This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
This newspaper page contains 20 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Pittsburgh Dispatch
Location
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Date
Jul 09, 1892
Page
1
Sheriff McCleary his attorney Petty and Deputy Sheriff Cloley alight from the 4:15 train at Homestead station amid quiet, watchful crowds. Officials state no reinforcements from local citizens and describe awaiting governor Pattison to call out state military forces.
The sheriff and companions travel through a wary crowd to the Belvidere Club near the First National Bank, where a three hour conference unfolds. He reports a list of 20 expected deputies but finds only six willing to act, and vows to do his duty if deputies enter the works.
Sheriff McCleary and Deputy Sheriff Cluely face a wavering crowd at the Homestead plant as lawyer Rh B Petty weighs in on the legal standstill. Petty argues the company lacks unilateral control and Homestead is in rebellion against state law while Pattison's reluctant response looms.
A party of Western New York lawyers touring the city for several days were denied admission to a local special event in Homestead. The visiting group remained indoors as local officials cited restrictions preventing their participation.
A party led by Frank Ramsey, General Solicitor, toured the region amid Erie county DA George Quinby and other lawyers. They observed Homestead traffic limits, discussed politics, and noted a serious situation as they traveled toward Titusville and Oil City via the Allegheny Valley road.
Nearly 200 Amalgamated Association members met at the Homestead rink with President Weihe and officials to urge peaceful settlement with civil authorities. Attorneys warned that militia could be deployed and shoot if orders came, while workers debated relying on the Sheriff and avoiding violence as a fight outcome loomed.
In a Homestead era visit, Adjutant General Greenland met civil and military leaders, heard from newspaper men, and reviewed a battle map showing the strikers’ landing on Pinkertons. He reported no change in the situation over 24 hours and indicated Governor-level action would pause as union and local officials confer.
Greenland and General Wiley denied any orders to place the Second Brigade National Guard of Pennsylvania under arms. An officer questioned confirmed no such orders existed and no information had been sent to the Governor. General Greenland awaited further developments as quiet conditions continued.
The Homestead strike disrupts armor supply from Carnegie and Bethlehem works delaying armor plating for the Maine, Cincinnati, Puritan, and Terror at the navy yard and private shipbuilders. Contracts from 1890 require about 5 000 tons of plating with July 1891 delivery, but plant upgrades and test results on nickel steel plates cause extended timelines and project slowdowns.
A July 7 letter from Syvanus Lyon, vice president of The Moderation Society, asks H. C Frick and Carnegie Steel to pursue arbitration and reason to resolve the labor dispute. It argues strikes harm all, urges empathy for workers, and calls for peaceful negotiation to avert violence and social upheaval.
The Navy decided that nickel steel armor will be used on new ships with nickel oxide providing the nickel for the armor. The Carnegie firm is specified to supply the armor, indicating a push toward standardized nickel steel throughout the fleet.
Mayor Gourley stated the Pittsburg Relief Committee would not assist the Homestead battle’s injured or killed families unless destitution is shown. He said current information indicates the men were financially able to support their dependents, but relief could be considered if need arises.
Work stoppage at Homestead sharpens as guards mass along rail routes into the borough. Sheriff McCleary visits with a Pittsburg posse plan but fails to recruit locals, fueling suspicions while leaders await word from Harrisburg on troop deployment.
Following a confrontation with Pinkerton agents, residents see a path to peace as troops withdraw. Bars were open yesterday but no disorder occurred, suggesting the conflict may end without further bloodshed.
Thousands marched with mourners to the grave for Henry Streigel in Homestead. Crowds gathered as the church bells tolled at 10 o’clock and a large funeral procession followed the coffin from his mother’s Sixth avenue home to St Francis German Catholic Church.
Night signaling at a Pittsburg church drew thousands for the German service of a dead youth. A large crowd, bands, and many unions attended to honor the victim with a long funeral procession. In Homestead the Solug and Weldon funerals drew a thousand marchers, while steel labor talks centered on wage scales and union security at Frick's firm amid tense early negotiations.
Hugh O'Donnell, after a 48 hour shift, issues a pointed reply to President Frick of the Carnegie Company. He argues the wage dispute is broader than Braddock and warns that a Carnegie scale affecting 325 of 3800 workers would spark wider cuts. He notes upcoming mill reorganizations and insists wages must stay until improvements are finished.
In a closed session Governor Pattison and the Homestead committee discuss peace efforts and the possible need for state or federal troops. Hugh O'Donnell presents Pinkerton rosters and Carnegie contracts while Cox outlines local safety measures and restraint.
Coroner McDowell gathers facts for Homestead inquest after a body, measuring about 5 feet 9 inches and 185 pounds with letter K on a handkerchief, is found in the river. His pockets hold 175 dollars. Some think the drowned man may be a Pinkerton detective linked to the Little Bill incident.
Braddock residents buzzed as rumors spread that Sheriff McCleary would summon 30 of Braddock’s leading citizens to Homestead. Some dismissed it as a joke while others feared compulsory service. reports varied on who was named and who would travel by boat or train. The department hinted the list may be unofficial or mistaken.
We want people to find what they are looking for at NewspaperArchive. We are confident that we have the newspapers that will increase the value of your family history or other historical research. With our 7-day free trial, you can view the documents you find for free.
People find the most success using advanced search. Try plugging in keywords, names, dates, and locations, and get matched with results from the entire collection of newspapers at NewspaperArchive!
You can also successfully find newspapers by these browse options. Explore our archives on your own!
Browse by location and discover newspapers from all across the world.
Browse by date and find publications for a specific day or era.
Browse old newspaper publications to find specific newspapers.