Century history of Delaware County, Ohio and representative citizens 20th, Part 25

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 25

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

A law, seemingly lost under the legislative debris of twenty years, was resurrected by this committee of women. Under its provisions the commissioners of a county were permitted to assist a charity of this kind to the extent of $6,000 in buildings. The Potter property, just north of the city, beautifully located for this purpose, and with seven acres of ground, improved at an expense of $20.000, was of- fered to the committee for less than halt of its real value, $8.500.00. So lost and seem- ingly forgotten had this law become that much and quite distinguished legal talent was exer- cised in trying to influence the commissioners against acting under it. So persistent were

the efforts in this direction that had it no! been for the courageous and gallant fight made by Gen. J. S. Jones and Hon. George W. Carpenter, prosecuting attorney. in de- fense of the law, and the perfect legality of the commissioners' acting under it, the case would have been lost. As soon as the commissioners were assured that they could safely act, they encouraged the trustees of the Home to se- cure the property, the commissioners assuming $6.000.00 of the purchase money, the trustees expecting to mortgage the property for the remaining $2,500.00. In March, 1890. this valuable property was transferred by the owner, Mr. Robert Neal, of Columbus, to the trustees of "The Children's Home of Dela- ware"-Mr. Neal making to the ladies a do- nation of $200.00. Kind friends now came to the relief of the women in the large debt they had assumed. The whole-souled Judge Jones (one of the doubting Thomases on the original Board of Trustees, but nevertheless. a stanch friend of the Home for twenty years) was the first of them. A petition gotten up by him, with the assistance of Mr. E. E. Neff and Mr. J. P. Thompson, was circulated, and a bill for $2.500.00, with $500.00 added for repairs was gotten through the Legislature by another stanch friend, R. K. Willis, then men- ber from this district. The "Committee on Permanent Home" having done its work, was discharged, and in March, 1890, the large and now happy family was moved into its truly beautiful home, which was formally dedicated the following September. At this time. the following boards of Trustees and Managers were in charge of the Home :

TRUSTEES.

Mrs. A. Thomson, Mrs. R. Reynolds.

MIrs. R. Carter, Mrs. J. M. Crawford.

Mrs. H. A. Welch. Mrs. J. F. Shaffer.

Mrs. J. W. Lindsey, Mrs. H. L. Baker.

Mrs. E. E. Neff. Miss Mccullough.

Mrs. J. D. Van Deman,

MANAGERS.

Mrs. R. Lybrand, Mrs. H. G. Sheldon.

Mrs. J. J. Shur, Mrs. P. Heiby,

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Mrs. J. Markle. Mrs. L. A. Luttgen,

Mrs. J. L. Thurston, Mrs. J. Snodgrass.

Mrs. T. M. Byers, Mrs. Elmer Hills,

Mrs. V. T. Kingman, Mrs. Geo. Powers.

Mrs. V. D. Stayman, Mrs. Duvall.

Mrs. Jno. P. Thompson Mrs. J. P. Wintermute

Mrs. Dr. Constant, Mrs. Wmn. Cutler,

Mrs. Bachelder, Mrs. Huff,

Mrs. D. Plotner, Mrs. J. R. Brown.

Mrs. Seymour Harrold, Mrs. L. Wolfley.

The total number of children cared for in these nine years was 168; returned to par- ents. thirty-seven : placed in homes, seventy- one: returned to other counties and placed in asylums and hospitals, sixteen. The expense of keeping up the Home averaged each year $2,000.00, or a total expenditure of $17.171.74. This property now purchased by consent of Board of Commissioners, was deeded direct to Trustees of the Children's Home, to be held by them so long as it was used for the purpose of a Children's Home. When not so used, the property to revert back to the county. On the removal of the Home to its new quar- ters, Gen. J. S. Jones made arrangements to board at this Home, and thus assist in its support, children from the overcrowded quar- ters of the "Soldiers' and Sailors' Home" at Xenia. The management deciding at the same time to board children from other counties where there were no Children's Homes. The Association, thus newly equipped, seemed en- dowed with a new life, as it started out on a future so full of possibilties.

The chief incidents of note during the fol- lowing years, '91. 92. '93. were: In Septem- ber a lot was kindly donated by the cemetery trustees, with the understanding that as soon as the Association was able, a suitable monu- ment would be erected. Such a monument was placed in February, 1895, at a cost of $135.00. In September. 1891. an Advisory Board of three gentlemen was decided on, with by-laws to that effect. Gen. J. S. Jones. Rev. J. F. Shaffer, D. D., and Mr. E. E. Neff comprised this Board. In May, 1892, the need of re- modelling and adding more room to the, build- ing so as to accommodate the largely increased

family, now numbering from fifty to sixty, re- sulted in the appointment of a committee- Mesdames Baker, Welch, Lindsey and Thom- son-to secure means somehow for this pur- pose. A few months later, by compromising a law-suit with the Short Line Railroad, a right-of-way, taking 168 feet from the north- east corner of the yard, was conveyed to the railroad for $3,000.00, and this sum was ap- plied to the new building, the county commis- sioners promising to supply the balance of the necessary money. In December, a kindergar- ten was started. This was suspended while the Home was being remodelled. and since that time it has seemed impractical to renew it. In January, 1893, a handsome donation of books from Mrs. W. C. Ginn became the nucleus of a library, christened the "Ginn Library." Mrs. Ginn was an active member of the Board of Managers, who for two or three years gave an hour each week to the children of this Home in interesting talks or lectures on familiar subjects.

The work of remodelling the Home was completed in the fall of 1893 at an expense of $7.369.13. and dedication exercises were held November 1, 1893.

Two delegates have been sent each year to represent the Home at the Annual Meetings of the "Associated Charities." so that the broadest and most intelligent thought might be given to the management of this child-say- ing work.

By August, 1895. the work of placing the large number of children that were coming into the Home became so great that it was decided to appoint an agent, not only to find such homes and adjust the children to them. but to visit the children and keep the Associa- tion in touch with them. Mrs. J. W. Lindsey was appointed to this work which she has performed ever since in a most efficient manner.

On the night of February 19. 1896, an intensely cold night, the thermometer register- ing twelve degrees below zero, this beautiful Home was entirely destroyed by fire. The family of fifty children, some of whom were quarantined with scarlet fever, were carried

CENTRAL SCHOOL BUILDING

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

COTTAGE No. 8

HONOR COTTAGE

ASSEMBLY HALL

FIVE VIEWS OF THE GIRL'S INDUSTRIAL HOME, CONCORD TOWNSHIP

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out of the burning building in their night clothes, and with only such wraps as could be hastily caught up, to shelter elswhere. Heroic action by matron, employes and citizens that hastily gathered from near and far saved with- out hurt the lives of these helpless little chil- dren. The Opera House was thrown open, and here the children were soon gathered and made comfortable for the time. The Wilson home in South Delaware was finally secured, and here the children were comfortably quar- tered until the Home was rebuilt, ample in- surance having been carried to do this. So fully has this once-questioned charity estab- lished itself in the confidence of the citizens that about $500.00 was received from different so- cieties and individuals, besides groceries, pro- visions of all kinds, clothing and bedding in abundance.

The following ladies composed the boards of Trustees and Managers who bravely at this time met the disastrous work of the fire fiend. and with the help of almost the entire citizen- ship of Delaware, warmed, fed, clothed and housed the fifty little children turned out of home in the cold of that night.

TRUSTEES.

Mrs. A. Thomson, President ;

Mrs. J. F. Shaffer, Vice-President :

Mrs. H. A. Welch, Recording Secretary ; Mrs. J. D. VanDeman, Cor. Secretary ; Mrs. J. W. Lindsey, Treasurer ;

Mrs. E. E. Neff, Historian ;

Mrs. H. L. Baker, Mrs. Wm. Cutler. Mrs. D. Plotner, Miss Mary McCullough.

MANAGERS.

Mrs. Ed. Semans, Mrs. J. Markle,

Mrs. Robert Lybrand, Mrs. W. C. Ginn,

Mrs. T. M. Byers, Mrs. Dr. E. M. Hall,

Mrs. Prof. Hormell. Mrs. L. A. Luttgen,

Mrs. N. F. Overturf, Mrs. J. P. Wintermute,

Mrs. J. M. Crawford, Mrs. P. Phillips,

Mrs. J. Snodgrass. Mrs. W. H. Hague,

Mrs. L. B. C. Lahr, Mrs. Dr. MleDowell, Mrs. V. T. Kingman, Mrs. J. J. Shur, Mrs. Prof. Stevenson Mrs. S. A. Moore, Mrs. Geo. W. Powers, Miss Cummins. Mrs. H. M. Loofborrough,

In December, 1896, the commissioners ap- propriated $660.00 for a new barn, and in May, 1897, $150.00 was allowed for sewerage by the same Board. In September, 1897, the old boards of Trustees and Managers, with a few changes were re-elected. Mrs. H. A. Welch, after long and faithful service gave up the secretaryship, and Mrs. Anna Joy Halli- day was elected in her stead. Mrs. Welch, however, remained on the Board of Trustees as chairman of the "Building and Grounds Committee,"

The year 1898 was marked by no special incidents other than some changes in the boards of Trustees and Managers. In April. 1899, eighteen acres of pasture land were pur- chased, it being necessary to keep quite a num- ber of cows to supply milk for so many chil- dren. $1,100.00 was the price paid ; $700.00 of this coming from the treasury, the balance being borrowed from the bank for a short time.

At the annual meeting. in September, 1899, the constitution was changed reducing the number of managers from twenty-four to eighteen, and restricting the voting power to the members of boards of Trustees. Managers and Advisory Board of Women from Town- ships. At this election the old officers were continued, except that Mrs. H. A. Welch be- came historian and corresponding secretary in place of Mrs. Van Deman, resigned.

In August, 1900, a cold storage and ice- house was built at a cost of $549.29.

At the time of writing this brief sketch of the Home, it has accommodations for about sixty children, though the average number of inmates is about forty-five. The Association owns thirty-six acres of land in Delaware, keeps five cows and a horse, raises garden truck and poultry and a large part of the meat consumed in the Home. The present officials of the Home are as follows: President. Mrs.

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J. F. Shaffer : vice-president, Mrs. E. M. Hall ; recording secretary, Mrs. J. W. Nelson; cor- responding secretary, Mrs. II. A. Welch ; treasurer, Mrs. Fred Bauereis. Trustees : Mrs. C. A. Walker, Mrs. J. Markle, Mrs. V. T. Kingman, Mrs. N. F. Overturf. Managers : Mrs. J. W. Lindsey, Mrs. J. P. Wintermute, Mrs. E. I. Pollock, Mrs. P. Heiby, Mrs. L. Lewis, Mrs. L. B. C. Lahr, Mrs. G. G. Gallo- way, Mrs. Wm. Cutler, Mrs. H. C. Clippinger, Mrs. C. W. Wiles, Mrs. Paul R. Hickok, Mrs. N. Wagner, Mrs. S. B. Brown, Mrs. F. Al- bright, Mrs. L. L. Denison, Mrs. M. J. Ross, Mrs. T. M. Byers, Mrs. F. A. Owens, Mrs. C. C. Steadman.

Delaware County may well be proud of its "Children's Home!" And what shall we say of the noble Christian women to whom the community is so deeply indebted for this beneficent institution ? Some have already been called to hear the words: "Well done, good and faithful servant ;" others remain, still identified with the work which has claimed their heart and hand these many years. In- difference, opposition, obstacles apparently in- surmountable, they have overcome. Inspired by the crying needs of the little ones, with faith in the children's God, and working with the energy of conviction, they have built a lasting monument to woman's higher intelli- gence, sympathy, love and devotion.

IIOME FOR THE AGED.

The need for a home for worthy old ladies, who are not properly subjects for the County Infirmary, was recognized many years ago by the Delaware women who were foremost in philanthropic work. The first step in making a provision of this kind was taken in the early '80's, when the name of "The Children's Home of Delaware" was changed to that of "The Delaware Home for Children and Aged Peo- ple," and a number of worthy old ladies were admitted. It was soon felt, however, that a separate home should be provided for the aged, and in 1885, the growing work among the children made it necessary, for the time being, to abandon the work of caring for the

aged at the Children's Home. This was a keen disappointment to Mrs. Abram Thomson, the founder of the Home, and to the other benevolent women who were interested in the work. They were not disheartened by this setback, but were strengthened in their desire and determination to establish an instituton de- voted exclusively to the care of the aged.

Mrs. Elmer Hills was the leading spirit in the movement which resulted in establishing the present Home; closely associated with her in the early work of arousing interest in the enterprise were Mrs. Martha Lybrand and Mrs. Ella Battenfield. Meetings were held from time to time in the homes of different ladies, and beginning March 10, 1892, interest had reached a point where meetings began to be held at frequent intervals. The clergy- men and leading business men of the city were invited to confer with the ladies regarding the project. A meeting was held in a vacant store- room ; besides the ladies and the ministers only two or three business men were present. It can hardly be said that the enthusiasm of the men ran high. The ministers plied the women with such questions as these : "Where are the old ladies to come from?" How many have you in view ?" "How much money have you to start with?" "How much would be required to start such a home?" The effect of their wise counsel was so disheartening that, for the moment, many of the ladies felt like abandoning the enterprise; but courage re- vived, for those engaged in this work were inspired by their noble cause with a zeal that could not be quenched. A committee was sent to the Home at Columbus. There they were given much good advice, and learned that the Columbus institution was started without a dollar, and in spite of the apathy of those from whom the organizers naturally expected moral and financial support. Upon hearing the report of this committee, the Delaware ladies voted unanimously to push ahead. An organization was formed, and a committee ap- pointed to look for a suitable house. After searching for a week without finding a place such as was desired, Mr. Elmer Hills offered the free use of his large house on North

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Franklin Street for three months, as it was thought that in that time results would show whether the experiment would prove a success or a failure. If. at the end of the trial period. it was decided to go on with the work, the Association was to lease the property for five years. The Home was established here on July 4, 1892, with three old ladies from the Infirmary, the directors of which promised to pay one dollar a week for the board of each.

The first regular meeting of the Associa- tion at the Ilome was held on July 12th, and at that time, Mrs. J. L. Wolfley, who has held the office continuously ever since that time, was elected treasurer.

The Home was furnished by the different churches-one furnishing the parlor, another the dining room, others the chambers, etc. Many liberal-hearted citizens also contributed to the good work.

The wisdom of incorporating the Associa- tion soon became apparent, and March 1893, papers of incorporation of "The Home for the Aged" of Delaware were issued at Columbus, in which the names of the following ladies appear as incorporators: Mrs. Susan Hills, Mrs. Martha C. Lybrand, Mrs. J. L. Wolfley, Mrs. Frances I. Gill, Mrs. Isabella Riddle, Mrs. Elizabeth Ufford and Mrs. Abi- gail M. Semans.

The following ladies comprised the charter members and the original officials of the As- sociation : President, Mrs. Elmer Hills; First vice-president, Mrs. A. R. Carter; second vice-president. Mrs. J. S. Gill ; third vice-presi- dent, Mrs. R. Parsons : secretary, Mrs. A. Ly- brand : treasurer, Mrs. J. L. Wolfley. These officers and the following ladies constitute the Board of Trustees: Mrs. Abigail Semans. Mrs. Eliza Perkins, Mrs. Channey Hills, Mrs. Christian Riddle. Board of Managers: Mrs. Eva Thompson, Mrs. Will Smith, Mrs. W. W. Davies, Mrs. W. R. Carpenter, Mrs. James Smith. Mrs. B. W. Brown. Mrs. Edward Welch, Mrs. F. A. Hyatt, Miss M. Dickinson. Mrs. Sidney Moore, Mrs. John Hills, Mrs. E. Ufford, Mrs. Frank Marriott. Mrs. G. Ma- theas. Mrs. F. Rutter, Mrs. Woodlawn, Mrs. F. Chamberlain. Mrs. Lucy Patton, Mrs. L.

Battenfield, Mrs. Helen Jaynes, Mrs. John Anderson, Mrs. J. H. Dunlap, Mrs. W. S. Little, Miss Fidelia Perkins, Mrs. John Arm- strong.

In 1897 the Infirmary directors were pre- vailed upon to furnish coal to the llome, and since that time have continued to pay the fuel bills. Natural gas has been used for the last couple of years for heating purposes.

In 1901. and indeed before that, it began to be felt that the Home was too small for the ever increasing demands made upon it. and the question of erecting a building received earnest consideration. A number of building lots were kindly offered by public spirited citi- zens and .by the People's Building Association. Before any definite action had been taken in regard to building, Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Moore offered the Board of Managers a ninety- nine-years' lease of the property the Home now occupies, with the privilege of the lessee to purchase the property at any time for a cer- tain price. The conditions attached to this generous offer were that the Association put the building in perfect repair, pay the taxes and that it shall never be put to any other use than as a home for aged people. This offer was eagerly accepted. There are twenty rooms in the house, giving accommodations for fourteen or fifteen inmates, besides the ma- tron and help. As far as they are able. the inmates are required to help in the necessary household work. Including boarders. there have been admitted up to this time thirty- eight aged ladies, and there have been twenty deaths. At present there are twelve inmates of the Home, and there is usually a number on the waiting-list to gain admission. Ladies fifty years of age or older, who have resided one year in Delaware County. are eligible. the fee being $300.00 for women between the ages of fifty and seventy. and $200.00 for those over seventy years of age. Aside from these fees, the Home depends for its maintenance upon the generosity of the public, its principal source of income being a large dinner given annually to the alumnae of Ohio Wesleyan University ; more or less money is also received from Harvest Home bags, entertainments,

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book collections, etc. The Home has received financial assistance beyond what its founders dared hope for; yet there is still much work to be done, in which every dollar given by a generous public will find a worthy and chari- table use.

The present officers of the Home are: Mrs. Christian Riddle, president; Mrs. John Cowgill, first vice-president; Mrs. Martin Mil- ler, second vice-president ; Mrs. J. H. Gardner, third vice-president; Mrs. Lewis Slack, secre- tary; Mrs. J. L. Wolfley, treasurer. The Board of Trustees includes the foregoing offi- cers and the following ladies: Mrs. Abigail Semans, Mrs. Sidney Moore, Mrs. H. C. Thompson, Mrs. F. A. Hyatt. . The Board of Managers is composed of thirty-four ladies chosen from the different churches of the city.

THE JANE M. CASE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL.

The Jane M. Case Memorial Hospital, so named in honor of the donor, is an institution such as few cities of the size of Delaware can boast. It has been said by visiting physicians to be the most successful institution of its size and kind in the country.

Mrs. Case was a widow, whose husband had been a practicing physician of Cohimbus, and who, for a time, was associated with Dr. John A. Little of Delaware. After her hus- band's death. Mrs. Case made her home with her son, who was a practicing physician in Cleveland. The climate of that city did not agree with Mrs. Case, so in 1888 she came to Delaware, where she resided until her death in 1904. In her will, after making certain be- quests to friends and relatives, she provided that part of her estate be devoted to benevolent or charitable purposes, and appointed trustees to carry out her intentions. Dr. A. J. Willey, her attending physician, having been a witness to Mrs. Case's will, and conversant with its provisions, went, soon after her death, to the trustees of her estate and presented the claims of Delaware for a hospital. His suggestions received favorable consideration. At this point, it ought to be said that Delaware is deeply indebted to Dr. Willey for his prompt

action in this matter, and for the time and effort he devoted so unselfishly to this cause. The first time Dr. Willey saw the trustees, he proposed the purchase of the present property. Dr. W. H. Hague and Hon. F. M. Marriott were called upon for assistance and counsel. and it was decided to purchase the Edwin G. Lybrand homestead on the southwest corner of Franklin and Winter Streets. Dr. Willey was asked to secure an option on the property, which authority he delegated to F. M. Mar- riott, by whom the option was secured. The property was purchased August 1, 1904, by Guy H. Buttolph and Ellen G. Whiting. trustees of Mrs. Case's estate at a cost of $8,- 500, and by them was transferred to the trustees of the Jane MI. Case Hospital Associa- tion on December 23rd of the same year.

On August 10, 1904, the Jane MI. Case Hospital Association was incorporated by V. D. Stayman, Frank M. Marriott, Arthur H. Jones, Christian Riddle and W. H. Hague. The objects of the Association are: (I) To provide medical and surgical aid and nursing for sick and disabled persons, free of expense to those unable to pay, and at a cost to those who are able to pay the amount to be de- termined by the trustees. (2) To instruct and train suitable persons in the duties of nursing and attending upon the sick. The first meeting of the Association was held August 15. 1904. and the following trustees were elected for life: V. D. Stayman, president ; Dr. W. H. Hague, vice-president ; Frank M. Marriott. secretary ; Christian Riddle, treasurer : Arthur H. Jones, C. C. Stedman and Stephen Potter. Besides the Board of Trustees, there is an Auxiliary Board of not less than thirty ladies. residents of Delaware, to assist the Trustees in raising funds for the maintenance of the institution. Knowing that failure had marked the history of so many other small hospitals. great care was exercised to secure an organ- ization that would prove permanent and in- sure the success of the Hospital after it was started. The institution has been kept out of politics and free from the turmoils of religious strife, nor is it under the domination of any individual. The staff comprises nearly all the

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physicians in Delaware County. Dr. W. B. lledges has been chief of staff since the or- ganization of the Hospital. In the summer and fall of 1905, the old building was entirely re- modelled and a new addition was built at an expense of $9.000.00. While ways and means of furnishing the Hospital were being dis- cussed, Mr. S. S. Blair kindly came forward with an offer to do this for an advance of ten per cent. on the cost of the furnishings, and to carry the account until such time as the trustees were in a position to pay it. Alto- gether there are twenty-two rooms, including a fully equipped operating-room, nine rooms for private patients and three wards, one each for men, women and children, having a total of fourteen beds. Each of the following churches and individuals furnished a room : William Street M. E. Church, St. Paul's MI. E. Church, St. Peter's Episcopal Church, of which Mrs. Case was a member, furnished the rcom which Mrs. Case had occupied for about turee years while she boarded at that house : St. Mary's R. C. Church, First Presbyterian Church, Asbury M. E. Church, Epworth League of Lewis Center. M. L. Wolff: the women's ward was furnished by Zion's Re- formed Church in memory of their late pastor. Rev. L. B. Lahr, D. D .: J. F. Dodd furnished the ward known as the "Ruth Children's Ward." Dr. J. K. James presented the Hos- pital with a United States Observatory clock, which he maintains at his own expense.

The trustees recently purchased the most modern high pressure sterilizer that money can buy. On July 21, 1906, the Hospital, fully furnished and equipped for the reception of patients was opened with an efficient chief nurse and a competent corps of assistant nurses, eight in number. The training school for nurses gives the standard three-year course. An electric elevator and a dumb-waiter were installed in the fall of 1907 by the Ladies' Auxiliary Board. They provide and make all the linen used in the Hospital. They have also assumed and paid a note for $1,500.00 which the Association owed. One of the unique ways by which they secure funds is known as "tag day." On this day, which comes once

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Century history of Delaware County, Ohio and representative citizens 20th, Part 25

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