Chapter III: Part 3

Lawrenceville was laid out in 1815 by Wm. B. Foster, and had begun with the building of the United States arsenal.

Courts

"The Supreme Court holds a term in Pittsburgh, on the 1st Monday in September annually, to continue two weeks if necessary, for the Western District, composed of the counties of Somerset, Westmoreland, Fayette, Greene, Washington, Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Mercer, Crawford, Erie, Warren, Venango, Armstrong, Cambria, Indiana and Jefferson." _Pittsburgh directory, 1815._

"Mr. Lacock submitted an important resolution for instructing the committee on the Judiciary to enquire into the expediency of dividing the state of Pennsylvania into _two Judicial Districts_, and establishing a _district court_ of the U. States at the city of Pittsburgh, which was agreed to." _Commonwealth, Jan. 6, 1817._

County Elections

"Henry Baldwin is elected to congress for the district composed of the counties of Allegheny and Butler, by a majority of about 800 votes.

John Gilmore, William Woods, Samuel Douglass and Andrew Christy are elected to the assembly.

Lazarus Stewart is elected Sheriff of Allegheny county, by a majority of 181 votes.

Joseph Davis is elected commissioner by a majority of 249 votes, and Charles Johnson, Auditor by a majority of 28 votes." _Gazette, Oct. 15, 1816._

The State Legislature

"The bill for erecting the two Bridges at Pittsburgh has passed both houses. The sites are fixed at St. Clair-street for the Allegheny and Smithfield-street for the Monongahela. The state subscribes $40,000 of stock for each bridge.

A bill is about being reported for establishing a horse and cattle market in the vicinity of Pittsburgh.

The bill for erecting Pittsburgh into a city has passed the senate and is before the house, where it is expected to pass through without opposition.

The bill for erecting a new county out of parts of Allegheny, Westmoreland, Washington, and Fayette, is reported. This bill will throw off the greater part of Elizabeth township from Allegheny county. There have been no remonstrances against it received from this county; but we understand that some have been received from the other counties concerned.

The bill for erecting a Poorhouse for Allegheny county, it is expected will pass." _Mercury, Feb. 24, 1816._

"We regret to say that neither from our correspondent at Harrisburg nor from the papers printed there, have we been enabled to procure an account of the legislative proceedings. We take two papers published at the seat of government, but from some unaccountable reason they do not contain the intelligence our readers require. We are reduced to the necessity of picking up here and there from letters to editors--from information derived from travellers--or from some other like inconclusive sources of information, that intelligence with which Journals published at the seat of government should supply us. They ought to be the fountains of information to the mass of the community: Instead of dabbling in politics and abusing or eulogizing party leaders, they should deal in facts. The National Intelligencer we look upon as the best model with which we are acquainted of a national journal." _Commonwealth, Dec. 24, 1816._

Slavery

"Nearly all of the first residents of Pittsburg and vicinity who were wealthy enough to afford the luxury were owners of slaves. The Nevilles, John Gibson, James O'Hara, Alexander Fowler, Adamson Tannehill, the Kirkpatricks and many others owned them, and several continued to do so as late as the war of 1812. The old newspapers contained advertisements for runaway slaves even as late as 1820." _Wilson's History of Pittsburg._

"The year 1780 is memorable in the annals of Pennsylvania for the passage of the act for the gradual abolition of slavery in this State.... It provided for the registration of every negro or mulatto slave or servant for life, or till the age of thirty-one years, before the first of November following, and also provided, 'that no man or woman of any nation or color, except the negroes or mulattoes who shall be registered as aforesaid, shall at any time hereafter be deemed, adjudged, or holden within the territory of this Commonwealth, as slaves or servants for life, but as free men and free women.'" _Egle's History of Pennsylvania._

Advertisements from the Newspapers of 1816

SHOT, POWDER, &c.

The Subscriber Has Just Received a quantity of first quality

Patent Shot, No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6.
Good Rifle Gun Powder
By the keg
Country Segars, Scotch and Rappe Snuff
Domestic Cloth, and Cotton Shawls.
-- On Hand --

A General assortment of Merchandize, suited to the present and approaching season.

-- Also --
Prime Pickling Vinegar
Very strong and fit for immediate use

All of which will be sold Wholesale or Retail at the lowest market prices, for Cash or approved Trade.

ISAAC HARRIS,
Diamond, Pittsburgh.

Will be received in Exchange Butter, Beeswax, Deer Skins, Clover and Flaxseed, Flax and Tow Linen, Bags, Flax, Rags, and country produce generally.

CANDLE MANUFACTORY

The subscriber, respectfully informs his friends and the public, that he has erected a dip and candle manufactory in the Diamond, Pittsburgh; where he will keep constantly on hand and offers, Wholesale and Retail, dipt and mould candles of the best quality and on the most reasonable terms.

THOMAS COLMAN.

N.B. Economical Lanthern Candles, at 12 cents per bunch.

D. & J. CHUTE

Have on hand, a handsome assortment of Shoes, adapted to the season; a few pairs Boots, suitable for laborers; also, Currant Wine, by the barrel or smaller quantity. The above are offered for sale low for cash or negotiable paper.

N.B. When servants call for shoes, it is necessary that an order be sent.

PITTSBURGH PIPE MANUFACTORY,

ROUND HOUSE.

WILLIAM PRICE

Informs the merchants of the Western country that they may be supplied with any quantity of long or short

Smoking Pipes

as handsome and good as those imported--and hopes the merchants of this place will give the preference to the Manufactures of our own country.

OYSTERS

Gentlemen can be genteely accommodated at the City Hotel, with Oysters.

EDWARD CARR.

STOP THE THIEF!

Taken from the subscriber on the 19th of November last, a Black Great Coat, with a large Cape, the Cape buttoned on the collar, on the front of the Cape is black glass buttons, and on the front and hips of the coat is cloth buttons, taken by James Dunlap from his boarding house. This Dunlap is a large man with a red face, and on the fingers of his right hand two of the knuckles are out of joint.

Said Dunlap is by occupation a sort of a saddler, but if you wish to see him you may go to the grog shop or brandy house, for there is his place of abode in general. Any person that will take up and return said Dunlap and Coat, shall receive the reward of Five Dollars.

BENJAMIN CRANDALL.

THE BANKS

WEST OF THE MOUNTAINS,

Are most respectfully informed, that the Bank Bill Engraving and Printing Office at Pittsburgh, shall in the future be kept constantly open in such a style of elegance and punctuality as to merit the honor of their patronage.

The Bank Paper manufactured for the office, by Messrs. Drum & Markle of Greensburgh, is allowed by competent judges to be equal to any in the United States.

CHARLES P. HARRISON.

PRACTISING BALL.

Mr. Boudet's first Practising Ball will be on Saturday Evening the 26th instant, at his School Room.

N.B. No gentlemen can be admitted without being introduced by a lady with whom Mr. B. is acquainted; nor can any gentleman be permitted to dance in boots. Admission tickets for gentlemen to be had at any time of Mr. B. Price One Dollar, pupils half price.

GERMAN REDEMPTIONERS.

Just arrived from Amsterdam, Tradesmen and Farmers, single and married, who are willing to bind themselves for the payment of their passage money, amounting to about ninety dollars, for a term of three years, and their children being upwards of four years old until they are of age on paying half passage money. The steady habits of these people and their general character for honesty and industry it is supposed would render them particularly desirable in a country, where the procuring of assistance is difficult and uncertain. For further particulars apply to

BOSLER & CO. or to
GLAZER & SMITH
of Philadelphia.

READER ASK YOURSELF THE

FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.

Do I, or do I not, owe the Printer? Shall I pay him his small pittance?--Shall he stop his business for want of what I honestly owe him? All just men will answer No! Then gentlemen, if such is your answer, it certainly is a pleasing one to the Printer, who will, at all times, be happy to attend the calls of those who have it in their power to pay our just demand--for without money we must discontinue our useful business.

H. D. & Co.

BALL

Mr. Boudet, respectfully informs the Ladies and Gentlemen of Pittsburgh and its vicinity, that he will give a Ball this evening, (Friday the 24th inst.) at the court-house, at half past seven o'clock, and will be conducted as they are in our populous cities viz--the ladies to be invited, and gentlemen to pay one dollar on their admission--understood, that such gentlemen as are strangers to the professor, must come introduced by some person with whom he is acquainted, without which they cannot be admitted.

N.B. No gentlemen allowed to dance in boots. Tickets to be had at the door--price one dollar.

CHARLES S. FIMETON

Carpenter--Late of Chambersburgh, Respectfully informs his friends and the public in general, that he has commenced the Carpenter Business, in Front-street, in the same house occupied by William Sands, barber and hair dresser; where all orders in his line will be thankfully received and promptly attended to.

LITERARY NOTICES.

John Binns of Philadelphia proposes to publish a splendid edition of the Declaration of Independence, which shall be in all respects American: The _paper_, the _types_, the _ink_, the _designs_, the _engravings_,--the publication throughout shall afford evidence of what our citizens have done in politics, and can do in art.

TO BUILDERS.

The public are respectfully informed that they can be accommodated with any quantity of Iron Cannon Borings. In cities where these Borings can be procured, they are much used as cement for any kind of mason work, exposed to the weather, or the action of water, such as chimney tops, parapat or fire walls, piers of bridges, etc.

M'CLURGS & M'KNIGHT.

OYSTERS

JOHN BYRNE

At his Umbrella Manufactory, Fourth, Between Market and Ferry
Streets.

Just received and for sale at his Oyster House, a few Kegs most excellent Spiced Oysters.

He continues to make and repair Umbrellas and Parasols in the newest manner, the smallest favour will be gratefully attended to.

GRAND NATIONAL LOTTERY

SECOND CLASS

Authorised by Act of Congress, for opening a Canal in the City of Washington.

Begins drawing on the 30th September next.

35,000 Dollars }
25,000 Dollars } Highest prizes
10,000 Dollars }

Six Dollars the lowest Prize.

Tickets for Sale

At the Store of William Hill for cash only, who will receive the drawings regularly.

NOTICE

My wife Fanny having thought proper to withdraw herself from my protection, without the least cause given on my part for her doing so, I am compelled, though very reluctantly, to forbid all persons from trusting her on my account, as I will pay no debts which she may contract hereafter.

J. TIBBETTE.

N.B. I also inform those who wish to be shaved in Imperial Style, that I am always to be found at my Shop in Market Street, between Front and Water Streets.

MECHANICS RETREAT,

At the Green Cottage, facing Mr. Jelly's Factory, Turnpike Road,

Is Opened,

Where an assortment of Liquors of the very best quality are kept. Turtle and other Soups every Wednesday and Sunday.--Share of public patronage is solicited.

WANTED

At the United States' Arsenal, now erecting near Pittsburgh.

Forty good Stone Masons, and Twenty Labourers,

to whom constant employment and good wages will be given for one or two seasons.

Apply to the subscriber on the ground.

CHRISTOPHER ARMSTRONG.

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TIN MANUFACTURY.

THOMAS W. EAGLES,

Wood street, between Water and Front Sts.,

Has just imported an elegant assortment of the best English planished Tin Ware,

consisting of

Dish covers in setts,
Tea pots,
Coffee Biggons,
Hash dishes of all sizes, &c. &c. &c.
Sheet Brass,
Do. Copper,
Mill saws,
Iron and tinned rivetts,
Brass kettles of all sizes, &c. &c.

The above are the first assortment that has been offered for sale west of the mountains, and will be sold at the importers prices.

Also, on hand an elegant assortment of Looking Glasses,

on better terms than at any other house in this city.

A small invoice of first rate Sadlery.

An assortment of Patent Iron Ware tinned inside.

BANK OF PITTSBURGH,

2d JANUARY, 1817

The Directors of this institution being desirous to procure an eligible situation on which to erect a Banking House, hereby give notice to persons holding such that they will receive at the Bank sealed proposals for the sale of the same until the first day of February next.

By order of the board,

ALEX. JOHNSTON, JR. _Cashier_.

SIX OUT-LOTS FOR SALE

These Lots are situated on Grant's Hill, adjoining Adamson Tannehill, Esq. The intrinsic beauty of these Lots, their contiguity to Pittsburgh, the elegant and commanding view which they afford of the town, the surrounding country, and the Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio rivers, sufficiently recommend them. For terms apply to

JOHN M'DONALD,
Smithfield Street.

WANTED

10,000 merchantable deer-skins, for which a generous price will be given--if delivered within a month from this day.

CHARLES L. VOLZ & CO.

REMOVAL

John Cowan, has removed his Bow String Manufactory, from Liberty street, to the house lately occupied by Wm. Davis, in Diamond alley, sign of the Bird in Hand; where he continues to manufacture Bow-strings. He also keeps a convenient yard for Market people, to leave their horses in, Liquors, etc. He returns the public thanks for their liberal encouragement, and hopes to merit its continuance.

J. BYRNE,

JEWELLER, MARKET STREET,

Has just received a fresh supply of those justly esteemed and highly approved "Medicines," prepared by W. T. Conway, No. 1, Hamilton Place, Common Street, Boston.

Read! Try! Judge!

Then speak as ye Find.

TO BE LET

_And possession given on or before the first of April next._

A Three story brick dwelling House with Kitchen, Well, Smoke-house, Smith shop, Stable, etc. in the yard. Situate in Virgin alley, between Wood and Smithfield streets. For terms apply at the store of the subscriber, in Market Street, nearly opposite the Black Bear.

JOHN WILLS.

LOTS FOR SALE

IN THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH.

The Subscribers being appointed by the President of the United States Joint Commissioners for the purpose of selling certain Lots in the City of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the property of the United States, in pursuance of an Act of Congress, passed 2d August, A.D. 1815: In virtue of the said appointment, they will expose for sale at Public Vendue,

Lots No. 55, 56, 57, & 58,

Being part of the site of Fort Fayette, bounded by the Allegheny River, Hand and Penn Streets and an alley....

These Lots are as eligible as any vacant Lots in the City.

THE SUBSCRIBER OFFERS FOR SALE,

A HOUSE AND LOT,

Situate on the corner of Smithfield-street and Strawberry alley. The lot is 20 feet front and 60 deep. The house stands on the back end of the lot and rents for eighty-four dollars per year. There is room on front for building 20 feet by 32. The property is subject to a ground rent of seventy dollars per annum. For further particulars, apply to the subscriber, in Virgin alley, between Wood and Liberty-streets.

THOMAS COLLINGWOOD.

FIVE CENTS REWARD.

Ran away from the subscriber, on Sunday the 1st inst.

Andrew Jeffery

An apprentice to the tin plate business. The above reward will be paid if brought home, but no expences.

GEORGE MILTENBERGER.

TO LET,

and possession given immediately,

That well known tavern sign of Capt. Lawrence on the Turnpike road two miles from Pittsburgh.--To a person qualified to keep a public house the terms will be made very reasonable. Apply to

WM. B. FOSTER.

FOR SALE

A Black Woman, who has six years and a half to serve, with two female children, from 4 to 6 years of age, to serve till 28. The woman is healthy, honest, industrious, and an excellent Cook. The owner having no further occasion for their services will dispose of them on moderate terms. Enquire at the Gazette Office.

FOR SALE,

A Black Girl, who has eleven years and eight months to serve. She is young, active and healthy: a good house maid and equally qualified for farm or tavern work. As the owner has no further use for her, she will be disposed of on moderate terms and at an accommodating credit. Apply at the Auction Store, Market street to

D. S. SCULLY.

TWENTY DOLLARS REWARD

Ran away about the middle of September last, from the subscriber living in Connelsville, Fayette county, Pa. a negro man named Pompey, a slave for life, about fifty years of age, five feet six inches high, very dark, small featured, bald head, active, much addicted to drunkenness and impudent when in that state--has formerly resided in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and affects to speak French. Took with him a black cloth coat, a lindsey coatee, one pair blue cloth pantaloons, one pair dimitty do and sundry other wearing apparel. Whoever apprehends and secures the said negro so that the subscriber may get him again, shall receive the above reward and reasonable charges if returned.

JOHN CAMPBELL.

TAKE WARNING.

FIFTY DOLLARS REWARD.

Ran away from the subscriber, on Saturday the 2nd day of March last, a Negro Man named Jim, about 23 years of age, about 5 feet 10 inches high, somewhat slender and not very black, about a chestnut colour, has a small scar on one of his cheeks, I believe the right, the scar appears to have been made with a knife when small, and is about one inch long, just above the cheek bone. Whoever will apprehend said Negro and confine him in any jail in the state of Pennsylvania or Ohio, so that I may get him, shall have the above reward--and this is to forewarn all persons from hiring or harbouring said Negro, under the penalty of their lives, for after this notice, I am determined to kill any man that I find him in the possession of, without he first ascertains that he is legally free, and I hope all persons will be cautious how they hire slaves.

HEZEKIAH CONN.

N.B. If the above described Negro is apprehended and put in jail, a letter to me at Frontroyal, Fredrick county, Virginia, will be immediately attended to.

SIX CENTS REWARD.

Ran away from the subscriber on the 4th inst. a servant girl named Nancy M'Carthy about 14 years of age had on when she went away a cotton frock, green silk bunnot, fair complexion, light hair cut off short. She is supposed to be gone to the new garrison, as she was taken up there once before. I forewarn all persons from harbouring her. The reward will be given, but no charges.

WM. GRAHAM.

A FLAT-BOTTOMED BOAT

Was taken up the subscriber, living at the mouth of the Four Mile Run, on the Ohio river, on the 21st inst. She is 50 feet long, 12 feet wide--the gunnels and gunnel plank are oak, and the rest of her poplar. She had on board two oars lying on deck, and no stearing oar. The owner is desired to come and prove property, pay charges, and take her away.

WILLIAM BURGER.

$30 REWARD

Ranaway from the Subscriber on the 1st inst. an Apprentice to the carpenter business, named

Joseph Reever,

about 20 years of age, dark complexion about 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high, long sandy hair, had on when he went away a black roram hat, black velvet round about and pantaloons of the same, he took with him sundry articles of his own clothing and stole one pair of gray casimere and a pair of blue striped gingham pantaloons, also a green striped waistcoat with silver buttons and rings, also one fine cambric muslin shirt and an old linen one marked G. F. He has a cross on his left arm and a representation of a buffalo on the calf of his right leg below his knee and a figure 4 on his thigh made with Indian ink, whoever takes up said apprentice and returns him to the subscriber shall have the above reward all reasonable charges.

GEO. FOULK.

THREE CENTS AND A POUND OF

OLD HORSE-SHOE NAILS

REWARD!

Strayed away from the subscriber on the 11th instant.

John Donaldson,

an apprentice to the blacksmith business--aged 18 years--five feet 7 or 8 inches high--stout built--very slow in the motion--very fond of playing ball and being idle--more proud of dress than of his work;--He took with him no more clothes than what was on his back, which consisted of one common shirt, a dark marsailles waistcoat, a dark gray coattee and pantaloons, one pair stockings, one pair shoes half worn, a neck-handkerchief, and one new black fur hat, made by Wm. Church. No other marks are recollected. The above reward, no charges and no thanks, will be given to any person who will return said stray.

JAMES YOURD.

VALUABLE PROPERTY ON PERPETUAL LEASE

The subscriber will Let on a Perpetual Lease the Houses, Stabling, and Lot of ground, situate on the corner of Wood and Fifth Streets, in the City of Pittsburg, Containing 120 feet front on Wood Street and fifty seven on Fifth Street. The Houses, Stabling and Lot is well known: the sign of the Turk's Head. Any Person wishing to view the property, will apply to the subscriber next door to the sign of the Turk's Head, Fifth Street.

G. STEWART.

WILLIAM MASSON

SAILMAKER--PITTSBURGH

Begs leave to inform the public, that he has received from Philadelphia, a quantity of Russia Sail Duck--also, a quantity of Blocks, of various sizes; and that he is ready to receive orders from any place to make sails for boats or vessels of any size--likewise sacking bottoms, either of country cloth or Russia duck.

From an experience of twenty years following the sea, he flatters himself he will be enabled to give satisfaction to those who may want any thing in his line.

BOAT LOST.

_Lost at the time of the last Fresh of the River_,

A handsome Boat,

Twenty feet keel, painted green outside, and red inside, a heart painted on the stern, the moulding and stern painted yellow and a keel from stem to stern. Whoever has taken up said boat, or will give information where she may be found, shall be handsomely rewarded, on application to

CHARLES IMSEN, O'Hara's Glassworks.

TAKEN UP A DRIFT

In the time of the flood, in February last, a Broken Raft of Scantling and Boards, & landed them near the foot of Sandy Creek Island, in the Allegheny river. The subscriber supposing the owner would soon come, and take care of his property, which he did not, and they lying in a bad way, and a spoiling, he has drawn the raft, and secured it, and requests the owner to come, and prove his property, pay charges, and take it away.

MICHAEL BRIGHT.

1816

"There is always a peculiar solemnity which impresses every thoughtful mind on the birthday of another Year. The year one thousand eight hundred and sixteen, with all its cares, with all its bustle, its pleasures and its pains, has gone, and now mingles with the departed dreams of our midnight slumbers. How many of us imagined while engaged in the din and bustle and uproar of the world, that this era would form an important epoch in the history of man? and yet all these thoughts have now vanished, and scarce left a record on the pages of memory behind!" _Gazette, Jan. 14, 1817._