USA > Missouri > Buchanan County > St Joseph > The Daily news' history of Buchanan County and St. Joseph, Mo. From the time of the Platte purchase to the end of the year 1898. Preceded by a short history of Missouri. Supplemented by biographical sketches of noted citizens, living and dead > Part 15
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The people of St. Joseph took immediate steps looking to the rebuilding of the asylum, and also for the relief of the distressed. It so happened that the legislature was in session at the time of the disaster, and every energy was bent toward securing the necessary appropriation. A commission of architects and builders examined the walls and reported that these could be used to the extent of three-fourths of the entire building and estimated that the sum of $75,000 would cover the expense of rebuilding. There were other claimants, however, for the institution. Legislative committees vis- ited different localities, with much waste of time and money, but the result was favorable to St. Joseph, and, in May of 1879, the legislature appropriated $75,000. The work of rebuilding began at once, the architect being S. V. Shipman of Chicago, and the contractors Leh- man & Olson, also of Chicago. The work was superintended by Louis S. Stigers of St. Joseph.
April 1. 1880, the patients were removed to the new building. Since then many improvements have been made. Several wings have been added to the main house, hospitals, a laundry and other buildings have been erected. The latest improvement is an electric lighting plant.
Dr. Catlett was the superintendent until his death, which oc- curred in May of 1886. He was succeeded by Dr. R. E. Smith, who served four years and was succeeded August 11, 1890, by Dr.
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Chas. R. Woodson, the present successful superintendent. Dr. Woodson's assistants are Dr. A. P. Busey, Dr. Charles O'Ferrall and Dr. C. B. Simcoe. At present there are about 900 patients in the asylum and the entire number of attendants and employes is 150. The annual cost of running the asylum is about $125,000.
Since the asylum was rebuilt in 1879 nearly $200,000 in improve- ments have been made, and most of them have been effected since 1885. In 1896 the board of managers purchased another tract of land containing II0 acres, and which is situated just north of the original site. The price paid for this land was $192 per acre or a total of $21,000. The grounds and buildings at this time are valued at $325,000.
THE COUNTY FARM .- Buchanan County provides better for its paupers than for its prisoners. The county farm, situated north- east of the city, about two miles from the corporate limits, is quite a modern institution, there being quarters for indigent sane, indigent insane, a hospital, proper separation of sexes, medical attention and other comforts.
The first pauper mentioned in the history of Buchanan County was Henry Fulks, who petitioned the county court for relief in Oc- tober of 1840, stating that rheumatism had deprived him of the use of his hands. At that time there was no county farm and the court made an order granting him $15 per month for three months. This method of providing for the indigent, of whom there were few in those days, was pursued until 1850, when Elias Richardson, a farmer, residing near One Hundred and Two River, was authorized to main- tain the paupers at the rate of $5 per month each, the county provid- ing clothing and medical attendance. Richardson kept the paupers for two years. Judge Cornelius Roberts of Bloomington Township then kept the paupers until 1857, receiving $80 per annum for each. The county then purchased from Leroy Bean a tract of one hundred and forty acres, two miles southwest of Sparta, for $3,500. This farm was maintained until 1868. John Peter was superintendent until 1861, when he was succeeded by Henry Utz, who served three years and was succeeded by George Peter, who served until December, 1865. He in turn was succeeded by Isham Wood, who held the place until January, 1868, when he purchased the farm for $4,200. These superintendents received as compensation the use of the farm and from $75 to $80 per annum for each pauper, the county provid- ing clothing and medical attendance.
FIRST LUNATIC ASYLUM.
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The paupers were next brought to the city and kept for three years by Dr. William Bertram, who had been appointed superin- tendent of the poor and county physician, by the county court. Dr. Bertram was succeeded in January, 1871, by Dr. A. S. Long, who held the place until September, 1871. The county court purchased, August 16 of that year, a quarter section from Matilda S. and Martin Hughes, paying $11,000 for the same, and, as soon as possible, had the paupers removed. Dr. Bertram and Dr. Long received as com- pensation fifty cents per day for each pauper, the county furnishing everything but the food.
In September of 1871, the new institution was opened, with seven male and six female inmates. John Spellman was appointed superintendent at a salary of $100 per month, the county providing for the inmates, and Dr. A. S. Long was retained as physician. There was a good, roomy frame house on the farm, which had been erected by Kit Todd before the war and intended for use as a sum- mer resort, a railroad from St. Joseph to Savannah having passed through the farm.
In 1873, a frame building was erected for the insane. These un- fortunates had been kept at the state insane asylum at Fulton, but were returned owing to the crowded condition of that institution. They were cared for in the temporary quarters until the completion ot asylum No. 2. When that institution burned, January, 1879, they were again placed in the temporary quarters. The necessity of a per- manent institution for the county insane was so pressing that, in Au- gust, 1880, the judges appropriated $10,000 for this purpose. A building with modern equipments and with a capacity of 150 patients was completed in February of 1881. In this building the incurably insane are kept. The county still maintains a number of patients at Asylum No. 2 considered curable.
Improvements were made at various times as the necessities arose until to-day the county has an asylum for indigent and insane that is both adequate and comfortable.
Superintendent Spellman was succeeded on December 31, 1872, by John Sheehan, who served until July 6, 1874. On that date Blu- ford Allee took charge, but died one month aterwards and his son, William Allee, managed the institution until March, 1875, when Will- iam Carson was appointed superintendent. The office was salaried, the compensation ranging from $60 to $100 per month. Mr. Car- son continued in office until March, 1883. During the last four years of his administration Mr. Carson fed the inmates for nine cents per day, the county paying all other expenses.
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Michael Gleason succeeded Mr. Carson and held the office until September, 1886. He was paid 30 cents per day for feeding, cloth- ing and maintaining the inmates, the county keeping up repairs and providing medical attendance. In addition he had the use of the farm free of charge and the privilege of such labor as was available from the patients. John B. Corbett was appointed to succeed Super- - intendent Gleason upon the same terms, but, during the month of September, 1896, the county court ordered that the superintendent be placed on salary, which was fixed at $75 per month, and that all expenses be borne by the county. T. P. Mosely succeeded Mr. Cor- bett March 1, 1894, served one year and was succeeded by Spencer G. Barnes, who also served one year and was succeeded, March I, 1896, by Thomas Chivers, the present (1898) incumbent. The salary of the superintendent remains at $75 per month.
The average number of insane patients maintained by Buchanan County at Asylum No. 2 is 120.
THE CITY HOSPITAL .- While St. Joseph has cared for her charity patients ever since she has been a city of prominence, her city hospital, like the Buchanan County jail, is not a thing to be proud of. It answers the purpose and that is about all. Located on the high bluffs, on West Robidoux street, there is but little to commend it, save the air, of which there is an abundance, such as it is.
There is no record of a city hospital prior to 1861. In that year the city acquired the site of the present hospital, upon which stood an old-fashioned building, which had been used during the pioneer days as a combination storehouse and dwelling. This building is still in existence and forms the residence of the hospital steward. The first steward was T. W. Bern, who served seven years. John Deveraux, now of Doniphan County, Kansas, followed and served three years, being succeeded by John Wilson, who served four years, dying in office. He was succeeded in April of 1874 by Felix Defonds, who held the place continuously until May 15, 1896, when he was suc- ceeded by William A. Ziemendorff. After serving two years Mr. Zie- mendorff was succeded by Dr. Harry Kaull, the present incumbent.
The hospital building is forty feet square, two stories high, of brick. This building marks the struggles for an adequate city hos- pital that has been going on during the past thirty years. In 1875 the council set aside the dog tax for hospital improvement and ex- tension purposes. With the proceeds of this revenue a one-story
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brick building, 20x40, was erected in 1878. In 1880 a second sec- tion, of similar dimensions, was joined to the first. In 1890-91 a second story was placed over the ground work and other improve- ments, such as water, lighting, etc., were added. Up to 1890 the hospital steward was clerk of the Board of Health. At that time the office of city chemist was erected. It was one of the duties of this officer to serve as clerk of the Board of Health. However, this office was abandoned last May, at the suggestion of Mayor Kirschner, and now charity prescriptions are compounded at a specified rate by any druggist in the city, as was formerly done, and the steward of the hospital is once more the clerk of the health department. From 1880 to the beginning of the present fiscal year there was also an assistant city physician. This office was abolished and the place filled by the hospital steward, who is now required to be a physician.
Some months ago the Sisters of St. Vincent de Paul, who are in charge of St. Joseph's Hospital, submitted a proposition to maintain the city's patients, which was feasible and would have been econom- ical, but legal obstacles prevented the city from entering into a a con- tract for a sufficient length of time to justify the necessary expense on the part of the Sisters. Perhaps the next historian will tell of a bet- ter city hospital.
ST. MARY'S ORPHAN ASYLUM .- This is an asylum for orphaned boys only, conducted by the Sisters of St. Joseph, and which depends entirely upon charity for its existence. It was estab- lished by Mother Clements, a lady of great energy and business tact, in 1879, at Corby Chapel, northwest of the city. In 1880, the late Francis Brown donated a substantial house and forty acres of ground, desirably located, about three miles from the eastern city limits. Since then the house has been enlarged and improved and it is today capa- ble of accommodating seventy-five children. The Sisters in charge of this institution receive no compensation for their services, but give their time and attention to its management purely through Christian love for the fatherless and motherless boys who are sent there. There are from forty to fifty boys in the institution all of the time, and the Sisters of St. Joseph are performing a noble work. Orphans are re- ceived at this institution without condition. Relatives who have chil- dren in St. Mary's are not required to surrender all claim to them or to pay for their support. The children are cared for and are returned to relatives or guardians when these become able to support them.
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Although the asylum is a Catholic institution, orphans are received and cared for regardless of the creed or faith of their parents.
MEMORIAL HOME .- The Ladies' Union Benevolent Asso- ciation is a charitable organization that has accomplished a world of good in a practical Christian manner since its organization in 1874. Twenty-four years ago this society was organized in a quiet, unosten- tious way, by the Protestant Evangelical churches of St. Joseph. The society at the time of its organization had no funds nor a home in society at the time of its organization had no funds or a home in which to shelter the unfortunates, but it was composed of a band of earnest women who were willing to work. By soliciting contribu- tions, by giving entertainments and by various other means, a little money was secured, a frame house at the corner of Antoine and Levee streets was rented, and the work begun. From that time to this the association has performed a charitable work that has commanded the respect and aid of the Christian and business elements of the city.
In 1880 money was raised by private subscription to purchase what was then known as the Armstrong Beattie homestead, at Main and Pouline street, which property has ever since remained in the possession of the association. The sum of $3,985 was raised by sub- scription to purchase the Beattie place, and since that time until the new building was erected, in 1895, it was twice remodeled and en- larged, at considerable expense, to accommodate the homeless and distressed.
This institution was for many years known as the Home for the Friendless, but October 1, 1895, it was converted into the Memorial Home for Aged People, both male and female. Since the property was purchased, eighteen years ago, the old family residence has been supplanted by an entirely new structure, no part of the original build- ing remaining.
Two years ago the new building was remodeled and enlarged just before it was converted into a home for aged people. It is a solid, substantial brick building, heated by steam, supplied with gas and water and other modern conveniences, and is comfortable in every respect. This institution is supported largely by "The Hoag- land Endowment Fund," created by George T. Hoagland in honor of his wife, and consisting of $25,000. This endowment is, however, not sufficient to entirely support the institution, and the public con- tributes the remainder.
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HOME FOR LITTLE WANDERERS .- The Home for Little Wanderers, located at Twenty-eighth and Colhoun streets, in the ex- treme eastern portion of the city, is also controlled by the Ladies' Union Benevolent Association. This home was erected at a cost of $25,000, including the site. The home was a gift to the association from Charles W. Noyes, of the local shoe manufacturing firm of Noyes, Norman & Co. Mr. Noyes spent most of his life in St. Joseph and this section, but now resides at Boston. The Home for Little Wanderers is a love tribute to the memory of his daughter, who died in early womanhood.
The gift was made in 1892, accompanied by an endowment of real estate on North Third street valued at $65,000. The building is of pressed brick, three stories, steam-heated, modern in every re- spect, and has a capacity of one hundred inmates. The ground con- sists of eight and one-half acres and the site is commanding and healthful. From the income of the endowment made by Mr. Noyes the home is supported entirely. Children of both sexes, from two years up to nine, are taken here and well cared for.
THE HOME FOR EX-SLAVES .- The idea of a home for dependent ex-slaves originated in Charles S. Baker, an intelligent young negro. By persistent solicitation both at home and abroad he and those of his race who were interested with him in the work, se- cured enough money to build a structure at Seventeenth street and Highland avenue. This was under roof, but was destroyed by a hurricane in September of 1894. For a time the future of the project seemed gloomy, but Dr. P. J. Kirschner came generously to the res- cue. In December of 1887 he donated one-half of the purchase price of & tract of two acres, with a substantial brick house, at Twen- ty-fourth street and Mitchell avenue, and gave the promoters long and easy terms on the balance, which amounts to $1,500. The build- ing has nine rooms and there are accommodations for fifteen inmates.
OTHER CHARITIES .- The poor were always well cared for in St. Joseph. Up to the fall of 1897 distress was relieved by the county court and by the mayor. At various times organizations have existed for the purpose of systematizing the charity work and pre- venting impositions. For several years there has existed the Asso- ciated Charities, representing a consolidation of the various societies.
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The Associated Charities kept a list of needy and relieved those found worthy.
In 1897 a state law was passed authorizing the formation of a Board of Charities. This board is composed of members appointed by the county court and by the mayor, and its business is the distri- bution of funds supplied by the city and county for charity. A secre- tary is employed, whose duty it is to investigate all applications and prevent imposition.
The Associated Charities maintain a sewing room, where needy women are furnished employment. Besides these there are charita- bl organizations in nearly every church parish in the city, and there is also a free kindergarten, maintained by the Mothers' Association. This is a day nursery, where working women can leave little children while they go out to employment.
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CHAPTER XVI.
THE SCHOOLS OF BUCHANAN COUNTY AND ST. JO- SEPH-PRIMITIVE SCHOOLS OF EARLY DAYS-THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS; HOW THEY ARE SUPPORTED AND MANAGED .- THE SCHOOL BUILDINGS OF ST. JOSEPH .- FINANCIAL STRUGGLES AND VICISSI- TUDES OF THE SCHOOL BOARD .- DENOMINA- TIONAL AND PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS OF THE PAST AND PRESENT.
The first school of any kind in Buchanan county, as near as can be learned at this time, was a private institution kept by Francis Ferguson, in 1839, on the southwest corner of section 16, in what is now Crawford township, near Halleck. It was in a log house, with a puncheon floor.
The court house at Sparta was also used for school purposes in 1841-44. Various academies were established in the country, all of which were eventually supplanted by the district school.
According to the constitution under which Missouri was admit- ted into the Union, the sixteenth section of each congressional town- state purposes, of which one-third is diverted by the state to the ship was set aside for school purposes. In Buchanan county about $100,000 was realized from this source and the money is now loaned out by the county court to individuals upon real estate security, the interest going to the districts in proportion to the capital to their va- rious credits. This, however, is a small item in the support of the public schools, the main source of revenue coming from direct taxa- tion. The requirements of the school districts are certified to the county court and are considered in the tax levy. Besides, there is support from the state. Each county levies a tax of 15 per cent for school fund, and this fund is distributed according to the number of school children in the district. Buchanan county receives about $29,000 from this source annually.
Each district elects directors whose province it is to employ teachers and manage the schools ; and there is a county superintend- ent of public instruction, whose duty it is to pass upon the qualifica-
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tions of teachers, and, also, to certify to the state the number of children entitled to school support, the school age being from six years to twenty years.
In 1847, the first year in which Buchanan county participated in the apportionment of state school moneys, there was an enumeration of 547, and the amount apportioned was $481.36. In 1857 the enu- meration was 5,099, and the amount $3,977.22 ; in 1867 the enumera- tion was 12,471, and the amount $6,584.69; in 1877 the enumeration was 10,736, and the apportionment $7,983. In 1897-a span of twenty years, the enumeration was 30,827, and the apportionment $28,767.
Other sources of revenue for school purposes are: An average bridge and right of way tax upon railroads, the sale of swamp lands and various penalties.
There are now seventy-five school districts in Buchanan county outside of the district in which the city of St. Joseph is located. In many of these districts there are substantial and modern brick school houses. The last enumeration in the county shows 5,253 persons within the school age. The county schools are of a high grade and there is commendable rivalry for excellence among the teachers. One month of each year is devoted to an institute, where lecturers and masters of reputation are heard; where the teacher is taught and brightened for the next season's work.
Until the year 1860, no attempt at any system of public schools had been made in St. Joseph. "Occasionally," to quote Professor Neely, "a free school would be taught for a month or two, or for a sufficient length of time to absorb what was not wasted or lost of the city's share of the public school fund." But there was no public school system, and St. Joseph had merely the organization of a country school district. In 1860 a few enterprising citizens obtained from the legislature a charter by which the St. Joseph Board of Public Schools was incorporated. Section I of the act provided that "all free white persons residing within the limits of school district No. I, in township No. 8, in Buchanan county, are hereby consti- tuted a body politic and corporate by the name and style of 'the St. Joseph Board of Public Schools.'" It was provided that there should be two members from each ward and a president, to be elected at large, the term of office in each case to be three years. The charter was made perpetual and the corporation given power to sue and be sued, to purchase, hold or sell property, real and personal, etc.
The war having changed the social condition of the negro, his education by the state was provided for in 1866 by striking out in
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the St. Joseph charter the words "free white males" and inserting the words "resident taxpayers." Another change in the charter pro- vided that the terms of the directors should be for two years and that one-half of the number should go out of office at the expiration of every school year. The president's term, however, was continued at three years.
When the first board was elected there were but three wards in the city. This board was constituted as follows: Dr. J. H. Crane, president. Directors : First ward, Louis Hax, John. Sheehan ; Second ward, James A. Millan, John J. Abell; Third ward, William M. Albin and Erasmus Dixon. The First ward at that time comprised the southern part of the city, the Second ward the central part and the Third ward the northern part. James A. Millan was elected secre- tary and Joseph C. Hull treasurer. Of the above named gentlemen Dr. Crane went to California, John J. Abell and Erasmus Dixon are dead and the others still reside in the city.
A small school house was provided for each ward as soon as possible. That in the First ward was built at the southeast corner of Third and Charles street. The property was sold to John P. Fink in 1865 for $12,000 and converted into a shoe factory. It is now used for warehouse purposes. The Second ward was provided with a school on the east side of Twelfth street. It was afterwards enlarged, and for many years was called the Franklin school, but was abandoned some years ago. The Third ward school was built at Second and Cherry streets. It was afterwards enlarged and called the Madison school. Later it was known as the First Colored school, and now it is the Humboldt. The three houses were built from the same plans. They were of brick, 34x25 feet in dimension, two stories high. Each had two school rooms, one on each floor, with a narrow stairway in front. They were furnished with common double desks of pine, and had a capacity of 120 scholars each. There were no cloakrooms or other conveniences.
The schools were opened on April 23, 1860. William H. Mar- mion was principal of the First ward school and his assistant was Miss Annie Webster. Sidney P. Cunningham had charge of the Second ward school and had for his assistant Miss Annie Banes (now Mrs. John Townsend). The principal of the Third ward school was J. W. H. Griffin, and his assistant was Miss Lizzie Brand (afterwards Mrs. Carder). Salaries were not high in those days, the principal receiv- ing $50 per month and the assistants $25.
In the winter of 1861 it was found that there were in each of
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the ward schools quite a number of pupils who had mastered more or less thoroughly the branches prescribed, and who were prepared to take up advanced studies. It was accordingly proposed to open a school of a higher order for their accommodation. Prof. Edward B. Neely had been conducting a classical school in St. Joseph for six years, and had recently erected a school building on Tenth street, between Felix and Francis streets. The School Board arranged with Professor Neely to take charge of the proposed higher branch, and on the first Monday in March, 1861, Professor Neely opened in his building what afterwards developed into the St. Joseph High School. He had about forty scholars of both sexes, who had brought certificates of qualification from the ward schools.
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