The history of the first locomotives in America. From original ...

CLAIMS TO FIKST LOCOMOTIVES. 17I
CHAPTER XXXIIl.
CLAIMS TO PIEST LOCOMOTIVES.
In previous pages tte author has stated that he vas
mainly induced to compile this history in consequence
of the numerous statements in the puUic journals,
giving what they supposed to be correct accounts
or histories of the first locomotive built and run upon a
railroad ia the United States, and his desire to settle
that much-disputed question of the first locomotive that
vras in the actual service of a company. The foUovnng
from the Philadelphia Public Ledger^ of January 18,
1869, is a sample of those statements vrhich have, from
time to time, been spread before the public, as the
true history of the first locomotive. Since this statement
was published in the Ledger, the author has been
frequently told that the first American locomotive was
built in Philadelphia, and run upon the Germantown
and Morristown Eailroad, in 1832. The communica-
tion in the Ledger reads thus
"The first really eflfective locomotive in America," says Mr.
Haskell, in the Coachmaker's Journal, " was built in Philadelphia,
from a draught by Rufus Tyler, a brother-in-law of the late Matthias
Baldwin, of Philadelphia. Messrs. Tyler & Baldwin had formed
a co-partnership and entered into business at the corner of Sixth
and Miner Streets, Philadelphia, where the plans and patterns were
made and the building of the iron horse commenced. In consequence
of a misunderstanding, the partnership was dissolved, and
Mr. Baldwin continued the "business, removing to a shop in Lodge
Alley, where the engine was completed. Mr. Tyler was at that
time considered the best mechanic in America. The wheels of
the engine were made of wood, with broad rims and thick tires,
the flange being bolted on the side. It was called ' Old Ironsides,'
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