From the Pittsburg Times, [4] February 1896.

To the Editor of the Times -- Sir:
I notice in The Times of February 3 the following question: "After whom was Wylie avenue named?" The evidence so far seems to favor Stephen Wylie, who lived on the hill. He had a son-in-law who was chief of police during the time Gabriel Adams was mayor of the city. I cannot recall his name. That is the Stephen Wylie I refer to.

While I was a small lad, in the year 1831, my father lived on Gum street, having moved there in the fall. Stephen Wylie was a frequent visitor at our home, as he and my father attended the same church (Dr. Black, the father of Col. Samuel W. Black). In their conversations about men and preachers of that day, he said that Wylie street was named after Samuel B. Wylie, D. D., who married Miss Margaret Watson, April 5, 1802, a sister-in-law of Dr. Black's, whose portrait I have seen in the office of Col. Samuel W. Black, who said it was his uncle, Dr. Wylie, and that Wylie street was named in honor of him.

The doctor made frequent visits to Pittsburg, attending meetings relating to church matters, and visiting his friends. His father lived near the corner of Wylie and Tunnel streets during the summer of 1831, and the street was known as Wylie street then.

I make free to send this, with the hope that, after all the evidence is in, a correct conclusion may be reached.

Antiquarian. (Matthew Tibby.)
Sharpsburg, Feb. 4.

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Addendum: From a letter of August 20, 1924 from Mrs. M. A. McBride, a descendant of early land owners of the district and for whom Wylie Avenue was named.
Andrew Watson came from Scotland in 1773. In 1774 he bought about 80 acres of land in district known as Silver Banks. Named one of the streets for his son-in-law Rev. Samuel Wylie of Philadelphia who married Margaret Watson in 1802. Later changed to Wylie Avenue.

Last updated: 20 April 1999.