USA > New Jersey > The history of New Jersey : from its earliest settlement to the present time : including a brief historical account of the first discoveries and settlement of the country, Vol. II > Part 22
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Whole number of cases received and treated from the opening of the asylum, May 15th, 1848, to November Ist, 1876, 5,037, of which number 2,416 were men, and 2,621 women. Dis- charged, etc., during the same period, 4,565.
The Managers are Alexander Wurts, Flemington, President ; Caleb S. Green, Trenton, Secretary ; Charles Hewitt, Trenton ; S. M. Hamill, D.D., Lawrenceville ; John Vought, M.D., Freehold ; Garret S. Cannon, Bordentown ; Henry R. Kennedy, Bloomsbury ; James B. Coleman, M.D., Trenton ; William Elmer, M.D., Bridgeton, and Nehemiah Perry, Newark.
The resident officers are John W. Ward, M.D., Superintendent and Physician ; John Kirby, M.D., Assistant Physician ; Charles P. Britton, M.D., Second Assistant Physician ; Edmund White, Steward ; Mrs. S. J. Clark, Matron, and Austin Snider, Trenton, Treasurer.
On the 14th of April, 1868, an act was passed appointing Marcus . L. Ward, Governor; Daniel Haines, of Sussex County, Horace A. Buttolph, M.D., Superintendent of the Trenton Asylum; Thomas McKeen, of Camden County, and Rynear H. Veghte, of Somer- set County, commissioners to visit different localities in the northern and eastern part of the State, examine sites suitable for the location of another institution for insane persons, to accept · the one which in their judgment possesses the greatest number of desirable points (and that may be offered as a free gift to the State by the owner, or by contribution from the citizens or towns in the vicinity), to procure plans with written specifica- tions and estimate of the cost of such structure, and report their proposals to the next Legislature. One thousand dollars was appropriated for the expenses of the commissioners.
On the 3Ist of March, 1871, an act was passed empowering the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint five competent persons from each Congressional Dis- trict, commissioners to select a site and build an asylum. They were to select and purchase within ninety days after the passage of the act, in the name of the State, a farm or tract of land in the northerly portion of the State, not to exceed three hundred acres ; to procure plans and specifications, and at once com- mence the building ; and to enable them to do so, the sum of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars was appropriated.
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The Governor appointed Charles E. Elmer, of the First Dis- trict ; Anthony Reckless, of the Second ; Dr. Samuel Lilly, of the Third ; Hon. George Vail, of the Fourth, and Beach Van- derpool, of the Fifth District.
The property purchased by the commissioners is in Hanover Township, Morris County, three miles from Morristown, and one and a half from Morris Plains Station, on the Morris and Essex Division of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Rail- road. The land contains 430 acres, and was purchased at a cost of $82,672.11
The architect was Samuel Sloan, of Philadelphia. The build- ing will accommodate 800 patients. It is 1243 feet in length, and from the front of the main centre to the rear of the extreme wing, the depth is 542 feet. The wings on the right and left from the centre buildings are all three stories high, except those at the extreme ends that have the rooms on but one side of the corridor, which are two stories, making a total of twenty separate wards for each sex, and is provided with all the necessary requi- sites for so extensive a building.
The total cost of the building, lands, furniture, and everything appertaining to the same is $2,250,000.
The managers are Francis S. Lathrop, of Madison; Beach Vanderpool, of Newark; Samuel 'Lilly, M.D., Lambertville ; Anthony Reckless, Red Bank; George A. Halsey, Newark ; William G. Lathrop, Boonton, and John S. Read, Camden.
Francis S. Lathrop is President of the Board, Samuel Lilly, ,Secretary, and Eugene Vanderpool, of Newark, Treasurer.
The resident officers are Horace A. Buttolph, M.D., LL.D., Superintendent and Physician ; Edward E. Smith, M.D., Assist- ant Physician; A. K. Mackdonald, M.D., Second Assistant Physician ; Martin B. Monroe, Steward, and Miss Mary Tabor, Matron.
On the 17th of August, 1876, under the supervision of a com- mittee of the Managers and the Assistant Physicians and attend- ants of the Asylum, was commenced the removal of the patients from the Trenton Asylum, to relieve that institution from its overcrowded condition, and on the 25th of the same month the removal of 292 patients was completed.
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HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
On the 3Ist of October, 1876, it contained 346 patients; 161 men, and 185 women. Of this number, two have been dis- charged cured, one discharged improved, and one died, leaving in the institution up to that date, 342.
The building is constructed of gneiss, quarried on the premises, of a light-gray color, very hard, and resembling granite in solid- ity and texture.
The central edifice is trimmed with Pictou or Nova Scotia stone, and the wings with freestone from the Newark quarries, the whole presenting a very substantial and imposing appearance.
On the 13th of February, 1864, an act was passed authorizing the Board of Chosen Freeholders of the County of Hudson to establish a lunatic asylum on their poorhouse farm, to fit up any building on said farm, and to erect any additional building or buildings, and they were authorized to take care of their own insane paupers in said asylum, at the expense of the county.
This action was taken to partially relieve the Trenton Asylum from its crowded condition.
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CHAPTER XXIX.
1861-1876.
Provision made by the State for the maintenance of the families of soldiers-Soldiers' Children's Home-Amount paid to families, and deceased and discharged volunteers-Reform Farm School for Boys-State Industrial School for Girls-Institution for the blind, deaf, and dumb-Training School for Feeble-minded Children.
T HE State of New Jersey, appreciating the services of those who were willing to give their lives, if need be, in defence of their country, at an early day made ample provision for the maintenance of the soldiers' families, and on the 11th of May, 1861, passed an act allowing six dollars per month to the families of such married persons of the militia of this State, and to the widowed mothers of such persons without families dependent upon them for support, as have been or shall be mustered into the service of this State or the United States, amounting in the aggregate to two million five hundred and twenty-three thousand and nine dollars and ninety-four cents.
They also guaranteed them an additional pay monthly of four dollars over and above the amount then allowed by the United States.
They did not stop here, but passed an act on the 23d of March, 1865, incorporating the Soldiers' Children's Home, to provide a.home and to support and educate the destitute children of any soldier, whether living or dead, who may have been engaged as a soldier in the late contest for the maintenance of the Union of the United States. They were authorized to hold property to an amount not exceeding one hundred thousand dollars, and upon its being determined to locate it at the capital of the State, the sum of five thousand dollars was appropriated towards its maintenance. The Home was at first located at a place called Millham, about a mile from the city of Trenton, but the build- ings were soon found to be inadequate for the wants of the Home,
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HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
and a site was purchased on the Sandtown Road, in the vicinity of Trenton.
The Institution was established originally in Jersey City. When the home was removed to Millham, Mrs. W. L. Dayton was chosen President ; Mrs. J. S. Davenport and Mrs. A. G. Richey, Vice-Presidents ; Miss M. A. Hall, Treasurer, and M. F. Johnston, Secretary, with a Board of Directors residing in Jersey City and Trenton.
Their house at Millham being uncomfortable, and a conside- rable distance from the city, and being unable to rent a suitable building, they purchased the house No. 92 Warren street for four thousand dollars. The average number of children in the Home up to 1866, was about forty.
At the suggestion of Governor Parker, the Camden and Amboy Railroad Company gave them the munificent donation of eight thousand dollars. This was a balance of money that had been placed in the hands of the Governor during the war to encourage recruiting, but which had not all been used for the purpose originally designed.
This Home was started as a private enterprise, to be sustained by charitable donations from the people of the State; but in 1866 the State took it under its fostering care and protection, and appointed John K. Smith, Abraham O. Zabriskie, and Samuel K. Wilson, Commissioners, for the purpose of select- ing a suitable site on which to erect suitable buildings for the Home, and made the appropriation of ten thousand dollars for that purpose. The State Treasurer was required to pay such sums of money for the erection of the buildings not exceeding twenty thousand dollars; and the Commissioners appointed in accordance with the act, were to contract for and superintend the erection of the buildings; and the State Treasurer was also to pay quarterly to the Treasurer of the Home the sum of thirty- seven dollars and fifty cents for each child maintained in said Home.
March 14th, 1867, the sum of eight thousand dollars was appropriated to pay the amounts due on the construction of the buildings, putting up fences, planting trees, and laying out and improving the grounds.
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HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
April 3d; 1868, Henry D. Johnson, William M. Lenox, and Thomas J. Corson, were appointed Commissioners to build an additional wing or wings to the building, sufficient to provide accommodations for one hundred additional children, for which the sum of twenty thousand dollars was appropriated. March 30th, 1869, five thousand five hundred dollars was appropriated for the completion of the extension and improvements.
April Ist, 1869, five hundred dollars was appropriated quarterly for the wages of servants, teachers, and other employés in the Home ; at the same time the sum of four thousand dollars was appropriated to defray the expenses of furnishing the new build- ings and wings, which were at that time being constructed, with beds, bedding, and other articles of furniture necessary for the comfort of the children.
March 23d, 1871, the sum of eight thousand dollars was appropriated for its support and maintenance, and on the 29th of March, 1872, an additional sum of six thousand dollars was appropriated.
The new building was completed in 1867, and up to the time of closing the Institution, viz., ten years from the time it went into operation, the State has expended upon this Institution the munificent sum of three hundred and forty-six thousand four hundred and thirty-nine dollars and nine cents.
The building is plain in external appearance, while in its interior everything has been done in its arrangement to make it a comfortable, pleasant home. There is connected with it seven acres of land, upon two of which is a delightful grove, giving abundant room for garden, play-ground, etc.
In this Institution the children received the advantages of a most thorough education and Christian training. When their education was completed, they were provided with places suit- able to their needs and capabilities ; the boys were put to trades, and the girls to such employments as would in after life render them useful members of society.
In 1873, they numbered two hundred and sixteen pupils ; in 1875 the number had dwindled down to one hundred and sixty- four ; and in 1876 to seventy-eight.
The house contains spacious and well-arranged school-rooms,
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dining-rooms, dormitories, and play-rooms ; those for the boys and girls being in different wings. They are together in school and at meals; there being many brothers and sisters among them, the managers desired to cherish and cultivate fraternal affection.
The building is of brick, two stories high, with attic and basement. The centre building contains class-rooms, commit- tee and matron's room, two nurseries, sewing-room, kitchen, and laundry. In the basement of the east wing is a play-room, exclusively for girls, and an ironing-room. On the first floor is a school-room fifty by forty feet, furnished with desks for one hundred and fifty pupils, piano, black-boards, maps, cards, etc. On the second floor there are dormitories for girls, and bath- room, etc. In the basement of the west wing there is store- room, and boy's play-room; opening from each play-room is a wash-room, with basins, towels, glasses, combs, etc. On the first floor is the dining-room, fifty by forty feet, with tables and seats for one hundred and fifty, each child having its own place. The house is heated by furnaces, and lighted with gas.
From the report of 1872 we learn that they had under their care during the year two hundred and forty. Of these twelve had been provided with comfortable homes, having arrived at the age of fifteen, beyond which age they are not retained in the Institution. Thirty-eight had been removed by their parents or guardians, and in 1871 six had been adopted by persons who proposed bringing them up as their own children. Four had died.
In the school there were five teachers, and the children were taught all the branches of a first-class English education; and in point of intelligence and acquirements they will compare favorably with the scholars in the best schools in our State.
In August, 1871, through the kindness of the Camden and Amboy and Camden and Atlantic Railroad Companies, the children and their attendants were taken to Atlantic City, where they were most hospitably entertained for two days by Mr. Kiem, the proprietor of the Chester County House, at that place.
On the 4th of July, they were annually provided with an abundant feast of cakes and ice cream; and addresses were
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made suitable to the day. Thanksgiving was also observed there by an excellent dinner ; and on Christmas day the many friends of the Home made the hearts of the little ones happy by bestowing gifts upon them, providing Christmas trees, and such things as contributed to the happiness of the little waifs, so bountifully provided for by the munificence of the State.
The Home was opened on the 7th of March, 1866, and closed on the 7th of March, 1876.
The officers at the time of closing were: President, Mrs. William L. Dayton, Trenton ; Vice-Presidents, Mrs. G. Rus- ling, Trenton ; Mrs. J. Owen Rouse, Jersey City ; Mrs. F. A. Coult, Newton ; Mrs. Joseph Parker, Paterson ; Mrs. C. E. Voorhees, Hackensack ; Mrs. Dr. Brakely, Belvidere ; Mrs. William N. Wood, Morristown; Mrs. Courtland Parker, Newark; Mrs. A. Van Fleet, Flemington ; Mrs. J. Elmendorf, New Bruns- wick; Mrs. Joel Parker, Freehold ; Mrs. John Aumack, Toms River ; Mrs. J. L. N. Stratton, Mount Holly; Mrs. W. Warrick, Glassboro ; Mrs. R. M. Acton, Salem; Mrs. E. G. Halsey, Elizabeth ; Mrs. C. E. Elmer, Bridgeton ; Mrs. D. S. Black- man, Port Republic ; Mrs. J. F. Cake, Cape Island, and Mrs. S. Davenport, Somerville ; Secretary, Miss M. G. Abbott, Trenton ; Treasurer, Miss M. A. Hall, Trenton ; Directors, Mrs. William L. Dayton, Mrs. Gershom Rusling, Mrs. Dr. Hodge, Mrs. Joseph Howell, Mrs. George S. Green, Mrs. Charles P. Smith, Mrs. Charles Moyer, Mrs. James Buchanan, Miss M. A. Hall, Miss E. P. Corson, and Miss M. G. Abbott.
All of these noble-hearted ladies performed their arduous duties without fee or reward; and at the closing up of the Institution the Legislature passed a series of resolutions of their thanks to them for their faithfulness in the discharge of their duties. They also voted them a handsomely-engraved diploma.
But the State of New Jersey did not stop here in making pro- vision for those who, in the hour of peril to our country, left their homes and all they held dear on earth to battle for their country.
In the early part of the war, Hon. Marcus L. Ward (afterwards Governor of the State), saw the need of some provision being made by the State for the care and maintenance of such volun-
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teers as should become incapacitated, by reason of wounds or disease contracted while in the line of their duty, from following some occupation whereby they might obtain a livelihood. Ac- cordingly, the above-named gentleman and others waited upon the Legislature, and urged upon them the necessity of making provision for this unfortunate class of persons ; and the follow- ing joint resolution was adopted, and approved by the Governor, April 12, 1864:
" WHEREAS, Of the large number of men already furnished by this State to the armies of the United States, in the present war, considerable numbers have been wounded and disabled, and will, by reason thereof, be prevented from hereafter maintaining them- selves ; and whereas, others who have been so wounded and disabled may require for a limited time medical attention and skill, as well as a temporary support ; now, therefore, with a view to devise and execute whatever measures may be deemed appro- priate and expedient to meet the wants and the just claims of the above-mentioned class,
" I. BE IT RESOLVED, by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey, That Marcus L. Ward, Daniel Haines, Wil- liam A. Newell, Edwin A. Stevens, Charles S. Olden, and Theo- dore S. Paul be and they are hereby appointed Commissioners, to make inquiries and report to the Legislature of the State, at its next session, what are the facts and circumstances in connection with the above-mentioned class of men which will call for legislative provisions in their behalf, and what such provisions, in the judgment of such Commissioners, should be ; and more particu- larly whether a State Retreat or Home should be built for such purpose, and if so, upon what plan, at what expense, and all such particulars in regard thereto as shall be deemed best by said Commissioners to enable such legislative action to be had, with the requisite information and to the best advantage to the State as well as the proper care and protection of her sons.
"2. And be it resolved, The said Commissioners shall act with- out compensation; but the necessary expenses incurred by them, approved by the Governor, shall be paid by the State Treasurer."
The Commissioners having their whole soul enlisted in the
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cause, entered at once vigorously into the work, and rendered their report to the Legislature in accordance with their ap- pointment, whereupon an act was passed by both Houses, and received the approval of the Governor March 23d, 1865, to take effect immediately.
Marcus. L. Ward, Daniel Haines, Charles S. Olden, Edwin A. Stevens, William A. Newell, and Rynear Veghte, were appointed and constituted Commissioners for the purpose of selecting a site, within the State, on which may be erected and established " The New Jersey Home for Disabled Soldiers."
They were empowered to purchase within the State, at any price not exceeding ten thousand dollars, or to receive by gift, a suitable site for the location of the said Home; and so much land, under and by assured title, as shall be deemed necessary for farming and gardening purposes, on which premises there shall be facilities for obtaining ample and unfailing supplies of pure, soft water; and if there be buildings on the said premises suitable for the purposes of such Home, to purchase the same at any additional price not exceeding thirty thousand dollars ; they were also empowered to purchase for the use of the Home the furniture and fixtures necessary for the purpose, at a cost not exceeding ten thousand dollars, making in all the sum of fifty thousand dollars.
They were also authorized to contract for the erection of the said Home, or for the extension, alteration or repairs of the buildings so purchased, on such plans and terms as they shall deem just and proper. The plans were to embrace such con- struction and arrangement of the said buildings as would con- duce to the comfort and economical management of the Insti- tution.
The Commissioners located the Home on Mount Pleasant, in the city of Newark, a location most desirable and eligible, as well for its beautiful and healthy situation as for the economical reasons that led to its selection, as they deemed it possessed advantages not found in any other location which they had visited. The tract contains twenty-three acres of excellent land, and is well supplied with pure, soft water.
Instead of purchasing the land, the Commissioners thought it
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better to lease it for a period of five years, at six hundred dol- lars per annum.
The final net cost of the buildings was $8,562.58, and the furnishing $5,967.96. The inventory of property of the Home amounted to $17,835.42, making in all $32,365.96.
Up to the 31st of December, 1866, one hundred and sixty- three disabled soldiers and sailors had been received by the Institution as State beneficiaries.
The Home was fitted up and made ready for the reception of patients on the 4th of July, 1866.
Governor Ward, in his message to the Legislature, in 1867, says : "The Commissioners were fortunate enough to be able to secure and purchase the buildings erected upon this land, which had been formerly used by the United States Government as a hospital, and which were admirably adapted to the purposes of the Home. The comfort and aid already extended to our suffer- ing soldiers, and the prosperity of the Institution, are an earnest of the success of this noble charity of the State."
The first five months after its opening ninety-nine patients had been received, twenty-nine of whom had left, leaving seventy remaining at the close of the first fiscal year.
April 9th, 1867, the original act was amended by permitting the managers to receive in the Home soldiers from other States, who may come to it in distress, and soldiers of our own State whose disability may date subsequent to their service in the army, by a temporary admittance and entertainment at the Home.
Men that were not residents of the State when they enlisted, but were disabled while serving in a New Jersey regiment, or in the navy, being accredited to the State, may also be admitted as beneficiaries of the Home.
Governor Ward, in his annual message in 1868, uses the fol- lowing language in reference to this Institution :
"The Home for Disabled Soldiers, established by the munifi- cence of the State, has been the source of great relief to the sick and wounded soldiers who have enjoyed its advantages. From frequent visitations, I am enabled to know that the in- mates are carefully treated, and that they there find a kind and friendly home. The officers are intelligent and faithful, and the objects of the Institution are fully carried out.
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"The whole number of persons who have participated in its advantages during the past year has been five hundred and two. The average number per day has been one hundred and forty- four, and on the 30th of November the number in the Institu- tion was one hundred and fifty-seven. The whole cost of the Home for the past year was $30,289.43, being about 56 and 7'I0 cents per day for each beneficiary."
By the act providing for the organization of the Home, approved April 4th, 1866, the Commissioners above named were appointed managers of the Institution, for the term of five years and until others are appointed in their stead, subject to removal by the Supreme Court on the recommendation of the Governor; their successors to be appointed by the Supreme Court at the first term of any year.
The government of the Home is vested in the said Board of Managers, who have the general direction and control of all the property and concerns of the Institution, to make by-laws, rules and regulations for the management of the same, and determine the compensation, duties and terms of service of its officers and other persons employed therein, subject to the approval of the Governor. The Managers receive no compensation for their services, but are paid their actual travelling expenses ; they are required to secure to the patients a suitable and comfortable home, with clothing and subsistence, and necessary medical and surgical attendance ; the sum of ten thousand dollars was appro- priated for this purpose.
By act approved April 9th, 1868, the appropriation to defray the necessary expenses of the Home was increased to twenty- five thousand dollars annually.
In 1868 a vacancy was created in the Board of Managers by the death of Edwin A. Stevens, which was filled by the appoint- ment of Hon. William K. McDonald, State Comptroller.
During this year five hundred and seventy-three soldiers and sailors were cared for and aided.
Governor Ward, in his last annual message, says : "Since the closing of the fiscal year I have received from Major-General Butler, President of the National Asylum for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, $26,508.60 on account of the maintenance of the in-
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