"The first rope-walk erected west of the Allegheny Mountains, was established in Pittsburgh in 1794, and was located on the ground now occupied by the Monongahela House. The business was carried on by Col. John Irwin and wife.... Immediately following the death of Col. Irwin, Mrs. Irwin gave her son an interest in the business; and it was carried on under the name and style of Mary and John Irwin. In the year 1795 the works were removed to the square bounded by Liberty, Third, and Fourth Streets and Redoubt Alley. In view of the increasing demand for their products, and confined limits of this locality, the walk was removed in 1812 to the bank of the Allegheny River between Marbury Street and the point, where the entire rigging for Perry's fleet was manufactured.... Mrs. Irwin, on account of her age, and loss of health, resolved to quit business, in view of which she disposed of her interest to her son, who, in accordance with his preconceived notions on the subject, commenced the erection, in Allegheny, in 1813, of one of the most extensive works in the West, on the ten-acre out-lot bounded by the West Commons, Water Lane (now Western Avenue), out-lots Nos. 275, 29, and 30. It was known and designated as out-lot No. 276 in the 'Reserve Tract opposite Pittsburg.' Mr. Irwin successfully carried on the business until Jan. 1, 1835, when he associated with him his son Henry, under the name of John Irwin & Son." _Parke's Recollections of seventy years._ "Mr. Charles Rosenbaum has established a shop for making Piano Fortes, which are of superior quality. They are equal in elegance of workmanship, and in tone, to any imported. We are happy to hear that his success meets his most flattering expectation." _Cramer's Almanack, 1816._ "Knitting needle making has been commenced by Messrs. Frethy and Pratt. In New-York pin making is going on lively. It is hoped our females will be well supplied with these articles especially with the first." _Cramer's Navigator, 1817._ "Trunks are made smartly by J. M. Sloan, who wants for this purpose deer skins with the hair on. Stocking weaving, for want of encouragement, perhaps goes on but slowly. We see no reason why a stocking cannot be wove as cheap and as good here as in any other part of the world. Brush-making. Mr. Blair conducts this business to great advantage and manufactures vast quantities of brushes. Much more could be done were the farmers more careful of their hogs' bristles." _Cramer's Navigator, 1817._ Traveling Eastward QUICK TRANSPORTATION. "In the course of the present week, waggons have arrived at Pittsburgh, in _thirteen days from Philadelphia_, with loads of 3500 lbs. and upwards." _Mercury, May 11, 1816._