Civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the County of Kings and the City of Brooklyn, N. Y., Part 82

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

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In 1839, the main part of the Cumberland street building, long occupied by the Society, was com- pleted; in 1851 it was added to, affording then accommodation for 130 children.

Dr. Cox and Mr. Gough lectured for the cause ; Fanny Kemble read, and Jenny Lind sang for it. Once a month Dr. Bud- dington preached the children a sermon, which they unfeignedly en- joyed. Now and again they had the delight of a picnic, or Christmas treat, or anniversary feast, where the aim of their entertainers evi- dently was to ascertain how much cake the orphans could eat.

BROOKLYN ORPHAN ASYLUM.

The population of Brooklyn, numbered in 1833 at 20,000, gained apace, and the necessity of a still larger Asylum long pressed on the Managers, who had to deny many worthy ap- plicants. At length the matter was taken in hand, and a number of lots were secured at the corner of Atlantic and Kingston avenues. On December 1st, 1870, the corner-stone of the present building was laid, and vigorous efforts in be- half of the enterprise were made thenceforward by all con- nected with it. The ladies developed new talent as financiers;

974

HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

the gentleman gave and asked others to follow the example. It was not easy to provide for the heavy expense incurred, and yet it was punctually done. Every exigency was met, every dollar paid when it was due. The work was carried in this prudent way to its conclusion; and on "opening day," June 15th, 1872, the Society was relieved, by the kindness of a watchful benefactor, from a mortgage, its only remaining liability. The building stands in the center of the grounds, and is regarded as a model, not only of exterior architectural beauty, but of taste and adaptation in its interior arrange- ments. Its cost was $210,000; it has ample accommodation for 400 orphans, but additional room is already needed. The institution is supported by an endowment, bequests, and specific donations, and by contributions from the charitable.

During the half century, four ladies have filled the office of Directress : Mrs. Charles Richards, Mrs. Phoebe Butler, Mrs. James L. Morgan, and, for the past twenty years, Mrs. John B. Hutchinson, whose care for the children's welfare in body and soul takes no rest. It is estimated that, from the beginning, the Ayslum's aid has been given to nearly 5,000 children, through whom its intluence is now sown broadcast in the land. Many of them have returned to their friends and been heard of no more. A number are known to have been useful and respected in the various departments of life, from preachers and teachers down to the humblest vocations. One of the boys, so crippled that he was limited in his exer- tions for a livelihood to selling papers, did this in an honest way that gained him favor, and enabled him to lay by $700, which at his death he left to the Asylum, with the words, " To the Orphan Asylum I am indebted for all that I am and all that I have; it has been both father and mother to me." With those placed in homes selected for them, correspond- ence, as far as practicable, is maintained by the Chairman of the Adoption and Indenture Committee, and frequent letters come, telling of contentment and gratitude.

The OFFICERS for 1884 are as follows : First Directress, Mrs. J. B. Hutchinson; Second Direetress, Mrs. Anna C. Field; Recording Secretary, Mrs. P. P. Sherwood; Corresponding Secretary, Miss V. Sampson: Treasurer, Mrs. Peter Palmer. The Board of Advisors consists of Hon. S. B. Chittenden, J. B. Hutchinson, Abraham Wyckoff, Franklin Woodruff, C. M. Field, Jonathan Ogden, A. H. Dana, J. G. Morgan, F. A. Crocker, J. W. Elwell, J. W. Mason and J. L. Truslow. The Board of Finance consists of Messrs. J. W. Mason, A. H. Dana and J. W. Elwell. The Counsel for the association is A. II. Dana.

The Brooklyn Bureau of Charities was organized in 1879 with the following officers : Seth Low, President ; Alfred T. White, Secretary; Darwin R. James, Treasurer.

The objects of this Society are:

1. To secure the co-operation of the benevolent societies, churches, and individuals of Brooklyn, that they may work with an understanding of the exact conditions and needs of every case.

2. To obtain and diffuse knowledge on all subjects con- nected with the relief of the poor, so that all relief may be of the kind best adapted to the needs of each case, and ad- ministered in the best possible manner.

3. To encourage thrift, self-dependence and industry through friendly intercourse, advice and sympathy, and to aid the poor to help themselves rather than to help them by alms, raising them as speedily as possible above the need of relief.

4. To prevent imposition, and to diminish vagrancy and pauperism and their attendant evils.

This Society seeks to aid all benevolent societies, churches and individuals to attain the highest aims of charity and

thereby the truest welfare of the poor. It neither solicits or receives funds for the purpose of alms-giving.

The Society consists of the following, ex-officiis: The Minis- ters of all Churches, the Mayor, the State Commissioner of Charities for Kings County, the Commissioner of Charities of Kings County, the Heads of City Departments, and Cap- tains of Police Precincts; of the officers, managing boards and agents of all charitable organizations, and all physicians who are commected with dispensaries, or do gratuitous service among the poor. Membership is obtained by any who con- tribute to the support of the Bureau. District Conferences are established in each Ward with an Executive Committee, who keep a register of all needy cases in their district, and assist in visiting and relieving the poor. Mr Low was suc- ceeded as President by Alfred T. White.

The OFFICERS for 1883-'84 are as follows: Manly A. Rnland, President; I. H. Cary, Jr., Ree. Secretary; Darwin R. James, Treasurer : Geo. B. Buzelle, Gen'l Secretary; M. Bennett. E. D. Berri, J. O. Carpenter, I. H. Cary, Jr., S. B. Chittenden, Jr., G. B. Forrester, D. R. James, D. A. Kendall, F. T. King, M. A. Ruland, A. F. Smith, F. F. Underhill, J. D. Webs, D.D., A. T. White, Executive Committee.

Evangelical Home for the Aged .- The friends of the Ger- man Evangelical Aid Society determined to build a home for the aged. They bought 14 city lots on the south-west corner of Bushwick avenue and Fairfax street. They rented the house, No. 79 Himrod street, for their immediate use, and the corner-stone of the new Home was laid October 15, 1%). On the 19th of February, 1883, the new building was occu- pied. The house is large and well suited to the wants of the Society. It now contains 43 inmates. Those desirous of en- tering the Home as inmates are required to pay $500, if able If not able, they pay according to their means; the majority being received entirely without money. The institution I- supported by the charitable among the German Evangelical Churches. The OFFICERS for 1883-'4 are as follows: Rev. J. M. Wagner, President; Rev. J. Weber, Sceretary; of the Board of Managers, Mrs. M. A. Miller is First Direetress; Mrs. M Wied, Second Direetress; Mrs. E. Hehr and Mrs. M. Krapf, Secretaries; Mrs. P. Achterrath, Treasurer.

The Brooklyn Home for Aged Men .- In 1877, Mrs. Mary G. Brinkerhoff, Mrs. J. G. Wilbur and Mrs. Mary E. Whiten found, in what had purported to be a Faith Home for ( Id men, in Grand avenue, near Atlantic, seven aged men in a suffering condition. They, with five others who became in- terested in the work, cared for these men during five months at their own expense. In 1878, they became incorporated under the above name. Soon after their incorporation, Mr. Frederick Marquand presented to the Society the undivided half of the house in which the Home was established-\ State street. This house was valued at $10,000. To it thes men were removed, and others have been added, till it is now quite full. Its present capacity is twenty. Mrs. Mary G Brinkenhoff was the first President, followed by the present President, Mrs. Lucien Birdseye. The other OFFICERS for 1883-4 are: Mrs. H. W. Wheeler, Mrs. John Winslow, Fice Presidents ; Mrs. A. F. Kibbe, Mrs. J. H. Williams, Secre taries; Mrs. J. N. Bergen, Treasurer.

The Brooklyn Association for Improving the Condition of the Poor (108 Livingston street) was formed in 1543. The Presidents of the Society, up to the present time, have the Seth Low, 1843-52; Jolm H. Brower, pro tem, Stephen Crowell, 1854-'56; George Hall, 1857-'62; R. W. Ropes, 150: to 1884. The General Agents, during the same perixl have been : Stephen Crowell, 1843-'52; Sammel G. Arnold 1853; Luther Eames, 1854-'60; Rev. Samuel Bayliss, fron 1861 to October 12, 1876, when David Il. Hawkins was elected

CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS.

975

Mr. Hawkins died in Spring of 1879, and, on October 13th of that year, Albert A. Day was elected, and continues to fill the office. This Association aims to improve the condition of the poor, morally as well as physically, by relieving their immediate necessities, and by giving them such advice, re- lief or encouragement as the several cases seem to require. Accordingly, it usually excludes from its benefits those of intemperate, or confirmed vicious, or indolent habits ; those who, from disease, imbecility, old age, or other causes, are likely to be permanently dependent (such persons would be better cared for in various public institutions), as well as such as are, or ought to be, provided for by relatives, churches

men of wealth and influence, each of whom has a district containing from fifty to a hundred families, which he can- vasses thoroughly during the months of November, Decem- ber and January. The work of distribution is carried on through an experienced corps of paid Ward agents (under the superintendence of the General Agent), who visit each applicant and investigate the case before giving an order for assistance.

The Association has its own storehouses, and purchases the supplies disbursed at wholesale. The Thirty-fifth Annual Report shows such disbursements made, at a cost of 81% per cent. of the value of the goods disbursed. From six to eight

BROOK LY

FIRST BUILDING OF THE ASSOCIATION. (In rear of present one).

A.D.1843

ASSOCIATION FOR IMPROVING

THE CONDITION OF THE POOR

1882

THE PRESENT BUILDING, 108 LIVINGSTON ST.

or other associations with which they may be connected ; thousand families are assisted each year. During the past recent emigrants (who properly come under the care of the six years, a very thorough and accurate system of business, in all the details of this work, has been inaugurated and is now maintained. The last Annual Report shows a disburse- ment for the current year of over $29,000. Commissioners of Emigration); and those whose long-con- tinued poverty render them unquestionably fit subjects for the Superintendents of the Poor. In fact, it aims to confine its labors, as nearly as possible, to those whose poverty is The original OFFICERS, in 1843, were: Seth Low, Pres .; C. P. Smith, John Greenwood, Henry C. Murphy, William Rockwell, Henry N. Conklin, Vice-Presidents ; Abraham Halsey, Treas .; James How, Rec. Sec .; Stephen Crowell, Cor. Sec. and Gen. Agt., office, Brooklyn Institute, Wash- ington street; with a Board of Managers, consisting of five representatives from seven Wards, and eight elected members. caused by temporary reverses, which they may rise above; and those whose condition may be elevated by judicious assistance and advice. The society bas no permanent fund, but depends entirely upon annual contributions. The collec- tions are made by voluntary unpaid solicitors, usually well- known residents of the district where they solicit, and often

976

HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

THE GRAHAM INSTITUTION.

The Brooklyn Society for the Relief of Respectable Aged Indigent Females, more popularly known as the Old Ladies' IIome (or more familiarly as the Graham Institution), and designed for the benefit of poor gentlewomen who had been unfitted, by previous culture and refinement, to accept will- ingly the public asylum provided by the State for the poor indiscriminately, was first suggested in 1850. At a publie meeting, held at Rev. Dr. S. H. Cox's church, in January, 1851, the project took a definite form; a building site, corner of Washington and DeKalb avenues, valued at $4,000, was presented by Mr. John B. Graham, and it was calculated that a proper building would be completed within sixteen months from that time ; Mr. Graham offering, during the meantime, to furnish relief at their own homes, to all applicants for ad- mission. The co-operation of twenty-six different (orthodox) congregations was secured, and the enterprise was thus placed on an nnsectarian basis. A charter was obtained, the building eommeneed, and the corner-stone was laid on the 1st of July, 1851. The architeet's report, read on that oc- casion, stated that the edifiee would accommodate niuety old ladies, and woukl contain a chapel, hospital, committee- rooms, ete., at a probable cost of $22,000; Mr. Graham pledg- ing himself for its completion in 1852, and the amount to be raised by personal application to the citizens of Brooklyn. The Society failing, however, to raise the sum within the stipulated time, Mr. Graham, with his accustomed liberality, assumed the responsibility of the undertaking, and carried it on to completion, at a cost of $29,044.95. Ile then presented it to the Society, amt it was dedicated to its beneficent uses on the 26th of October, 1852. Mr. Graham's original gift to this Society was $13.044.95, together with his time, labor, and many smaller but valable aids to its success. It was his re- pratelly avowed intention to build handsome dwellings upon the two side lots, and give the rents of the same, yearly, to the institution; and also, to free the buikling from debt, by an already prepared deed to that effect. But whilst, with pen in hand, Falling upon his clerk to hand bim this dood, death closed his tingers in its icy grasp. This left the managers under very discouraging circumstances, struggling through each year, as best they could, with scaree a hope left for the relief of the institution, and depemlent upon the uncertain support of public charity. In the year 1855, it was thought best to appeal to the public, through the pastors of the dif- ferent churches represented by the management, for the

means wherewith to cancel the mortgage and its aceumu- lated interest. This plan proved entirely successful, and the institution, since that time, has been crowned with success sufficient to promise its permanent and honorable position as one of the most valuable charities of Brooklyn. In 1862. the sum of $5,000, given by the estate of the late Win. II. Cary, furnished a nucleus, which, with additions of various sums from individuals, both living and deceased, formed a permanent fund, the interest of which was applied to the support of the inmates. With the exception of $1,500 from the State Legislature, no aid was received from any public body ; annual subscriptions and donations have been its de- pendenee.

The Presidents of the institution have been: Mrs. Dr. Cox. Mrs. Lansing, Mrs. Buckley, Mrs. J. S. T. Stranahan, Mrs. Webster, and Mrs. David M. Stone.

The other OFFICERS are as follows: Mrs. Theo. Polhems, Jr., Vice-President ; Mrs. W. H. Smith, Mrs. J. Arthur Burr, Secretaries ; Mrs. A. C. Washington, Treasurer.

The Flower and Fruit Charity was organized May, 1874. " to distribute fruits, flowers and other delicacies, with suit- able reading matter, personally, among the siek poor in hos- pitals, asylums and their own homes." It numbered about twenty members originally, which is the present aver- age.

The first OFFICERS were: Miss Badger, President; Mrs. J. H. Lester, Jr., Vice-President; Miss A. Mali, Secretary. Every Monday, from 9 to 11 o'clock, the ladies meet in the basement of the Brooklyn Library buikling, arrauge the contributed flowers in small bouquets, and carry them, with fruit, maga- zines or newspapers, to the hospitals for distribution. At Christ- mas, the inmates of all the hospitals are presented with cards and oranges, while the wards are decorated with greens. The charity is supported entirely by voluntary contribu- tions of money and supplies, and the work performed by ladies.

Its OFFICERS for 1883-'4 are: Miss A. Mali, President; Miss J. Duekwitz, Vice-President; Miss C. Lane, Secretary; Miss Kate Crane, Treasurer.

Faith Home for Incurables .- In 1871, Mrs. Kennedy, of New York, opened an asylum for incurables of both sexes in Harlem. This was soon afterward removed to Grand avenue. near Atlantic, in Brooklyn, and subsequently to the corner of Putnam and Grand avenues. In April, 1875. Mrs. Ken- nedy transferred this charity to Mrs. Rev. William E. Martin: and by her it was soon transferred to Misses E. F. and A. Il. Campbell. In 1877, it was removed to Lexington avenue, near Franklin, where it remained three years. In Novem- ber, 1878, the institution was incorporated under its present name, which sufficiently indicates its object.

The institution has been supported wholly by voluntary unsolicited contributions. In 1876, a donation of seven dol- lars was made toward a buikling fund. In 1881. this fmvl had increased to $8,000, about $4,000) of which was a legacy. In the spring of that year, Mr. A. S. Barnes donated to the home, land on the corner of Classon avenue and Park place. and superintended the erection of the elegant aml com- modions buikling which stands there. In addition to his donation of the land, he paid about $17,000 toward the erer . fion of this structure, which cost about $32,000. Of this. about $7,000 were donated by others. The home has accuin- modations for fifty patients. Most of the rooms in the insti- tution have been furnished by individuals or churches. and they are named after those furnishing them. The OFFICERS for 1883 '4 are Rov. Geo. F. Pentecost. President: James M. Ham, Treasurer; S. B. Chikls, M. D., Secretary; Emily F. Campbell and Abby H. Campbell, Managers.

CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS.

977

THE BROOKLYN NURSERY.

The Brooklyn Nursery .- In the spring of 1871, Mrs. E. B. ollins, Mrs. H. F. Aten, Mrs. Charles Rushmore, Mrs. W. G. awrence, Mrs. A. G. Houghton and Mrs. L. W. Seaman, ith a few others, interested themselves in forming a tem- rary home for infants and young children of working people, here they would receive kind care during working hours. house in Adelphi street was secured, an Industrial School tablished, and a charter granted the Institution as The latbush Avenue Industrial School and Nursery. Soon after, e Industrial School was discontinued, and a new charter anted to The Brooklyn Nursery. In June, 1871, the institu- on was opened. 130 children were cared for during the first ar. The first OFFICERS were: Mrs. E. B. Rollins, First Diree- ess; Mrs. M. Graham, Second Dircctress; Mrs. G. W. lexander, Third Directress; Mrs. Charles Rushmore, Treas .; rs. W. F. Swalm, Rec. Sec .; Mrs. H. F. Aten, Cor. Sec. hree years later, the Nursery was removed to larger quar- rs at No. 188 Prospect place. In 1883, the house was sold d lots purchased on Herkimer street, near Kingston avenue, bere the corner-stone of the new building was laid Septem- er 14th, 1883. This building is substantially constructed, on

the plan of the letter T, with a front of 52 feet on Herkimer street, and a wing 45 by 58 feet in the rear. It is faced with pressed bricks, relieved by bands of terra cotta; is four stories in height, with a basement containing the culinary and laundry apparatus. The first floor is used as the parlor, recep- tion and sewing room; the upper floors are occupied by dormi- tories, matron's room, and lavatories. Special attention has been paid to ventilation and precautions against fire. The cost of the building was about $30,000. The OFFICERS for 1883-'4 are as follows : Mrs. E. B. Rollins, First Directress; Mrs. G. C Wood. Second Directress; Mrs. D. D. Barker, Third Directress; Mrs. D. Hustace, Treasurer; Miss J. Thompson, Recording Sceretary; Mrs. H. F. Aten, Corresponding Secre- tary.

Brooklyn Benevolent Society .- The late Cornelius Heeney, Esq., gave, for charitable purposes, 151 lots of land lying be- tween Hicks, Columbia, Congress and Henry streets, in the city of Brooklyn. He directed that the income from this property should be expended for the relief of the poor, one- fifth for fuel, one-tenth for clothing for poor childreu attend- ing school, $250 for a teacher for poor children, and the re-

978

HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

mainder for the maintenance and education of poor orphan children, from four to fourteen years of age.

In 1845, tho Benevolent Association was formed, for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of the trust. The devise yields from $22,000 to $25,000 per year, which is ap- portioned among the poor of the Roman Catholic church principally. The OFFICERS for 1882-'83 are Rt. Rev. John Loughlin, Pres .; Conolly Roddy, Treas .; John McGreevey, Sec'y. The Standing Committee is Andrew Dougherty, Chairman ; Kiernan Egan, Jno. McGreevey, Hon. W. II. Murtha. William Kelly, Agent.

THE BAPTIST HOME.

The Baptist Home, of Brooklyn, N. Y., was incorporated by an act of the Legislature, passed April 9, 1869. The es- tablishment of this Home was first urged by Alexander McDonald, with whom Francis D. Mason co-operated actively and efficiently. These gentlemen contributed $25,000 toward the building fund, but neither lived to see the commence- ment of the building. The object of the Home, as set forth in its charter, is to furnish " an institution where the desery- ing infirm and needy members of the Baptist churches of the city of Brooklyn * * * may be provided with a com- fortable home, support, and employment, medical and other necessary care, with the religious and church privileges which they have been accustomed to enjoy as members of their respective churches." The corner-stone of the Home was laid October 22, 1873, and the building was dedicated June 22, 1875. It is three stories in height, with basement and pavilion. It is 112 feet in front, on Greene avenue (corner of Throop), and has an average depth of about 45 feet ; the cost was $81,500. The current expenses of the Home are defrayed by contributions from churches and individuals. Edward Adams bequeathed to the IIome $5,000, and Mrs. Sarah A. Bertine, $15,000. OFFICERS (1883-'84) : Wm. Rich- ardson, Pres .; Fred'k C. Linden, Treas .; Geo. B. Forrester, Sec'y.

The Church Charity Foundation of Long Island .- This, as the name imports, is a foundation on which to build sev- eral institutions for different classes of beneficiaries to which the charity of the church may be extended. Its origin is dne to the late Rev. Francis Vinton, D.D., when rector of Grace Church, on the Heights (to whom had fallen the charge of three orphan children of a communicant of his parish); and a few noble-minded and generous ladies, among whom were Mrs. Richards, Mrs. Pierrepont, Mrs. Hastings, and others. These ladies, in 1850, rented a small building in Love lane (which had been occupied by Harry, once a slave of Sanmel Jackson), and there gathered a few aged women, supplying their wants from day to day, and watching over

them with affectionate care. This enterprise enlisted the interest of others, and led to the holding of a meeting, on the 6th of February, 1851, in the church of the Holy Trinity, at which steps were taken for the organization of the Church Charity Foundation, which was incorporated under the gen- eral act, April 14, 1852.

The charity contemplated, 1st, the establishment of a home for aged indigent persons, at first of females, but in course of time, of aged men and aged married couples; 2d, an orphan house, for the protection, support, and education of indigent orphan and half-orphan children, and such other children, without distinction, as shall have been left in a destitute and unprotected condition ; 3d. the establishment of a hospital and infirmary for the sick and helpless ; 4th, a training house for the instruction in nursing of the sick, of such minister- ing women as may desire to work for the afflictedl. not only in the departments of this foundation, but in other charitable or penal institutions of the city, among the poor in their abodes, and in cases of contagious disease, or in times of pestilence; 5th, a home and bethel for seamen and boatmen, and their families. Besides these, a provision is made, au- thorizing the receiving and executing of any trust for charitable uses ; it being intended, under this comprehensive arrangement, to enable any benefac- tor to establish charities and supply wants, not at the time of the organization of the society parti- cularly foreseen, but which the future growth of the city might render desirable, and a riper experi- ence in benevolence might discover and provide for. In 1vi7. the Society purchased 23 city lots, at the corner of Albany ave- ne and Herkimer street, and, in 1858-'59, erected thereon a house and chapel, of sufficient capacity for 25 aged people and 40 orphans. For the first twelve years. the care of this num- ber was the work of the Society.

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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 82

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