McArthur, John

McArthur, John

Uncle to the more famous John McArthur, Jr., John McArthur was a master builder in Philadelphia. According to the sparse biographical information found, he was born in Oban, Scotland, and emigrated to the United States when he was 30 years old. His nephew, who came to live with John at the age of 10, went on to design Philadelphia's City Hall.

Biography from the Philadelphia Architects and Buildings site, a project of the Athenaeum of Philadelphia. Written by Tom Stokes.

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McArthur

John

1/1/1883

1/1/1851

SW corner 10th & Pine (CD) (1840)

Tenth Presbyterian Church, 17th & Spruce Sts.

Athenaeum database: John McArthur born in Oban, Scotland, emigrated here when 30. Was uncle to John, Jr., who came to live with his uncle. John, Jr., was 10 when arrived here. City Records D.C. Liens book #399; claim filed June 9, 1840; satisfied with judgment John McArthur vs. Hamilton Torrey. Claim for $170 against all those two certain 3 story houses and lot of ground adjoining each other situate at the southwest corner of Sutherland ave. and Catharine street for materials furnished and carpenter work done. -------------------- City Records D.C. Liens book#405; two claims filed April 28, 1855; satisfied September 4, 1856 (with his signature) John McArthur vs. George W. Edwards. Claim for $2,541.41 for carpenter work against 2-story brick and stone building and lot of ground situate on the east side of Broad street 42 feet from the north side of Pine in front 23 feet 3 inches and in depth 112 feet. John McArthur vs. George W. Edwards. Claim for $12,147.48 for carpenters work against 3-story brick and stone buildings and lot of ground situate on the southwest coner of Broad & Walnut streets in front onWalnut street 25 feet and in depth 184 feet. -------------------- City Records D.C. Liens book #407; filed May 5, 1860; satisfied with judgment John McArthur vs. John M. Ball and the Southwestern Presbyterian Church. Claim for $4227.75 for work and materials against a 2-story brick church and lot of ground situate on the east side of 20th street and north side of Fitzwater street, the building being in front on 20th street 59 feet and in depth 74 feet, the lot being 72 feet in front on 20th street and 90 feet in depth. ------------------- City Records D.C. Liens book #407; filed Febuary 15, 1861; no note of satisfaction John McArthur (Jr.) vs. The Union Market Company. Claim for $500 against brick market house and lot on the west side of 2nd street 42 feet 6 inches north of Callowhill street, in front on 2nd street 78 feet and extending west on the north line 199 feet to the east side of St. John street and in the south line thereof 107 feet 6 inches to a point thence south 22 feet thence west 92 feet to the east side of St. John street, in front on St. John street 100 feet. ------------------- See Hudders member file for contract between Hudders, Killgore and John McArthur, Jr., son of this member and the architect of present City Hall. ------------------- City Directory - 1840, 45 - John, carpenter, SW corner 10th & Pine; house 8 Jefferson Row. 1850 - John, carpenter, Emeline; house 8 Jefferson Row. 1854 - John, Jr., architect, (nephew) 16 Merchants Library Building, 5th & Library; house 186 S. 15th. John, saw manufacturer, 8 Erie. John, architect and builder, SE corner 10th & Shippen. (capital letters used in this directory for first time, probably at extra expense and to call attention to advertiser. ----------------- "Philadelphia Preserved" (page 24) role of John and John, Jr., (later architect of City Hall) who made alterations to Pennsylvania Hospital's original buildings in 1848 & 1853. Known as Pine Bldg. designed by Samuel Rhoads. (page 111) Credited with West Spruce St. Presbyterian Church (now Tenth Pres.) at 17th & Spruce Sts., 1854 (page 287) Contractor for St. Mark's Lutheran Church, on Spring Garden St., west of 13th St. Approx. 1852.

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