History of Wilkinsburg

Wilkinsburg's first known European settlers were Mrs. Sutia Stewart Rippey and Mr. Samuel Allen Rippey. They established a log tavern located on what is now Penn Ave. The Rippey Tavern attracted other settlers and in 1788 the settlement was large enough to be called Rippeyville. Also in 1788, Mrs. Rippey's brother, Colonel Dunning McNair, purchased several large pieces of land , covering most of the extent of the present borough. In 1790, McNair laid out the first plan of lots and changed the name to McNairsville. He built the first mansion in the area, Dumpling Hall. This was the center for most of the social activity. This would also be the home of pioneer James Kelly.

James Kelly came into the picture around 1800 and acquired thousands of acres here where he rose to riches and prominence. He was connected with almost every business, financial, religious and civic activity in Wilkinsburg for the next half century. He donated the land for most of the churches of all denominations, the two homes for the aged and the schools of the Borough. He favored schools and once maintained a private school in Dumpling Hall for his own family and for the public. He advanced the money for the first public school here in 1840.

Wilkinsburg was then annexed to the City of Pittsburgh. Kelly believed this was unwise and, unable to convince his neighbors otherwise, he entered the battle single-handed. After a long battle, Kelly won and Wilkinsburg, in 1871, again returned to its independence as Sterret Township. Wilkinsburg owes much to Kelly's memory for he did more than any other in preparing the ground work for her foundation. He is buried in the churchyard at Beulah.

Also during the lifetimes of McNair and Kelly, the Wilkins also flourished here and from this distinguished family the town received its name. John Wilkins was a large property holder and a prominent citizen. His brother, William Wilkins, was a judge of the county courts, one of the founders and the first president of the Bank of Pittsburgh, legislator, state senator, minister to Russia in the administration of the President Tyler and reached the heights of his public career by becoming Secretary of War under that president. His great mansion "Homewood" was located near the present Homewood cemetery. "Homewood" was the seat of many activities and the Great Road through Wilkinsburg carried many distinguished travelers to the estate.

People soon wanted to create a borough out of the village. This began in 1886 and within a year the necessary preliminaries had been completed. On October 5, 1887 Wilkinsburg formally came into being. From the date of the incorporation, the community rapidly advanced in both numbers and accomplishments and, in due course of time, streets were paved, lighting installed, fire and police companies organized and the growing pains of a healthy community were experienced by the citizens.