Images(4)

Pen, Metal Nib

Object number2019.98.4

MediumBronze; Wood

Credit LineGift of Charlotte O'Neil Oliver

DescriptionTan-colored wood pen with a bronze metal nib. Wooden pen holder is longer and narrow, with the widest part around the middle that tapers down to a blunt point at the end. Metal nib is pointed with two tines and has engraved text on top. Pen grip is also bronze and has engraved texture with a number on top.MarksEngraved text on top of pointed nib: "[illegible] / & Co. / NEW YORK / 2".

Engraved number on top of grip: "2".
Historical NotesThis writing pen is attributed to John Harper. John Harper was born in County Donegal, Ireland, and emigrated to America with his parents in 1820. When the family first came to America, they settled in Washington, D.C., and by 1826, several years after the death of Harper's father, the family moved to Jefferson County, Ohio. In 1832, Harper, who was already working as a bookkeeper in Pittsburgh, accepted a position of clerk with the Bank of Pittsburgh. He rose from clerk to cashier and finally to the president of the bank. As the president of the Bank of Pittsburgh, he became a community leader and held offices in various benevolent and commercial associations. He was actively involved in two important Pittsburgh receptions in 1865: the funeral procession of President Lincoln and General Grant's celebration. He also served as a founder of the Western Pennsylvania Hospital, trustee of Western University of Pennsylvania (University of Pittsburgh), corporator and director of the Allegheny Cemetery, and commissioner of the sinking fund of Allegheny County. With commercial organizations, Harper served as president of the Pittsburgh Clearing House, president of the Pittsburgh and Allegheny Suspension Bridge Company, and director of the Monongahela Navigation Company. Harper was married for over 50 years to Lydia Electa, daughter of Nathan W. Metcalf of Otsego County, New York. The couple had five sons and one daughter who all survived childhood and received a college education. These children are: John Arunah Harper, Albert Metcalf Harper, Orlando M. Harper, Charles Spang Harper, and Lydia Mallory.

Related person Franklin Cadwallader Irish (1877 - 1951)

Related person Lydia Electa Metcalf Harper

Related institution Western Pennsylvania Hospital

Related person Abraham Lincoln (1809 - 1865)

Previous owner Ulysses S. Grant

Related institution University of Pittsburgh

Related institution Pittsburgh Clearing House

Related person Nathan W. Metcalf

Related person Albert Metcalf Harper

Related person Orlando M. Harper

Related person Charles S. Harper

Related person Lydia Mallory