Rensselaer Republican, Volume 13, Number 24, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 March 1881 — Peter Cooper and the First American Locomotive. [ARTICLE]

Peter Cooper and the First American Locomotive.

From the Oinclonatl Gazette. The recent anniversary of Peter Cooper's 90th birthday was duly celebrated in the institute which he founded. Among the topics introduced was the locomotive which he constructed for the Baltimore and Ohio road aud which was the first of American manufacture. This recalls some facts connected with the history of that road, which in its day was a most stupendous enterprise. By reference to Nile’s Register I learn that after an effort, prolonged nearly two lyears, the corner-stone of the road (as it was termed) was laid on the 4th of July, 1828. This, indeed, was the special celebration of the natal day, and the occasion was one of highly imposing character. The “cornerstone" was laid by Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, th 6 sole survivor of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, who was then ninety-one, a year older than Peter Cooper himself. The music was composed for the occasion, and was called the “Carrollton March " and the orator of the day (John B. Morris) introduced a beautiful tribute to the distinguished patriot. The procession was one of the most imposing ever witnessed in America on any civic occasion. It was headed by a troop of hussars, aud then came pioneers, followed by the Masonic fraternity. The other features included the farmers with a platform bearing a plow, also an apple tree, under which stood a milch cow and a man milking. The bakers, the tailors, the millers, the blacksmiths, stone cutters, aud all other crafts were represented in a similar manner, presenting a very long and varied spectacle. The printers formed a conspicuous feature.* The car was sixteen feet long and nine feet wide, adorned with portraits of Washington and Franklin, with other distinguished men, accompanied by suitable mottoes. A printing press, composing stands, with other appointments, were in use, and also a force of craftsmen all at work under the charge of Niles, of Niles’ Register, as foreman. Two boys dressed as Mercuries attracted much attention They distributed the declaration of independence, and also an ode, both printed during the procession. The address of Mr. Morris was also printed, and a copy handed to Mr. Carroll an hour after its delivery. Another striking feature was the ship Union, 27 by 6, with sails set, and with a captain and crew, all'’busy in response to the boatswain’s whistle. As the union passed the grand marshal, it was hailed as follows: “Ship, ahoy!" “Hallo!”

the name of ship and captain?” “The Union, Captain Gardner.” Fr what Port and where bound?”“From Baltimore and bound to the Ohio.” “How will you get over the mountain?” “We’ll go by the railroad.” “What’s your cargo?” “Live stock.”

The crew sang the following ode, to the tune “Hail to the Chief,” while Charles Carroll, with a firm hand placed the spade iii the ground: .to th* toad which triumphant commences Still closer t’ unite the Kaet and Went ■ n °’” Hall to th. hope ln our riaion that WHb proeperoos commerce a*alo to be bleat OJseer loodbr. cheer the petetoUcnge Who flrat of all toga In spite of hleMe, iU. Carroll was then cheered by the whole populace in an enthusiastic manner. Aa every vessel has a clearance the following entry was made on the books of the custom house: “Cleared ship Union, for Marietta and Cincinnati,” and the list of officers was added in usual form. Such is a brief reference to the beginning of the first great American railway enterprise which Is recalled by the fact that the loepmotive for its use was built by Peter Cooper, More than a half cenoccasion, and probably Peter Cooper is the only survivor of the workfag force then engaged inservice. (’harlJa Carroll lived to see his nlnety-sixS year, and perhaps Peter Cooper may reach a full century. What a reniark- ***«•* these two distinguished nonagenarians