This is the story West Mifflin Borough from its beginning as a Township to the present. Historically not complete in every detail, to be sure. It is merely an attempt to give a portrayal of its beginning, its transition, to its present status.Two hundred years ago this region was the hunting ground of the Indians. The names of the rivers of this section are Indian names. The name Monongahela is from two words, Henna meaning "swift waters" and Monona which means "high clayey banks". Allegheny is from Henna and Allegewei which was the name of an ancient Indian tribe. Ages ago the Leni Lenapi from the West, aided by the Mengwi or Iroquois, conquered the Allegewei. These Leni Lenapi, or Delawares, were in possession of the region when the white man came. At the time of the first white occupation this region (Mifflin Township) was under the joint control of "Guyasoota" a wise and unusually active Indian Chief who lived where Sharpsburg is now located and Queen Aliquippa, who lived at the mouth of the Youghiogheny and Monongahela rivers, what is now known as McKeesport. The site of their camp was on the inside of a horseshoe shaped bend in the Monongahela river extending from the present site of Clairton to South Duquesne.Obviously from their camp site the Indians could not see far up or down stream to detect the approach of enemies, but the Queen had a way of keeping watch on the Valley. On the outside of the bend in the river and about one and one-half miles south of her camp, there was a high promontory from which the river was visible for several miles in each direction. Tradition is that this point was "Aliquippa's Lookout" and was used by her scouts. It later was named "Aliquippa's Hill", now present site of the Irvin Works. This was the Indian Queen whom Washington visited with presents on his trips through this region, which was known to be five times.

Fortunate indeed was southwestern Pennsylvania in its early settlers. They for the most part were Scotch-lrish and were self-reliant, courageous, industrious, and maintained a beautiful community spirit famous for hospitality, kindness and unselfishness. Their religion and piety still vitalizes and colors the civilization of our community day.The mountains on the south and the settlement to the north gave enough protection to make Indian raids difficult here. North of Monongahela River it was different. Just across the river from what is now Homestead, Thomas Lyon was murdered, and his wife and children carried off to Sandusky, Ohio by the Indians. The Furgusons, David Mann and others from Mifflin Township aided in pursuit of this last band of Indians to come to this vicinity. This was April 1783.

To illustrate that there were settlers here prior to the war of '76, there was a band of fifteen men sent from Pittsburgh to New Orleans in 1776, to purchase and bring back gun powder. At Limestone, Kentucky, Lieutenant Linn and Sargeant Harrison went over land to the falls of Ohio (Louisville). In the silence of the forest they came upon John Smith hunting desirable land. Smith was then on his way to Mifflin Township. This same year the Eighth Pennsylvania Regiment recruited soldiers from the southwest corner of the State and some of these men came from Mifflin Township. It was in this vicinity that the Rattlesnake Flag, "Don't Tread On Me" was designed, made and carried by Lieutenant Samuel Craig of Derry, Pennsylvania.

The earliest settler known to settle in Mifflin Township was a squatter in 1770, by the name of Sebastian Frederick. Frederick was possibly a German, for quite a number of Germans and Huguenots were mingled with the Scotch-Irish Frontiersmen. Frederick claimed a large tract of land extending from the Monongahela River up to just beyond Homestead Cemetery. He was a trader, trapper, and hunter and soon moved on when game grew scarce.

Some German settlements appeared here before and after Forbe's victory. Once settlement was at Bushy Run, one at Turtle Creek and another at Streets Run in Mifflin Township. Mrs. Meir an early German settler, entertained Washington in 1770, and for many years afterward kept a Hotel at Port Perry (now the vicinity of the Westinghouse Bridge area).

In these early days picking farms was like picking berries always bigger bushes and better berries farther on. Land was the most abundant thing there was and cheap and easy to obtain. Frequently a fine farm was traded for a fowling piece. The cheapest thing was real estate. Salt was dear and almanacs dearer. Salt was five dollars a bushel and a reliable almanac that would accurately fortell the weather for a year to come cost fifty cents. Salt is now cheap and almanacs worthless. David Calhoun, an Irishman from near Harrisburg came to Mifflin in 1784. Another family named Snodgrass were also early settlers. Amos McAlister and family were among the first settlers. They came from Juniata Valley (Juniata County, Pa.). The McAlister's lived a short time on land patented by John McClure. The patent was dated May 19,1786, but the application for survey was made April 3, 1769. Others who came at the time of McAlister were; John Turner, Simon Girty, George Galloway and Daniel Risher, who were compelled to move off the Indian lands by Penn heirs. Simon Girty's people settled on Squirrel Hill, Amos McAlister on the other side of the river on what is now Homestead. Galloway married a sister of David Ferguson and lived near Thomas Girty on the North Side.

Daniel Risher, prior to locating in Mifflin Township, was with General Braddock's field. For a generation he had a commanding place in the Coal industry. Howard Risher and his brother J. M. Risher, are lineal descendants of Daniel Risher.Sebastian Frederick's tract of land was surveyed in 1783 and found to consist of 303 acres. In 1789 it was deeded to Alexander Lowry (born 1729), who was the direct ancestor to Joseph and Matthew West. A portion of the present Ann Ashley Church and Cemetery came from this tract of land. The next tract of land up the river consisting of 327 acres, was originally granted to Thomas Smith. In 1786 it was deeded to John McClure who named the tract "Amity". As the Indians were then hostile the name "Amity", is appropriate since it means friendship, peaceful, kindly relations. The next tract was originally granted to Jacob Weitzel. It consisted of 296 acres and was deeded in 1788 to James Whitaker.

The present Borough of Whitaker is located on this tract of land and is named for James Whitaker, his wife Catherine and their son Aaron. The next tract of land up the river was originally taken out in the name of Catherine Whitaker, the wife of James, who purchased the Weitzel tract, known as "Farmer's Delight". This Catherine Whitaker tract extended back into the present Homeville. This land was called "Good Pay". The Whitakers had in their possession 569 acres.

Other early settlers in this Township were; David Caldwell an original settler, George Roush who bought the Caldwell tract in 1816, Abraham Hays to whom the tract of land beyond Homeville was granted in 1786 (part of which later was Friedel's Farm). James McKenna who named his 240 acres secured in.1799 "Bell Wood" (at present known as Bellwood in West Mifflin), Andrew Brousman in 1784 secured 284 acres including most of the territory on which Homestead Park is now located, John Travis whose 209 acres were deeded in 1788 to William Butler (this tract included most of what is now West Homestead), Walter Graham had 250 acres which extended up West Run Road, which he deeded to John Sherer in 1798. Adjoining this was David Calhoun's property of 235 acres.

The section where the former Hays Borough is located consisted of 214 acres, originally deeded to John Small in 1789. Between this and the Calhoun property lay the 131 acres deeded to Thomas Lapsley in 1789. Beyond this lay the James Irwin property of 301 acres (now the site of Allegheny County Airport) this in turn was adjoined by the Robert Brierly property of 331 acres obtained in 1793. The land bordering the river from Curry Hollow to Peter's Creek and from the river two miles back was bought during Washington's term as President by William Snodgrass for fifty cents an acre.Eventually, by the opening of the 18th century the land of Mifflin Township was all occupied.

The region remained an agricultural community though later in sections, large mining interests were developed. This condition continued for over three quarters of a century. During this time the population gradually increased, the forests were felled, familes grew up and intermarried. Who could have visualized that within a short decade, one of the mightiest industrial developments on the Continent would establish its roots in this region. A giant it was and remains - STEEL MAKING.

HISTORY OF LINCOLN PLACE, PENNSYLVANIA—1914

The Town Site of Lincoln Place was known as the Stony Farm, owned by John Means, and comprising 106 acres. By the Will of John Means, the Farm was donated to the Foreign Missionary Society of the Presbyterian Church. The Executors of the Means Estate were James Means, a nephew, and Obadiale Rockwell, and they later sold the Farm, and all mineral rights to the James Hayes Heirs. Homer Swaney being attorney for the Hayes Estate, sold the Pittsburgh Railways Company the right of way from Hayes to Dravosburg, and upon this right of way street cars began running in 1895, at which time Calhoun Park was opened.

Miss Mary LeLowes at this time was conducting a real estate office in Pittsburgh, to whom came Edwin Haslett enquiring regarding a farm suitable for sub-division into building lots. She promised to look up a farm for his purpose, and visited this neighborhood, tried to buy the Neel Farm, but at that time the Neel heirs would not consider selling. They advised her regarding the Stony Farm on which the option was held by Homer Swaney, representing the Hayes Estate. This option was later transferred to Mary LeLowes for a certain consideration and she later sold the farm to Edwin Haslett. Before selling, or at the time of the sale, she gave Mr. Trestle permission to cut the timber off the section of the Farm now known as Woodland Avenue, provided he would cut sufficient boards for sidewalks for the streets of the town. This he agreed to do and he set up his Saw Mill on or near the turn in Woodlawn Avenue, leading to the County Road. Part of the timber was used by the Street Car Company in building the viaduct at Dravosburg. After buying the farm, Mr. Haslett sub-divided it into 936 lots, with all necessary streets and alleys. The name of the town was to be Linconio, but the name did not appeal to certain parties, and Mr. Haslett decided on the name of Lincoln Place. Mr. Joseph Markle was instructed to paint a large sign upon which appeared the name of the town. This sign was set up near the platform of the Street Car Station and Waiting Room. The tenant on the Farm at the time that deal was completed was John Bechler who lived in the Stone House and a Mrs. Simon who lived in what was known as the Black House, this house being later occupied by Thad Hokes and Family. After buying the Stone Farm and laying same out in lots, Mr. Haslett decided to tear down the Stone House and use the timber in a residence for himself and family, this was done and the first house built in Lincoln Place is the one owned by Anson Stewart, next door to the Pentecostal Church. This property later was turned over to the Pentecostal Church and was sold by George S. Reynolds, Secretary, to David Beese of Braddock, the proceeds of the sale was used for the liquidation of the Church debt. After Mr. Thad Hoke moved from the Black House to his new house, the Black House was used as a place of Worship and Sunday School. During the Worship we frequently had visitors in the form of mice which ran hither and thither to the amusement of the children: That same fall, the citizens felt the necessity of a day school, and counted all the children in the town, some of which was below school age, and we were able to get 20 so that we could go before the School Board and demand a teacher. There was a committee appointed and they appeared before the Board, which at that time held its meeting in Dravosburg, Hays and Whitaker. The Board did not give them much satisfaction and the citizens were much surprised when Miss Bessie Conley arrived and no children to greet her. The children were drummed up in a hurry and school was held in the Black House that term, next term in the basement of the Pentecostal Church and the latter part in the New School of four rooms (only two rooms being used), Mr. George Kunkleman being principal. The new school was then formally occupied in the spring of 1900. As we had no means of calling the people together, it was decided to hold an oyster supper and purchase for our school a bell. The proceeds of the supper amounted to $176.00 which was turned over to Mr. Beggs who purchased the bell for that amount. This is the same bell that is being rung in our school today.This occured just before the election and the politicians of the County and Township helped swell the proceeds of the supper. The election was held in February, this being the first election held in Lincoln Place. Before his time the voting place was Lebanon, and some of our worthy citizens who walked there to vote were denied their rights, because they were not known. This brought about prompt action on the part of our citizens in securing a voting place in our own town. The next school term it was decided to hold a supper, the proceeds of same to be used for the purchase of a piano for our school. This supper was a wonderful success, netting $225.00 clear. This amount was turned over to Edwin Haslett, who was chairman of the purchasing committee, and the piano is still being used in our school At this time we were using the four rooms, Mrs. Miller, principal; Miss Lytle, Miss Elliott, and Miss Best, teachers. About this time, the question of a Post Office was taken up with the proper authorities, and for a time it was thought that the name of our town would have to be changed because of the objection that our Government had to the two words "Lincoln Place" but they finally accepted the name and Mr. Harry Van Antwerp was appointed Postmaster, and Thad Hoke was appointed Mail Carrier from Hays to Lincoln Place.

The town was commencing to boom and Mr. James Emmanuel was its first Contractor, Obadiale Hodder followed him and John and Frank Poorbaugh was the third contractor, each one of whom built several of our homes. Beside being Postmaster, Mr. Van Antwerp conducted a small store in the waiting room and later built the store that has been occupied by A. N. Ford. Groceries and meat was sold here until Cooney Hartman opened a meat market. After Mr. Van Antwerp left town, the store was managed by Mr. Hodder, then it was taken over by Mr. Forker and later by Mr. Howard who sold to A. N. Ford. The small room connected to the store was occupied at one time by a barber and another time by a dentist. Mr. Alex Stilley who quit on account of lack of business. The Pentecostal Church was built in 1899, the building committee being Mr. T. McGraw, Edwin Haslett and George S. Reynolds, Secretary. The building contract was awarded to Mr. Unstead, a contractor of Mt. Washington, Pittsburgh. Before and after completion, services were conducted Sunday afternoon by the Rev. Morris, Pastor of the Pentecostal Church of Mt. Washington, Pittsburgh, Pa. There was organized at this time a Progress Club of members pledged to pay 10c per month for the repairing of the board walks, and replacing of oil lights along the different streets, Mr. Carl Johnson being elected official lamp lighter of the town.

It being a difficult matter to get the daily papers delivered, Mr. Schumam of Dravosburg finally came and had a paper route established. The Presbyterian Church was built in 1903 by Mr. John Poorbaugh, contractor.

In 1904, the water was turned in the mains by the South Pittsburgh Water Company. Before this time, the water was hauled in barrels by Mr. Ben Clinton and his old horse, Jule, who would not pull the load without Ben walking through the street at its head. Those of us who were fortunate enough to live near a spring did not have to get our water hauled in the above manner, that was left to the family to do. The housekeepers at this time had their patience sorely tried with poor service as rendered by the Water Co. It was a case of on again and off again, more often off again, filling all utensils and running hither and thither for the latest on this ever wet question. The first and only well dug in the town was on S. P. Johnson property, and during this unsettled period in our water supply, this well was patronized by the Hill people.

Two attempts were made to incorporate this town into a Borough, but both failed on account of lack of sufficient taxes to run a Borough. The Lincoln Place Volunteer Fire Department was organized in 1908, and had proved its value time and again in subduing fires, and getting the citizens a lower rate on their Fire Insurance Policies.

The Industries of the town were just a Brick Yard -- Second, Planing Mill - Third, Laundry - these are no more because the town never was and never will be a manufacturing district. At one time in our history we had the Amateur Champion Baseball Club of this District, we also had the honor of' issuing a weekly paper known as The Lincoln Place Progress, owned by W. A. Kerns, J. C. McBride being Editor and Reporter.

Although this is one of the most law abiding villages in the state, we unfortunately had a murder committed here. The house in which the crime was committed was later burned, and the murderer saved the expense of a trial by shooting himself the next night after he had shot his wife the remembrance of this affair is not pleasant. The first fire in the town was Thad Hoke's stable which was a complete loss. Mr. Ben Clinton was the first Township Commissioner to be elected from our town and George S. Reynolds the first School Director. Lincoln Place has not grown perhaps as rapidly as was anticipated on account of the breaking of the earth surface. This being the result or the removal of the coal underneath the Town. This condition was a drawback and kept quite a large number of investors away, but from present indications, this menace seems to have finished its work and today we are resting in security as far as that is concerned.The situation of our town is such that it appeals to most people as the best centralized town in the Township it not in the County, and I believe that soon we will be practically united to Homestead. One reason is the recent sale of Calhoun Park and the adjoining woodland. This will "and has been" laid out in lots and quite a number of homes are being erected. That means well filled schools, and churches. We have a town that is almost free from the foggy conditions that is noted in our river towns, and from the stifling atmosphere that is encountered in low laying villages and towns. We above all, have such atmospheric conditions and rejoice because we can breathe the pure ozone which creates a wish to expand our lungs and become Chesty over the fact that we live in the healthiest and best village in the United States of America.Lincoln Place was annexed by Pittsburgh in 1929
Mr. George S. Reynolds Lincoln Place.28