The civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the county of Kings and the city of Brooklyn, N. Y., from 1683 to 1884, Volume II, Part 73

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909, ed
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York, W. W. Munsell & Co
Number of Pages: 1345

USA > New York > Kings County > Brooklyn > The civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the county of Kings and the city of Brooklyn, N. Y., from 1683 to 1884, Volume II > Part 73

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ASSOCIATE VISITING STAFF .- J. C. Schapps, M. D .; J. C. McEvitt, M. D .; Walter J. Corcoran, M. D .; Geo. R. Westbrook, M. D .; G. V. P. Convery, M. D .; J. A. Ray, M. D .; Herbert S. Williams, M. D .; Louis Kuhn, M. D .; Glen D. Butler, M. D .; John D. Sullivan, M. D .; Charles H. Terry, M. D .; A. J. Dower, M. D .; John Harrigan, M. D .; Joseph E. Smith, M. D .; Isaac H. Platt, M. D .; Charles H. Johnson, M. D .; J.Y. McGay, M. D .; Joseph A. Kene, M. D .; W. J. Brandt, M. D .; J. F. O'Connell, M. D .; Thomas A. Joye, M. D .; Job Corbin, M. D .; A. W. Ford, M. D.

Thomas R. French, M. D., Consulting Laryngologist; Alexander H. P. Leuf, M. D., Pathologist ; Joseph H. Hunt, M. D., Curator and Microscopist.

RESIDENT STAFF .- C. E. Dority, M. D .; F. G. Curtis, M. D .; F. E. Tieste, M. D .; B. J. Hammill, M. D.

St. Mary's Hospital is non-sectarian in the strictest sense of the term, neither creed nor color being an obstacle to admission; and, while there are a large num- ber of well-furnished private rooms for both sexes, and wards for patients whose means permit of a mod- erate compensation for board and treatment, yet the average proportion of free patients is not less than 80 per cent. It is supported, thus far, wholly by voluntary contributions. A commodious ward has been set apart for children's diseases. There is also an efficient ambulance service.

The clinical work of the hospital, both medical and surgical, is open to the entire profession. It is in con- templation to organize an out-door department to meet the wants of this out-lying district, so soon as the necessary means can be provided.

JOHN BYRNE, M. D., M. R. C. S. E., Brooklyn, N. Y., was born at Kilkeel, in the county of Down, Ireland, October 13, 1825. His father, Stephen Byrne, who was an extensive and successful merchant, sent his son, at an early age, to a lead- ing classical seminary at Belfast. In his thirteenth year be became the pupil of a celebrated classical and mathematical preceptor, Rev. William Craig, a Moravian minister, in bis native town. Having thus received a thorough preliminary education, he commenced the study of medicine as a pupil of Dr. Daniel Murray, a prominent general practitioner, in Belfast. He matriculated at the Royal institution of that city in 1842, where he completed his first "annus medicus," comprising, in addition to practical pharmacy and chemistry,

Chas. Robson, Pub. Philas

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HOSPITALS, DISPENSARIES, ETC.

lectures on anatomy and physiology, hospital attendance, and dissections; such course being recognized and required by the curricula of the various British colleges. During the succeeding five years, his professional studies were pursued in the Universities of Dublin, Edinburgh and Glasgow, the last session having been spent in Edinburgh, where he grad- uated in 1846. His professional career opened by an appoint- ment to the charge of a temporary fever hospital in his native country, during an epidemic of typhoid in 1846-'47. His se- lection for the discharge of the duties attached to this respon- sible position, was based mainly on his unusually large hos- pital experience, amounting to over four years' actual attendance. By the introduction of important sanitary mea" sures, and the systematic general management of this in- stitution, the mortality during his service was remarkably reduced, so much so as to call forth flattering commendations from British government officials, and a handsome testi- monial from the local public authorities. He emigrated to the United States, and settled in Brooklyn in 1848.

In 1853, with a view to enlarge his professional associations, he graduated at the New York Medical College, then located in East Thirteenth street. ' He was one of the originators and active founders of the Long Island College Hospital in 1856.

An extensive general practice of fifteen years found him in 1860 eminently qualified to adopt any one of various depart- ments of medicine or surgery as a specialty, and he selected diseases of women as the branch most congenial to his tastes.

In 1868, through the assistance of a few charitable and pub- lic-spirited citizens, and the co-operation of the Sisters of Charity, he organized St. Mary's Female Hospital in Dean street, to which he was appointed Surgeon-in-Chief, which position he still holds. Within a few years, however, the accommodations having been found entirely inadequate to the increasing demands of that class of sufferers for whose special benefit the institution was established, the construc- tion of St. Mary's General Hospital was decided on, and the building commenced in 1879.

On account of the widespread reputation obtained by the former institution, through his untiring efforts and the active co-operation of his professional associates, the incorporators and trustees of the new enterprise entrusted to him the or- ganization of its present medical and surgical staff.

He is the author of several able papers, and numerous peri- adical contributions on subjects connected with gynecology, besides monographs, prominent among which may be men- tioned, " Researches and observations on Pelvic Hæmatocele " (1862); "Clinical Notes on the Electric Cautery in Uterine Surgery " (1872); "Amputations and Excisions of the Cervix Uteri," etc. (1877).

He has given considerable attention to the science of elec- tro-physics, and to his experimental researches in this depart- ment the profession is indebted for the very complete galvano- cautery apparatus which bears his name.

He is a fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine; member and late president of the New York Obstetrical So- ciety; fellow of the American Gynecological Society; late Clinical Professor of Uterine Surgery in the Long Island College Hospital; member of the American Medical Asso- ciation; member of the New York State and Kings County Medical Societies; Surgeon-in-Chief to St. Mary's Female Hospital, and Surgeon-in-Chief to department of Gynecology, and President of the Faculty of St. Mary's General Hospital.

The Methodist Episcopal Hospital .- Upon the high land on the block between Sixth and Seventh streets and Seventh and Eighth avenues, stands this

new hospital, which Mr. George I. Seney presented to that denomination. The central building fronts on Sixth street, and is 92 by 156 feet, and four stories in height; the architecture is that of the Renaissance; the material is mainly brick, laid in black mortar, with trimmings of brown stone. It is entirely fire-proof. Its cost is $300,000. The hospital is intended to accommodate about 300 patients. There will be two 2-story pavilions, one on each of the main buildings, and 40 feet distant, to be used as wards. There will also be six smaller detached buildings, including a mortuary chapel, dissecting-room, engine-house, etc., which are not yet (1884) built. The buildings are con- structed on the most approved plan, and in accordance with the latest discoveries in science and medicine.

St. John's Hospital .- See our sketch of The Church Charity Foundation.

The Brooklyn Eye and Ear Hospital was established April 15th, 1868, at the corner of Wash- ington and Johnson streets, by a number of benevolent citizens. Its success exceeded their most sanguine ex- pectations, more spacious accommodations were soon needed, and the fine brick building, No. 190 Washing- ton street, having been purchased and fitted up for the reception of patients, was opened on the 20th of April, 1869.

It was established as a purely benevolent institution. Year by year its work increased, till, in 1881, larger accommodations were found indispensable, and the Juvenile High School building, 100 Livingston street, was purchased at a cost of $47,500 and converted into a hospital.

Since the establishment of this hospital more than 40,000 cases have been treated, and this work has been wholly gratuitous. Clinical instruction has been given daily in this institution, to such medical students as have chosen to avail themselves of it.

S. B. Chittenden was President of the hospital from its establishment until 1882. The present officers are: E. R. Squibb, President; C. D. Robbins, Vice-President; A. D. Wheelock, Treasurer; F. H. Colton, M. D., Secretary; Chas. Meyer, Superintendent.

Brooklyn Home for Consumptives .- Early in the summer of 1881, half a dozen philanthropic ladies and gentlemen of Brooklyn sent out a call to the benevolent people of the city to meet in the parlors of Plymouth Church, to consider the great need of a home for consumptives. It had been found that the doors of all hospitals were closed against this class of sufferers, and that the alms-house alone was accessible to them. Certain cases of peculiar need appealed to the hearts of the few who issued the call, and who were gladdened by the response of about fifty persons, mostly ladies, from various churches in the city. This meeting was followed by others of increased numbers, resulting in a speedy and permanent organization. It was resolved not to limit this new enterprise by making an asylum

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HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

for one class only, but to found one home in the city whose doors should be broad enough to admit any one, irrespective of creed, color, sex or nationality; and further, not to restrict it to consumptives only, but to admit to its consolations such other sick as might be unable to find entrance elsewhere. Therefore, in due time, the society was incorporated, under the name of the Garfield Memorial Home, with a charter wherein the declared object was to provide a comfortable home for invalids, especially consumptives.

An ordinary dwelling house on Washington avenue was rented by the society in August, 1881. A matron was secured, one nurse and one steward. The house was soon filled; and, from the very first, need was felt of more room. In April, 1882, the trustees purchased the building now occupied, at No. 219 Raymond street, where there are beds for twenty-nine patients, each fitted with a wire woven mattress and hair mattress above. This seemed a real necessity, so emaciated is this class, and often long confined to their beds. To most of them such a luxury was beyond anything hoped for. Food of the most nutritious kind is furnished, the one item of milk amounting to thirty or forty quarts per day.

It is just to say that this institution owes its exist- ence to Rev. S. B. Halliday. For a long time he gave not only his money but himself to it. Without his efforts it would not have been. The Fruit and Flower Mission have remembered 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 Homeopathic and Allopathic schools of medicine, have rendered their services gratuitously, and religious services have been held regularly at the home.

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 Feeble- 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 Home. 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 made 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 gratuitous 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. Seney, William M. Thomas, Henry Rowland, Arthur W. Benson, George W. Mead, Thomas Clark, Jr., Frank S. Benson.

OFFICERS, 1884 (all of whom have served con- tinuously for sixteen years): William W. Henshaw, Pres .; Aaron L. Reid, First Vice-Pres .; John N. Quirk, Second Vice-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 street, and incorporated August 7th, 1855. Its founders were : Josiah West, Jas. Van Dyck, Wm. Swift, Wm. B. Dodge, Thos. L. Magagnos, Wm. H. Hallock, Alex. H. Curtenden and D. Tompkins Gray. It was subse- 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. H. 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 cases 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-east 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. Marseills 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 ex-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 heds, 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 surgeon, with the steward, occupied 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 avenue (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 South Third street, below Fourth street; and, after much discussion and many delays, the present handsome building was crected. The new structure was built on a rather unique plan, and it is claimed to be the most commo- dious hospital in Brooklyn. The main building, front- ing on South Third street, is three stories in height, and the two wings connected with it are two stories high each. 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 has been connected with the institution, he has 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. Buell, 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.

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The civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the county of Kings and the city of Brooklyn, N. Y., from 1683 to 1884, Volume II, Part 73

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909, ed Publication date: 1884 Publisher: New York, W. W. Munsell & Co Number of Pages: 1345

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909, ed
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York, W. W. Munsell & Co
Number of Pages: 1345