mm writes:

Did they have gasoline in the second half of the 19th century\? If
they did, I think it would be wicked up by the lantern wick and
evaporate. Wouldn't be nearly as practical as kerosene for that
reason, and I don't think one could safely burn it in a lantern.

Correct.

In the 19th century petroleum was distilled for kerosene lamp oil. They
threw out the gasoline (!) from the process, as there was no use for it
prior to the invention of the internal combustion engine.