William C. McCarthy

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William C. McCarthy (1820 - January 27, 1900) was Mayor of Pittsburgh from 1875-1878.

Mayor McCarthy was born in 1820. He was known as "Roaring Bill". His reputation as a volunteer fireman was legendary. McCarthy's trade was that of Pressman with the Pittsburgh Dispatch.

The Industrial Revolution was gearing up and Pittsburgh was annexing neighboring townships and boroughs. In 1868, Bloomfield became part of the city. During his first administration, the police department ceased orally assuring the citizenry "that all is well, " and inclined planes began to ascend Mount Washington.

A Steeple-View of the Pittsburgh Conflagation, an engraving by M.B. Leiser
A Steeple-View of the Pittsburgh Conflagation, an engraving by M.B. Leiser

The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 occurred during his second term as mayor. Striking railroad workers clashed in a fierce battle with Philadelphia Militiamen at the 28th Street Roundhouse. Rail traffic was brought to cessation, and the terminal was burned. Mayor McCarthy was elected City Controller in 1878.

He died January 27, 1900 and is buried in an unmarked grave in Uniondale Cemetery on the northside.

See also: List of Mayors of Pittsburgh
Preceded by
James Lowry, Jr.
Mayor of Pittsburgh
1866–1868
Succeeded by
James Blackmore
Preceded by
James Blackmore
Mayor of Pittsburgh
1875–1878
Succeeded by
Robert Liddell