USA > Ohio > Franklin County > Columbus > Columbus, Ohio, city directory.. 1843-4 > Part 6
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9
"Medicine is served out three times daily, and at stated intervals, from small cups on which the name of the patient is labelled, suited in its nature to each particular case and fitted-to relieve pains-to com-
1
94
pose the spirits-to stimulate the lethargic-to repress the superexcited-to purge the costive-to strengthen the weak-to whet the appetite-to fill up the emaci- ated form, and to produce some good effect upon all, who may partake of it. In this place they do not ap- pear to countenance the, at one time, commonly re- ceived opinion of having recourse to violent means, or going to extremes in the treatment of their patients; nor to act upon the principle of almost starving and bleeding to death, the unfortunate being who is subject to mental imbecility, or bereavement of reason .- Here the virtue lies in the cup, the remedy in the medicine, which, if faithfully administered to any one, who has the smallest spark of reason, the slightest semblance of mind, or vestige of intellect, will, I be- lieve, under God, rekindle the almost extinguished em- bers of the soul, convert the shadow into some tangi- ble mental consistence and gradually strengthen and confirm the intellectual powers. Here, a patient as soon as he can comprehend the nature of his sit- uation, is treated' as an intellectual being, is in- dulged in every reasonable request, has every proper wish gratified, is willingly provided with every thing that may minister to his wants or · amusement, and which his circumstances may re- quire. Has access to books and newspapers, or is employed in some office or other which may conduce to his own pleasure, or be of service to the institution. He is not unfrequently allowed to walk about the
-
95
premises, to take exercise in the open air-to ramble in the woods and even to attend church, though it will be understood that he is generally under the eye of a carefull attendant.
"Every hall is supplied with an attendant, whose office consists, generally, in administering the medi- cine, in preserving order, in seeing that the house and furniture sustain no injury, that the floor and rooms be kept perfectly clean, that every patient who is able, make his own bed and keep his room in good order, that he wash and keep his person neat and clean, that he be regularly shaved twice a week, and provided with a change of linen for his person and sheets for his bed, at least once a week, &c. He, occasionally, at the suggestion of the superintendent, will walk out and take exercise with one or more of the patients in the open air. To him is entrusted the clothing of the patients, should they be so fortunate as to have more than is necessary for their daily use and wear. These he keeps in a separate room for the purpose, and serves them out as they are required. It is also his duty to lock up every one in his own room at bed time, and awaken them in season in the morning, and to shower them occasionally as a mean for health, or as a punishment for misconduct. It is an office for which few comparatively are well qualified, though it may require no great intellectual endowment, or men- tal attainments; still it needs a strong mind, a firm nerve and a stout heart.
96
"The medical and surgical duties, are discharged by Dr. Chambers, a young gentleman whose urbanity and good humor favorably impresses the patients in his behalf. He usually accompanies the superintend- ent in his regular visits through the halls, and pre- pares the medicines that may be prescribed. I am not personally acquainted with the Steward and Mat- ron, and other functionaries connected with the in- stitution, and of consequence can say little or nothing concerning them; but from their reputation, and the discrimination and care used in all the appointments, I am induced to believe they are persons eminently qualified for their respective stations. The whole seems to be under the direction and control of the SUPERINTENDENT, who appears to manage the institu- tion and all that are in it, according to some definite and systematic design, and who, in addition to his usual routine of professional and other duties, assem- bles all the official inmates of the house and as many convalesent patients as are considered capable of at- tending and conducting themselves with propriety, in the large room of the centre building, on every even- ing after supper, when family worship is conducted by him in a becoming and appropriate manner. On the Sabbath, a plain practical discourse is read in ad- dition to this service, which is well received and cal- culated to interest and instruct the audience. All these exercises are observed and engaged in with a decorum and propriety befitting the occasion; in
97
short, so far as I have observed, and am capable of judging, matters are as they should be. The internal arrangements are such as to reflect credit on those who preside over the institution, and to accord with the views and expectations of its friends.
"The patients, in general, are reconciled to their condition, and appear happy and contented, and in the intercourse which they hold with each other, and in the manner in which they employ themselves, soon, in a measure, forget the endearments of kindred and of home-form new ties and contract new acquaintan- ces. And here I cannot but admire the wisdom and goodness of God in attempering man to his condition, and in enabling him to educe some enjoyment from every situation in which he may be placed; for I per- ceive that, however foolish, absurd and inconsistent a person's own conduct and ideas may be, he can never- theless enjoy himself at the expense of his neighbor, perceive the folly of his foibles and derive amusement from his eccentricities; so that what betwixt singing, whistling and dancing, reading and speechifying, the time passes merrily away, and to a person like myself, who had, (before I was brought here,) experienced the horrors and almost solitary confinement of a 'county jail, the place seems a paradise in which one might live with pleasure and leave with regret.
"The institution is yet in its infancy, and evinces palpable traces of its recent existence, but it is daily multiplying its resources, and extending its facilities
7
98
for doing good. By the time its projected improve- ments are completed, with its circular walks, shady trees, neat inclosures, and other external decorations, which occasion many suggest, or taste and ingenuity may devise, it will, I think, stand as a lasting monu- ment of the wisdom and beneficence of the Legisla- ture, and afford to many an excited and sensitive mind, a safe asylum and a pleasing retreat from the cares, the disappointments and turmoils of life-a place in which for a while secluded and partaking of the sanative virtues which it is calculated to impart, many may emerge with renewed vigor and resuscita- ted strength, with their mental faculties so confirmed and balanced, as shall enable them to sustain with a becoming firmness the irritable vicissitudes of life, while they discharge its duties and participate in its pleasures-and a place, I hope, consecrated by the prayers, the best wishes, and highest regards of those who shall drink of its healing streams. Peace be within its walls and prosperity within its habitations.
"RESONATUS."
The buildings were completed in 1838. In March of the same year, the General Assembly passed an act providing "for the government of the Ohio Lunatic Asylum," and regulating the admission of patients, &c. This act was drawn up and reported by the chairman of the Committee on Public Buildings, JOHN L. GREEN, Esq., Senator from the counties of Picka- way and Franklin. It created a new board of direc-
.
.
99
tors, and extended their number to five members; giv- ing them power to take charge of the general interests of the institution, and to see that its affairs are pro- perly conducted according to law. The directors also have authority to appoint all the officers, and to pass such by-laws and regulations for the internal gov- ernment and economy of the institution, as they may deem proper and necessary.
Officers at the present time.
DIRECTORS.
SAMUEL PARSONS, M. D., - ADIN G. HIBES, Esq.
Col. SAMUEL SPANGLER, N. H. SWAYNE, Esq. Dr. D. L. McGUGIN.
WILLIAM M. AWL, M. D., Superintendent.
R. J. PATTERSON, M. D., Assistunt Physician. MR. GEORGE S. FULLERTON, Steward. MRS. LAURA ANN ELLIOTT, Matron.
The ordinary appropriation by the Legislature for the support of the institution, is about $13,000 per annum. A further sum of about $3,000 per annum is received from pay patients, making, altogether, $16.000, which covers all expenses, and is about the annual cost for its support.
The institution has now been in operation between four and five years. During this time 450 patients have been received. Of these, 183 have been dis- charged, cured-15 improved-55 as harmless and incurable; and 48 have died.
100
The proportion of cures, in reference to the whole number of patients admitted, has been over forty per cent.
The proportion of cures in the recent cases-that is, where the insanity has not existed for a longer period than one year, has been over eighty-six per cent .; and in all cases of a longer duration, over twen- ty-eight per cent.
There are a number of patients in the Asylum that have been many years deranged; a large part of the time passed under circumstances the most unfavora- ble to future cure. The institution is obliged, by the statute, to retain them, because they are considered dangerous to go at large, and there are no suitable places for them in the counties where they belong .- The Asylum is, undoubtedly, the proper place for them, for they can be better managed and taken care of there than any place else; and more especially be- cause the alleviation affected in almost all of them has been very considerable.
But with all its favorable results and blessings, the Superintendent, in his third annual report, says: "it is still a matter of sincere and painful regret that we are compelled, for want of room, to deny its comforts and privileges to so many unfortunate and afflicted citizens in the different counties of the State;" and the Directors, in their last annual report, state that "the whole number of applications rejected since the institution went into operation, for want of room at
101
the time they were made, is 265." "The number of such rejections from the same cause, during the pres- ent year, is 98; and the applications now pending and pressing, exceed that number." They, also, in view of these facts, support the Superintendent in asking for the immediate enlargement of the institu- tion, adding that, "in their judgment, it is almost next in importance to the payment of the civil list, and the keeping of the frame-work of the Government in proper action."
The Legislature of Ohio, ever prompt and glorious to act in the cause of humanity, immediately. gave a decided response to this generous impulse; and an act making provisions for the enlargement of the Asylum, by the erection of two additional buildings, was passed by a very large vote, at their late session, notwithstanding the embarrassed condition of the public finances, and the extraordinary pressure and difficulty of the times.
This act appropriates $20,000 in cash, and $25,000 in convict labor, for the completion of such additional buildings as may be necessary to accommodate all the insane of the State, and authorizes the whole work to be done under the direction of the Superin- tendent and Board of Directors.
We understand the proper estimates and contracts for materials have been made, and the convicts are now at work at the foundation of the west building, which, it is expected, will be raised as high as the base-
102
ment this fall. The new buildings are to be of brick upon cut limestone basements, similar, in appearance and workmanship, to the present edifice, in regard to all its substantial portions, with the addition of two spacious VERANDAHS of cut limestone. Each new building is to be 218 feet long, running directly north of, and at right angles with, the wings of the present structure, so as to connect, in the rear, with the lodges for violent patients, and form an extensive hollow court. .
The verandahs are to be devoted to the airing and exercise of the patients in the different galleries .- They will each present two fronts of cut limestone piers, with large double windows of fixed cast iron, and moveable wooden sashes between. They will be placed at the east and west ends of the present edi- fice, so as to occupy the corners formed by the junc- tion of the new and old buildings; which will increase the front of the present structure 80 feet, and add greatly to its appearance.
The institution, when these improvements are com- pleted, will be capable of accommodating between 300 and 400 patients. It will be a most grand and stupendous pile, over 1,200 feet round its square, and every way worthy of the great State in which it is our privilege to be citizens.
$
103
OHIO PENITENTIARY.
The Penitentiary is a spacious, elegant and dura- ble edifice, situated on the east bank of the Scioto River, about half a mile north of Broad Street, and facing the south. It is composed of a centre building 56 feet long, about 40 feet wide, and four stories high, with two wings, each 200 feet long, and three stories high, built of cut limestone, and of beautiful proportions. The centre building contains the Warden's house, the office and guard rooms, the last of which, are so situated as to command a view of the whole interior of the wings. Each wing contains 350 lodging rooms for prisoners. These rooms are 7 feet long. 7 feet high and 3ª feet wide, admitting but one prisoner in each. They are entirely detached from the sur- rounding buildings by a hall 11 feet in width, which extends from the pavement to the roof, and passes entirely round them. Galleries, supported by iron frame work, planted in the walls, are placed round each tier of rooms, and suitable stairways erected at one end of each block, by which the prisoners are enabled with ease, and without confusion, to arrive at their respective lodging apartments.
Each apartment is secured by a grated iron door, safely locked on the outside. The light admitted into these rooms, passes through the outside windows, and thence through the grated doors, and is sufficient to enable the prisoners to read in their rooms.
-
104
Ventilators are placed in the roof of the building above the halls, but scarcely of sufficient size to an- swer the object intended by them. They might be so enlarged as to insure a better atmosphere, without lessening the security of the prison.
The prison yard is in the rear, and is inclosed by a stone wall 22 feet in height, surmounted by watch- boxes at the angles.
Within the inclosure are the workshops, chapel, dining-room, kitchen, hospital, &c. These are erect- ed parallel with the outer walls, and at a proper dis- tance from them, so as to leave a hollow square of ground in the centre, containing about one and a half acres. In the centre of this, there is a large stone reservoir erected, which contains a sufficient supply of water for prison purposes, and would greatly fa- cilitate the putting out of fires, should any occur .- The interior buildings are all of brick, and built in a substantial manner, two and three stories high. The police of the prison is very complete, probably not sur- passed by any prison in the United States.
There are now about 450 prisoners confined with- in the walls of this prison, and so perfect is the dis- cipline, that all intercourse between them is almost literally cut off. They are marched in squads of about 30, from their shops to the dining-room, and back to their shops by the lock step. Each squad is under the particular charge of one of the assistant keepers, and they are not, under any circumstances, permitted
.
105
to speak to each other, except in the presence of their keepers, and then in relation to their work only. An assistant keeper is constantly with them in their shops.
The institution is managed by three directors, elected by the Legislature, each for the term of three years, and so arranged, by law, that the term of one of them expires each year.
These directors have the power of oppointing a warden, who, under their direction, has the immediate management and control of the prison.
The principal part of the prisoners are hired to contractors, who carry on different branches of busi- ness within the prison; and it is understood to be the object of the directors and warden, as much as possi- ble, so to direct their labor as not to interfere with the mechanical branches in the vicinity.
OHIO CANAL-DESCRIPTION OF PUBLIC WORKS.
The Ohio Canal commences at Cleveland, on Lake Erie, (which point is 564 feet above the ocean,) and terminates at Portsmouth, on the Ohio River. The main line of this canal is 309 miles long, passing over two summits, as follows:
From Cleveland to Fortage Summit, ascent 396 feet, 44 locks.
Portage Summit to Webbsport, descent, 239
31
Webbsport to Licking Summit, ascent, 166
20
" Licking Summit to Portsmouth, descent, 419 55
1,220 66 150
It has 25 miles of navigable feeders, descent, 53 =
6
Totals,
1,273
156
-----
106
The total cost of the Ohio Canal, is $4,695,203 69
The aggregate revenue for tolls and water rents, for three years,
ending November 30, 1842, is . 1,255,666 88 The aggregate cost for superintendence, repairs and collecting tolls, for the same period, is 393,224 68
Leaving the net revenue for three years, $862,442 20 Which is over 6 per cent, per annum on the cost of the canal.
The following are the canals owned exclusively by the State, all of which was navigable this Summer, except 35 miles of the Miami Extension, from its junction with the Wabash and Erie Canal, south. This 35 miles was placed under contract in June, to be completed November 1, 1844. There will then be two entire lines of canal across the State, from the Lake to the Ohio River.
Ohio canal and navigable feeders, .3.34 miles.
Miami Canal and Extension .. 170 66
Warren County Canal,. 22 66
Sidney Feeder, 13 66
Wabash and Erie Canal, and sidecuts, 91 6€
Walhonding Canal, 25
Hocking Canal, 50
Y'
Muskingum Improvement, 91 65
Total, 802 miles.
The canals of Ohio are 26 feet wide at bottom, and 40 feet wide at top-water line-the water 4 feet deep.
The banks have a slope of 12 feet to 1 foot perpen- dicular. That portion of the Wabash and Erie canal,
107
.
extending from Manhattan to the junction, 70 miles, has 6 feet depth of water, and is 60 feet wide at top- water line.
The chambers of the locks on all the canals, are from 87 to 90 feet in length in the clear, and 15 fect wide, admitting boats 78 feet long, and 14ª feet wide, to pass through them.
The locks on the Muskingum Improvement have a chamber 175 feet in length, and 36 feet in width, ex- ; cept the lock above Zanesville, which has 120 feet length of chamber, and 22 feet in width.
-
BUSINESS DIRECTORY.
NAMES OF HOUSEHOLDERS, HEADS OF FAMILIES, THOSE ENGAGED IN BUSINESS, ETC.
A .
American Hotel, N- W cor Migh & State. Aston, James, Cabinetmaker, ros N-W corner High and Gay.
Aston, Wm., [A & Son.] soap and candlemaker, res west side Front, between Gay and Long.
Aston, Thos., [Aston & S,] boards at Wm. Aston's.
Armstrong, Robert, Landagent, res north side Broad, near Front.
Avaider, John, cupulo tender, Frank. Foundery, res near Foundery.
Ayers, E., tinner, boards at City House.
Ambos, P., confectioner, res west side High opposite. State Offices.
Amos Walter, Merchant Tailor, res east side Fourth, between Broad and State.
Andrews, John W., att'y at law, res east side Third, · between State and Broad.
Armstrong. John, tavern keeper, west side High, be- tween Town and Rich.
Acheson, Thos., [Sherwood & Co.] boards at Ameri- can Hotel.
Adams, Win., tailor, res east side High, near Town. Armbruster, John G., brushmaker, res east side High, near Friend,
Andrews, Sam'l C., att'y at law, res west side High, between Mound and Friend.
112 OK
Asbery, Thos., res N-W cor High and Mound.
Armstrong, Robert, carpenter, res Es Front nr Friend. Abbott. J. S., clerk at Post Office, res S-E cor Front and Friend.
Armstrong, John G., carpenter, res N-W cor, Rich and Scioto.
Altman, John, wagonmaker, res south side S. P. Lane, between Scioto and Front.
Auder, John, laborer, res south side South, near High. Antone, N .. gardner, res High, near College.
Adenton, Simon, carpenter, north side South Public Lane, near Third.
Allspiker, George, laborer, res 3d bet 2d & 3d alleys. Aumock, C., pumpmaker, res north side Mound, bet 3d and High.
Armstrong, Wm., tailor, res S s Town bet High & 3d. Adams, James, hatter, res W s 4th bet Long & Spring. Adams, Demas, res east side 3d, near Broad.
Altman, Wm., pumpmaker, res S-E cor Town & 3d. Allen, G. W., pedler, res W s 3d bet Rich and Town. Abbe, Daniel, shoem'k'r, res east side 3d bet South and Mound.
-
Baptist Church; N-W cor 3d & Rich. Brickell, John, Sr., farmer, res near new Penitentiary. Brickell, John, Jr., do. dc do Belford, Richard, guard O. P. res west side Front bet Last & North Lane.
Backus, Temperance, Mrs. res east side Front bet Long & Gay ..
Backus, E. att'y at law, bds at Mrs. Backus'.
Burns, John, cook at Neil House, res west side Broad near Front.
113
Bridleman, John R. blacksmith, res Canal near Broad. Brown, B. B. constable, res W s Scioto near Broad. Baley, Wiley, guard O. P. res S s Broad near Front. Blain, John T. clerk at P. O. res west side Front bet State & Broad.
Baker, Charles, clerk at Hayden & Co.'s res west side Front bet State & Broad.
Blake, Benjamin, coachmaker, res west side Front bet State & Broad.
Bartol, Abner, office agent at Neil, Moore & Co.'s, bds at Neil House.
Booth, Ezra [B. & Minor,] coachmaker, res W s High. near Broad.
Barker, C. A. harnessmaker at Hayden & Co.'s res north side Town near 4th,
Brush, Sam'l [B. & Gilbert,] att'y at law, bds at S. Crosby's.
Burdell, Wm. merchant tailor, bds at Neil House. Buck, S. jeweler, res op State Offices.
Brunson, B. R. [B. & McLene,] res Ss State near 3d. Ball, Aaron [B. Hand & Co.] res west side 3d bt State and Rich.
Buttles, Joel [B. & Runyon,] res east side 3d bt State and Broad.
Breyfogle, Charles [Williams & B.] tailor, res west side Front bt Friend and Mound.
Bentz, Fred'k confectioner, res W s High near Rich. Brooks, W. B. grocer, bds at J Brooks'.
Brooks, John res S-E cor Rich and 3d.
Bayler, J. E. saddler, bds at City House.
Barth, N. Buck Tavern, S s Friend near High.
Bates, J. L. [Swayne & B.] att'y at law, bds at A. Kelly's.
Baker, J. W. dentist bds at City House.
Brough, John Aud. State, res E s High bet State and Town.
8
€1
114
Backus, Andrew cab'mak'r, res E s High bt Town and Rich.
Brooks, David Eagle Hotel, E s High bt Town & Rich. Buttler, T. B. clerk, bds at City House.
Brown, A. C. boot and shoemaker, res east side High near Friend.
Brockelhurst, John res E s High near Friend.
Brockelhurst, Mrs. milliner, do do
Brown J. M. [George & B.] grocer, res N-E cor High and Friend.
Brown, Wm. res E s Front near Broad.
Butler, Henry, carpenter, res Front bt Town & Rich. Batterson, Eli B. carpenter, res Ns Rich bt Front and High.
Bruck, J. P. cabinetm'k'r, res Ws Front near Friend. Beck, L. tailor, res W s Front near Rich.
Boner, Philander brickmaker, res S s Rich near Scioto. Bradford, Sam'l boat capt., res Ss Scioto near Friend. Brickell, John paver, res Ns Friend bt Scioto and Canal.
Bowen, Isaac, laborer, res S s Rich bt Front & Scioto. Bare, Clamment, laborer, res W s Front near S. P. L. Brooks, Reuben, dentist, W s Front near South, Boos, L. laborer, res S.E cor Front & S. P. Lane. Baine, Ichn confectioner, Res W s High near South. Bills Samuel pumpm'k's, res N-E cor High & 3d al'y. Bolinder, Wm. laborer, res N-E cor High & 2d al'y. Breit, John shoemaker, res east side High bt South and S. P. Lane.
Blanchard, Davis teamster, res east side High bt N. P. [ .. and 1st alley ..
Boulus, Peter, laborer, west side New bt College and 5th alley.
Boeshanis, Wm, carpenter, S-W cor New & College. Barker, Win. carpenter res S's College near New. Barker, Phillip do do do do
-
115
Brown, John carpenter res W s 3d near S. P. Lane. Barth, Andrew weaver, res N-W cor 3 and 2 alley. Bower, David laborer, res E s 3d bt 4th and 5th alleys. Blankler, Thos. laborer, W s do do do Benner, Henry stonemason, res west side 3d bt South and S. P. Lane.
Berck, Barnard, brewer, res north side South bt 3d and High.
Beck, Leonard, stone masón, do do do
Buckeye House, north side Broad near Migh.
Bown, Mrs. H. dressmaker bds at Mr. Jarvois'.
Bailey, James carpenter res S s Rich bt 3d and High. Bryden, James res Ss Rich bt 3d and High.
Boswell, Jacob carpenter, res Ns Rich bt 3d & High. Buttles, A. [B., Comstock & Co.] res Ns Rich bt 3d. and High.
Broderick, John C. chairmaker, res Ss Town bt 3d and High.
Barcus, E. carpenter, res Ns Rich bt 3d and High.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.