Civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the County of Kings and the City of Brooklyn, N. Y., Part 74

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909.
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : Munsell
Number of Pages: 1360

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It is just to say that this institution owcs its exist- ence to Rev. S. B. Halliday. For a long time he gave not only his money but himself to it. Without hris efforts it would not have been. The Fruit and Flower Mission have remembercd it with their pleasing charity. Several persons have furnished rooms in the building; and, in one case, Dr. Scudder's Church has furnished an entire ward. The physicians, who represent both the Homeopathie and Allopathic schools of medicine, have rendered their services gratuitously, and religious services have been held regularly at the homc.

Keith Home, for Nervous and Mental Diseases, No. 883 St. Mark's avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y .- May 1, 1874, Mrs. Lydia Keith, who had been for several years an instructor in the Massachusetts School for Fceble- minded Persons, opened a home at the corner of Madi- son street and Tompkins avenue, for the care and treat- ment of feeble-minded persons, and those who suffer from nervous diseases. The new home had accommo- dations for six patients. Dr. Jerome Walker, a spe- cialist in the diseases of children, was made consulting physician. In 1876, Dr. John C. Shaw, a specialist in nervous and mental diseases, was also made a consult- ing physician; and, in 1878, the institution was removed to its present location. During the first five years, 24 patients were treated at the llome. In 1879, the Home was removed to its present location, and entitled the Keith Home. In 1880, a license to receive insane pa- tients was granted to Mrs. Keith, by Dr. John Ordro- naux, the State Commissioner in Lunacy.

In May, 1880, Dr. Archibald Campbell, formerly of the Flatbush Insane Asylum, was appointed resident physician of the Home, Drs. Walker and Shaw, still acting as consulting physicians. Since then, the Home

has received cases of acute and chronic insanity of a mild type, and also patients suffering from nervous af- fections. The capacity of the Home was limited to 15 patients, and none but females are received. It is not a benevolent institution; derives no pecuniary aid from any city, county or state fund; and, therefore, does not receive any "charity " or indigent patients.

During the past four years, 35 patients, mostly incur- able, have been admitted. Present BOARD OF OFFICERS: Mrs. Lydia Keith, Manager ; Archibald Campbell, M. D., Resident Physician ; Jerome Walker, M. D., and John C. Shaw, M. D., Consulting Physicians.

The Brooklyn City Dispensary (incorporated March 5, 1850), commenced operations August 10th, 1846, at first in the old Jackson house, in Hudson street, near Lafayette street; and, a few years after, ob- tained the use of one of the basement rooms of the City Hall, where they remained until the city officials, having a wholesome dread of contracting some con- tagious disease, agreed to pay the rent of the institu- tion if removed to some other place. The back com- pounding-room of Bailey's drug store, No. 269 Wash- ington street, was its next refuge; then the first floor of No. 107 Pineapple street, the whole of which was finally absorbed by its increasing demands; and, finally, by the exertions of the president, Thomas Clarke, and the trustees, sufficient money was raised to purchase and furnish the premises on Tillary street, between Fulton and Washington streets. This building-of brick, 25 by 45 feet in size, most admirably arranged and equipped for its specific uses, and attended daily by an energetic and faithful corps of experienced phy- sicians and surgeons, with a resident apothecary, full set of instruments, apparatus, etc .- presents a most striking contrast with the condition of the institution when living here and there, in basements and hired houses; when the attending physicians were obliged to use their own private cases of instruments, and often pay for medicines themselves; when the patients were all sent to some convenient drug store, where the drug- gist was allowed five cents for each prescription madle up for them; when Mr. Arthur W. Benson, B. W. Delamater and others of the trustees, carried on the dispensary, for months at a time, out of their own pri- vate means. The City Dispensary has trained many prominent physicians for the useful positions which they afterward occupied in the public estimation.

In 1883, there were 8,995 different persons who re- ceived gratuitons medical treatment at the dispensary -5,741 females and 3,254 males, 4,614 being natives of the United States-to whom 14,338 prescriptions for medicine were supplied free of charge.

TRUSTEES: John J. Studwell, Robert S. Bussing, Alexander Forman, Aaron L. Reid, John M. Knox, Jr., Samuel Rowland, Chas. E. Bell, Jr., John N. Quirk, Charles M. Field, Frank Lyman, Frederick Cromwell, J. H. Armington, Alexis C. Smith, W. W. Henshaw,

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Charles Griffen, R. S. Bussing, Jr., John D. Chase, James W. Elwell, George I. Scney, William M. Thomas, Henry Rowland, Arthur W. Benson, George W. Mcad, Thomas Clark, Jr., Frank S. Benson.

OFFICERS, 1884 (all of whom have served con- tinuonsly for sixteen years): William W. Henshaw, Pres .; Aaron L. Reid, First Vice-Pres .; John N. Quirk, Second Viee-Pres .; Robert S. Bussing, Sec .; John J. Studwell, Treas.

MEDICAL STAFF: Dr. J. B. Jones, department for treatment diseases of females; Dr. W. F. Swalm and Dr. John Merritt, heart, throat and lungs; Dr. N. A. Robbins and Dr. E. A. Lewis, surgical cases; Dr. F. Hoyt and Dr. L. Criado, nervous and digestive diseases; Dr. W. E. Spencer and Dr. L. McPhail, diseases of children; Dr. A. W. Brewster, eye and ear diseases; Dr. A. Haslett, skin diseases; Dr. N. A. Robbins, (this department established in 1857) teeth and vaccination. Dr. N. A. Robbins, Apothecary.

The Brooklyn Central Dispensary was opened August 1st at Flatbush avenue, near Nevins strect, and incorporated August 7th, 1855. Its founders were : Josiah West, Jas. Van Dyck, Wm. Swift, Wm. B. Dodge, Thos. L. Magagnos, Wm. II. Hallock, Alex. H. Curtenden and D. Tompkins Gray. It was subsc- quently removed to its present location, 312 Raymond street. It is doing a good work, and is managed by a BOARD OF TRUSTEES comprising (1882-'3) Jos. S. Spin- ney Col. M. Bennett, W. B. Maddox, Jas. Rorke, Wm. E. Hines, John H. Ireland, N. II. Clement, Hugh Boyd, Theophilus Olena, Lowell Talbott, George V. Brower, Dr. Isaac H. Barber, Edward Daly, Wm. J. Gelston, Benjamin Liniken, George L. Morse and Nathaniel Beggs.

OFFICERS (1882): Wm. E. Hines, Pres .; Dr. Isaac H. Barber, First Vice-Pres .; Geo. L. Morse, Second Vice- Pres .; N. H. Clement, Treas .; George V. Brower, Sec.

Woman's Dispensary and Hospital, 48 Debe- voise place, near DeKalb avenue, was organized in October, 1881, and incorporated 1882. Mary A. Dixon Jones, M. D., in her extensive practice, observing the great and general suffering of women who could com- mand the best medical skill, and surround themselves with every comfort that love and money could supply, was led to consider how intolerable were the sorrows and burdens of the many poor women of the city, burdened with the same physical ills, and yet wholly unable to command medical help, or one of the many comforts which go to alleviate the sufferings of their more fa- vored sisters.

Dr. Jones tried to secure a bed in the New York Woman's Hospital for a needy Brooklyn woman, in May, but could not be accommodated until the next October. Impressed by these and other similar cases, of the great necessity for such a refuge for women in Brooklyn, Dr. Jones became a leader and most earnest worker in the establishment of this organization.

When the institution was first organized, a dispen- sary was opened at 81 Raymond street, and was well patronized. Many most pitiful cascs needed imme- diate hospital accommodations; and it became more and more evident that such must be provided, either by renting or purchasing a more suitable house. To- ward the close of the year an opportunity offered to purchase a four-story brick house, with basement, having twenty-four rooms, at 48 Debevoise place.

On the 10th day of January, 1883, the first patient was admitted. It is one of the special objects of this Hospital to take poor women and restore them to health and to capabilities of labor. The Board of Managers see the necessity of making yet more extended ar- rangements for the accommodation of these sick people. The Mission of the Dispensary and Hospital is to help suffering women and children. During the past year over 1,500 visits of the sick have been made to the Dispensary.

MEDICAL BOARD .- Consulting Staff: J. H. Hobart Burge, M. D., Frank W. Rockwell, M. D., John Byrne, M. D., Arthur Mathewson, M. D., Surgeons ; Landon Carter Gray, M. D., Francke H. Bosworth, A. M., M. D., James Watt, M. D., Prof. B. F. Dawson, M. D., Physicians ; Attending Physicians : Mary A. Dixon Jones, M. D., W. B. Mathewson, M. D., A. H. P. Leuf, M. D., Charles N. D. Jones, B. S., M. D. Dispensary Physicians : Mary A. Dixon Jones, M. D., Wm. B. Mathewson, M. D., A. H. P. Leuf, M. D., John C. Lester, M. D., Chapin Minard, M. D. The Dispen- sary is open daily for the reception of patients. The dis- pensary building is in most thorough repair. The wards have been remodeled. Since January, 1883, one thou- sand patients have been attended to, at the Dispensary. OFFICERS (1883) : Mrs. E. M. Sandford, Pres .; Mrs Mary Lewis and Mrs. C. N. Hoagland, Vice-Pres .; Mrs. Geo. Stannard and Miss M. D. Jones, Secretaries ; Mrs. P. A. Resseguie, Treas.

The Lucretia Mott Dispensary and Infirmary, No. 315 Atlantic avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y., was organ- ized October 31, 1881, and soon after incorporated, to afford medical and surgical treatment of women and children, by women physicians. It first numbered seven members; now seventeen. Its TRUSTEES were : Mrs. R. H. Manning, Mrs. J. A. Goodenough, Mrs. E. A. Bourquin, Mrs. Anna C. Field, Mrs. E. G. Williams, Dr. Aaron Wright and Dr. E. S. Bunker. The work of the dispensary has largely increased and met with great success. OFFICERS (1883): Dr. Aaron Wright, Pres .; Mrs. R. H. Manning, Vice-Pres .; Mrs. E. G. Williams, Sec .; Mrs. J. A. Goodenough, Treas .; Mr. Nathan Comstock, Counsel.

Eastern District Dispensary .- In 1851, Captain Samuel Grove, a philanthropic gentleman, agitated the question of establishing a dispensary in Williamsburg. A few moderately successful meetings were held, and a small sum of money was collected. The result of

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HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

the meetings was that the lower rooms of the frame building on the north-cast corner of South First and Fifth streets, were rented, and Dr. Hardcastle opened the Williamsburg Dispensary on the 1st of September, 1851. The first physicians who treated patients at the dispensary were C. H. Schapps, E. N. Colt, T. Marscills and B. F. Bassett. Captain Grove remained president of the Dispensary Association until the time of his death.

After the annexation of Williamsburg to Brooklyn, the name of the dispensary was changed by substitut- ing " Eastern District " for "Williamsburg." Captain Grove was an honest, earnest worker; but it was left for cx-Senator Strong, who has been president of the trustees for many years, to build up and enlarge the institution, and, consequently, increase its usefulness. To the ability and tact, combined with energy, which he brought to bear in the discharge of his duties as executive officer, much of the success of the institution is due. After the first few years of its existence, the building became too small to accommodate the large number who applied for relief.

In 1860, the three-story brick building at No. 165 Fourth street was leased from the city at a nominal rent, and was modestly fitted up. After a lapse of several years, a hospital department, containing eight or ten beds, was fitted up on the second floor for the reception of accident patients. Dr. Samuel Brady was the head surgeon, and he yet retains that position. An ambulance was also attached to the institution, and the young surgcon, with the steward, ocenpied the upper floor, where the cooking was done also. With the in- crease of manufacturing industries on the water front, including sugar and oil refiners, the number of acci- dents to workingmen also increased to such a large ex- tent, that the building was altogether too small to accommodate them. Most of the patients had to be taken to the City and Long Island College Hospitals, until St. Catharine's Hospital, on Bushwick avenne (one of the finest as well as the most useful of Brooklyn hospitals), was established. The Eastern District pa- tients were then taken there.

Several years ago, Mr. Strong succeeded in impress- ing the trustees of the Eastern District Hospital with the necessity of a larger building, suited to the grow- ing population and the consequent increase of the num- ber of patients.

Ground was purchased as a site on Sonth Third street, below Fourth street; and, after inch discussion and many delays, the present handsome building was erected. The new structure was built on a rather unique plan, and it is claimed to be the most commo- dions hospital in Brooklyn. The main building, front- ing on Sonth Third street, is three stories in height, and the two wings connected with it are two stories high cach. On the ground floors of the wings the sev- eral clinics and the apothecary's room are located; and

the second floors, as well as a floor in the main build- ing, are devoted to hospital purposes. There are about forty beds in the building. There is a room for each clinic, and the physicians attend for an hour at the same time.

During the thirty-two years that Dr. Hardcastle bas been connected with the institution, he bas faithfully and well discharged his duties as apothecary and den- tist. He has spent a lifetime in the service of the in- stitution.

The Southern Dispensary and Hospital was first projected by an association of individuals in 1873. In 1874, it was incorporated under the above title, though the hospital department was never established. The dispensary was first located on the corner of Sackett and Court streets, in rooms over a store. After its incorporation it was removed to its present location at the corner of Court street and Third place.

Nathaniel Ford, M. D., was the first President; fol- lowed, in succession, by Edward P. Ingersoll, D. D., James Wall, M. D., and the present President, Benja- min Richardson.

At first, the dispensary was maintained by contribu- tions from a few citizens. Since its incorporation it has had an annual appropriation from the state of $1,000, and this has defrayed its expenses. OFFICERS (1883): B. Richardson, Pres .; H. E. Dubois, Vice- Pres .; M. D. Lawrence, Sec .; David T. Trundy, Treas. TRUSTEES : B. Richardson, H. E. Du Bois, B. H. Bucll, Rev. E. J. O'Reilly, M. D. Lawrence, John Bennett, Theodore Ritter, E. W. Mascord, W. L. Harris, David T. Trundy, Olaf F. Anderson, Fred. Webster, John R. Wilmarth, John R. Greason and N. B. Gardner.

Bushwick and East Brooklyn Dispensary, No. 942 Myrtle avenue, is the result of the consolidation of two incipient organizations, the history of which is as follows : June 15, 1876, a few citizens met in St. Bar- nabas' Church, Bushwick avenue, to consider the ques- tion of the establishing of a dispensary in the eastern part of the city. A committee of six, appointed to prepare a plan for a permanent organization, presented a report at a meeting held Feb. 2, 1877, which report was adopted ; and the " Bushwick Dispensary Associa- tion " was thereupon resolved into existence. Standing committees on finanec and charter were appointed, and subscriptions to the amount of ninety dollars were made.

On the afternoon of the first Sunday in November, 1877, Dr. F. L. Tetamore, and a few friends, openel rooms on De Kalb, near Nostrand avenue, for a Mission Sabbath School. Shortly after, they fitted np a num- ber of beds, where destitute young men could find lodgings. l'laces of employment for such were sought. and in some instances found; and, besides these benev- olent undertakings, the establishing of a dispensary was planned, and actually began the work of minister- ing to the sick poor on December 10th.

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HOSPITALS, DISPENSARIES, ETC.

The medical staff consisted of the following : Dr. Williams, President; Dr. Hunt, Secretary, and Messrs. Fowler, Sizer, Hamilton, Crutehley, King and Evans. The work grew so rapidly upon them that they cast about to obtain a more perfect organization; and, in seeking persons to become ineorporators of the " East Brooklyn Dispensary," they learned of the steps which had already been taken for the formation of the " Bush- wick Dispensary." This resulted in a preliminary conference, at the house of John M. Phelps, of a few friends of each organization. On the evening of Feb. 13, 1878, a more general meeting of the friends of both organizations was held in the chapel of St. Matthew's Church, which resulted in the consolidation of both dispensaries under the name of Bushwick and East Brooklyn Dispensary. At subsequent meetings ofti- cers were elceted, and a constitution and by-laws adopted. A charter meantime had been obtained, and the medical staff had reorganized ; an apotheeary had been secured, and, on March 1, 1878, the dispensary was opened at 942 Myrtle avenue, with the following OFFICERS (1879-'80): Nicholas Wyekoff, Pres .; Darwin R. James and Hosea O. Pearee, Vice-Presidents; Jud- son C. Watson and John S. Noreross, Secretaries; Frederick Herr, Treas. OFFICERS (1882-83): Henry O. Pearee, Pres .; John L. Nostrand, First Vice-Pres .; Frederick Herr, Second Vice-Pres .; Eugene F. Barnes, Rec. Sec .; William Valentine, Cor. Sec .; A. Howell Topping, Treas.

The Brooklyn Sanitarian Hospital and Dis- pensary, 103 Lawrence street, was the outgrowth of the labors of T. S. Wileox, M. D., and was organized with seven members, December 6th, 1879 (incorporated nine days later), for the care of the sick and destitute.

The first managers were: George Wilson, John Francis, T. S. Wilcox, M. D., Col. Thos. Carroll, Robt. L. Garretson, F. M. Wilcox and Wmn. H. Tintle. The house, 103 Lawrence street, was purehased, hospital beds supplied, and a dispensary opened January Ist, 1880, in charge of Dr. Wilcox, who has sinee been House Physician and General Superintendent. A donation of $1,000 from Dr. T. S. Wileox was accepted.

After an unsatisfactory effort to organize a medical staff from the different sehools of practice, a resolution was unanimously adopted by the board, declaring the practice in this hospital to be that of the Homeopathie school; with discretionary powers by the resident physician to use sueh remedies as in his judgment should be most beneficial to cach particular ease.

The first OFFICERS were: George Wilson, President; John Francis, Vice-President; Thomas Carroll, Treas- urer; Frank M. Wilcox, Secretary; Robert L. Garrett- son, Counselor. The succeeding presidents were : Joseph E. Weeden, 1880; Rev. J. Hyatt Smith, 1881; Dr. William Harris, 1882; Rev. B. F. Reeve, 1883. The other OFFICERS for 1883 are as follows: Wm. S. Ford, Vice-President; Rev. G. DeB. Stoddard, Secretary;

Wm. P. Walsh, Treasurer; A. L. Martin and Henry A. Hine, Counselors; Miss Melissa M. Baleom, Matron and Manager sinec the opening of the institution. The Board now numbers 26 members.

Ninety-seven cases were treated in the hospital in 1883, and 3,470 in the dispensary, at a total cost of $2,999 -11. A peculiar feature of the hospital is the privilege that a patient ean be attended by his own physician while in the hospital, this being the only in- stitution in Brooklyn in which such a privilege is allowed.

MEDICAL AND SURGICAL STAFF: Samuel Eden, M. D., Surgeon ; N. A. Robbins, M. D., Assistant Surgeon ; G. C. Hamilton, M. D., C. H. Bronson, M. D., William Barker, M. D., II. G. Treat, M. D., and Henry Riedt, DD. S., Dental Surgeon.

This active and useful institution has never received a dollar from the city, except its pro rata share of the exeise moneys, amounting to between three and four hundred dollars yearly. The balance of its support comes from private sources.

There are ten patients at present in the house, which has bnt ten regular beds, with means of extemporising as many more extra. Estimates are being made to enlarge this hospital at onee to double its present capacity.

The Brooklyn Diet Dispensary .- In Decem- ber, 1875, a few ladies and gentlemen met by appoint- ment in the parlors of Mrs. George Stannard, to con- sider and disenss the question of relief for the sick poor. They decided to organize a society under the name of the Diet Relief Association. Although they collected only a little more than fifty dollars, they went forward, feeling confident that the money would come when the nature of the work should be under- stood. At a subsequent meeting, held on the 12th of January, 1876, a constitution was agreed upon, and the name was changed to the Brooklyn Diet Dispen- sary Association, which is suggestive of the objeet, viz., to dispense to the sick poor sueh diet as their physicians may prescribe, and furnish it to them free of charge. Their first principle of action was economy in expenditure and promptness in payment, the aim being to do the most good with the least money. The next principle was freedom from seetarianism, both in theology and medicine. They resolved to make no distinetions of ereed, color, school, or nationality; to ask only, "Is the patient worthy of aid, and in need of it ?" A room was hired at 49 High street, and the first " diets " were issued on the 17th of Jannary, 1876, One of the first rules adopted in regard to diets was, " All definite orders of physicians must be filled."

From a modest beginning the work has inereased to a well-organized society, incorporated under the laws of the state in 1877, and acknowledged to be indis- pensable to the completeness of a perfeet system of charity in any large community.

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HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

It has matured so rapidly that, although just entering upon the eighth year of its existence, it has organized three branches, all of which are in successful opera- tion. The Main dispensary being at 21 DeKalb av- enne; the East branch at 574 Gates avenne; the South at 293 Sackett street, and the Williamsburgh branch at 194 Conselyea street.

Each branch is in charge of a direetress and a matron, both of whom are under the control of the board of managers. A visitor is employed by the board to call upon those who receive diets; and if, in any case, a doubt as to character exists, it is reported to the Investigating Committee, who, after further visitation and inquiry, decide on its merits, and, if found unworthy of aid, the patient is ent off from the list and the doctor is notified of the result.

The society has in the past year (1883), reached 3,659 patients, which called for 10,3473 pints of beef tea, 1,312 pints of mutton broth, 30,428 eggs, 25,123} pints of milk, and other delicacies suitable for a sick room. The sales of beef tea have amounted to $530.95.

OFFICERS (1882-'83): Mrs. Geo. Stannard, President; Mrs. F. B. Fisher, Vice-President; Hon. J. W. Hunter, Treasurer; Mrs. J. P. Dike, Assistant Treasurer; Mrs. R. B. Fithian, Recording Secretary; Mrs. H. J. Stevenson, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. J. L. Far-

ley, Directress Main Dispensary; Mrs. J. O. Bedell, Directress East Brooklyn Dispensary; Mrs. H. Jessop, Directress South Brooklyn Dispensary; Mrs. W. R. Taylor, Directress Williamsburg Dispensary.

(Omitted from its proper place on page 890.)

WM. K. BROWN was born in Boston in 1807. Deciding on medicine as a profession he graduated from Dartmouth (Han- over Medical College) in 1829. For a time he practiced in Port- land, and then tried Philadelphia; but, dissatisfied with his attainments, he went to Enrope early in 1840, and studied for some time under Velpean, Andral and Dubois. Returning in December, 1841, he came to Brooklyn, and located on the corner of Henry and Remsen streets, afterward removing to Henry and Montagne, where he remained in practice for two and thirty years. In the earlier years of his professional life he preferred surgery; and, as early as 1830, while in Portland, he tied the carotid artery. Shortly after removing to Brook- lyn he was called out of town one night, to treat a girl whose legs had been crushed by a train on the Long Island Railroad. Time was valuable and instruments lacking. With a pocket knife and meat-saw, by the light of a lantern, and with a brakeman for an assistant, he successfully performed the operation of amputation. He held the love and esteem of his patients during the many years of his life. In his leisure hours he amused himself by the study of insect life, but he left little literary record of his work. Dr. Brown was long a member of the County Medical Society and of the New York Academy of Medicine. An injury to his head, cansed by a fall from a horse ear, eventually cansed his death in 1879.

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Civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the County of Kings and the City of Brooklyn, N. Y., Part 74

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909. Publication date: 1884 Publisher: New York : Munsell Number of Pages: 1360

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909.
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : Munsell
Number of Pages: 1360