From the Magazine of Western History
VOL. III. FEBRUARY, 1886 No. 4.
CURTIS G. HUSSEY*
*This article has been prepared by one who has been intimate with Dr. Hussey for more than thirty years, and knows whereof he speaks for of much he has been a part Ed.
DR. C. G. HUSSEY of Pittsburgh has won success in so many fields of labor, and has done so much as a business man, manufacturer and developer of new fields of public wealth, for the advancement of general interests, that it would be difficult in these limits to give anything like a detailed record of his life. There are a few points, however, that must be touched on in any history of industrial Pittsburgh. He is the acknowledged pioneer of the Lake Superior copper region, and without his foresight, courage, faith and capital, that great source of national wealth might never have been opened, or, at least, its opening would probably have been delayed for many years. He was interested in opening the first copper mine on Lake Superior, and in the erection of the first works for smelting Lake Superior copper, and built the first copper mill in this western - country. To him, also, belongs the honor of being the first person to succeed in making the best quality of all descriptions of crucible cast steel, and in establishing this great branch of industry in Pittsburgh and in this country-and that, too, in the face of a carping and unbelieving public. Of these twin achievements we shall speak more in detail, and it will then be clearly seen how much Pittsburgh owes to him on account of the development of two of its most important manufactures-copper and steel.
Dr. Hussey is, in the fullest and best meaning of the term, a self-made man. Nature gave him a strong physical constitution and a clear brain, and he has made the best use of all his powers. His natural abilities were the only endowments with which he was equipped in the start, and whatever he has cane or gained is due to his own efforts.
His ancestry extends back in traceable lines to the Quakers of Old England, a body of men as grand in their principles and as sturdy and inflexible in the defense of their religious convictions-in a peaceful way, withal-as the Puritans themselves, but-who, unlike some of our good but mistaken and bigoted Puritan Fathers, never denied to others the rights which they claimed as their own.
Among his ancestors was one Christopher Hussey, who lived in Hampton, Massachusetts, in 1650 et seq., who appears as an associate of Robert Pike --a liberal Puritan-in the defense of the.-, Right of Petition. In ' The New Puritan' (Harper. Brothers; 1879), we find that Robert Pike was " the Puritan who defended the Quakers, resisted clerical domination and opposed the witchcraft persecution'' In I 653, Robert Pike denounced a law passed by the general court (of which he was a member) making it a misdemeanor for anyone to preach to the people on the Sabbath who was not a regularly ordained minister of the church, and that august, incensed and amazed body instantly arraigned the culprit who dared to insult their majesty. It was declared that he should be desfranchised, disabled from holding any public office, bound to his good behavior and fined twenty marks, equal to thirteen pounds, six shillings and eight pence. A hundred, more or less of the citizens of several towns -- Salisbury, Newbury, Hampton, Andover and Haverhill -- who had signed a petition to the court for the repeal of the obnoxious order, were called upon to excuse or defend their calling in question the supreme authority of the general court. A large number hastened to apologize and proclaim their submission, but fifteen stood out and valiantly refused to succumb. Among these fifteen was Christopher Hussey of Hampton .
The persecutions of the Quakers by self-righteous Puritans and their clergy and court were more or less actively continued, and in 1658 a new law Passed against them, declaring that Quakers. and such " accursed heretics" must be dealt with according to their deserts, etc. Several offenders were executed and some who prefered not to be hanged resolved to depart from the jurisdiction. A party of ten, of whom Christopher Hussey was one, was formed , who bought the island of Nantucket for a place of refuge, in the winter of 1658-59, preferring to live there among three thousand "savages" -- The only previous dwellers -- to breathing the fearfully holy atmosphere of eastern Massachusetts, where those in power could praise God and curse Quakers in one breath, or build a church, hang a heretic and burn a witch with equal zeal. In this enterprise, Robert Pike sympothised and joined. The island was owned by Thomas Mayhew, merchant of Watertown, who had bought it in October, 1641, from the agent of Lord Sterling, James Forett or forest of New York, who claimed for his principal all the islands lying between Cape Cod and the Hudson River. Ten other partners
were admitted before the deed was executed, July 2, 1659. One of these was Robert Pike, with whom Christopher Hussey divided his one-tenth interest. The love of free air, of justice and of equal rights exhibited by these two men -par nobile fratrum-has always distinguished the typical Quaker, and is a marked trait in the character of Christopher Hussey's worthy descendant. The peace-loving Quakers who removed to Nantucket left behind the entire monopoly of hate and blood to their Pu~itan brothers, and no serious differences ever arose between them and the red men, who were readily influenced by the spirit of brotherly love shown by their new white friends. The latter soon set the example of pursuing in open boats and capturing the whales which sought the shallow waters of that shoal-bound coast, and the Indians quickly followed, and soon became among the most expert of the original whalers of Nantucket.
It is a matter of much interest to know that Nantucket was bought only two hundred and twenty-six years ago, by a band of Quakers, to serve as an asylum of refuge from the deadly persecutions of Puritans and that one of the original purchasers was a direct ancestor of one of Pittsburgh's distinguished citizens .
Dr. Hussey's parents lived on a farm near " Little " York (as York was then called), Pennsylvania, in 1802, soon afterwards moving to Little Miami, Ohio, and, in 1813, to a farm in the vicinity of Mount Pleasant, Jefferson county in the same state. They were blessed with ten children, all of whom were raised to a strong and vigorous manhood and womanhood. They were both endowed with many high qualities. The father had a splendid physical development, was tall and erect in stature, and of commanding appearance. The mental and moral character of his inward life was of the finest mold, and fulfilled every outward promise. To the logical mind and bright intellect of the mother were added force and energy, which were regulated by gentleness, amiability and the highest moral principles. The children could desire no better inheritance than the sweet and noble qualities of soul, mind and person of their loved and honored parents. In I831 they moved, with the yet unscattered portion of the family, from the farm to Mount Pleasant, which had become a beautiful village, and there spent the remainder of their lives to " a good old age," in quiet and comfort. We have seen that the father came from the sturdy Quaker stock of Old and New England. Miss Lydia Grubb-the mother-was also of a noteworthy Quaker family. Her father-John Grubb -- was a member of the Society of Friends in England, and came from there before the Revolutionary War. His first settlement in this country was on a farm about three miles from the present city of Wilmington, Delaware. There he raised a family of some eight or nine children, all of whom became respectful and valued members of society. Some of the connections settled in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and were among the early owners of the great Coleman iron property in that country.
Among the sons were "Joseph, John and Curtis," names given them in honor of several distinguished iron men residing near their birthplace, and which severe handed down to the Hussey children. Joseph Grubb was a leading hardware merchant in Wilmington, and was followed by a son who continued the business for many years. Another son-a namesake-also engaged in the same business in Philadelphia All retain the religious faith as well as many of the strong qualities of their original English ancestor.
The subject of this sketch was born on the. farm near York in August, 1802, and after doing his share of work as a boy on the new farm in Ohio, and making use of such school advantages as the day and neighborhood afforded, he studied medicine with an eminent physician at Mount Pleasant. As soon as he had completed that course he removed to Morgan County, Indiana, where he practiced for several years. Having done what so many medical men do not do in their early days of labor -accumulate capital -- he engaged in the mercantile business, branching out and extending his operations as opportunity allowed. He Soon owned several stores. in as many places in that neighborhood, the superintendency of which was maintained while he traversed the country in the practice of his profession. He also soon began to deal extensively in pork and other lines of provisions, having heavy transactions with New Orleans.
The details of these first few years are full of interest, and we cannot refrain from giving some of them.
In 1825 the young doctor started out for himself with no capital but brains, energy and a good character. He first settled, as stated, in Morgan county, Indiana, where favorable letters of introduction gained the kindly offices of a few influential citizens, and got into early and large practice, which he maintained for ten, years. In the short period of three or four years, he had accumulated several thousand dollars which constituted quite a fortune at that time, and is a large sum still for a young man to acquire in the outset, within so short a time. With his accumulations, he started a general country store in Mooresville, Morgan county Indiana, but soon afterwards transferred it to Gosport, on White river, a larger town not far distant. Similar stores were, from time to time, established in Monrovia, Columbus, Millvale and Far West, all of which were conducted by partners whose successful management, under his supervision proved his good judgement in their selection. In those almost colonial days, greenbacks were yet to be invented, and pork was a legal tender for calico, cofee and tea. From this arose a trade in pork, which was taken in for "store goods," and pork packaging and curing soon followed, and grew into large transactions. a large packing house was erected at Gosport, White river, at which place an extensive business was carried on.
We may sagely remark that water runs down hill, and so the waters of the White river, the Ohio and Mississippi floated flatloads of pork of all cuts, down to New Orleans for consumption on the great sugar and cotton plantations where, next to cow, it was the staple article of food.
In the fall of 1836 he made a large contract for provisions, deliverable in Bayou Sara, about one hundred and fifty miles above New Orleans, which proved to be one of his most profitable ventures. Even then he began to discern the signs of the times, and to prepare for the disasters which overwhelmed the country in 1837. He went to New Orleans to make his own collections, and was there in May, 1837, when the bank of that city first suspended specie payment. But, prompted by his own remarkable prescience, he had protected himself in due season, and was not caught in the storm which wrecked others almost without exception. While at New Orleans he took the malarial fever, and suffered greatly during the tedious return of two weeks by steamboat to Louisville, and did not thoroughly recover for nearly a year.
In the general management of his stores he exercised great economy as to expenditures that did not directly contribute to profit. He allowed no offices and no bedrooms, and many times himself slept on a pallet laid on the counter during his rounds of inspection. Money was spent only on essentials -- on goods that could be profitably turned. the application of such principles has been varied to suit circumstances all through his life, and has proved profitable. He could have peen supplied with considerable capital by accepting deposits freely offered him by farmers and others, but, strange to say, he refused to his usual sagacity the dangers involved -that such supplies would make money easy in the store, thus leading his partners to slackness in making collections; and that, when hard times approached, the calls from such depositors would be prompt and urgent, and perhaps difficult to meet. By this policy alone he saved himself from many of the troubles which fell upon his less cautious neighbors. During all the years of his dealing in pork, while in many his profits were large, they Revere never less than six percent., except in one year, when, by reason of a misunderstanding on the part of one of his partners, he suffered a moderate loss. Such a record in the hazards of pork-dealing is rare.
In 1829 he was elected to the Indiana legislature, but declined reelection, as the service interfered with his business and added too much to his burdens. We may imagine the wear and tear of brain and constitution involved in the prosecution, with such close personal attention, of so many scattered enterprises. He worked with that industry which has been a characteristic: of his whole career, and, as a consequence, his health became somewhat impaired, and he felt the need of a change.
In 1839 he married, and soon after removed to Pittsburgh, continuing for many years the purchasing and packing of pork in the west, and bringing it to market in Pittsburgh and the principal Atlantic cities.
Soon after coming east, he heard rumors of the existence of copper in the now well-known copper regions of Lake Superior, then a part of an unbroken wilderness held by the Indians, and giving only a hint of their hidden riches in iron and copper. It is true that for many years isolated specimens had been found here and there, but no effort to explore and develop the mineral deposits was made until Dr. Hussey brought his faith to bear upon the problem, and soon caused his faith to be followed by his works. In 1843 he determined on a thorough investigation, and sent John Hays of Pittsburgh, a man possessing the courage and energy required for the purpose, into the faraway and lonely region, to prospect and see what discoveries he could make. His report was such that Dr. Hussey determined on a venturesome operation and quietly made his preparations for it. During his exploring tour, Mr. Hays had purchased for Dr. Hussey a one sixth interest in the first three permits for mining in that region ever granted in the United States. They had been taken out originally by Messrs. Talmage and Raymond of New York, and Mr. Ashley of Dubuque, Iowa, each one third. Of this one-sixth interest, Mr. Hays was presented with one-fourth and the other three-fourths were sold to Mr. Howe. Later in 1843 other purchases were made, until Dr. Hussey and his friends obtained a controlling interest, the shares being held as follows, viz -
C.G. Hussey ..........................................4/24
T.M. Howe.............................................3/24
Charles Avery........................................4/24
John Hays..............................................1/24
William Petit..........................................4/24
Talmage &Raymond..............................8/24
Total......................................................24/24
The permits were three miles square and the first was located at Copper Harbor, the second at Eagle River, and the third some three miles west of the second, but, being off the copper belt, was never worked.
In the winter of 1843-44, the "Pittsburgh and Boston Mining company'' was organized, and the spring of 1844 sent Mr. Hays into their newly acquired territory, accompanied by a competent geologist and a small party of miners, who prosecuted mining at Copper Harbor until autumn.
Dr. Hussey made his own first visit to that region in July to September of the same year. We cannot understand so fully as we aught the difficulties meeting the pioneer copper miner without some of the interesting details of his experiences. When he made this first visit, he took steamer from Cleveland via Detroit to Mackinaw -- then a little hamlet containing scarcely more than a few troops and a fort. Between Mackinaw and Sault Ste. Marie there was no steam, and the trip could be made only in a birch-bark canoe, or in a kind of scow propelled by oars and sails, and known as a "Mackinaw boat." having procured a "Mack" and crew, he followed the coast of islands and mainland the first day some forty miles to Point de Tour, the turning point of the west channel from St. Mary's Strait into Lake Huron, and there he camped out the first night. Next morning he started for Sault Ste. Marie, which place was reached in safety after a risky and tiresome trip of fifteen hours. Here he waited three weary weeks before he could get conveyance farther on the 200-ton schooner Algonquin, which was the only craft then plying on Lake Superior larger than a canoe. The schooner John Jacob Astor, of about the same size, had been running in Astor's fur trade along the northern and western shore, but was wrecked a short time before, leaving the Algonquin the only vessel on the lake. He was landed at Copper Harbor, on Keeweenaw point. The whole country was a primitive wilderness, inhabited only by Indians, except a few mining explorers and workers, and a squad of soldiers sent out for their protection by the secretary of war, and occupying Fort Wilkins, located at Copper Harbor. This fort had been established at the suggestion of Mr. Avery, who had visited Washington and conferred about it with his old Pittsburgh friend, Judge Wilkins, then secretary of war.
The party with Mr. Hays were the first miners that had ever worked in that region, except at a remote previous age. Ancient miners had done some work, but with primitive tools and small results, and had left millions of stone hammers distributed at various points. Mr. Hays had prosecuted his summer's work a few rods east of Fort Wilkins, on what had been thought to be a vein, but as it developed a secondary formation Dr. Hussey upon consultation with the geologist, promptly stopped all further operations there.
Dr. Hussey spent a fortnight in his inspection of the mineral character of the country, and was then ready to turn his face homeward, having found of interest in that region of primitive nature and primitive man, bright and beautiful skies, clear, invigorating atmosphere, crystal waters fathomable by the eye to marvelous depths, and many other attractions all its own. Again, as on its upward course, the Algonquin delayed its appearance, and for two weeks more he kept up his look-out for its downward return; then, once on board, after a four days sail, he stepped ashore at Sault Ste. Marie There a large birch-bark canoe was procured, and loaded with four passengers, two Indians for a crew, and three or four trunks, which tested its full capacity. Oars and sails propelled the frail craft, their course keeping them some five to ten miles from shore. As the waters were calm. it was deemed best, after the doctor's persuasion, to push on till 3 o'clock next morning, when they reached Point de Tour, where he had first encamped on his way up, and there they slept in an Indian hut. At the end of the second day they landed safely, and with thankful hearts, at Mackinaw, where they could once more secure comfortable conveyance. Dr. Hussey gave his close personal attention to the affairs of the Pittsburgh & Boston Mining company, and made many trips to their mine in subsequent years, but none so memorable as this first one.
Mr. Hays remained there through the winter, and made some explorations on a supposed vein of black-oxide of copper but nothing of value was developed The next year --1845-further explorations were instituted, and mining operations transferred from Copper Harbor to Eagle River, where a wonderfully rich vein of mass copper was discovered and which soon became known as the "Cliff Mine." Mr. Hays rendered important service to the company in its early days, but did not retain his interest long enough to reap the full benefit of its ultimate success.
The Pittsburgh & Boston Mining company thus opened the first mine in the copper region and was the first to demonstrate that the metal could be procured in paying quantities. This mine -- the famous "Cliff" -- cost its owners, in assessments, $110,000.00 and paid them in dividends $2,280,000.00 before it gave out, thus yielding more than twenty-fold profit.
The success following this venture set the country into wild excitement, and the rush for the copper regions was almost equal to that toward the California gold fields a few years later. a description of the scenes witnessed, and of the speculation that ran rampant, was published some years ago, and from that we borrow the following illustrative points:
The policy of the general government at this time was not to sell mineral lands nor allow pre-emptions. These lands were not controlled by the general land office, but by the war department. An agent of that department was stationed on Porter's Island with his corps of engineers and draughtsmen. Permits, as they were called, were issued at Washington. These permits at first covered nine square miles but were finally reduced to one square mile. the department required returns to be made to the Mineral agency, giving an account of the work perfomed and mineral raised, and a payment to the mineral collector at the rate of twenty per cent mineral value. . . . .. These permits were issued in vast numbers; still there was much wire-pulling used to secure these invaluable documents, the mere possession of which was enough to make a man happy and affluent. It was the business of geologists, surveyors and explorers to hunt up elligible land upon which to plaster the permits. The country was prospected thoroughly for that purpose but at last an actual examination of land suitable for "locations" was abandoned as too slow, and the work of locating was done in the offices on the maps. One of the consequences was, that when owners came to examine their properties, guaranteed to be rich in copper and silver, the lands were found to be out under the lake or down among the Lower Silurians. . . . Many of these locations were never occupied as mines; at least not till many years afterward, and then by other parties; the lands fell back into the hands of the general government for disposal at some later day.
From the same publication we quote the following in relation to "Cliff Mine":
The "Old Cliff" is truly a historical mine. During the dark days that followed the excitement of 1846, and during other dark days which from time to time fell upon the copper region, the "Cliff" was a sure and steadfast reminder that copper mining could be made profitable in the upper peninsula. It was always a strong moral force, encouraging new hopes and enterprises. In the dark days it stood as a beacon light to the despondent operators through out the district; its failure would have been followed by general collapse, and the mineral wealth of Lake Superior would have been everywhere regarded as a punctured bubble."
The "Cliff" was a great mine, and once found, here was a great opportunity -- the first of its kind; how many are there who have the wisdom to make the most of their opportunities. Only a favored and gifted few. It might perhaps be claimed that almost any man of average good business capacity, or any company made up of such men, having once found a cliff deposit, would have conducted it through a similar splendid and satisfactory career; but that by no means follows. Many an admirable mining property has been wrecked, or had its profits greatly lessened by misdirected effort and wild expenditure. When Cliff mine was started, the business of mining in this country was entirely new, and it would have been but natural if great and costly mistakes had been made in efforts and methods. Mining so strongly stimulates the fancy, and 80 powerfully appeals to the imagination, that many engaging in it lose a large share of the common sense and prudence they are accustomed to exercise in their regular and daily employ, especially when their ventures give early and flattering promise. Just then a strong and courageous conservatism is needed, in order to prevent great and perhaps fatal waste. Cliff mine was threatened with all the early dangers of such enterprises. Great of pure metallic copper-the finest ever seen -- so excited most of the lucky owners that they were unwilling to wait for a healthy and practicable development, and, forgetting the difficulties of operating in a distant wilderness, and inevitable slowness of so opening the mine that its riches could be reached, they conseled large expenditures which would have availed nothing because the proposed facilities could not have been applied. Then it that there was occasion for the conservatism necessary to successful pioneering where we lack the guideboards of past experience. The same Comprehensiveness of view, energy and faith that led to the inception of the enterprise, and had conducted it to its first success, were now required for its safe continuance and were not found wanting The same master-spirit who had controlled affairs hitherto, now originated and insisted upon the obviously wise policy of first ascertaining and settling as far as possible the genuine and reliable character of the property underground, and when that was proved valuable, it would then be wise to make proper surface improve. meets, just as great and no greater, and just as fast and no faster, than they could be made use of. By this policy of always looking before leaping, and owing also to the fact that the affairs of the company were always conducted to the best advantage, and on strictly business principles, a great deal of squandering was prevented, and a more than corresponding addition was made to the profits. The company was fortunate in its first great discovery; it was also fortunate in the adoption of a grand but simple policy which insured the best results.
The first president of the company, upon its organization in 1844, was the Rev. Charles Avery-so well known for his great benevolence to the colored race-who retained the office until his death, January 17 1858. Dr Hussey was then elected to the position, and held it until the final winding up. The Hon. Thomas M. Howe was the secretary and treasurer until his death, July 20, 1877. Active mining operations ceased in 1870, the property was all disposed of within the next few years, and the affairs of the company were entirely closed up by & final distribution of assets in 1879. .
A large proportion of the copper in the Cliff mine was found in huge masses, which would weigh before division from one to thirty tons or more, and some of which required weeks and sometimes a month of labor in cutting up, before they could be removed from their places and hoisted to the surface. One large mass was blasted down, the weight of which was estimated at two hundred tons. Occasionally masses weighing four to six tons each were brought down for smelting. The transfers at Sault Ste. Marie were slow, laborious and expensive, until the opening of the great "Soo" canal in May, 1855.
When such immense masses were first sent down for treatment, the problem of the manipulation of copper in such unwieldy bodies had not yet been solved. Skilled smelters from Swansea, and in Boston and Baltimore, who had hitherto been accustomed to handling ores only with a shovel or in small lumps, were perhaps, more at a loss than those who had no previous ideas to cut loose from. Early in the year 1847, after the opening of the Cliff mine, and before any other of the Lake Superior mass mines were worked on a large scale, the company endeavored to have the masses smelted at the Revere copper works in Boston. At hese works they found them so difficult to handle and treat that they charged eighty dollars a ton for smelting. During the same year, 1847, an experiment was made at the Fort Pitt foundry in Pittsburgh, in an ordinary cannon furnace, by taking down the side of the furnace and building it up after the charge was in. The copper was then cast in pigs in a sand bed. So much copper was lost in slag and black copper needing refining, that it was manifest, after one attempt, that this style of furnace could not be used, and no further attempts were made in that direction. In 1848, several hundred tons having been sold to the copper works in Baltimore, they built a reverberatory furnace, with one side almost entirely open and a small door on the other. The large masses of copper were introduced at the open side and pulled into the furnace by attaching chains to them which passed through the small door on the opposite side, and were there attached to a capstan. The charge once in the furnace, the side was built up, and the operation of melting conducted as for iron. This, however, was ruinous to the bottom, and the expense for labor in charging and making repairs was too great for continuance. As the result of these experiments, the smelting of masses of copper, unless cut into very small pieces (an expense for which the price of copper did not justify), was considered one of the questions almost too difficult for solution. The attempts made had met with so little success that great discouragement was felt, and it was finally gravely proposed to smelt the masses with sulpher or sulphorous ore to reduce the metallic copper to a matte! This, however, was never done.
Dr. Hussey, upon whom the burden of the solution of the problem had been laid, was, nevertheless, convinced that there was a right way, and that it would be found. It occurred to him that a furnace could be built with a movable top, and this proved to be a solution so ample that former troubles seemed laughable. Notwithstanding the incredulity of those around him, he at once erected a reverberatory furnace, similar to those used in Swansea for refining the sulphurous ores of Chili, but with a movable cover. The cover was lifted to one side, the masses were hoisted by a crane and let down into their bed upon the bottom, the cover was replaced, and the thing was done. The first ingots cast were, in every respect, as good as those now made. The excellence of this original and first successful furnace was proven by the working practice of many years, and the same model was followed in the subsequent erection of copper smelting furnaces in Cleveland by Joseph G. Hussey & Company, and at Detroit by the Detroit Copper company. It was thus made possible to smelt at a profit ; without such solution of the difficulty the value of the mine would have been so small as to scarcely pay for working.
The only market for the copper mined and smelted was through a commission house in New York. This threatened to make an over-supply and put the Pittsburgh & Boston Mining company comparatively at the mercy of the east, which accorded but poorly with Dr. Hussey's sense of the proprieties of profit. As there was no manufacturing of copper done west of the Alleghany Mountains, the mills of Connecticut had the entire west to themselves in the copper, sheet brass, etc.; thus it seemed to him that a concern at Pittsburgh might realize a profit by saving two freights and by getting nearer to the consumers, and at the same time benefit the Pittsburgh & Boston Mining company by consuming a large portion of their product, and thus withdrawing it from a threatened surplusage in the east.
Sometime in 1848 he began to agitate these views, but met with no encouragement for a long time. All who were approached held back: He strongly urged Mr. Howe to join him, but for some time he also declined the great opportunity, thus adding to the infinite number of examples showing how slowly new ideas win recognition and adoption. Nevertheless, the scheme was too clearly developed, and too firmly lodged in the mind of its projector, to be in any danger of abandonment, and Mr. Avery, after much discussion, As finally persuaded to match the doctor's $3o,ooo, and thus, with a capital of $60,000, the firm of C. G. Hussey & Co. was formed. Mr. Avery's connection was a peculiar one, he was in reality no partner; he merely advanced $30,ooo for the benefit of Mr. Howe, the real and virtually the only partner, who guaranteed to Mr. Avery ten per cent. interest on the amount. - This was a most fortunate arrangement for Mr. Howe, for the concern was very prosperous, and; his one-half interest was soon paid for and free, without his having been called upon for any personal contribution whatever
The mill was built in 1849-50, a" on July 1, 1850, manufacturing was commenced, and a wherehouse opened for the sale of its products. It will be interesting, in this connection, to give the following extract from a contribution by Mr. Howe to 'A History of American Manufacturers,' by J. Leander Bishop, Vol. III., 1867.
As the Pittsburgh Copper and Brass Works was the first establishment projected for working exclusively American copper, and as the senior partner was one of the first successful explorers and adventurers in the copper regions of Lake Superior, his history is that of a pioneer in the development of what has become an important element of national wealth.
The attention of &. C 0. Hussey was attracted to the- Lake Superior region in the summer of 1843 immediately following the consummation of the Chippewa treaty, which extinguished the possessory claims of the numerous tribes of Indians known by that name, and he dispatched thereto, during the same season, a am" party to mote the necessary examinations preliminary to the organization of a regular mining force, if their report should prove favorable In the summer of 1844 he visited the region himself, and under his direction was commenced the first mining shaft, which was sunk in the vicinity of what is now known as " Copper Harbor" on a tract selected in pursuance of the first permit to locate lands issued by the United States' government e in the following summer regular mining operations were commenced by the company, originated by Dr. Hussey, and known as the " Pittsburgh . and Boston Mining company," of which he is now (1867), the president. on the second tract selected in that region and upon which is located the celebrated "Cliff Mine," This mine was the first to give character to the section as a reliable and remunerative copper producing district, and up to this time it has produced more than seven millions of dollars worth of copper, and paid to its stock holders a sum exceeding two millions of dollars.
The Pittsburgh Copper Works, it will thus be perceived, are the legitimate outgrowth of the extensive and profitable mining enterprises with which its propriators have been long and intimately associated.
The "Pittsburgh Copper and Brass Rolling Mills," as they are called, and the smelting works are located on the Monongahela river a mile above town and of these Dr. Hussey is now, and has been for several years, the sole owner. the mills are still running in as full blast as ever, and are among the most active industries of Pittsburgh. They used most of the product of the Cliff mine until that property gave out'' and since then have bought their stock from the mines still in operation. The products are put into market by the extensive house of C. G. Hussey & Company which has continued the business without intermission under the old firm name. In 1858-59 the present splendid warehouse at 49 Fifth avenue was erected, and in the spring of 1859 they removed to it, and have cotinued to occupy it ever since.
As already stated; Dr. Hussey was the first man to successfully make crucible cast steel in large quantities, and of the best quality.
It seemed to him a reproach that in this great and growing country, with its natural, resources, all the steel used should be of foreign make. He knew the experiment had been tried by others and had failed He also had evidence in abundance that the public had no faith in the attempt, and that if he undertook it, it would be in the face of open and active hostility. His steel project wa received, even by his immediate friends, with much the same douby and coldness, amounting to positive opposition, that met his plans for a copper mill ten years before. After many objections, and finding that he was fully determined to try the experiment of manufacturing cast steel, Mr. Howe finally consented that the firm of C. G. Hussey & Company might engage in it. He could not, however, refrain from accompanying consent with the warning that one or more concerns in Pittsburgh, and many others In the United States bad utterly failed in the attempt Mr. Howe, although thus a partner in both the copper and steel enterprises, yet never gave any personal attention whatever to either business, so that the entire burden of both fell upon the shoulders of their projector.
Of all the failures alluded to, the doctor was well aware but with a firm faith in himself, and a supreme conviction of right, that was in itself a sure prophecy of success, he persevered without a halt. All opposition, warnings and prognostications- of evil only served to stimulate him, and as difficult" arose hi' inflexible purpose only mounted the higher. With such conviction, faith and purpose, but one result was possiple -success. He decided to allow the experiment a fare trial up to the expenditure of a hundred thousand dollars, and began in 1859 with the purchase of the old steel plant of Blair & Company. The difficulties he had looked for did not fail him. England had, in her own interest, educated this country in the belief that the article could not be produced here. Men laughed at the pioneer endeavor. At first the blacksmiths would not use the new material; the public had no faith in it. Butt he kept on; he threw his Anglo-Saxon grit into the balance, and determined not to give up until every resource of courage and skill had been exhausted. He would never have undertaken to make cast steel by the old English methods, he adopted new methods, perfecting what he calls " the direct process," which consists in cutting up the iron into small pieces and putting it into the crucible, and then adding the proper amount of charcoal to carbonize the iron, it being then melted in the usual way.
The old process, which has always been used in England, is to put the bars of iron with charcoal into what is called a cementing furnace, in which the iron is roasted at a high heat for one to two weeks, so as to enable it to absorb the carbon, the product being what is called blister steel. The carbonization being quite irregular, in order to secure uniformity of quality this, crude steel is broken into small pieces, and after being assorted into various numbers, according to degree of carbonization, is melted in a crucible. This is a long and expensive method compared with the " direct process," but the latter was attacked bitterly by the agents of English steel in New York and elsewhere, who declared that good steel could not be made in any such way. Nevertheless, after the Hussey steel works had been running for two or three years, it was discovered that good steel could be made and was being made in this country, and other works were started, they adopting however, the old English cementation process. They all raised the hue and cry that Dr. Hussey could not make good steel by his direct process, which of course, had its influence in prejudicing the people agai8nst the Hussey make of steel; but in the face of all his opposition, he meanwhile built up a good business, and, as he knew he was right he could afford to bide his time; and he thinks that now there is not a single steel concern in the United States which has not adopted the "direct process," and believes it is also being adopted in England.
It must be borne in mind that we are speaking of crucible cast steel - that is, steel made entirely in the crucible - for since that time other direct methods of making steels that are homogeneous, or uniform throughout the mass, have been invented, such as Bessemer and Open Hearth, which make common steels on an immense scale.
Speeking of Bessemer steel reminds us that, in 1862, being somewhat broken down in health after his three years fight in working up the crucible steel business, he made a trip to Europe. While in England he met Mr. Morgan of the house of Peabody & Company, who solicited him to take an interest in the Bessemer patent for America. He was requested to go to Sheffield to see a "blow," and did so. Mr. Bessemer's partner having asked an expression of opinion upon what he had seen, the doctor replied that he thought the process doubtless had a great future before it. Upon his return home, although the inclination to engage in the new enterprise was strong, he decided that the development of still another great process - then far from being perfected - would involve too great an addition of risk and labor to be prudent, and the Bessemer proposition was finally declined.
The first year after the steel business was started, a pressure of other affairs prevented him giving it much personal attention and considerable money was lost. After this he took the entire management of making steel into his own hands, and the money lost was soon regained; and from many new processes, and changes in methods and general management which he adopted, the profits increased from year to year, and he has ever since continued his personal supervision of the business.
Besides his original developments, Dr. Hussey has made other valuable improvements in the manufacture of steel, the details of which we omit.
The outcome of a small beginning and that to which it has led, is best shown by a visit to the great steel establishment of Hussey, How & Company, which covers over five acres of Pittsburgh's most valuable land, which is filled with massive and costly machinery, which employs a large number of men, which sends its products throughout all the country, and which has a name for good work and honorable dealing that is excelled by none.
Dr. Hussey has always been most generous in promoting the prosperity of all connected with him, and has been ever ready in giving due credit to the deserving, attributing a large share of his successes to those whom he haw gathered around him. The right man in the right place was of particular value to him in the early days of steel; and among the good and true who began with him in 1859 was Mr. James Adair. Mr. Adair organized the accounts and constructed numerous tables that were indispensable to secure proper understanding of current work, and of the complicated causes leading up to ascertained results. His special talents in his department were eminently serviceable in the outset when all were feeling their way, and when the lack of prop" accounts and tables might have resulted in serious loss; and much has depended upon his capacity and industry, not only at the start, but up to the present time.
We cannot close our consideration of the steel business without mentioning the name of one of the staff most intimately connected with the founder-his son, C Curtis Hussey. " Curtis," as he was familiarly called, was too young to enter the arena in the beginning, but he did so after one or two years. As events proved, he had inherited great business ability, being a worthy son of a worthy sire, and gradually rose to the chief management of the entire business. This he retained with distinguished success for many years, but its responsibilities and requirements ultimately proved too great a tax upon the life powers of one- who did not spare himself, and on the first day of March, I 884, he gave up the great struggle and peacefully passed away. Thus, in a manhood still young, and with the promise of a long and useful career before him, he was removed from a stricken father and mother, an only and loving sister, and a bereaved wife and family The following communication from Mr. Adair to Dr. Hussey was read at the funeral, and is a touching tribute that will show better than anything we can say, the regard in which Curtis was held by those who knew him best.
PITTSBURGH, March 2, 1884
DEAR SIR:-There are times when grief is so sacred, and the stricken household such holy ground, that even the voice of Sympathy should he hushed, its footfalls unheard, and its tears unseen, and when all it would say or do should be entrusted to the silent messenger who asks no audience, wearies no time, nor taxes the heavy laden for an answering word. Through him I send all my sympathy. Words of comfort, philosophy and religion are vain, for the hours of suffering have come Nevertheless, God and his great high priest, Time, ever live and reign, and as the days softly step upon the troubled mind, they say, "peace, he still," and lo, in a little while a great calm shall come
I shall miss Curtis a great deal, for we have worked together for over a score of years, beginning with our young manhood. If " labor is worship," in all religion he set us an example Industry and duty praise him, while gentleness, kindness and charity, which is forgiveness, claim him as their boy. And if I miss him, how can I estimate your loss without the infinite factor of a father's love for an only son, with which to make the multiplication 7 God knows the answer, but he will soon begin to rub away the long line of figures with his own kind hand.
Yours with great respect and regard,
JAMES ADAIR.
To Dr. C. G. Hussey.
Dr. Hussey is also at the head of other manufacturing enterprises, but upon these we will not enlarge.
There is much more that might be told to show his enterprise in assisting to develop the resources of the country; we will content ourselves, however, with a brief mention of only a few additional items. Besides taking the share he did in connection with the Cliff mine, he was a leading spirit in the development of the Aztec, Adventure, North American, Medora, Mass, Northwestern, National and other copper mines, of which the National paid good dividends and continued to do so for several years He was among the. earliest to secure extensive tracts of iron lands, as well as copper, in the Michigan peninsula, on some of which mines had been opened and worked. In California, also he was among the first, having begun explorations in 1849. Gold, silver and copper in Georgia, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, British Columbia, Mexico and elsewhere, have received his active attention, and have been sought for with free expenditures.
Having been so long and so well known as the pioneer of Pittsburgh, in copper mining, his office was the first place for several years to which mining schemes from every point were brought. Much of his time was often occupied in their consideration. He was flooded with ig tales, every prospect was pleasing and nothing vile, the show was admirable, a fortune of untold millions was already blocked out and in sight, there could be no mistake about the value of the mine, and success was "dead sure" in every case; but he never took hold without having a personal examination made of the property by a gentleman who was without superior as a mining expert, and who made at least a hundred such examinations for him and his friends. Just enough was done and spent to ascertain the probable true character of the property, and nearly every piece was rejected, scarcely one of such rejected schemes being ever heard of again; a few were engaged in with varying success. These dangerous traps were set for many years, and it was a continual fight to keep out of unworthy schemes. The attention given to them cost a considerable sum in the aggregate, and vast amount of brain work, but the doctor and his associates in them were pleased to come out so well as they did and they had the satisfaction of gratifying their pioneering tastes, and, at the same time, of doing their full share in promoting the general development of their country.
In all the great enterprises in copper and steel with which his name is associated, Dr. Hussey has been as stated, the originator and prime mover, and has permanently controlled and sustained them from the beginning, and throughout their continuation. His has been the master mind without whose hand no important move was made - those with whom he has been connected, and those with whom he is still connected having had the good sense to appreciate his wisdom, and deeming themselves fortunate in their enjoyment of its benefits. The history of the majority of similar successful undertakings always has been, and always will be the history of one man, or of a limited number of its benefits. The history of the majority of similar successful undertakings always has been, and always will be the history of one man, or of a limited number of men possessing mental abilities and endowments far above the general inheritance of their fellow creatures.
Dr. Hussey's business policy since coming to Pittsburgh, has been some what unusual in one respect, which is that in his mining and manufacturing enterprises, and investments in property, he has never borrowed any money, and it has always been his custom to keep large cash reserves in his different concerns. If all business men would follow the same policy, we should have no money inflations, depressions, panics or widespread insolvency, and business friction would be greatly reduced.
In 1860, or early in 1861, Mr. Lewis Bradley began to agitate the founding of an observatory in Allegheny. Some three or four gentlemen met, of whom Dr. Hussey was one, and their first thought was to start by placing a modest telescope in some house in that city. But their thought expanded, and they decided to buy a good tract of land, erect a suitable building, and put in a large instrument. The present site on Observatory hill was selected, and a tract of twenty acres was secured at a cost of $20,000, now probably worh $100,000. Dr. Hussey was elected president of the Observatory company, and Mr. William Thaw was made treasurer. On the twenty-third of November, 1861, he paid in his first subscription of one thousand dollars, to whch other thousands were added from time to tie by himself, Mr. Thaw and others. The observatory was erected and equipped with a fine telescope and a good assortment of appurtenant instruments, and was for two or three years under the management of Mr. Bradley. He was succeeded by Professor Philotus Dean, who had the management for some three or four years, and was followed by the present incumbent, Professor S. P. Langley. Dr. Hussey remained president until the whole property was consolidated with the Western university, in 1867 ir 1868. Upon the transfer, at the insistance of Dr. George Woods, then chancellor of the university, Professor Langley was appointed "director," as the astronomical superintendent of the observatory is styled, and a most happy appointment it was. The professor was free from family cares, and being wedded only to science - the focus of his affections - and possessing great natural scientific aptitudes, the results have been adequate to the furnishments. By the great liberality and intelligent cooperation of Mr. Thaw, Professor Langley's expadition to Mount Whitney, in southern California, in 1881, was inaugurated. Professor Langley was supplied with every facility for his purposes, and the magnificence of the results of the expedition attests the scientific abilities of the professor and constitutes an ample reward to the gentleman whose liberality had alone made the expedition possible. Under such auspices of talent and money, the Allegheny observatory has become one of the most renowned institutions of the kind in the world, and is a matter of pride to every citizen of this vicinity. Dr. Hussey has been a trustee of the Western university for many years, which position he still holds. He thus also remains connected with the observatory, although he no longer gives personal attention to the active management of its affairs.
Another noted Pittsburgh institution clams him among its founders - the School of Design for Women. The position and needs of woman have engaged his profound sympathies, and he has ever been on the alert to give such sympathies practical expression. In 1864, Mr. Thomas W. Braidwood, principal of the School of Design at Philadelphia, came to Pittsburgh for the purpose of establishing a similar institution in this city. He at once sought out Dr. Hussey, and soon enlisted his sympathies and active cooperation. Their plans were made and presented to others, and they were afterwards joined by William Thaw, Charles J. Clarke, and a number of other liberal-minded gentlemen. In January, 1865, the organization was effected and work begun. Dr. Hussey was the first president, and Miss Mary J. Greig, who had been Mr. Braidwood's first assisstant in Philadelphia, was the first principal, and remained as such until her marriage to Mr. Nicholas Veeder in 1866. After Miss Greig's resignation, Dr. Hussey went to Philadelphia to secure her successor, and made arragements for the coming of Miss Esther K. Hayhurst, a lady of rare qualifications, who occupied the position until her death, about four years later. Dr. Hussey desired a woman as successor to Miss Hayhurst, but finding that many of the contributors preferred to have a man as principal, he resigned and Mr. Hugh Newell became the principal, retaining the position until June, 1878. Miss Annie W. Henderson, an early pupil, was then elected to the principalship and still holds it, having shown her competency by her successful management and artistic work.
Dr. Hussey resigned the presidency for the reason that the election of a man to the chief management of an institution, founded expressly for the benefit of women, was contrary to his sense of right, and he could not consent to cooperate with an official whom he deemed so much out of place. Although his active official connections thus came to a close, yet he has always remained a liberal contributor. Mr. Henry Phipp Jr., as his successor, was president several years, and upon his resignation Mr. Charles J. Clarke was elected and still occupies the office. The school has always been a useful institution, and under the special patronage of Messrs. Clarke and Thaw has continued to flourish. Through their influence the present admirable rooms were secured in the building of the Young Men's Christian Association, and whence radiate far and wide the beautifying and elevating influences of genuine art. It's patrons have the satisfaction of knowing that their efforts are yielding an abundance of good and lasting results. Prractical application of the arts taught in this school is made in numerous ways. Some of our manufacturers of furniture, pottery, glass, etc,. repeat its designs in their beautiful and varied wares, and our homes are adorned in numberless ways with tasteful articles which have been endowed with value and beauty by the pupils of the School of Design.
Dr. Hussey, as previously stated, is of Quaker descent, and, in religion, politics, and social matters his views agree in the main with those of the Society of Friends.
He is a strong opponent of war, and in accordance with the teachings of that body of Christians, believes that wars are entirely unnecessary and that the principles of true Christianity, if applied in practice, would cause them to be avoided. He is also a strong anti-slavery man - a friend of the negro, and before the war of the Rebellion was outspoken in his views in regard to slavery.
He is desirous of increasing the power and influence of woman, and has given very liberally of his means, and has not spared his personal efforts in her behalf. His regard for woman, and his broad, catholic ideas as to her proper political and social position, are a legitimate inheritance from his Quaker ancestry. The Friends believe that woman's capacities constitute a God-given certificate of her proper duties and place. Whatever she is qualified by natural endowments and by education to do, that she should be allowed and encouraged to do without hinderance of any kind. To deny her this in an impeachment of the wisdom of her Heavenly Father, from whom she has received her divine gifts. It is always safe to be just, and man will only know what he has lost in the past when he sees in the future the benefits that will accrue to himself from the practice of full justice to woman.
Dr. Hussey has a remarkable faculty for divining the course of events, that seems at times almost to amount to a gift of prophecy. He forecasts the improbable and anticipates the unexpected with an accuracy that is sometimes startling; but his conclusions are all arrived at only through the closest reasoning and most thorough analysis. If his lot had been cast in Wall street, he would have been one of its kings. Emerson says that we may arrive at a very good estimate of a person's character in a conversation of five minutes. It requires but a limited intercourse with Dr. Hussey to see that he is an exceptional man, and to gain something of a clue to the secrets of his success.
In person, Dr. Hussey is tall and of fine appearance, and would be marked in any assembly as a distinguished-looking man. In disposition he is quiet and retiring, and although so widely known through his enterprises, he is seen and known but little in a social way. This seclusion is more of a loss to others than to himself, as the few who meet him socially are well aware. Many of his quiet home hours have been given to the shaping of his enterprises, also many to the diligent perusal of the best authors, of whose choicest treasures his retentive memory has secured a rich supply. With such stories of ripe thought within himself, he is never less alone than when alone. His very modesty and diffidence sometimes give an impression of austerity which a more intimate acquaintance would remove, for he is affable, considerate, and easily approached. Though a good talker, and having an abundance of valuable information and sound views to impart, he is nevertheless a good listener, and will hear with attention and just appreciation what the humblest individual may have to say. One might think that a man who has achieved such large success and enjoyed for so long a time the consideration and respect arising from it, would have become somewhat affected by such influences, but, though dignified in his demeanor, there is no trace of hauteur in his personal intercourse with people of any class. His sympathies are on the side of the humble, the poor and the oppressed, and by those with whom he is in daily and familiar intercourse - his acquantances, business associates and employees - he is regarded with veneration and affection. And well may this be, for now in the evening of life, upon looking back over a long and laborious business career of more than sixty years, he can safely say that while he has benefited many he has injured none.
Although advanced in years, and now at a period where most men who brave the storms and rigors of life feel the need of perfect rest and abstinence from business cares, he still fills a busy place in the world, giving daily attention to his immense interests, watching the progress of events with keen vision, giving aid and encouragement to those about him, and looking over a long life that although full of labor has been crowned with splendid returns. He is held in the highest respect and esteem by the community in which he has produced such ample results, and his name will always hold a high place in the list of the pioneer manufacturers of the west.