 feet long, 50 feet wide, and 60 feet higb, beside
out-buildings. The firm employs 20 hands, whose weekly wages
are $160. They manufacture from 60,000 to 70,000 yards of floor
168 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
oil cloth yearly ; also, 6,000 table spreads, and 11,000 yards greets
window oil cloth, and a variety of other articles of a similar nature.
They run one engine, and consume among other articles, 10,000
bushels coal, $6,000 worth of oils, and $2,000 worth of white lead.
Their cloths are sold as low as at any manufactory in the United
States. This firm also are heavy dealers in India Kubber goods,
made under the Goodyear patent ; also leather beltings, curtain
trimmings, &c.
GOLD LEAF MANUFACTURING.
This branch of business is prosecuted by John B. Dtjnlevy, at
No. 132 Third street. The demand for the article is good, and his
orders are from parties at a distance as well as from the home
trade. Several hands are employed at this establishment, in beat-
ing leaf.
The principal business is in the making of gold foil for dental pur-
poses, of which he produces yearly about 600 ounces. Thos. S. Uffing-
ton, the first gold-beater in the United States, established the business
in New York in 1807, and this factory in Pittsburgh in 1837.
LITHOGRAPHING.
There are two firms in the city who are engaged in the Litho-
graphing business: they are Wm. Schttchman & Bro., corner Third
and Market, and Krebs & Bro., corner Fourth and Wood. There
is no better work in this line of business done in the United States
than is executed here. The demand for the work keeps 12 presses
running, and employs a large number of engravers, pressmen,
draftsmen, &c. The value of the business we are unable to give.
SURVEYING AND ENGINEERING INSTRUMENTS.
J. R. Reed & Co., No. 68 Fifth st., carry on a manufactory of
the above named instruments. They employ seven hands, and
make instruments to amount of $6,000 a year.
The articles are equal to any made in the country, and when on
exhibition in eastern cities, at the Agricultural and Mechanical
Fairs, they have frequently taken the prize over eastern competi-
tors.
CHAPTER XXI.
MERCANTILE INTERESTS.
The term "Merchants of Pittsburgh, " first occurs in Sniollet's
History, in a mention of the transactions of Major General Stan-
wix, at Fort Pitt, in the winter of 1759-60.
From that period the commercial position of Pittsburgh and the
activity or dullness of her traffic has been closely linked with the
growth of the western country, and the title Pittsburgh Merchant
an honorable one in all the great marts of the Union. From vicis-
situdes which the commerce of Pittsburgh has in common with that
of other cities experienced, her merchants have always emerged
with renewed vigor and unblemished credit; and it is with pride
that our citizens can contemplate the estimation in which the
"Merchants of Pittsburgh " aro held in all the markets to which
they resort.
In 1803, the entire commerce and manufactures of Pittsburgh
were summed up at $350,000. Of this, $92,000 was created by
what was then termed the " Bartering trade," or, the exchanging
of one article of merchandise for another.
In 1808 there were fifty store-keepers or merchants. In 1817
there were 109 stores of various kinds in the city; and in 1836,
there were 250 stores, at which time the mercantile business was
computed to be $13,100,000 ; and that of the commission business
at $5,875,000, or $18,975,000 in all.
In the days of the pack-horse and the road-wagon, the mercan-
tile business of Pittsburgh increased rapidly, and the city became
the resort of wholesale buyers from all sections of the West and
South-west. The advent of the rail and the locomotive, caused a
revolution in that portion of our trade, and much of it was drawn by
the facilities of reaching the East to the Atlantic oities. Unpleas-
ant as the fact is, there is no doubt that the close connection in
which the rail roads placed Pittsburgh with New York and Phila-
delphia, materially injured her wholesale business From this
15
170 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
perhaps natural and to be expected result, the jobbing trade of
Pittsburgh is now recovering, and the infusion of many younger
men among her merchants, has given new vigor to her commercial
transactions, There is to be remarked in the history of every city,
a period when the business of the place languished and declined,
caused sometimes by revolutions in the spirit of the trade through-
out the country ; and at other times, by occurrences purely local.
From one of those depressed periods, caused by the change in
the mode of transacting the wholesale business all over the Union,
brought about by the rail roads, Pittsburgh has emerged, and will
again enjoy a large wholesale jobbing trade. The whole argument
upon which is founded this belief, it would probably be cumbersome
and tiresome to record here. Taking into consideration the fact,
that in all particulars the Pittsburgh wholesale merchant stands
upon equal footing with those of the Eastern cities, in all the facil-
ities for procuring his stock — buying from, and acting as the agent
of, the same manufacturers — importing from the same European
sources — paying never more than they for the articles in which he
deals, and able from the less expense, to do an equally remunerative
business on five per cent, less profit, one point upon which to found
this belief is apparent. The fact that the lines of the Pittsburgh
rail road system are daily carrying through this point large num-
bers of western buyers, whose inquiries, prompted by their own
interests, into the advantages of purchasing here, will naturally
do away with an unjustifiable prejiidice which has for some years
past existed in many sections of the West against buying in this
city, while their reports will advertise in the most effectual manner
that between our jobbing houses and those of the Eastern seaboard,
there is no other difference than such as results to the disadvantage
of the latter from increased cost of traveling expenses, freights,
&c, is another of the points which lead to the belief expressed.
The soundness of which point is proven by the fact, that within the
last three years there is an increase in the amount of the jobbing
business done in Pittsburgh, and that this year a better and heavier
class of merchants than heretofore hare purchased large bills here.
In remarking which it is proper to mention yet further, that the
fact that those buyers have previously bought in New York and
Philadelphia, is conclusive that their judgment and business expe-
rience discovered no difference in favor of the Eastern market over
Pittsburgh, and that there must have been some advantage in favor
MERCANTILE INTERESTS. 171
of the latter, to induce the breaking off of old connections to open
new accounts here.
All things in prices, terras and other business considerations in
purchasing being equal between the two points contrasted, it is at
once obvious to the prudent buyer that the advantages already
mentioned as belonging expressly to Pittsburgh, for the advantage
of lessened expenses and some others also attain to Pittsburgh over
western cities seeking the same trade, is sufficient to decide which
point is the best.
There is probably no city in the Union where business and living
expenses are so small as in Pittsburgh, and a brief consideration of
her geographical position and her rail way system will show that
there are few cities which offer so great facilities for the transaction
of a heavy commercial business.
Another reason for believing that the mercantile business of this
city will soon be largely increased in bulk is, that the finishing of
some lines of our rail way system now in progress will throw open
this point as a market of sale and purchase to several of the South-
western States, who could only heretofore approach this city by cir-
cuitous and uncertain routes. From those States a new body and
class of buyers will in two or three years, or sooner, begin to visit our
market in at least a spirit of inquiry ; and it will need but the inquiry
to convince them that it is as good a one for merchandise as for manu-
factures.
Another fact is that our wholesale dealers are using greater exer-
tions to bring trade to this city, and the increase already resulting will
naturally incite to frosh efforts which will without doubt produce a
further increase.
One thing has been of late years, and is now greatly needed,
and that is banking capital and facilities. The fact that the large
amount of business shown by this volume to be yearly transacted here,
is done upon about $4,000,000 of public banking capital, is an evi-
dence of how sorely it is wanted. Could an equal amount of bank
capital to that now existing be chartered at this point, there would be
a very rapid increase in our commerce, and also in our manufactures.
So great is the daily necessity for it, that the want will force its own
satisfaction, despite inimical counsels in the Legislative halls.
There is ample room here now for the enterprise and capital of half
a dozen new wholesale jobbing dry goods houses, who are willing to do
business two or three years upon a small profit to build up a trade;
and also for the opening of as many more in various other branches.
172 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
The same exertions used, and expenses incurred here yearly as are
made and contracted by eastern firms for the creating and securing of
trade, would have equal results and ultimately return greater profits.
The position of Pittsburgh as a distributing point, has already been
displayed, and there cannot be any doubt upon the ultimate greatness
of her commission business. With so largely available means for the
reception of the productions and merchandise of both the East and
the West, and commanding such routes as are there described, it can
be no matter of hesitancy to say that her commission business is des-
tined to a heavy increase.
As a point for transactions in produce the same advantages present
themselves as are prominent in her adaptability for commission busi-
ness, and there is no room for doubt but that capital and exertion
would soon render this one of the largest grain and produce markets
in the country. The varied and extensive advantages for transporta-
tion already recited as possessed by Pittsburgh, gives the facility for
reception, while the same chanuels present avenues for forwarding it
to the seaboard either speedily or cheaply and more leisurely.
The tables which in other cities exist in the books of their Boards
of Trade, by which the values of the imports and exports of a series of
years may be presented and compared, are not to be had in this city.
The Merchants' Exchange which organized some two years ago, has
never as yet gotten effectually at work to record those statistics within
its province which are so valuable for reference. We therefore present
only the regular branches of the mercantile business, beginning with
WHOLESALE BUY GOODS.
There are a number of extensive firms in this line of business in the
city. They will at all times duplicate the prices of the markets of
New York and Philadelphia in their line of goods. The stocks they
keep are extensive, well assorted, and judiciously selected. They are
at all times prepared to extend to solvent buyers as ample accommo-
dation as the eastern houses. The expense of transacting business in
Pittsburgh is trifling to what it is in the eastern cities ; and the differ-
ence between the personal and business expenses of a dry goods firm
in Pittsburgh and one in NeAV York or Philadelphia, is of itself a very
pretty profit. This simple fact is one to be considered by the prudent
purchaser. The greater the expenses of transacting business and of
living, the larger per cent, of profit is necessary to meet such expenses
and realize the expected per cent, upon the capital employed ; and it
is the customer of the jobber who pays these expenses. In firms doing
MERCANTILE INTERESTS. 173
business to an amount varying from $200,000 to $300,000 yearly, situa-
ted in New York, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, there is a difference of
over five per cent, in favor of the latter place in expenses, which saving
the Pittsburgh jobber is able and willing to place in the pocket of
his customer in the prices of the goods he selects. It is not the
intention to here advance facts arguing why western men would find
their advantage in buying here : if it were, many of similar bearing
could be mentioned, but the one fact advanced is so suggestive in its
application that its presentation is natural. There are in this city two
classes of dry goods jobbers, one that is strictly wholesale and one
that has two departments — a wholesale and a retail. There are of
the first class or strictly Wholesale Houses, 9 firms, viz :
Firm. Location. Established, By whom.
Arbuthnot & Shannon, 115 Wood, 1843, C. Arbuthnot.
Campbell & Pollock, 95 •• 1847, M'Candless ft Campbell.
John Cochrane. 101 " 1853, Cochrane & Bro.
D. Gregg & Co., 99 " 1836. D.Gregg.
fas. M'Candless A Co. 109 < : 1830 Gordon & Gregg.
A. A. Mason &Co 25 Fifth, 1815, A.A.Mason.
Wm. Payne, 103 Wood 1S43. Shacklett ft Glyde.
Wilson, M'Elroy ft Co 54 " 1837, Hampton, Smith & Co.
Wilson, Chjlds & Co 45 " 1S52 Hampton, Wilson & Co.
Of the second class, or Wholesale and Eetail Houses, there
are sixteen firm?, viz :
Firm. Location. Established. By whom.
Wm. B. Aber 100 Market 1856, Wm. B. Aber.
Brown ft Martin, Cor. Fed. & Dia. AUeg'y.,..lS52, John Brown & Co.
Brooks ft Cooper 75 Market, 1855, Brooks ft Coopor.
Jaa D. Brady ft Co , 63 '• 1855, Jas. D. Brady & Co.
John Dean ft Co., Federal near Dia. Allegy. 1839, John Dean.
Samnel Gordon • " 1843, Gordon ft Rafferty.
W. & D. Hugus, 102 Market, 1837, John Loyd ft Co.
C. Hanson Love, 74 " 1842, Jacobs & Drucker.
H. J. Lynch 00 < ; 1854, H. J. Lynch.
A. M. Marshal! A Co., Federal near Dia., AlI^y.-lSSG, A. M. Marshall.
T. T. Myler, 76 Market 1849, T. T. Myler.
Murphy & Burchlicld.... 72 " Wm. R. Murphy.
M.Mentzer, 94 •'■ 1S47, M. Mentzer.
John Porter 91 < ; 1851, John Porter & Co.
Jos. W. Spencer, 80 " 1821, Samuel Spencer.
Spence & Co., ..73 " 1850, M. J. & C. Spencer.
Geo. R. White & Co 59 « 1828 Geo. B. White & Co.
15*
174 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
These 25 houses employ 211 hands, and transact business yearly
to amount of $2,334,239.50.
In addition to these wholesale houses, there are some 20 houses of
an exclusive retail character, whose sales amount to $500,000 more.
HAB.BWARB.
There are a number of hardware firms here who alwavs keep
excellent and extensive stocks. They are prepared to meet customers
at any time, upon as accommodating terms as any of the eastern
houses : and they make it a standing offer to all who visit this market
to duplicate eastern bills, without regard to freights. The wholesale
hardware firms of Pittsburgh stand upon the same footing in the pro-
curing of their stocks as the best eastern houses. In all cases the arti-
cles come from the same American manufactories, and are imported
in the same way from Europe, and at the same cost. There is no
reason why the merchant purchasing from the eastern jobber should
not do so from the Pittsburgh jobber ; and there is the advantage of
freights, traveling expenses, time, &c, as a reason why he should
purchase at Pittsburgh. There are no better selected stocks to be
found in the East than here, and as before stated, the Pittsburgh job-
ber is prepared and willing to extend as liberal terms to the solvent
purchaser as can be had in any city of the seaboard. The same remarks
made touching the expenses of transacting business in dry goods,
applies equally to the hardware houses, and the position upon which
the jobbing houses of Pittsburgh of all kinds stand, may be thus sum-
med up. While in every advantage of procuring their stocks, style,
assortment, profuseness, cheapness, &c. ; they stand equal with the
jobbers of any eastern city, they have at all times in the smallness of
their expenses, the advantages of five per cent, over the East; which
per cent., as previously mentioned, they are willing to give the advan-
tage of to their customers. There are the following firms in the cify :
Firm. Location. Established. By whom.
Bown & Tetley, 136 Wood, 1839, Bown & Tetley.
Beckham & Keefer, Federal, near Robinson, .1853, Beckham & Keefer.
Cooper & Lavely, 58 Wood, 1839, Jas. M. Cooper.
John Cartwright, 86 " 1839, John Cartwright.
John Dunlap, Cor. Second & Market,. .1S39. John Dunlap.
R. Dunlap, Jr., 101 Market, 1842, R. Dunlap, Jr.
Walter J 1 Fahnestock,. ..247 Liberty, 1S45, AYalter F. Fahnestock.
Samuel Fahnestock, 74 Wood, 1855, S. Fahnestock.
Hays& Getty. 71 Market, 1845, R. H. Peebles.
Logan & Gregg, 52 Wood, 1831, Logan & Kennedy.
P. H. Laufman 86 " 1847 Huber& Laufman.
MERCANTILE INTEREST*. 175
M'Cutchoon & Lindsay..Fcdo>ral near Diamond,. .1354, M'Cutcheon & Lindsay.
Whitniore, Wolff & Co.,. 50 Wood. 1836, Whitniore & Wolff.
Jas. Woodwcll & Co...... 35 " 1847, James Woodwcll.
Wolf & Lane, 173 Liberty, 1847, Whitmore & Co.
These 15 houses employ 57 hands, pay $53,183 duty, and import
English goods to amount of $181,654. Their sales are $615,000. The
most of articles now comprised in a hardware stock are of American
manufacture ; with the exception of small cutlery and some of the
coarser qualities of table cutlery, but few articles are now imported
by the hardware merchants, consequently the amount of importations
is but small in comparison with former days, when the bulk of a hard-
ware stock was foreign manufactured articles.
BOOTS AND SHOES.
In this business there are several large firms, whose stocks are
always well selected, and who purchase from the same manufacturers,
and at the same prices a3 eastern jobbers in this line. The fact
that all their advertisements contain a standing oifer to duplicate any
eastern purchased bill, is evidence of how secure they feel of their abil-
ity to compete with the shoe dealers in the cities of the Atlantic coast.
There are seven houses which do a wholesale business, viz :
Firm. Location. Established. Bt whom.
Geo. Albree, Son & Co.,..No. 71 Wood, 1831, Geo. Albree.
H.Childs&s Co., " 133 " 1824, II. & A. P. Childs.
U. C. Loomis, " 50 « 1842, M'Curdy & Loomis.
Joseph I'lummer, " 105 " 1843, Joseph Plummer.
J. P. Tanner, " 5G " 1822, R. Tanner.
AYm. E. Schmertz & Co., " 107 Marfcet 1848, Wm. E. Schmortz.
James Bobb, " 80 " 1833, James Robb.
These 7 wholesale houses employ 40 hands, and sell yearly 13,200
cases of boots and shoes, worth $456,000.
In addition to these there are 25 retail houses, whose sales amount
to $150,000 more.
There are also manufactured in this city, for retail and for wholesale
sales, over 100,000 pairs of boots and shoes, worth $200,000.
HAT, CAP AND FUR DEALERS ANI> MANI'FACTrRERS.
There are nine wholesale and manufacturing houses in this branch
of the business of Pittsburgh. To remark upon the inducement they
offer to wholesale buyers would be simply to reiterate what has already
been said in relation to other branches of the wholesale trade of this
city. They enjoy the same advantages of small expenses, good facil-
176 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
ities for procuring stock, capital, experience, and ability to offer accom»
modating terms to their customers. The nine firms are as follows :
Fifmi Location. Established. By whom.
Win. Douglass, No. 77 Wood, 1S25, Wm Douglass.
Hall & Co., « 89 « 1882, M'Kain&Hall.
Alf. Kevil, " 163 '• 1846, Alf. Keevil.
M'Cord&Co., " 131 : < 1806, Robert Peebles.
M'Masters & Son, " 90 Market, 1827, Wilkinson&M'Masters .
C. W. Moore & Co., " 167 Wood, 1856, C. W. Moore & Co.
C. H. Paulson, > ,; 73 " 1837, C.H.Paulson.
E.C.Putnam, « 119 " 1855, E. C. Putnam.
S.West, " 264 Liberty, 1844, S. West.
These nine firms employ 56 hands, -whose wages amount to $ 23,960
They mate and sell hats, caps and furs yearly, to the amount of. 250,000
In addition to the foregoing firms, there are a number of " shops,"
that manufacture for their own retail orders, whose production is not
taken into the account.
CHINA AND QtTEENSWARE DEALERS.
There are four wholesale houses of the above character, viz:
Established. By whom.
1828, T. J. Gaylord & Co.
Firm.
Location.
John Gill,
« 113 «
« 122 " "
J. J. O'Leary,. ......
,..,., « 81 «
Henry Higbv.
J. J. O'Leary.
These firms employ 15 men, and import 2,200 crates of ware, on
Which they pay $16,500 duties; their sales amount to $75,000 annually-
CLOTHING HOUSES.
There are nine clothing houses doing a wholesale clothing business.
The remarks made in relation to the other branches of the mercan-
tile business of Pittsburgh apply equally well to this branch.
The following are the firms:
Firm. Location. Established. By whom.
M. Arnold & Soli, ..No. 66 MaTkef. 1852, M. Arnold fc Son.
D.J.Carrol, " 118 " 1S55. D.J.Carrol.
■Z. L. Eisner, .......Cor Wood&Fiflh,...184S, .Z. L. Eisner..
E FnwcuMd & Bro.. No, 48 Wood, 1S4S .E. Frewenfeld & Bro.
Sainpton, Campbell & Co. " 128 ". 1S55, Hampton,Campbell&Co-
jaroslawski & Bro., K 202 Liberty, 1851, Jarosiawsld & Bro.
St. Banner, " 62 Market 1850, ..M. Hauner.
•J. A.Myler, « 174 Liberty, 1854,. .......J. A.Myfcr.
Mnrganateni & Bro.......... " 121 Wood, ........1846, .Morganstern & Bro.
\
MERCANTILE INTERESTS. 177
Of these, two, Messrs. Hampton, Campbell & Co. and E. Frowen-
feld & Bro.. are exclusively wholesale. The other seven, although
transacting a wholesale business have attached to their establishments
a retail branch.
These nine houses employ 1.000 hands, mostly women, in manufac-
turing clothing, whose wages are light. They sell clothing to amount
of 8600,000.
There are besides these, 45 firms manufacturing clothing exclusively
for their own retail sales, which amount to $360,000, and who occa-
sionally sell a wholesale bill. This is exclusive of the merchant
tailor establishments, some of which are very elegant, and transact a
large business.
DRUG BUSINESS.
There are in the city eleven wholesale druggists and dealers in
patent medicines. Six of the eleven are the proprietors of medical
preparations of great value as considered cither for their medical
efficiency, or for their reputation and consequent large sales. Those
six are: Fleming Bros., the proprietors of the widely known "M'Lane
Medicines;" B. A. Fahnestock & Co., the proprietors of the celebrated
11 Fahnestock's Vermifuge;" B. E. Sellers & Co., the proprietors of the
well-known " Sellers' Liver Pills," " Imperial Cough Syrup," and
"Vermifuge." The advertisements of these three houses have, in con-
nection with their medicines, made the name of Pittsburgh known in
every section of the Union, the Canadas and South America. Hos-
tetter & Smith, proprietors of their excellent " Stomach Bitters," for
which orders are received from even the Sandwich Islands; B. Page,
Jr. & Co., patentees of the popular "Bcerhave's Holland Bitters,"
which are attaining a wonderful sale, especially among the Germans
and Hollanders settled in the United States; and Geo. H. Keyser,
patentee of the valuable preparation known as "Keyser's Pectoral
Syrup." The following are the eleven
Wholesale Druggists and Patent Medicine Dealers.
Firm. Location. Established. Who by.
Biaun & Baiter, 167 Liberty 1835, Braun <fe Reiter.
Fleming Bros CI Wood, 1828, Holmes & Kidd.
1!. A.Fahncstock&Co.,... 19 "
John Haft Cor. Sixth & Wood, 1S53, John Haft.
r& Smith, 267 Pe&n, Hoatettes & Smith.
Geo H. Keyser, Cor. Virgin ay. & Wood
Nevin,Mackeown4Ca,...165 Liberty, 1825, John Ilancn.
Geo. Oglen, 1820, Avery & Ogden.
Benj. Vage, Jr & Co., Cor. Third & SmithlieUl,..1843, BenJ. Pago, Jr. & Co.
K. E. Sellers & Co 28 Wood, 1840, II. E. Sellers.
Join, !'. Scott, 296 Liberty, 1842 Swartz & Scott.
178 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
These firms employ 102 hands, and sell annually to the amount of
$725,000.
There are in addition a large number of prescription druggists,
whose sales are not included in the above estimate, which only exhibits
the wholesale business.
In the regular drug line the wholesale druggists have at all times
heavy stocks, and stand in all particulars upon as good footing for the
transaction of business, as any of the wholesale houses we have men-
tioned. The advantages we noticed as possessed by those for com-
peting with the Atlantic cities are also held by these.
TRIMMING STORES.
There are two houses whose exclusive business is the sale of dress
and bonnet trimmings. They are
Home, 77 Market street, Established 1S50, by J. Home & Co.
F. Van ©order, 78 " " " 1854, " F.VanGorder.
These two houses keep large stocks of every variety of trimmings.
They employ in the transaction of their business seventeen hands, and
their yearly sales of trimmings are $111,000.
DEALERS AND IMPORTERS OF VARIETY GOODS.
There are six wholesale houses of variety goods here, viz :
Finn, Location. Established. By whom.
Casey & Mitchell, Cor. Wood & Third, 1815, Casey & Mitchell.
Geo. Kennedy,, 72 Wood, .1844, Geo. W. Kuhn.
Thos. Kennedy, Jr., 62 '•' 1847, Thos. Kennedy, Jr.
W. C. Murphy & Co., 61 " 1854, W. C. Murphy.
Wm. Pickersgill, 75 <:
C. Yeager & Co., 110 Market, : 1841, C. Yeager.
In these establishments will be found fine stocks from which to
select, and the same ability to duplicate eastern prices ; or in other
words, sell as low as at any point in the country. These houses
employ 23 hands and sell annually to amount of $284,000.
MANUFACTURING CONFECTIONERIES.
The manufacturing and wholesaling of confectionery is largely
carried on here. There are eight manufacturing and wholesale
houses in this line of business. The extent to which this business
is transacted is evidence that there are strong inducements to
purchase in this market. There are the following firms :
MERCANTILE INTERESTS. 179
Finn. Location. Established. Who by.
J. C. Anderson 136 Wood st 1S49 J. C. Anderson.
J. P. Hunker 98 " J. J. Hunker & Co.
Davis Johnson 23 Smithfield st 1S44 Davia Johnson.
G. Parys& Co 187 Liberty st 1846 Benj. Bown.
Reyrner & Anderson... . 39 Wood st 1853 Joshua Rhodes & Co.
H. Rawie Ohio n ELane, Aly.1852 H. Rawie.
John Shephard 317 Liberty st 1840 J. Shephard.
O. Skinner 203 " 1852 G. Skinner.
These eight firms employ 50 hands whose wages yearly amount to :>20,S00
They use 2,650 barrels sugar, worth 79,500
100,300
They manufacture 625,000 pounds candy, worth .112,500
They also sell 6,000 boxes oranges and lemons, 5,750 boxes raisins, 5,300
boxes figs, 50,000 bushels pea nuts, 1,000 barrels sugar — all of which.
with sales of other articles connected with the business, amount to 167,400
Makingthe entire value of the wholesale confectionery business $279,900
BOOKS AND STATIONERY.
There are ten firms Tfho deal in books and stationery, viz :
Firms. Location. Established. Who by.
J. S. Davison, 61 Market st ....1852, J. S. Davison.
A. H. English & Co.,... 79 Wood st 1S46, Elliott & English.
W. A. Gildenfenny, 44'.^ Fifth, 1S41, R. G. Berford.
W. S. Haven, 31, 33 and 35 Market,1815, Wm. Eichbaum
Kay & Co., 55 Wood, 1S30, J. Kay & Co.
John H. Mellor 81 " .1843 J. II. Mellor.
H. Miner & Co., 32 Smithfield, 1845, E. Miner.
J. L. Read, 84 Fourth St.,
J. R. Weldin, 63 Wood, 1S52, J. R. Weldin.
T. R. Callender, Fifth St., 1856, T. R. Callender.
These firms employ twenty-nine hands, and sell §255,000 worth
of books and stationery. Their stocks of books are large and
good, and the assortment of stationery complete and extensive.
JEWELRY AND WATCH BUSINESS.
This business is one usual to all large cities, and of course in
this city does not vary in its character from that of other localities.
There are fourteen prominent and large jewelry houses, besides
a number of a minor character. The fourteen firms are :
Firm Location.
J. B. Craig, 30 Fifth street.
Dunsith S'Amerein, 38 Diamond Alley.
T. W. Loughroy, 28 Fifth street.
H. Knobel, 35 Diamond Alley
John B McFedden A: 9o n , P5 Market.
IgO PITTSBURGH AS IT 13.
Firm. Location
Lewis H. Piuget, 27>£ Fifth.
Jaa. R. Reed & Co., 68 •'
Reineman & Co., 42 "
Henry Richardson, , ; > . 81 Market,
•John 31. Roberts,... .-. 16 Fifth.
John Stevenson, 87 Market.
William Stevenson, » 322 Liberty.
R. R. Sinclair, 13 Fifth.
W. W. Wilson, , cor. Market & Fourth.
These fourteen firms sell $375,000 worth of jewelry and watches
per annum. There are sixteen firms beside, whose business is of a
more limited nature. The sales made yearly by these, amount to
over $90,000.
HARDWARE, SADDLERY and CARRIAGE TRIMMINGS.
In this line of business there are two houses who keep heavy
stocks, which they are prepared to offer to purchasers as low as
any of the Eastern houses. They are :
Firm, Location. Established. Wlio by.
Leech & Mair,... 127 Wood street, 1847, R. T. Leech, Jr.
McWhinney, Hare, & Co., 135 " 1856, McWhinney, Hare & Co.
They employ eleven hands, and sell articles in- their line to the
amount of $130,000.
IMPORTERS OF TIN AND DEALERS IN METALS.
There are in the city three firms whose business is embodied in
the caption above. They are :
Firm. Location. Established. Who by.
John Dunlap, Cor. Market and Second,. ..1849, John Dunlap.
J. S. Leech & Co., 242 Liberty, ...183S, ...M. Leech & Co.
Park, McCurdy & Co., 120 Second, 1816, Jas. Park.
These firms import and sell 13,000 boxes tin, worth ,....$156,000
They also sell lead, wire, zinc, block tin and Russia iron to the value of 60,000
$216,000
WALL PAPER DEALERS.
In this line of business there are four firms engaged, who at
all times keep a fine stock, and are prepared to sell at Eastern
prices.
Firm. Location. Established. Who by.
B. Edmondson & Co., 98 Third at., 1857, E. Edmondson & Co.
W.P. Marshall & Co., 87 Wood, 1827, Holdship & Brown.
Thos. Palmer, 55 Market, 1840, McCaskoy, Palmer & Co.
J. Sbidle,.....' 59 Smithfield, 1S27, J. Shidle.
These four houses employ thirteen hands, and sell wall paper to
the amount of .$56,000.
MERCANTILE INTERESTS. 181
LEATHER DEALERS.
There are seven wholesale leather houses in the city, viz ;
Firm. Location. Established. Who by.
Walter Bryant & Co...... 239 Liberty, ...1830, W. Bryant & Co.
Richard Bard, 215 " 1843, Richard Bard.
Wm. Carson, cor.Ohio&Dia. Alle'y,...lS41, Wm, Carson.
J. Ilerdman, 96 Wood, 1843, J. Herdman.
M. De Lange, 233 Liberty, 1852, M. De Lange.
Wm. Irwin & Son, 34 Diamond Alley, 1833, Wm. Irwin.
Wilkinson & Hofstott 217 Liberty, 1850, Wilkinson & Bell.
These seven houses employ thirty -three hands, and sell $252,000
worth of leather annually.
PORK PACKERS.
There are in the city seven pork dealing and packinghouses, viz :
Firm. Location. Established. Who by.
Wm. B. Holmes 12 Market, 1S37, Holmes & King.
Hnssey & Wells. .235 Liberty, 1345, CO. Hussey.
Wm. B. Hays & Co., 297 " 1850, Hussey & Hays.
Geo. W. Jackson, Fourth st., near Liberty,1825, G. W. Jackson.
Alex. Laughlin, cor. Etna and Canal, 1S24, Alex. Laughlin.
Jas. Laughlin. cor.O'Hara and Pike,....lS35, Jas. Laughlin.
F. Sellers & Co.. 309 Liberty, .1842, Frank Sellers.
These houses employ two hundred and fifteen hands in the pork
packing seasons; kill 47,000 hogs, and make annual sales to the
amount of $645,000. The capital in buildings used by them in
the prosecution of their business is $90,000.
WHOLESALE STRAW AND MILLINERY GOODS.
There are in this city two establishments of the above description,
who keep heavy stocks of articles in that line, and are equally pre-
pared with the other wholesale houses to meet cus;omers upon the
best terms, whether of time or prices. They are
John Orr & Co., 93 Market street, Established 1847, by John Orr.
R. H. Palmer, 105 Market street.
These firms employ ahout 20 hands, and sell merchandise in their
line to amount of $10S,000.
The wholesale shoe houses also deal to a considerable extent in
straw goods, and usually keep good stocks of bonnets and hats.
BONNET MANUFACTORIES
There arc two establishments which make it an especial business to
get up bonnets of silk, crape, gauze, linen and other materials espe-
182
PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
cially for the wholesale trade. These establishments are A. A. Mason
& Co., No. 25 Fifth street, and R. H. Palmer, No. 105 Market.
They employ in this business 60 hands, and manufacture bonnets
of the description mentioned to the amount of $36,000.
There are in the city the following
RECTIFYERS AND LIQUOR DEALERS.
Firm. Location. Established. By whom.
4 Wood street, 1853 R. L. Allen.
237 Liberty street, 1S33 Robert Bell.
165 " " 1836 Wm. Anderson.
329 « " 1852 Wm. Carr & Co.
291 " " 1842 Knox & Duncan.
.No.
305 " <
63 Smithfield '
408 Penn '
137 Liberty '
12 Smithfield '
339 Liberty '
32 St. Clair '
161 Smithfield '
494 Penn '
326 Liberty '
27 St. Claii
243 Liberty
R. L. Allen
Robert Bell,
John Bryer & Co.,
Wm. Carr & Co.,...
R. & A. C. Duncan,
James Donnell,
M. Develin & Co.,..
H. Darker,
D, Fickeison,
J. & T. Grout,
D. R. Galway,
A. Glockner & Bro,
Honnegger & Co..
A. & L. Haustetter,
Johnston,,.
Jacob Keller,
J. A. Knox & Co.,
James Laubie......
J. Little, Jr., Ag't,
F. Lynch & Co.,... "
W.Mitcheltree & Bro,
Miller & Ricketson,
Bobert Moore, "
Joseph Mclntyre, "
S. McCrickart, "
J. McCullough & Co.,
Jas. H. Parker..... "
S. M. Phillips, "
Joseph Schmidt... "
L. Stern & Co., "
Jas. H. Carson & Co.,
Nath'l Sinton, "
L. Sahl, "
These 32 firms employ 109 hands and use $7,300 worth charcoal.
They sell annually 1,907,960 gallons of whisky, worth $476,990.00,
and otheriquors to the amount of $254,900.00.
REAL ESTATE AGENTS.
There are in the city three firms who transact a real estate business.
They are —
Liberty
31
Diamond,
303 Liberty
165
"
301
«
409 Penn
348
Liberty
12 Wood
21
Diamond,
27
Market
1850 James Donnell.
1S50. M. Develin & Co.
1856 H. Darker.
1856 D. Fickeison.
1846 P. C.Martin.
1847 R. Watson & Co.
1853 A. Glockner & Bro.
1851 Honnegger & Co.
1855 A. & L. Haustetter.
1857 Johnston.
.1845 M. Krebs.
1849 J. A. Knox. & Co.
,1841 James Laubie, Sr.
.1853 Jno. Little, Jr., Agt.
.1853 F. Lynch & Co.
.1827 Wm. Mitcheltree.
.1835 Wm. Miller.
.1842 Robert Mooro.
.1827 John Parker.
.1854 S. McCrickart & Co-
.1856 J. M'Cullough & Co-
.1837 J. & J. Parker.
.1856 S.M.Phillips,
.1837 Wm. Schmidt.
.1849 L. Stern.
,.1850 Wm. H. Sutton.
.1850 N. Sinton.
.1850 L. Sahl.
MERCANTILE 1NTEH BSTS.
188
Firm. Location. Established. By whom.
BlakleyA llichey,cor. SmithfieldanUth streets,... J.ts. Blakl y.
S. Cuthburt & Sou, No. 51 Market street 1846 S. Cuthburt.
B. McLain & Son « 58^ Fourth '■ 1848 B. McLain.
From the peculiar nature of many of their transactions, in which
they simply find a purchaser or a seller without carrying the whole
transaction through, there is much of their business which does not
appear upon their books beyond the simple entry of the fee for such
portion of the business as they transact, consequently it is impossible
to give the actual figures of their business. Many heavy transactions
are commenced by them, in which the parties to the purchase or sale
conclude all the particulars and the payments themselves.
FEED STORES.
The sales of hay, corn, chopped stuffs and such articles of horse and
cow feed, consequent upon the great number of drays here, have
given rise to a number of establishments called feed stores; the prin-
cipal among which are —
Firm. Location. Established. By whom.
James Boyd Diamond, Allegheny 1S45 James Boyd.
Curran & Co.. No. 19 Smithfleld St., 1843 Algeo & Co.
James Dain, IVnti st. and Canal, 1856 James Dain.
8. & J. Corothers, No. 584 Penn St., 18i9 S. & J. Corothers
Robert Love, " lo Wylie St., Robert Love.
John McCluDg « S llancock st., John McClung.
Moreland & Mitchell,... " 576 Penn st., 1845 Morelaud & Mitchell.
Rafferty & Grimes, " 7 Wylie st., Rafferty & Grimes.
Simpson & Nelson Federal and Canal Simpson & Nelson.
These nine firms employ 27 hands, and buy and sell
211,000 bushels mill stuff, worth §73,850.00
'• 46,800.00
'• 2,700.00
'• 61,250.00
" ]<:.ui ).00
78,000 " corn '•
4,200 " " meal, «
175,000 " oats, «
800 tons hay, "
$214,900.00
There are, in adddition to these, enough more of a minor character
to nearly, if not quite double the above amounts.
THE GROCERY TRADE.
The general tenor of the remarks upon the various branches of the
mercantile business, is applicable to this division of the commerce of
Pittsburgh. Country dealers have no hesitation in saying, that did
no other interest draw them to the eastern cities they would inva-
riably purchase their bills of groceries here— there being no ad van-
184 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
tage in purchasing East over buying here, and on articles in this line
of business the freights create sufficient difference to give this city the
preference. The upward movements which we have elsewhere men-
tioned as going on in the other branches of the wholesale trade, is
also perceptible jn this. This branch of our commerce was injured
as well as other divisions, by the railroads bringing this city so near
in time of travel to the East ; but reaction has evidently commenced,
and we believe, from the same reasons given in the commencement of
this chapter for a large increase in the general jobbing business, that
the grocery trade of the city will also become yearly heavier and more
important. There are the following firms here b :
Firm. Location. Established. Who by.
Atwell, Lee & Co., No. 8 Wood st., 1855, Atwell, Lee & Co.
Bagaley, Cosgrave & Co., " 18 & 20 Wood St. ..1831, Wm. Bagaley & Co.
Brown & Kirkpatricks, " 191 &193 Liberty st.1849, Brown & Kirkpatrick.
John Black & Co., cor Hand & Duquesne.,1847, John Black & Co.
Wm. Cooper & Co., No. 213 Liberty st 1838, Cooper & Young.
A. Culbertson, "195 " " 1847, Brown & Culbertson.
Wm. Carr & Co., " 329 " " 1852, Wm. Carr & Co.
R. Dalzell & Co., " 251 " " 1821, Bailey & Co.
James Dalzell, " 68 Water " 1826, James Dalzell.
R. & A. C. Duncan, " 291 Liberty " 1842, Knox & Duncan.
English & Richardson, " 116 Second " 1844, English & Bennett.
Erwin ADiiworths, " 144 Water " 1839, James Richardson.
John Floyd & Co., " 228 Liberty " 1834, John Floyd.
Wm. M. Gormly, "271 " " 1815, Andrew Gormly.
S. Geoige & Co., " 2S9 " " 1825, A. & S. George.
D. R. Galway, " 339 " " 1847, R. Watson & Co.
Wm. Holmes & Co., " 20 Market " 1818, Burgess & Robinson.
E. Heazelton, " IS Diamond .1834, E. Heazelton.
John I. House & Co., cor Smitlifield&Water.l850, James Benny & Co.
Robert H. King, No. 211 Liberty st., 1836, Wilkinson & King,
Alex. King, " 273 " " 1843, Alex. King.
Kirkpatrick & Metzgar, "249 " " 1S51, Kit kpatrick & Metzgar
J. S. Leech & Co "242 " " 1818, Malcolm Leech.
Lambert & Shipton, " 6 Sixth " 1846, Lambert & Shipton.
S.H. Lucas & Co., " 246 Liberty " 1852, S. H. Lucas.
T. Little & Co " 112 Second " 1853, T. Little & Co.
Miller & Ricketson " 221 Liberty " 1835, Wm. Miller.
D. T. Morgan & Co., " 107 Wood « 1836, D. T. Morgan.
G. A. Martin, " 199 Liberty " 1S37, G. A. Martin.
Robt. Moore "315 " " 1842, Robert Moore.
Wm. Mitcheltree & Bro...... " 209 " " 1834, W. & M. Mitcheltree.
Mercer & Robinson, Federal & N.Can. All'y.lS42, Mercer & Robinson.
John M'Dcvitt, No. 311 Liberty st 1830, John M'Devitt.
Wm. M"Cutcheon, "219 " " 1S32, W. & R. M'Cutcheon.
Henry M'Cullough & Co....cor.Penn & Irwin 1832, H. M'Cullough.
MERCANTILE INTERESTS, 185
Firm. Location. Established. Who by.
M'Candleas, Means & Co.,... " Wood & Water 1840, Cosgrave, Wick & Co.
John M'Gill & Son, ..No. 257 Liberty, st 1842, M'Gill & Bushfleld.
M'Clurkan & Herrons " 243 " '• 1852, Kirkpatrick & Hereon,
J. Painter & Co., " 69 " " 1828, Myers & Painter.
G. Parys & Co., " 187 " " 1846, Benj. Bown.
Ross & M'Combs, " 13 Diamond 1815, M. Dalzell.
R. R. Robison & Co., " 255 Liberty st 1836, Irvine & Robinson.
Reis & Burger, <; 25 Smithfleldst 1846 Reis & Berger.
J. A. Rensbaw, " 253 Liberty " 1853, Bailey & Renshaw.
John Scott & Cc, " 327 " " 1844, John Scott & Co.
Wm- H. Smith & Co., " 122 Second " 1844, Irvine & Martin.
Shriver & Dilworth, '• 130 & 132 Second...l848, J. S. Dilworth & Co.
Watt & Wilson, " 26 Liberty st 1S49, Watt & Wilson.
Wm. Worsdell, Jr. & Co.,... " ... " " 1856, Wm. Worsdell.
There are also the following:
PBODUCE AND COMMISSION HOUSES.
Firm. Location. , Established. By whom.
Henry H. Collins, No. 25 Wood st 1852, Johnson & Collins.
J. B. Canfield. " 141 & 143 First J. B. Canfield.
Isaiah Dickey & Co., " 80 Water street 1832, Isaiah Dickey
Joseph Dorringtbn, "59 " " 1842, Joseph Dorrington.
James A. Fetzer, "89 " " 1856, J. A.Fetzcr.
Springer Harbaugh, " 295 Liberty " 1845, S. & W. Harbaugh.
Alex. Forsythe, "75 Water " 1S56, Forsythe & Scott.
Robert Hutchinson, " 8 Smitbfield '• 1S56,... ...Robert Hutchinson.
Alex. Hunter & Co., " 299 Liberty " 1852, Alex. Hunter.
Huffman, M'Creery & Co.,.. " 114 Second " 1856, Huffman, M'C. & Co.
David Herbst, "267 Liberty " 1855, David Herbst.
Chas. B. Leech " 116 Second " Clias. B. Leech.
John Montgomery, "118 " "
James M'Cully & Co., " 172 & 174 Wood...l823, James MVully.
M'Bane & Anger, " 124 Second st 1853, A. & A. M'Bane.
Peter Peterson, Fed'l & Robinson, AU'y 1851, P. Peterson.
Lewis Peterson, Fed'l & Canal, " 1S54 L. Peterson.
J. & W. Ilea, No. 75 Water st 1852, J. & W. Rea.
J. Reppcrt, '• Smitbfield " 1S52, J. Reppert.
Wallace & Gardiner, " 2S5 Liberty " 1854, Wallace & Gardiner.
There are the subjoined
FORWARDING AND COMMISSION HOUSES.
Firm. Location. Established, By whom.
Forsythe* Co., 60 Waterstreet, 1S16, Corn well & Dobbin.
Forsythe & Ballard, 68 " " ls47 racob Forsythe.
John Greer 153 First " 1S20. John Greer.
Alexander Gordon, 121 Second " 1838, J. G. & A. Gordon.
Jaa. A. Hutchison,.. 156 First " Lewis Hutchison.
A. A. Hardy, 73 & 75 First 1832, Moses Atwood.
16*
Ifgg PITTSBURGH AS IT IS,
Firm. Location. Established. By whota,
Jones & Scully, 61 Water St., 1853,..'. Jones & Denny,
J. S. Liggett & Co., 69&70" " 1850.. Bell & Liggett.
M'Bride&Co.,..; , 95 " " 1856, Nimick & Co.,
Powell & Moody, 97 First " 1839, J. W. Butler & Bro.
Also these
IRON COMMISSION HOUSES.
firm. Locaton. Established. By whom.
H. D. King, 76 "Water street, 1S55 H. D. King.
John Moorhead, 27 Wood " 1846,.. King & Moorhead,
Nimick & Co., 95 Water " 1814, Allen & Grant.
Rhey & Mathews, 80 " " 1847, Friend, Rhey & Co.
There are also dealing in
WOOL,
Firm. Location. Established. By whom,
Win. Barker, 72 Smithfield St., 1824, Wm. Barker.
Springer Harbaugh, 295 Liberty " 1845,. S. & W. Harbaugh.
And the subjoined
GROCERS AND SHIP CHANDLERS.
Firm. Location. Established. By whom,
Erwin & Dilworths, 144 Water St., 1839, James Richardson.
Jones & Cooley, 141 •' " 1847, 0. Blackburn.
Long & Duff, 90 " « 1S34, Edward Duff.
Caldwell & Bro., 8S " " 1840, G. R. Massey.
These firms employ 340 hands, and sell
38,337 bags of Coffee, $ 766,740
11,359 hhds. of Sugar, 1,305,685
13,996 barrels Molasses, 349,700
10,639 chests Tea, 250,546
5,944 barrels Oil 297,200
12,046 boxes Tobacco, 240,92C
35,300 " country Glass, 123,550
5,224,000 lbs. Bacon and Pork, 522,400
9,325 barrels Fish, 78,600
289,000 " Flour, 1,734,000
3,861 " Refined Sugar, 77,220
18,300 bushels Grass Seeds, 73,200
84,345 tons Piglron 2,531,150
9,060 " Blooms, 724,S00
191,000 bushels Rye, 114,600
94,000 " Com, 28,200
240,300 " Wheat, 320,400
4,000 " PeaNuts, 6,000
1,759,124 lbs. Lard, 175,922
MERCANTILE INTERESTS 187
95,000 bushels Oats 23,750
100 tons Nitrate Soda, 10,000
668 " Pearls, 100,400
3,200 casks Soda Ash, 160,000
382,000 fts. Butter, 3^,200
41,000 bushels Barley, 61,500
360,000 lbs. Leaf Tobacco, 54,000
80 tons Hemp, 16,000
2,600 barrels Rosin, 8,750
500 " Tar, 2,500
3,890,000 fts. Cheese, 234,400
13,200 bushels Dried Fruit, 26,400
900,000 fts. Wool, 360,000
2,896 barrels Hydraulic Cement, 6,792
17,000 " Whisky, 170,000
600 tons German Clay, 10,200
500 bags Saltpetre, 4,500
34,000 fts. Hops, 5,760
000 bushels Flax Seed, 7,050
165 tons Anthracite, 1,650
42,800 fts. Buckwheat Flour, 1,284
4,000 tons Magnetic Ore, 40,000
$25,000 worth of Lead Pipe, 25,000
$25,000 " "Pig Lead, 25,000
General Groceries, to amouutof. 1,312,000
.$12,433,974
These returns, especially in the articles of produce, cannot be
considered as full or final of the business embraced in the classes
of business represented by the firms given.
There are many heavy retail grocery houses in the city -whose
stocks are bought exclusively in the East, some of -whom sell
$100,000 worth of goods. The retail stores L in the grocery line
number over 100, -whose sales range from $100,000 to $10,000,
making an aggregate of $1,000,000. In addition there are a large
number of small retail grocery stores of which we make no mention
whatever. There are four Transportation and Commission houses
viz :
Geo. Bingham & Co... ..853 Liberty, Established 1838, by Win. Bingham.
Keir & Mitchell, 345 " « 1834, " S. M. Keir.
Leech & Co., Cor. Water & Liberty,.. "
Lloyd & Co " IVnn& Canal " 1856, " Lemon & Lloyd.
These houses, from the value of their business, have no statistics
other than that of men, boats, horses, &c. employed, and tons of
freight transported.
188 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS,
Three of the four are engaged principally in transporting goods
by canal, the other. Leech & Co., are the special agents for through
freights of the Pennsylvania Central, and the Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne
and Chicago Rail Road.
The three canal houses employ over 500 men, 96 boats, 250 horses,
mules, &c. The value of the horses, mules, boats, &c, is $83,400.
The amount of freight carried East in the last year, which was from
low water a slack one, amounted to about 28,000 tons, and carried
West to over 26,500.
There are the following
CARPET WAREHOUSES.
W. M'Clintock, 112 Market, Established 1836, by W. M'CKntock.
"W. D.&H.M'Callum, 87 Fourth, " , " W. M'CalJum.
Robinson & Co., 23 Fifth, li "
These three establishments employ 14 hands, and sell $125,000
worth of carpets yearly, and about $10,000 worth of oil cloths. Of
the above amount, about $15,000 are importations, on which
between $6,000 and $7,000 duties are paid.
There are two
AUCTION AN1> COMMISSION HOUSES.
P. M. Davis, No. 54 Fifth street, Established 1843, by J. D. Davis.
Wm. G. M'Cartney,.. " 125 Wood " " 1851, " W.G.M'Cartney.
These two houses do a general auction business. We can only
approximate to the value of their sales, which are between $300,000
and $400,000.
PRINTING.
"The art preservative of all arts," is well represented in the
city of Pittsburgh. There are published daily the following papers:
Papers. Published by. Established. Circulation.
' Daily. Weekly.
Chronicle, Kennedy, M'Knight & Co.,.. ..1841, 2,160 3,424
Dispatch, Foster St Fleeson, 1846, 8,000 6,000
Gazette, S. Riddle & Co., 1786 ; 1,800 5,000
Journal, R.M. Riddle, 1843,
Post, James P. Barr, 1796, 1,125 3,150
Reporter, Wra. Evans & Co., 1S56, 1,700
Union, John H.Bailey & Co. -
Courier, (German,) J. G. Backofen, •
Freund, (German.) L. & W. Neeb, 1833,
Democrat, (German,) Victor Scriba,
Republican, (German,), L. W. Kolkenbeck, 1854, 1,200... 1.500
COST 0» LIVING. WAGKS. AC. 189
There are also published a number of -weekly papers and monthly
periodicals, some of which have a very large circulation.
JOB PRINTING
Is largely carried on by the following firms :
Firm. Location. Estab'd. By whom.
A. A. Anderson, Cor. Fourth & Market, 1836,. .. Anderson & Loomis.
Barr & Myers. '•' Fifth & Wood, 1S42,... Phillips &*Smith.
\Vm. S. Haven, " Second & Market, lS16,...Eichbaum & John-
John H. Bailey & Co., " Fifth & Smithfield, 1850,. ..Daily Union, [ston.
Samuel M'Donald, " Third & Market, 1S55,. .. Samuel M'Donald.
James M'Millan. " Fifth & Wood, 1S51,. .. James M'Millan.
K. M. Riddle Journal Building, 1S54,...R. M. Riddle. [Co.
Singerly & Myers, Dispatch Building, 1841,...Whitney, Duniars &
JohnT.Shryock, Gazette Building, 1S47,. .. M'Millan & Shryock.
Backofen & Bauer, (Ger.) " "
L. & W. Xeeb, (Ger.) Dispatch Building,
Of the above Job Offices,
Machine Presses. Hand Presses. Employs Hands.
A. A. Anderson, has 1 1 4
Barr & Myers, 1 2 6
W. S. Haven 10 4 80
J. H. Bailey & Co., 1 1 5
Samuel M'Donald, 1 1 3
James M'Millan, 3 1 6
R.M.Biddle 4 4 12
Singerly & Myers, 4 2 10
JohnT.Shryock, 2 2 12
The value of the material in these twelve Job Offices is upwards of
$120,000. The amount of work turned out we are unable to give.
One of the above firms, W. S. Haven, carries on also the Stereotyping
business.
CHAPTER XXII.
COST OF LIVING, WAGES, &C.
On page 49 of this volume it is instanced as one of the manufac-
turing advantages of the plaae, that the cost of living to workmen
is less than in most cities of the Union. A brief exposition of the
cost and comfort of living here will be made in this chapter.
The rent of. dwellings is, among the mechanical classes, a subject
of serious consideration. Here in Tittsburgh this is not the case.
Comfortable two-story brick houses with good kitchens, having hot
and cold water, sometimes bath rooms, built with double parlors,
190 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
and having two and three bed rooms, besides an attic story or garret
are to be had on well paved gas-lighted streets in various sections
of Pittsburgh and Allegheny, for $10 to $11 per month. Other
houses equally comfortable, but with less room by perhaps one
parlor and one sleeping room, for from $6 to $8 per month. On
the outskirts of the city, to which omnibuses run in several direc-
tions, cheerful, airy residences, with garden room, can be had even
less, if of the smaller proportions; or at from $7 to $8 where quite
roomy. This cheapness of rent is one of the causes to which may
be attributed the health of this location, as shown in Chapter VIII,
the necessity thereby being obviated of crowding together in one
house several families, as is so generally the case in the eastern
and western cities, to cheapen rent. It is not necessary that this
chapter should contain a schedule of styles of houses and their
various rents; those instanced as charged for small houses of com-
fortable proportions in the previous paragraphs are sufficient for
the mechanics and laborers to make comparisons with in other cities.
Fuel is in some cities almost as great an object of consideration
to those whose income is of a limited character, as house rents.
Here in Pittsburgh it is a matter of minor consideration. The cost
of keeping up a fire is about $10 a year. Not one of those econo-
mic air-tight stove arrangements rendering a room gloomy, while
it poisons the air, but a big roaring, crackling, blazing fire, caused
by the combustion of a whole grate full of fine bituminous coal,
which gives in its burning, to the fire, much of the character of the
cheerful wood fires of old, and enlivens while it thoroughly warms
the room.
Marketing is also generally low; until the last year, when meat
and vegetables have, from sundry special causes, been higher than
usual, the prices of marketing have ranged thus : Beef, 8@9 cts.
^ ft>.; veal, 8 cts ; pork, about 8 cts.; mutton, 7@8 cts.; chickens,
25@31 cts. ^ pair; turkeys, from 50 cts. to $1, according to size;
ducks, 40 to 50 cts. a pair; and vegetables are equally reasonable.
The average price of flour for the. past ten years, as taken from the
books of the largest flour house in the city, was $5.25 *$ bbl.
In groceries, sugar could, previous to this year, when the failure
of the sugar crops has raised the price of the article all over the
country, be purchased for 7@9 cts. by the single pound, and some-
thing less by the 50 or 100 lb. keg. Teas, molasses, coffee, candles,
soap, spices, and all the entire list of articles consumed in house-
keeping, equally low.
COST OF LIVING, WAGES, AC. 191
This brief mention of the leading expenses of house-keeping is
sufficient to afford those who so desire an opportunity of comparing
the cost of living in Pittsburgh with that of other cities.
To the prices of labor in the various mechanical occupations, a few
paragraphs is devoted.
Skilled labor in all the branches of manufacturing earned on in this
city finds ready employment, and wages range as follows :
In iron rolling mills puddlers get $4.50 a ton ; heaters, 70 cents a
ton; rollei-s, $1,62 a ton; they finding all the assisting hands. Polling in
Guide Mill, the roller gets from $3.00 up to $12 per ton according to
size ; he finds all hands necessary for rolling, heating, &c. Nail makers
get from 25 cents to $1.50 a keg. In forges, hammermen get $3.00 a
day; heaters, $2.00. In steel works, converters finding their own help
get $3.00 per ton; axle turners from $9.00 to $12.00 per week;
spring makers work by the piece and hire their own assistants, and it
depends entirely upon the amount of springs they turn out what their
wages are; but from $9.00 to $15.00 per week is the usual rate.
Cast steel melters wages range from $10.00 to $12.00 per ton.
In iron foundries, moulders average about $10.00 per week; labor-
ers about $1.00 a day.
In machine shops, the turners, filers and fitters make from $6.00 to
$11.00, according to ability.
In brass foundries, moulders get $8.00 per week ; brass finishers
from $8.00 to $9.00 per week ; gas fitters from $8.00 to $9.00 per
week.
In glass houses, the workmen's wages range thus : in window
houses, blowers get $90; cutters, $75; flattcners, $90; packers, $80; foun-
ders, $70: laborers, $20; box makers, $35; boys, (assistants) $30 per
month. In vial houses, blowers, $75; boys, (assistants) of 8 to 10
years, $10; founders, $70; packers, $45; laborers, $20; box makers, $35
per month. In flint glass houses, blowers make $18 ; pressmen, SIO ;
boys, $2.75; packers, $7.50; mould makers, $12; cutters, $14, and
other hands, $7 per week.
In coal works, miners make about 2 cents a bushel ; boys, $1 per
day; men laboring, $1.25; men siding boats, $1.50; caulkers, $1.75
per day.
Blacksmith's wages average from $1 to $1.75 per day, according to
ability. Carpenters, $1.50 to $1.75 per day. Masons, $1.75 per day.
Plasterers, $1.50 per day. Painters, $1.75 per day. Coach and
"Wagon makers, $1.50 per day. Saddlers, $8 to $10 per week. Tin-
ners, from $7 to $10 per week, according to skill. Copper smiths, from
$8 to $10 per week. Laboring hands from 75 cents to $1 per day.
CHAPTER XXIil.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.
The exhibit of the business of Pittsburgh, presented in the fore-
going chapters, would be incomplete if some glimpse were not afforded
of the financial institutions of the city.
The first Bank established here was a branch of the bank of
Pennsjdvania, which commenced business on the first day of January
1804, in a stone building on the east side of Second street, between
Market and Ferry. In 1845 the building was still there; but it was,
with many other land-marks, destroyed by the fire of April 10th,
1845.
There are now in the city four Banks of issue, viz : Bank of Pitts"
burgh, Merchants and Manufacturers Bank, Exchange Bank, and Me-
chanics Bank.
The oldest is
THE BANK OP PITTSBURGH.
Capital Stock, $1,200,000.
This Bank originated from the Pittsburgh Manufacturing Company,
which commenced business in June, 1812, without a charter, and was
succeeded by the present Bank of Pittsburgh, which was chartered
1813-14 with a capital of $600,000 ; and organized for business No-
vember 22d, 1814. The previous day the following named gentlemen
were elected Directors : Wm. Wilkins, George Anshutz, Jr., Thomas
Cromwell, Nicholas Cunningham, John Darragh, William Hays,
Wm. M'Candless, James Morrison, JohnM. Snowden, Craig Ritchie,
George Allison, James Brown, and J. P. Skelton. On the 28th of
November of 1814, Wm. Wilkins was chosen President, and Alexan-
der Johnstone, Jr., Cashier of the Bank.
In 1834 the capital of the Bank was increased to $1,200,000. Wil-
liam Wilkins was succeeded in the Presidency by John Darragh, who
was followed by John M'Donald, and Mr. M'Donald by Wm. H.
Denny, who was in April, 1835, succeeded by John Gi-aham, who
still retains the office of President.
In 1832, John Snyder succeeded Alexander Johnstone in the office
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS. 193
of Cashier, which office he held until April, 1857, when he resigned,
and was followed by John Harper, Esq., a gentleman who succeeds
Mr. Snyder not only in his office, but also in the confidence of the
public, having been connected with the Bank for twenty-five years,
in the responsible offices of Chief Clerk and assistant Cashier.
In 1839, when the Banks of this State, with most of the Banks in
other States, suspended specie payments, the Board of Directors
of the Bank of Pittsburgh resolved unanimously to continue to pay
specie on all liabilities of the Institution, which act the Bank carried
out, and was triumphantly sustained by the public.
The deposits of this Bank have always been exceedingly heavy,
and the dividends have rated for several years at from 4 to 5 per cent,
semi-annually, besides which they have accumulated a Contingent
Fund of $120,000.
The second in age is
THE MERCHANTS AND MANUFACTURERS BANK.
President, Thomas Scott. Cashier, W. H. Denny.
Capital Stock, $600,000.
Chartered in 1833. Charter extended in 1848 for ten years.
This Bank has accumulated a Surplus Fund of $150,000, beside*
paying regular semi-annual dividends averaging five per cent.
The third in point of age is
THE EXCHANGE BANK OF PITTSBURGH.
Chartered in 1836. Capital Stocl; $1,000,000.
Its officers are Thomas M. Howe, President, and Henry M. Mur-
ray, Cashier. Both of these gentlemen have been many years connect-
ed with the Institution ; the latter, formerly the Chief Cl«rk, having suc-
ceeded his brother, James B. Murray, as Cashier, in November, 1856.
This is one of our most successful institutions. Its dividends to
Stockholders have ranged from eight to ten per cent, per annum ;
besides which it has accumulated a Contingent Fund of $130,000.
It is especially note- worthy of this Bank, as also of the Bank of
Pittsburgh, and the Merchants and Manufacturers Bank, that at the
last general suspension of specie payments, which occurred in 1841,
involving the Banks of the whole country south of New York, these
three Institutions continued the payment of coin. We note it as in-
dicative of good management, and a degree of stability calculated to
inspire the utmost confidence on the part of the public.
17
194 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
The youngest, and fourth in point of age, is the
MECHANICS' BANK OF PITTSBURGH.
Chartered -.n 1855. Capital Stock $600,000.
Reuben Miller, President. Geo. D. McGrew, Cashier.
This Bank has been in operation now nearly two years, and during
that time has declared regular semi-annual dividends of 4 per cent.
The persons in whom are vested the Directorship and the manage-
ment of the Bank, have the entire confidence of our citizens ; and the
stock, whose par value is $50, is now selling at $59, which fact is a
strong indication of the estimation in which the institution is held.
There are also the following Banks of Deposit and Discount :
Farmers Deposit Bank.
Pittsburgh Trust Company.
Ciitizens Deposit Bank.
Commercial Bank.
Dollar Savings Bank.
Allegheny Savings Bank.
Mechanics Savings Fund Company.
Merchants and Farmers Bank.
Manchester Savings Fund Company.
The Farmers Deposit Bank of Pittsburgh was incorporated in
1833, under the name of the Pittsburgh Saving Fund Company. It
was re-chartered in 1 843 under the title first given. Its capital is now
$62,500, but the charter permits of its extension to $500,000. At the
present time, James Marshall is President of the Institution, and
John Magoffin is Cashier. The deposits average $450,000. Its
line of discount is over $400,000. It has a contingent fund of $50,000.
The dividends, previous to last year, averaged from 10 to 12 per cent.j
last year the dividend was 26 per cent. To instance the admirable
management of this bank, we may state the fact, that in their whole
amount of discounts from 1833 to the present time, the loss has been
but $100, and even that amount is suspended debt rather than a loss.
The Citizens Deposit Bank was organized as a chartered Company
in April, 1853, with a capital of $200,000, now all paid in. At the
first election of officers, in September, 1853, Oliver Blackburn was
elected President; and in January, 1854, E. D. Jones was chosen
Cashier. The two gentlemen named still remain in office. A bill
granting this bank power to change its name to the " Citizens Bank,"
and increase its capital to $500,000, with privilege to issue notes,
passed both houses of the Pennsylvania Legislature during the §es-
TINANCTAL INSTITUTIONS. 195
-eioii of 1857. The deposits of this bank average about $250,000.
Its line of discount ranges close to $400,000.
The Pittsburgh Trust Company was organized as a chartered
Company in July, 1852. The capital stock is $200,000, all paid in.
This is simply a bank of discount and deposit. The deposit accounts
in this bank average $600,000. Their aggregate of discounts is be-
tween $2,000,000 and $3,000,000 yearly. On the organization of this
Company, in 1852, James Laughlin was elected President, and John
D. Scully, Cashier, which gentlemen still continue in office. During
the five years this Institution has been in business, it has accumulated
a contingent fund of between $60,000 and $70,000, besides paying
the stockholders an annual dividend varying from 10 to 12 per cent-
The management of this institution has, as will be seen by the above
facts, been a happy one for the stockholders. It also occupies the
position of what is termed a currency bank, receiving on deposit the
notes of banks in every section of the Union, and paying them out
again on depositors 1 checks, or sending them home as occasion offers
and as is deemed expedient. Filling, in this character, the interme-
diate space between the private bankers and the banks of issue, it has
obtained a firm hold upon the confidence of the public, which is well
deserved, as its policy has been not only to benefit the Stockholders,
but the business community generally.
COMMERCIAL, BANC.
Organized 185a Capital Stock, $100,000.
Thompson Bell, President. David Kobinson, Cashier.
This Bank is similar in its character to the other discount and de-
posit Banks.
THE DOLLAR SAYINGS BANK
Was chartered April, 1855. It is purely a Savings Institution, and
has now, in the second year of its organization, April 18th, 1857,
$81,017 31, on deposit.
It has been open 548 working days, and the whole amount of
deposits during that time amount to $124,768 40; and the number
of persons depositing that sum were 986, being an average each day
of S227 63.
On its organization. George Albree was elected President, and C.
A. Colton, Treasurer and Secretary, which gentlemen are still the
officers of the Institution.
This Bank declares a regular dividend of six per cent, per annum
payable twice a year.
19(5 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
There are also a number of institutions partaking of the character
of a Savings Bank, known as Loan Associations, whose stock is pay-
able in weekly or monthly installments of so much per share : the
payments continuing until the amount paid in reaches a certain sum,
when the Association is declared closed, and the funds divided to the
Stockholders. This period is hastened by the accumulation of interest
and bonus paid by the borrowers of the money thus paid in, which is
sold to the highest bidder, for various periods, at each day of sale,
which is monthly or oftener, the successful bidder giving such security
for its payment when due, as is satisfactory to a Board of Directors.
So far, these institutions have been very successful, and have made
much money for their Stockholders.
There are also in the city the subjoined Private Bankers :
Firm. Location Established. Who bj.
Georgo E. Arnold & Co.,.. ...No. 74 Fourth st, 1850, George E.Arnold & Co.
Arthurs, Rodgers & Co., " 57 Sinithfield " 1854, Arthurs, Rodgers & Co.
Harris & Co., cor. Fifth & Market,. ..1848. Cook & Harris.
Hanna, Hart & Co., cor. Third & Wood,... .1846,. .....Hussey, Hanna& Co.
W. A. Herron & Co., "Sixth & " ....1855, W. A. Uerron & Co.,
Hill & Co., " Wood & Fifth, 1845, Hill & Curry.
N. Holmes & Sons, No. 57 Market st, 1826, N. Holme3.
S. Jones & Co., cor. Fourth & Wood... 1837, E. Sibbett & Co.
Kramer & Rahm, "Third & Wood, ....1841, Allen Kramer.
O'Connor, Bro. & Co No. 15 Wood St., 1851, O'Connor, Bro. & Co.
R.Patrick & Co., cor. Fifth & Wood 1S51 Patricks & Friend.
William H. Williams & Co., " Third & " 1848, W. H. Williams.
John Woods, No. 67 Fourth st., 1S52, John Woods.
The foregoing specified public Banks and private Bankers compose
the financial institutions of the city.
It will be noticed that the aggregate capital of the Banks of issue
falls short, including that of the " Citizens Deposit," of $4,000,000 ;
and including the capital stock of the Pittsburgh Trust Co. and the
Farmers Deposit Bank, does not exceed this sum ; and the entire cap-
ital of all the Banks of Issue, Banks of Deposit, Savings Banks, and
Private Bankers does not reach $6,000,000. It is problematical if in
the entire country there is a community of the same extent, and as
largely engaged in business as is shown by this volume to be the
case, who transact their business with so extremely limited an amount
of banking capital.
The stability of our Public Banks, as instanced in their continua-
tion of specie payment in the midst of a general suspension : the
heavy Contingent Fund accumulated by them, after paying regular
PROGRESSIONAL RATIO. 197
and large dividends, renders useless any laudatory expressions upon
their character : and those facts with that that upon the amount of
capital of public and private Bankers before instanced, there is done
so heavy an annual amount of business, renders unnecessary any
further financial statistics. The story of the business ability of our
citizens, aud the financial acumen of our capitalists, is best told by
the foregoing facts, which need no words to adorn them or to enhance
their value.
CHAPTER XXIV.
PROGRESSIONAL RATIO.
In closing the account of our manufactures and our commerce,
there is a fact as to the growth of Pittsburgh which should not be
omitted. That is, the manner in which her population has kep£
pace with the increase of that of the western country, now occu-
pied by the fourteen States and two territories, through, along,
and to whose borders Pittsburgh has navigation, as shown in Chap-
ter III; and also the ratio of increase of our manufactures by the
same index ; demonstrating what we have in previous chapters
stated, that although Pittsburgh was from her earliest days a centre
for western trade, yet the steam boat, the rail road, and all other
modern improvements in transportation and in conveyance of indi-
viduals, have not only served to increase the population and the busi-
ness of Pittsburgh in the same proportion as the western country
increased in its wants and its population, but have enabled her to
compound upon such a side-by-side progress.
In 1800 the population of the territory alluded to in the fore-
going paragraph was 385,647, and that of Pittsburgh was 1,565,
or a little over y^-per cent. The value of her business was $350,000
in 1803, or 91 A- per cent.
In 1810, there were in that territory, 1,075,531 inhabitants, and
in Pittsburgh 4,768, or 9 per cent., being _A_ per cent, of an
increase over the necessary increase to preserve the progressive
ratio.
The amount of the business was, as by estimates given, over
$1,000,000, which sum was equal to 93 per cent, on the amount of
the population of the whole West and South-west.
17*
19S PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
In 1820 the census gives the population of the section of country
designated at 2,541,552, and that of Pittsburgh at 7,248, or, not
quite 3. per cent., exhibiting at this period of time, when as already
remarked, the business of the city was in a ruined condition, a
falling off from a proportionate increase.
The manufactures were valued three years previous, (1817,) at
$2,266,306, being a fraction short of 90 per cent., showing a small
falling off from the former ratio.
In 1830 there were in the same section of the Union 3,331,298
inhabitants, and in Pittsburgh, 16,988, being T 5 _ percent., evidenc-
ing not only a corresponding increase in the population of the West
and that of the city as in 1800 and 1810, but a gain of - 1 . per cent,
on the number necessary to keep pace.
For 1830 there is no record of the value of the manufacture and
commerce of the city, so no comparison can be instituted.
In 1840 there were 5,173,949 inhabitants in the western and
seuth-western States and the population of Pittsburgh was 38,931,
being J^s percent , showing a gain of not only the required per cent,
to maintain the ratio with the per cent, of the previous ten years,
but an increase of J> per cent. For this year also we have no
account of the manufactures and business of the city ; but four
years previous, (1836,) it was estimated at $31,146,550, being
something over 600 per cent, or $6 per capita; showing that the
business of the city had not only kept pace with the population of
the West as shown by previous ratios, but had compounded thereon
over 500 per cent.
In 1850 the population of the section of the Union under consid-
eration was 8,419,179, and that of Pittsburgh was 79,873, being
12 per cent., exhibiting not only a corresponding gain with the
previous ten years, which gain was in advance of the per cent.
necessary to indicate an increase in the population of the city in
keeping with the increase of the population of the West, but *- per
cent, increase over the necessary per cent, and i per cent, over
the advance of 1840.
In 1850 the value of the business of Pittsburgh, both commercial
and manufacturing, was estimated at $50,000,000, which is about
the same ratio of 600 per cent., as in 1840.
For 1857 we have no census data. Estimating that the popula-
tion of the West has increased in the proportion of the previous
ten years, there is in the western and south-western-States, to which
PR0GRE3SI0NAL RATIO. 199
the calculations apply, 13,301,293. The population of Pittsburgh
as given for 1857, in the seventh chapter of this book, is 138,534,
being ll per cent, showing for the fourth time not only the ratio
of increase in population necessary to keep pace with the West and
South-west and her own ratio for the previous ten years, but an
increase over that necessary ratio of J?— per cent.
The manufactures and mercantile business of the city for 1856,
as founded upon the transactions of that year, indicate, as will be
seen in the pages of this volume, the same ratio of 600 per cent.,
or $6 for each person of the 1 3,301,293 population. The per cent,
of manufactures and business required to have kept pace from 1810
to 1857 with'the increase of population in the "West, was about 100
per cent., or $1 of manufactures for each inhabitant of the section
of country on whose increase is founded these calculations, and
the ratio of population about s per cent, on the number of that
of the "West. Instead we find that the ratio of increase in business
and manufactures is five and six times the required amount, and
the increase of population two to three times what was necessary
to prove that Pittsburgh increased as fast in proportion as the
whole western country — meaning thereby the States and territories
subject to the river navigation of Pittsburgh.
The foregoing figures have been given to prove not only that
Pittsburgh increased in proportion to the West, but that in manu-
factures and in commerce she advanced six times as rapidly as her
proper ratio required, and in population two to three times.
Arguments have been advanced in several chapters of this vol-
ume to demonstrate the value of Pittsburgh as a location, from
many of her advantages; and the inducements there consequently
were for capital, mercantile ability and mechanical skill to settle
here, and reap the harvest by their labor; and in this chapter is
shown by another method, the strength, vitality, progrcssiveness,
and accumulative powers of the city.
That the West, which is yearly growing more and more populous,
wealth}' and politically powerful, will continue for many coming
years to increase in the same ratio as heretofore, no one disputes ;
and the West is the chief market of Pittsburgh. It is not, however,
asked that the capitalist, the merchant, and the mechanic should
settle in Pittsburgh, because the West is expanding rapidly and
being the chief customer of our manufacturers and our merchants.
It is presumable that our manufacturing interests and our commerce
200 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
■will naturally keep pace in proportionate ratios with the demands
of this enlarging market. But it is stated that no better location
can be found for capital, skill, and ability, because the population
of the city is increasing three times faster than is requisite to keep
step with the enlarging territory she works for, and the manufac-
tures and the commerce six times more rapidly than is necessary
to show our community a prosperous one, because she progresses
neck-and-neck in business and population with the expansion of the
western and south-western States and territories.
A careful consideration of our geographical and mineralogical posi-
tion, our manufacturing advantages, our health, our population and
our iron and coal resources will not fail to show that we have those
abilities which will continue to keep our ratio of progress in all things
at the present figures, and give margin for a strong belief that we
shall largely increase upon it.
More could hardly be asked in reason by a settler than that the city
he was choosing for the scene of his labors, should give evidence of
having increased in business and all things consequent in proportion
with the expansion of the territory to which she looked for buyers and
a mai-ket, and that she should also have evidence of ability to continue
to maintain such an increase. The past of Pittsburgh demonstrates
to those who would settle in her limits, that she not only progresses
in accordance with such a reasonable demand, but that she advances
as has been shown and stated, six times as rapidly as is thereby
required; and the consideration of the previous chapters of this volume
will show conclusively that she has the resources not only to maintain
her rate of increase, but also to advance largely thereon. "We ask a
serious consideration of these facts by all interested.
CHAPTER XXV.
SOCIETY, ART, EDUCATION, &c.
There are many matters of interest relating to the city of Pitts-
burgh untold in the preceding pages. The object in preparing its
statistics, has been merely to give the figures of our manufacturing ,
and of our leading wholesale and export business.
In what might be termed the retail and home business of this city,
there is an amount of capital employed which would foot up heavily,
and the figures created by the sales in that line will compare hand-
somely with those of any city of its population in the Union.
This little volume has already overrun the size to which it was at
first intended to limit it, and to, perhaps, a future volume is left the
presentation of several subjects, interesting alike to our own and
other communities. The figures given in this volume are believed to
be those of moderation, not of any spirit of vain boasting. It ha9
been the wish of the author, and will be his pride, if so, to have pre-
sented fairly, and yet with all due justice, the claims of this commu-
nity to be ranked among the more progressive ones of the country —
and its right, from its past history and its present advantages, to claim
more than a passing attention and examination from the capitalist,
the merchant and the mechanic.
In the aspect presented by the statistics of this volume, of a bust-
ling, thriving, industrious community, it must not be supposed that
all the more elegant accompaniments of cities are banished from this.
The society will be found to possess great refinement and high cul-
ture, accompanied with a plain, honest hospitality which soon endears
to the strang«r this location as a home. Did our pages permit, we
could dwell quite lengthily upon the intelligence, reading, physical and
mental culture of our people : the comforts and pleasures of the
> -location : the opportunities for education : for the enjoyment of reli-
gious beliefs: and the gratification of literary and artistical tastes ; but
beyond a brief mention of some, we must refrain. There are in the
community whose business is given, over 20 public schools, whose
course of study is very thorough, beside two high schools where the
202 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
studies of the student are of the highest grade; and in addition there
are a number of private academies of a high reputation, conducted by-
gentlemen of fine acquirements. The "Western University, a perma-
nently endowed, and a chartered institution, is also located here.
There are also two Commercial Colleges—" DufFs," Peter Duff,
Principal, and the " Iron City," F. W. Jenkins, Principal, in both of
which a thorough course of Book-Keeping, Writing, and other stu-
dies necessary for the competent book-keeper to understand, are gone
through with.
There are also nearly 100 churches, of the various religious beliefs.
There are three Public Libraries : " The Young Men's Mercan-
tile Association ; " " The Young Men's Christian Association," and
" The Anderson." A number of fine Halls are frequently occupied
by all the public celebrities in the Musical, Dramatic and Literary
world for Concerts, Headings and Lectures. We possess artists of
great talent and genius, in all the walks of art. In Landscape paint-
ing we have in Wall, Lawman, and Hetzell — artists who are not, we
think, surpassed in their line by any in the country ; and we have
seen pictures from their easels which we have no hesitation in saying
are equal to many whose composers are supposed to lead the profes-
sion, in Historical painting, our fellow-citizen, Trevor McClurg, is
eminent, several of whose historical pieces, executed in Europe and
in this his native city, are of a high order of merit. In Blythe we
possess an artist of rare merit, from the ability with which he delineates
humorous interiors and other kindred subjects, and we doubt if, for
general humor, exquisite powers of delineating character, and forcible
handling of his subjects, there is his superior in any city. In Portrait
painting there are several resident artists, of whose ability the city has
reason to feel proud, among whom Forester, Bhoads and McClurg
are perhaps the best known to fame. In Music, although we have
no great number of professionals, there is in our private musical cir-
cles a large amount of ability and talent. Stephen C. Foster, the cel-
ebrated composer of " Maggie by my Side," " Uncle Ned," " Come
where my love lies dreaming," " Old Dog Tray," " Lilly Dale,"
"Wait for the Wagon," "Nelly Bly," and many other extremely
popular melodies, is also a native resident of this city.
The Drama is well understood and properly appreciated, although
there is but one theater here. Those celebrities of the stage who
find the most remunerative audiences, are those possessing genius as
well as talent, and whose rendition of the various dramatic authors
are marked by study and careful conception.
30CIETY, ART, EDUCATION, &c. 203
la the comforts of a city this community is well supplied. The
streets and sidewalks are paved for miles in every direction. Two
extensive Water works distribute the pure sweet water of the Alle-
gheny throughout the two cities, and three Gas works supply, through
over thirty miles of pipe, the finest of gas to the cities and some of
the boroughs, and arrangements are making for the formation of a
fourth company for its manufacture.
There are a number of excellent hotels of various capacities.
The three principal of which are the Monongahela, the St. Charles, and
the St. Clair.
Of these, the Monongahela, John M'D. Crossan, proprietor, ranks
not only as the most prominent in the city, but has a reputation
among travelers, which justifies us in saying it is also one of the
principal hotels of the country. Its location is in the heart of the
business portion of the city. Situated upon the banks of the Monon-
gahela river, it commands a view of the Monongahela and Ohio
rivers, with their fleet of steamboats, and affords fine views of the
beautiful hills which rise in most every direction around the city.
The house is five stories high, built in a hollow square, 120 by 160
feet, and has ample accommodations for 400 people. It is furnished
equally well with the best hotels of the country, and its table is second
to none.
The proprietor of the house has a farm of ninety acres, where are
raised the vegetables and fruits used in the hotel, and whence it receives
its milk and cream. This hotel was opened under the same manage-
ment in 1840. Destroyed in 1845 by the fire of April 10th, it was
rebuilt in one year, and has been in successful operation ever since.
The St. Charles, located at the corner of Wood and Third street*,
also in the heart of business, was opened in 1846. It occupies a
space of 85 feet on Wood street by 150 feet on Third, from whence
it runs through on the back wing to Second street, 160 feet. It has
accommodations for 250 people without crowding, and is handsomely
furnished. Under the present management, Messrs. Bryson & Shirls,
the reputation of the house has been fully sustained as that of a well
kept, comfortable hotel.
The St. Clair Hotel, formerly the well known Exchange, is now
managed under the proprietorship of Wm. C. Connelly, formerly
of the Merchants. It is situated at the corner of St. Clair and
Penn streets, and is convenient to all portions of the business district.
It occupies 80 feet on St. Clair by 120 on Penn street, with a back wing
running an equal length. It has ample accommodations for 150
204 PITTSBURGH AS IT IS.
people, and is furnished and kept in excellent style and manner, equal
to the famous Exchange in its palmiest days.
In addition to these three, there are the " Perry," " Mansion,"
" Eagle," " Scotts," all of which are well kept houses of less style,
suited to those whose incomes demand more moderate hoard bills.
Much is said of our smoke and consequent disagreeabilities, yet it
should be remembered there is not a city without some drawback, and
when the smoke complained of results in wealth, progress and health,
it can easily foe put up with, the more especially as a walk of from
ten to fifteen minutes brings the pedestrian out on high grounds,
beyond the smoke and its consequent annoyances.
In concluding, the author claims further th« attention of the public
to merely say, that although a visitor in most sections of the Union,
and in the principal cities, and familiar in many, he has yet to see
the location he would prefer to Pittsburgh for a home.
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