Century history of Delaware County, Ohio and representative citizens 20th, Part 24

Author: Lytle, James Robert, 1841- [from old catalog] ed
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing company
Number of Pages: 926

USA > Ohio > Delaware County > Century history of Delaware County, Ohio and representative citizens 20th > Part 24

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165

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

Up to 1856, no special provision had been mnade for the care of the insane, and as these wards of the county increased in number, if became necessary to provide suitable quarters for them. Accordingly, a stone and brick building was erected in the rear of the infirm- ary. Heavy iron bars guarded the windows. which were set high up in the walls, and the cell doors, which opened into small hallways, were protected with iron gratings, firmly se- cured by a wooden door on the outside. This pen-like affair was far from comfortable, and as it was unsatisfactory in other ways, it soon was deemed necessary to replace this with a larger building, better adapted to the care of the insane.

The Legislature, during the session of 1874-75, passed an act which authorized the commissioners to levy a tax, and the directors to build "a prison for the insane." A large and commodious brick building, 50 by 30 feet in dimensions and two stories high, was erected at a cost of $10,000. Under the build- ing is a good basement, which is used as a furnace room. The building is fire-proof, and is provided with every necessary comfort and convenience. Large hallways run through the center of each of the floors from one end of the building to the other. The cells, built of stone and brick, are eight feet by ten, and open off these hallways on either side. The doors are of iron, and the windows are heavily barred. In 1903, a law was passed requiring all insane persons to be sent to the State Asylum. Since then, the building has been used only as a place of detention for insane persons, until such time as they could be taken to the State Asylum. Because of its superior conveniences. a number of the older inmates of the Infirmary are now housed in this building.

There are two capacious barns on the farm, The new barn, built in 1895, is forty by ser- enty feet in dimensions. About forty-five head of cattle are kept ; sixty hogs are fed. of which about forty-five are butchered annually. In 1907. the crops were short, excepting hay. The following were the quantities raised : Wheat, 500 bushels; oats, 700 bushels; corn, 2,000 bushels. About 150 tons of hay are

raised each year, of which about five carloads are sold each spring. In 1870, it became evi- dent that the farm was too small, and 105 acres of land were purchased from John L. Thurston. In 1905, fifty acres of land were added to the farm on the east, making a total of 2681/2 acres now in the place. Only a very small number of the inmates of the Infirmray are able to lend any assistance in the farm work.

The Infirmary is in charge of a Board of Directors, who are elected by the people. They employ a superintendent to manage the farm, the buildings and the inmates.

The following gentlemen have served as superintendent : Eli Jackson, 1852-55; Mr. Meeker, 1855-58; George Hall, 1858-60; John L. Thurston, 1860-66; John Heverlo, 1866-67; James Green, 1867-68; John A. Caruthers. 1868-74: John Heverlo, 1874-76; N. Glass, 1876-80; John Longwell, 1880-85 : N. A. Cole- man, 1885-89: George Coyner, 1889-92: A. Linn, 1892-1901: April 1, 1901. the present superintendent, Mr. C. O. Domigan, took charge of the Infirmary.

The following items from the last annual report will be of interest. At that time there were sixty-eight inmates in the institution. The largest number ever cared for at one time was ninety-seven, while the average runs be- tween sixty and eighty. The proportion of men to women is usually two to one.

FROM REPORT FOR YEAR ENDING AUGUST 31. 1907.

Salary of superintendent $ 860.00

Wages of other employes 1429.60

Medical attendance at Infirmary 62.50

Minister 10.00

Stock 925.00

Groceries and provisions 2039.27

Fuel and lights 991.47

Clothing and shoes 398.90

Coffins and funeral expenses

76.75

Furniture 35-55

Feed for horses, cattle and hogs

415-44

Ordinary repairs 1872.38

Drugs

254.00

All other ordinary expenses 503.34

Total current expenses of Infirmary $9874.20

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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY

Received from Dow Jaw tax and

cigarette tax $3828.88

Received from levy for poor fund. .. 6045.32 9874.20

OUTDOOR RELIEF.

Physicians' fees $ 258.20

Food, fuel, clothing 3443.32

14 parents and 45 children helped. Total $3701.52

Received from sale of farm products and stock $2951.76 Received from sale of other articles 2.97

Received from expenses of inmates paid by themselves or their friends 534.00

Received from all other sources 5.00

Total amount paid into County Treasury. $3493.73

Net Expense, exclusive of permanent improvements during year ending August 31, 1907, $8 001.82. Number of inmates: Male, 44: Female. 24. Total 68. CAUSES OF PAUPERISM.

Number of insane .17

Number of idiotic inmates J

Number disabled by old age 38

Number disabled by disease 2

Number disabled by loss of member or members 2

Number disabled by deformities 2

Number disabled by blindness 4

NATIVITY.

Number of inmates born in Ohio .50

other states 3

foreign countries 15

INVENTORY.

Estimated value of land $12,250.00

buildings 36 000.00

.. .. furniture 1,300.00

machinery 2,200.00

live stock 2,800.00

.. .. agricultural implements, 550.00

tools. etc.

Total

$55,100.00

THE CHILDREN'S HOME OF DELAWARE.

The Children's Home of Delaware is really the child of the "Ladies' Christian Union," a benevolent society representing all churches, which has for its object the care of the poor of this city. The constant experience of the workers of the "Union" during its early years deeply impressed upon their minds the need of

some way to rescue innocent children from homes of sin and ignorance-children, help- less, and with almost hopeless futures. Out of the needs of these innocent children came. finally, the thought of a Children's Home. At this time, more than a quarter of a century ago, there were but few children's homes, and these. with kindergarten work, were little under- stood ; so we can look back with most charitable thought to the really conscientious question- ings that met this work the first year or so, re- garding not only its practicability, but also the moral feasibility of establishing this Children's Home in Delaware.

Some of the chief arguments raised against this enterprise were: "Institutionizing chil- dren"-taking children from parents and thus "rending the most sacred of relationships"- the prophecy most often repeated in discour- agement being, that parents would not give up their children-that only unlawfully born children would ever come to fill this Home. thus making of it simply a "Foundling Hos- pital," to relieve unworthy mothers of bur- dens, and thus, instead of benefitting the pub- lic, encourage the "Social Evil." After much earnest thought and discussion had been brought to bear on the momentous question, the final crucial hour came. It was a band of noble women who gathered in an "upper room" of the Court House at Delaware in the early months of 1881, and with faith alone in God as its christening, launched on such an un- certain sea, this life-boat of rescue. Soon after, on April 19, 1881, a preliminary meet- ing of women and pastors of the various churches was held to consider the question of formally organizing this Children's Home, as decided upon by the ladies of the "Christian Union," and Mrs. Abram Thomson was asked to present to the meeting the object to be con- sidered. This was done, and then the first question before the meeting seemed to be, What shall be the plan of organization? Two plans were presented : First, a city or county home, to be supported by private contributions und to be under private management : second, a county home to be organized under the sta- tute providing for "County Children's Homes."

DELAWARE COUNTY INFIRMARY. BROWN TOWNSHIP

INSANE WARD-DELAWARE COUNTY INFIRMARY

THE HOME FOR AGED PEOPLE, DELAWARE

LITE JANE M. CASE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, DELAWARE

DELAWARE CITY LIBRARY

DELAWARE CHILDREN'S HOME, DELAWARE

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After a general discussion of these plans, a committee was appointed to consider the entire question. This committee was composed of Mrs. John Little, Mrs. Abram Thomson, Mrs. William P. Reid. Mrs. Eugene Powell and Mrs. J. W. Icenberger. At a meeting held on April 27, 1881, the report of the committee was presented and accepted, being in substance as follows: First. The name of this corpora -. tion shall be "The Children's Home of Dela- ware." Second. That it shall be maintained by private and public subscriptions and do- nations. Third. That it be organized at pres- ent as a City Home, with the hope expressed that abundant support will soon widen it out into a County Home. Fourth. It shall be located within the city limits, at such place as its trustees may arrange, and near enough for its children to attend public schools and churches.

A constitution had also been prepared, and with slight changes was adopted. The officers were to be a Board of Trustees, consisting of three gentlemen and ten ladies, and a Board of Managers numbering twenty-four. Mrs. Abram Thomson was elected President, and to a history written by her we are indebted for a large part of this sketch. Mrs. Thompson passed to her reward April 23. 1903, and at this point we will digress to quote from a trib- ute written by the present president of the Home, Mrs. K. B. Shaffer, which appeared in the Delaware Gasette, April 27, 1903:

"In the coronation of Mrs. A. Thomson, Delaware loses one of its most queenly women, the Children's Home its mother, and a multi- tude of people a friend and companion. The life of this noble woman has stamped itself upon the well-being of the community, and her deeds of love and kindness live in the hearts and lives of those who knew her and

loved her. * Mrs. Thomson was * ever ready to lend a helping hand to any cause that was for the uplifting of humanity. Twen- ty-two years ago today. Mrs. Thomson was elected president of the Children's Home As- sociation of Delaware. She was the leading spirit that lead to the organization of the As- sociation, and through all the years that fol-

lowed, she gave the best of her life's service to the building up of this institution for help- less children. No sacrifices were too great for her to make, and nothing was too good for her to lay at the feet of the little ones she had under her fostering care. The Home was the pride of her heart, her 'well-beloved,' and the one thousand or more little ones who have been nurtured and cared for, rise up to call her 'blessed.' "

Vice-presidents were elected-one from each of the churches, and the following are the names of the other officials elected at that time: Mrs. C. H. McElroy, secretary : Mrs. W. G. Williams, treasurer. The trustees were : Mrs. J. W. Icenberger, Mrs. Thomas F. Joy. Mrs. W. O. Semans, Mrs. Wm. P. Reid. Mrs. V. T. Hills, Mrs. J. D. VanDeman, Mrs. Ra- chel Carter, Dr. F. Merrick, Judge T. C. Jones, Sidney Moore. The Board of Man- agers was elected as follows: Mrs. John Lit- tle, Mrs. C. C. Chamberlain, Mrs. E. T. But- ler. Mrs. M. D. Covell, Mrs. J. J. Glover, Mrs. Eugene Powell, Mrs. John Armstrong, Mrs. J. F. Curren, Mrs. T. C. O'Kane, Mrs. Z. Ham- mond. Mrs. James Slough, Miss Lydia Mitchell, Mrs. William Bowyer, Mrs. E. E. Neff, Mrs. A. D. Hawn, Mrs. Thomas Evans, Mrs. Shattuck, Mrs. A. S. Clason, Mrs. H. M. Carper, Mrs. R. B. Cowan, Mrs. P. Heiby. Mrs. J. Markle.

An investigation as to the number of chil- dren needing the help of the home was made. and it was discovered that twenty-six children had been in the infirmary during the previous two years, and thirty-two children had been found in homes that were worse than no homes, with no hope for their future, if left amid such environments.

From the trend of the meetings of the trustees held up to this time, it was plain that the gentlemen of the Board, while most respectful and deferential, were, and consci- entiously so, not in sympathy with the work. They doubted if money could be raised to support a Home-advised delay in incorpora- tion, or any attempt to organize a Children's Home-thought the whole thing impracticable. and concluded by offering their resignations

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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY

and retiring from the work. How true it is, that woman's faith and woman's enthusiasm so often outstrip man's more slow conclusions -reaching, intuitively. results finally approved equally by both. At the next meeting of the Board, the resignations of the gentlemen were accepted, and the resignation of the ladies re- maining on the Board were presented. but acceptance of the same was positively refused. This meeting was soon followed by another at which the ladies voted unanimously against incorporating the enterprise. The outlook was truly discouraging-a treasury without one dollar in it, and with nowhere to look for needed supplies-without the prestige of suc- cess, and public confidence yet to be won- so many faint hearts among their own num- ber growing discouraged and walking no more with them-the air all around full of doubts and questionings as to the actual need of under- taking so great a work.

In May a dying mother in North Delaware left her two little children to this prospective "Children's Home." Again, in June, a little girl, ragged and neglected, but with a sweet face, came to the home of the president, hold- ing in her hand a note, written on the yellow fly-leaf of some old book, which read thus : "Mrs. --. I am going to die, and I hear there is going to be a Children's Home- when it is built will you take my little chil- (ren?" There were four of these, one a little babe. The hand that wrote this badly spelled and written note, it was learned soon after, was even then growing cold in death. Was not God thus speaking through the lips of these dying mothers to discouraged hearts bidding them go forward and establish a Home?

The six children were cared for by the "Christian Union" during the summer months, temporary accommodation being provided for them in the homes of some of the big-hearted women whose sympathies were with this work. The youngest of the children, a baby boy, died in July.

As the winter of 1881-82 approached. in- terest seemed once more to revive in this Chil- dren's Home. Meetings of the Board of Trustees, which had never been formally dis-

banded, were again held, and "incorporation" was once more pressed as a necessary measure, and seemed to be more favorably regarded. The Boards of Commissioners and Infirmary Directors were interviewed and found to be in fullest sympathy, giving their endorsement and promise of assistance. The county so- licitor gave his opinion that a portion of the "special tax fund," provided for the "Ladies' Christian Union" could be used for the sup- port of these children, but not to rent or to purchase property. Only a small amount of this fund, however, was ever used in the sup- port of this Home. A law prohibiting chil- dren being kept in infirmaries made help from Infirmary directors now possible, they promis- ing to board all such children at this Home, paying per week as much as it would cost at the infirmary to keep them. $1.70 per week. The commissioners promised to pay the rent of such a home and coal bills, allowing for this purpose $33.00 a month. The city was thoroughly canvassed, and some $600.00 was raised, which, with membership dues and this help promised, made it seem practical in De- cember, 1881, to open a temporary Home on Union Street. Two sisters, Mrs. Slough and Mrs. Wise, took charge, the Home opening with ten children, six of whom were from the Infirmary. Of these Infirmary children, two beautiful sisters, twins, some months old, were early adopted into loving homes, in the pure atmosphere of which they have grown up into equally beautiful girlhood and womanhood, making glad today the hearts of proud foster- parents.

On January 2, 1882, the following ladies appeared before Owen L. Davis, notary pub- lic, and signed papers of incorporation : Delia L. Williams, Sarah W. Thomson, Elizabeth Butler, Abigail M. Semans, E. J. Richardson, Caroline MeElroy, Lettie S. Joy, H. \. Rey- nolds, Louise F. Powell, E. J. Icenberger. Two days later these papers were filed with the Secretary of State at Columbus. This act of incorporation seemed to give new life and dignity, and to win a public confidence hitherto lacking.

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And now, having been successfully started once more in its work of chikl-saving. it will be wise to compress into a brief space the his- tory of the succeeding nine years of "The Children's Home of Delaware." until March, 1800, when it was permanently located in its own beautiful home. Soon after the incorpor- ation, a few changes were made in its consti- tution : The number constituting its Board of Trustees was changed from thirteen to ten, thus eliminating what had certainly, in this case, proved to be the unlucky number: its name. too, was changed to that of "The Dela- ware Home for Children and AAged People" so as to widen the scope of its work. But this was early felt to have been a mistake. although seven worthy old ladies, who were not properly subjects for the Infirmary, were tenderly cared for the first few years, until from want of room the work had to be aban- cloned in the year 1885, and the original name. "Children's Home of Delaware." was re- stored.

It may be well to preserve as part of this history, and as having been vital, perhaps. in the successful founding and subsequent carcer of this Home, three planks in the principles governing it that never appeared in consti- tution or by-laws, but which were generally understood and religiously observed. Failing in the start to gain the support and influence of the men, the management realized that if it developed at all. women alone must lay both corner-stone and cap-stone-be their own builders and assume all control. Realizing that in the make-up of this society all religions and church creeds would be represented, it was early seen that any conflict of these creeds or discords of religion must be carefully avoided. So Plank No. 1 was unconsciously recognized. wrote itself on hearts alone, and read thus-"We will take our religion with us to this work, but we will carefully leave our 'creeds' at home." Plank No. 2 was adopted by a rising vote: "Whereas, we believe it to be the curse of rum more than any other cause that has made homeless these children of our Home: with many of them. perhaps. inherit- ing 'these appetites, thus requiring more than

usual care and protection-and that as a Chris- tian association we are responsible for their moral as well as physical welfare. therefore Resolved: That the use of no form of intoxi- cants be ever permitted in our Home, either as a beverage or in the preparation of food : and that we also assume the responsibility of excluding it as a medicine, believing that He who remembers the Little sparrow as it falls, will not forget these, His little ones, but will bless the use of other means when sickness re- quires. Resolved, That these resolutions be placed on our minutes as a living protest against this greatest of all evils."

"Plank No. 3. It was always understood that the doors of our Home were always open with warm welcome to the public at large; the line was drawn alone on one individual- a maiden lady of uncertain age. that fortun- ately or unfortunately, had drawn upon herself this prejudice of the managers of the Home. This may have seemed a strange prejudice, as this person was ever an unusually welcome guest at all other penal, reformatory and bene- volent institutions of the State, and where, too, she has often banqueted on state occasions, and really seemed to hold unlimited and domi- nating power. But nevertheless. Miss Ticks' -Miss .Polly Ticks'-so well known and popular elsewhere, has never been invited, re- ceived or allowed admittance in this Home, managed by women. And thus have ever been excluded 'Church Creeds,' 'Intoxicants.' and .Politics."

In establishing the governing principles of this Home, and knowing how often abuses had crept into institutions of this kind, with chil- dren as the sufferers, it was early decided that "Love. instead of the Lash." must be the cor- rective force employed. And in the first "Rules and Regulations of the Household." this rule was placed: "Corporal punishment can only be inflicted in extreme cases, and alone by the Matron when lighter punishment has failed." This principle of the fullest pro- tection to these helpless children has always been acted upon.

On the first of April. 1882, the Home was removed from its temporary quarters on Union

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Street to the Bixby home on East William Street. The rent. $25.00 a month, was paid by the commissioners, with additional money for coal. The different rooms were com- fortably furnished by individuals and churches. Miss Lucinda Joy became the first regular matron, April 1, 1882. During the months preceding the first annual meeting in April, 1882, Mrs. Thomson, on account of domestic (Inties, finding it necessary to resign her office as president, Mrs. W. G. Williams was elected to fill the vacancy, and Mrs. Thomson was pre- vailed upon to accept the treasurership, which office had been filled by Mrs. Williams, and which involved less time and responsibility. Mrs. McElroy had also resigned as secretary and Mrs. Eugene Powell had taken her place. These changes were ratified at the annual elec- tion. April 25, 1882, with the exception that Mrs. A. M. Semans became secretary. With a few changes in each, the okl boards of Trus- tees and Managers were also re-elected.

At the annual meeting held in 1883, the treasurer's report showed as receipts for the preceding year, $3,001.63: expenses, $2,- 427.19: balance in treasury. $574.44. The president, secretary and treasurer were re- elected. Increasing responsibilties in con- nection with other lines of work made it neces- sary for Mrs. Williams to tender her resigna- tion, which was with great reluctance ac- cepted. Her loss to the association was re- garded as serious, Mrs. Williams having been a power during its formative period in bring- ing into shape and successfully Starting this child-saving enterprise. Mrs. Semans posi- tively refused to accept the office of president to which she was elected, so Mrs. Thomson was again pressed into service as president for the remainder of the year, and Mrs. J. W. Lindsey was elected treasurer. Mrs. Lindsey continued to perform the duties of this in- portant office with efficiency and faithfulness for eighteen years, until ill health compelled her to resign in September, 1901.

In 1884 the same officers were re-elected, with the exception that Mrs. Eugene Powell became secretary. In November Mrs. Thon- son was again compelled to resign, and Mrs.

John A. Little was elected to fill out the un- expired term.

The same officers, with boards of Trustees and Managers were re-elected in 1885, and the incidents of removing the Home to the Cum- mins house on North Liberty Street, where it remained until firmly anchored in its present location, and the necessary abandonment of the work for aged people, were all that marked especially the history of the Home that year. In April, 1886, another change was made necessary owing to the failing health of the beloved Mrs. Little, under whose firm but efficient and gentle leadership the Home had more and more won public confidence and fa- vor. During these years the number of chil- dren had increased to an average of abont forty, and the hearts and hands of the com- mittee on "Placing Children" were kept busy in finding homes for so large a number. This finding right homes was ever regarded as the most important part of the work-the placing these children where each character, so care- fully studied while under the care of the Home, would find as far as possible its fittest environ- ment-the Home being regarded only as the place to do the necessary preparatory work of fitting these little ones, both to merit and to hold the more permanent homes found for them. Usually these children are placed in homes in the county, where the Society can, through committees visiting them, keep in touch with their treatment and surroundings. Notwithstanding the favorable public senti- ment won during these years, up to this time a constant battle was being waged from time to time to keep the wolf from the door, and make ends meet in financial support of the Home.

In the resignation of Mrs. Little and the discouragement that followed, Mrs. Thomson was again persuaded to come back to her old place as president, and Mrs. Powell and Mrs. Lindsey, as secretary and treasurer, respec- tively, were elected in 1886, and these again in 1887. 'In April, 1888, Mrs. Powell took the office of president, once more vacated, and Mrs. Henry A. Welch took Mrs. Powell's place as secretary.

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So poorly adapted to the wants of this large family were the rented houses that had been occupied up to this time, and so circum- scribed was the room, that it seemed impossible to establish the order and discipline so neces- sary in the development of young lives whose chief need is this sort of training. And so, during all these years, the need of a permanent home so adapted to its wants that all of the great possibilities of this enterprise might be realized. pressed more and more upon the hearts of the management. Years had passed without seeming to come any nearer the reali- zation of this wish, until in the summer of 1889, discouragement seemed to resolve itself into despair through the resignation and re- moval from the city of the president, Mrs. Eugene Powell, who from the inception of the work had been an inspiration to it. After once more recalling Mrs. Thomson to the presi- dency, a committee was appointed on June 5. 1889. to see what steps could be taken toward securing a permanent home. Mrs. Henry .A. Welch, Mrs. Rachel Carter, Mrs. J. W. Lind- sey and Mrs. Thomson composed this commit- tee. They found in the Board of County Com- missioners most stanch and sympathizing friends, ready to help to the fullest extent the law allowed. In their law-abiding devotion to the county's interests, no less than in their brave stepping out into this new field of rescue to the perishing. J. L. Thurston, S. J. Mann. and MI. Field wrote each his name with most honorable mention on the county's history.

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Century history of Delaware County, Ohio and representative citizens 20th, Part 24

Author: Lytle, James Robert, 1841- [from old catalog] ed Publication date: 1908 Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing company Number of Pages: 926

Author: Lytle, James Robert, 1841- [from old catalog] ed
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing company
Number of Pages: 926