Historical collections of Ohio in two volumes, an encyclopedia of the state, Volume I, Part 101

Author: Howe, Henry, 1816-1893
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: Cincinnati : Published by the state of Ohio
Number of Pages: 1006

USA > Ohio > Historical collections of Ohio in two volumes, an encyclopedia of the state, Volume I > Part 101

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Destruction by Fire .- Upon the morning of November 18, 1881, fire was discovered in the cellar of the main building. Its loca- tion was so dangerous that an order was given that the children be removed at once, which was safely accomplished. So rapid was the progress of the flames that in spite of the

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most praiseworthy efforts of the officers and employees, the main building was totally destroyed and several of the side wings greatly damaged. One hundred of the 614 inmates were sent home owing to this calam- ity, and the remainder were crowded into the buildings which had escaped destruction, where the good work of the institution was carried on, notwithstanding the inconvenience of insufficient room, for three years before the work of rebuilding had been completed. Profiting by the experience of this disaster, fire proof materials were used in the con- struction of the new building ; and additional security for the safety of the inmates in case of fire, provided by iron stairways erected on the outside walls of the building leading from each story and extending several feet away from the outside walls of the lower windows to the ground. Electric bells also communi- cate with the main office from every quarter of the building, so that a fire alarm can be instantly given and the fire located.

Objects of the Institution .- At the close of the last school year, July, 1888, the institu- tien contained 725 inmates, and it is a sad fact to record that only 125 had homes to visit during the vacation season, leaving 600 idiots without any home except that provided by the State.

"The important objects of the institution are the amelioration of the condition of the imbecile, the accompanying relief of the family of the burden of care and anxiety for them and their future, by so training them that they may attain the greatest possible de- gree of self-helpfulness and even usefulness ; the obtaining of such information as will re- duce as far as possible the hereditary and accidental cases of idiocy and imbecility by so informing the world in regard to the condi- tions liable to their production that they may be avoided. The first is accomplished by the careful training and development of the child, surrounding it with the most efficient influ- ence for the unfolding of a capacity for use- fulness in its station. The second, by the careful study of the cases individually, as near as possible, to the events that have reduced them to the condition, and which will offer a better opportunity to arrive at reliable conclu- sions, no matter how patiently the histories may be pursued at a later age."

Fortunately, the rights of the child to its opportunity for education go hand in hand with the sympathies of all in this case; in- deed, they have the double right as enjoined by the people, not only of special means of education, but of the care and custody of those of minds diseased. If the duty of caring for them at all is enjoined, then, cer- tainly, the doing of it in the best manner is not to be questioned. There is no excuse for neglecting them as children, that they may be taken charge of when of adult age and size, to be cared for frequently in all re- spects as infants whose infancy has been pro- longed by neglect. Nor is there reason for the admission to an institution of an adult imbecile for simple care and custody, to the

exclusion of a young and improvable child from a family of young children, who may be saved from the depressing influence of be- ing reared with such associations, and from which they never recover, the parents from the discouragements and depression which frequently causes pauperism of the whele family.

The duty of the public to provide for all is clear, but in making provision for them it should be done in an intelligent and efficient manner, with the view of lessening the bur- den to the utmost by the highest possible development of them as children, in order that they may, when of adult age and strength, contribute to the extent of their ability to- ward their own support. To the State it matters little whether a helpless case is in an institution or in the family ; if there should be any difference it would be in favor of the institution, even granting the best of care possible in the family. In the institution their care is associate and with proper facili- ties. In families they are single and do not have these facilities, and are expensive to the State in the proportion that their help- lessness withdraws from the general body of workers and producers to attend upon them ; their condition frequently requiring the public to support a whole family on account of one imbecile member consuming the energies of those who should give it support while sus- taining all others dependent upon them. The object of the institution is to prevent this condition of things by assuming the care and development of the child.

Beauty of the Location .- A ride of about two miles directly west from the state house at Columbus brings the visitor to the site of the present institution. Passing through the entrance gate one cannot fail to be impressed with the beauty of the grounds. A broad avenue, shaded on each side by overhanging branches of rows of trees, leads to the main building, which is upon a rising knoll, about one-eighth of a mile from the main entrance. Immediately in front of the buildings is a magnificent park of many acres and covered with grand old trees, under which the in- mates pass many a happy hour deriving the benefit of healthful exercise in the air and bright sunlight. In the woodland beyond the park are about thirty Shetland ponies, which are the property of the superintendent and have been provided for the amusement of the juveniles of the establishment.

We were conducted through the buildings and grounds by Miss Harriet F. Purple, who has been the able and efficient matron of the institution for nearly thirty years. Every department gave evidence of a system of management which only years of experience, devotion and intelligence on the part of those in charge could produce.

The educational department is under the charge of twenty-five teachers and graded according to the capabilities or mental condi- tion of the pupils. School hours are from 9 A. M. to 12.30 P. M. and 2 to 4 P. M. While it seems a hopeless task to attempt to instruct

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these unfortunates, the results obtained by persistent effort and great patience on the part of the teachers is most beneficial in the majority of cases, while the proficiency ob- tained by some of the pupils excites the wonder of visitors.

Devices for Instruction .- In the depart- ment containing low-grade pupils the work of instruction is necessarily slow and laborious. Many on entering are unable to talk, and the teacher considers that much has been ac- complished when the pupil's mind and atten- tion has been concentrated upon one special object. Many ingenious devices have been invented for this purpose. Bright-colored toys, strings of beads and similar articles are given to the children, who finally learn to separate and fit together the different parts. When evidence is thus given of the possi- bility of advancement it is taken advantage of and the especial point reached opens an avenue for further development.

In the high-grade department the pupils are taught geography, arithmetic, history, penmanship, calisthenics, etc., and while con- siderable difficulty is experienced owing to weak memory the results accomplished by patient and persistent effort are remarkable when a comparison is made between the con- dition of the pupil before and after receiving the benefits of the institution. Examples in arithmetic of no little difficulty are solved, the specimens of penmanship are remarkably well done, while considerable proficiency is shown in geography and history.

An Exhibition in Calisthenics .- We were favored with an exhibition of calisthenics, which was most skilfully executed, the pupils going through the different movements to musical accompaniment and without an error. Their leader was a boy about seventeen years of age, whose display of memory in leading the pupils through a long series of move- ments was most remarkable. When the per- formance was over the class went through several intricate marching figures, each in turn depositing their dumb-bells in the space designed for them at the end of the hall, and marched out of the door, the sound of their footsteps marking perfect time to the music as it gradually died away in the distance.

The Imbeciles' Band of Music .- We were next favored with a performance that ex- cited wonder and surprise that such results could be obtained in an art that requires not only many long hours of faithful, laborious study, but also intelligence and natural apti- tude. We refer to the concert by the band of the institution. This organization is com- posed of about thirty-five performers and is what is known as a military reed band, the leading instruments being composed of wood or reed wind instruments, such as clarionets, flutes, piccolos, oboes, bassoons and saxa- phones. Good performers on the last three named instruments are very rare everywhere, owing to the difficulty in mastering them.

Standard overtures, operatic selections, and even classical compositions of the old masters are performed by this band and in a style

that would do credit to professional musi- cians. Only those who have studied the beautiful art of music can fully appreciate what an immense amount of labor and per- severance it requires to go through the many intricate steps that are necessary to bring a band of musicians of normal intelligence to a degree of proficiency. That so much has been accomplished by this band of feeble- minded musicians is another evidence of the efficient work that is being accomplished at this institution toward the improvement, development and happiness of this unfor- tunate class of our fellow-citizens.

While permanent cures of idiocy are sel- dom effected, yet there are instances in the history of this institution where they have occurred and the patients became useful citizens. We were told of one man who, having learned the carpenters' trade at the institution, is now earning $2.50 a day work- ing at his trade and has saved sufficient money to buy a home. While cures are only possible when idiocy is caused by disease, the improvability of all is practicable to a greater or less degree, except with the class known as "cretins." Some of these latter are con- genital cases, deformed in body as well as in mind, and are generally small in stature, with large, flat heads, thick necks and short limbs.

Their Gratitude .- While physically they are capable of improvement, little can be done to advance their mental condition. Sometimes they are taught to say a few words, and they also understand some things that are said to them, but their condition is more like that of the lower order of dumb animals than of human beings. The kind- ness and humanity that governs all the off- cers and teachers in their treatment of the inmates is fully appreciated by the "cre- tins," who show affection and gratitude for their attendants similar to that of a dog for his master. Generally the inmates are feeble and stunted in body as well as under size. Children apparently ten or twelve years of age we found to be on inquiry six- teen to eighteen. In going through the in- stitution it seems as the home of one huge family.

Consanguinity, or the inter-marriage of persons of the same kin, contrary to the general public impression, is not a prolific source of imbecility. The records of this institution, for all that period of time from its foundation to the date of the fire of 1881, showed that comparatively few cases could be charged to consanguinity. That these records were destroyed by the fire is a great misfor- tune, as much valuable matter, from which to form a basis of calculation as to the causes of idiocy and its prevention, was thereby lost.

Employments .- Many of the inmates are employed in various ways, and it has proven of great physical as well as mental benefit to them. The girls are taught to sew, and be- come sufficiently skillful to do all the mend- ing for the asylum. The laundry work is done entirely by the inmates, and many be-

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come very good shoemakers, tailors, carpen- ters, and plumbers, and not only do all neces- sary work of this kind for the institution, but thus obtain a means of livelihood upon leaving it. One man is employed in the plumbing department who has shown remarkable me- chanical skill in the building of a working miniature engine. Although almost a hope- less idiot, the constructive faculty has been developed when other faculties of the mind were totally deficient.

The beautiful and extensive surroundings, consisting of 188 acres, contribute nct a little toward the mental as well as physical im- provement of the inmates. The garden sup- plies all of the vegetables used here. Milk is furnished by a fine herd of cows, fifty in number, who have been trained to enter the barn at certain hours, walking in single file, each one stepping out of the line into its own accustomed feeding-place as it comes to it. They are milked night and morning by the inmates.

Healthfulness .- That there is so little sick- ness in an institution filled with persons, whose infirmities cause weak and delicate constitutions, is owing to the perfection of its sanitary regulations. In its entire history there has been but one epidemic which was attended with serious results : that was in November, 1882, when there were 183 cases of scarlet fever. The death-rate was the largest since the foundation of the asylum. The school-rooms and dormitories were con- verted into hospital-rooms, and the teachers and attendants became nurses. Every pre- caution was taken to prevent the spread of the disease, which finally disappeared after twelve weeks of self-sacrificing devotion, courage and fortitude of the attendants, during which time they were constantly ex- posed to the dangers of a disease, the results of which are fearful even when death does not ensue.

The General Results .- The reports show that 69 per cent. of its inmates learn to work, 74 per cent. to read and write, 43 per cent. make useful progress in arithmetic, while all are improved in personal habits.

A Publie Duty. - With the increase in population of the State, and consequent larger number of this unfortunate class, the necessity for making permanent provision, and enabling them to make the best possible use of such faculties as they already possess, together with the necessity for placing them under such restrictions as will prevent the increase and perpetuation of their kind, must be apparent to every thoughtful citizen ; and this the spirit of humanity demands of the State.

Except in very few cases this class is not fitted to go out into the world ; yet under proper management a large proportion could not only earn sufficient to support themselves, but largely aid in the support of their kind. There is at the present time a large number of adult imbeciles who have arrived at ma- turity since entering this institution, and this number is constantly increasing. They have

no place to go except to the county infirma- ries, or to wander at large through the com- munity, dependent upon the charity of the public for support ; no longer under improv- ing influences, but relapsing into their former helpless condition, to become criminals or paupers. The institution is at present crowded far beyond its capacity, and between 300 and 400 applications for admission were refused last year owing to this fact.

An Outlook for the Future .- For the per- manent provision of this class it has been suggested that an appropriation should be made by the General Assembly to purchase a large tract of land at a convenient distance from the institution, on which should be erected plain and substantial farm-buildings, with all needful appliances for the various industries of the farm and workshop. As there are in the asylum at the present time a sufficient number of unemployed inmates to work 1,000 acres of land, the value of such an arrangement needs no argument. The sale of the products of the farm and work- shops would realize enough to pay all its expenses, thereby utilizing what has been heretofore a public expense and burden, and permitting the asylum to carry out the ob- jects of its foundation.

The education of the feeble-minded youth in Ohio has been unusually successful, and it is the largest institution of the kind on the globe. Its success is largely owing to the ability and efficiency of both past and present trustees and officers, and the untiring energy and zeal of its superintendent, Dr. G. A. Doren, who, having held this position since 1859, has made the bettering of the condition of this class his life-work.

The officers and trustees in 1888 are : Trustees-Silas A. Conrad, Massillon ; Rob- ert Mehaffey, Herring ; Benjamin B. Wood- bury, Chardon ; Edward Squire, Defiance ; Ross J. Alexander, Bridgeport ; superin- tendent, G. A. Doren ; steward, George Evans.

THE OHIO PENITENTIARY.

The penitentiary system was introduced into Ohio in 1815. Previous to that date certain crimes, afterward punishable by im- prisonment in the penitentiary, were pun- ished by whipping. For instance, upon con- viction of larceny the offender was sentenced to be whipped ; not exceeding thirty stripes on the naked back for the first offence, and not exceeding fifty stripes upon a second con viction for a like offence.

In 1815 was enacted the first Ohio statuu for the punishment of larceny by imprison- ment in the State prison. It provided that conviction of larceny of the value of ten dol- lars and upward should be punishable by im- prisonment at hard labor for not less than one nor more than seven years. In 1821 the amount of larceny to constitute a State-prison offence was increased to fifty dollars, but, in 1835, was reduced to the present amount- thirty-five dollars.

The first penitentiary in Ohio was built in

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1813, on a ten-acre lot in the southwest corner of Columbus, which was conveyed to the State for that purpose by the original pro- prietors of the town. It was a brick building fronting on Scioto street; the dimensions were sixty by thirty feet and three stories in height, which included the basement partly below ground. The basement contained the living-rooms of the prisoners, and could only be entered from the prison-yard. The second story was the keeper's residence. The third or upper story contained the prisoners' cells, thirteen in number, nine of which were light and four dark cells.

The prison-yard, about 100 feet square, was enclosed by a stone wall from fifteen to eighteen feet high.

In 1818 a new brick building was erected, and the prison-yard enlarged to about 400 by 160 feet, enclosed by stone walls twenty feet high and three feet thick, with a plank floor and hand-railing on the top. Workshops vere arranged within the yard. The new building was 150 by 34 feet, two stories high, and formed a connecting-line with the old building, which was remodelled as a residence for the keeper.

The dining-room, kitchen, and fifty-four cells occupied the ground floor of the new building ; below ground, accessible only by a trap-door in the hall, were five dark and soli- tary cells, and on the second floor two adjoin- ing rooms served for a hospital.

Until 1819 the keeper or warden was ap- pointed by five inspectors chosen by the Leg- islature. That year, however, the office of State agent was created, and both agent and keeper elected by the Legislature for a term of three years. It was the State agent's duty to receive from the keeper all manufactured articles, make sales, collect debts, and pay over to the State treasurer all cash receipts. The office of State agent was abolished in 1822.

The first warden or keeper of the peniten- tiary was James Kooken. At that time the prison contained but few convicts, the keeper was kind-hearted and as lenient as was con- sistent with official duty, and, there being at times but little work for the prisoners, they were permitted to indulge in various amuse- ments, one of which was ball-playing ; and when, as sometimes happened, the ball was knocked over the prison walls, a dog they had trained for the purpose would run to the main entrance, summon the guard, pass out, get the ball, and return with it to the players.

The labor of the prisoners was employed in blacksmithing, cabinetmaking, gunsmithing, wagon-making, shoemaking, coopering, weav- ing, and tailoring, the manufactured articles being sold or exchanged for provisions or raw materials.

Attempts at Escape .- There were more or less individual attempts to escape, but only one outbreak at all general in its character. One day, during the year 1830, about a dozen prisoners, under the leadership of daring fellow. Smith Maythe by name, secreted

themselves near the outer door of the prison, and, when the turnkey unlocked the door, Maythe sprang upon him, securing a firm hold, while his companions rushed ont. Then, releasing the turnkey he bounded out, and joining his fellow-conspirators fled to some woods a short distance southeast of the prison. Their liberty was short-lived, how- ever, for soon they were all recaptured and returned to the prison. Maythe, the leader, was eventually hnug by a mob in Kentucky for an attempt at robbery and murder.

Liberties to Convicts .- Previous to 1836 convicts were frequently taken out to work in different parts of the town, and sometimes without a guard. Among others who were allowed great liberties in this respect was one Scott, a printer, who was permitted to earn money, a part of which he was allowed to keep for himself, by working at his trade outside the prison. On one occasion he got uproariously drunk, and, meeting Gov. Lucas on the street, he besought him to grant him a pardon, and, backed up by the whisky he had imbibed, became very urgent, much to the governor's discomfiture. Perhaps it is needless to state that Mr. Scott served out his full term, and with restricted privileges.

The Asiatic Cholera .- In the summer of 1833 the cholera broke out in Columbus, and soon became epidemic within the penitentiary. Out of 303 convicts few were exempt from sickness. One hundred were confined in the hospital, forty of them with pronounced gen- uine cholera, and there were eleven deaths before the disease disappeared.

In 1849, the prison having been removed to its present quarters, the cholera again made its appearance, and with a fatality that was appalling ; and notwithstanding every precaution, more than one-fourth of the inmates became its victims.

Heroic Devotion .- It broke out in the prison on the 30th day of June, having pre- viously prevailed in Columbus and surround- ing towns for eight or ten days. The first day there were two fatal cases, and the daily mortality increased to five on July 7, eight the day following, and twelve on the 9th of July. Dr. Lathrop, the regular prison physi- cian, was attacked by the disease July 3; fifty to sixty new cases were occurring daily, and, although Dr. Trevitt was in attendance, having been called the first day the epidemic broke out, Dr. Lathrop felt that his duty was at his post ; and although advised by his physicians to keep his bed, totally unfit for any labor, on the 6th of July he was again at work administering to the sick and dying. His heroic devotion cost him his life five days later.

July 8, nine days after the first appearance of the disease, 396 out of 413 prisoners had been attacked by cholera, 21 had died, and the next day 12 more died. The condition and prospect of affairs was horrible to con- template. The directors called to the aid of Drs. Lathrop and Trevitt other physicians in the city, as Drs. B. F. Gard, Robert Thomp- son, J. B. Thompson, Norman Gay, and J ..

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Morrison. Medical students and citizens were also engaged as attendants and nurses.

Distressing Scenes and Panic .- The hos- pital being crowded the abandoned work- shops were divided into wards, nurses and attendants assigned, and they were soon filled with the sick and dying. Just at this time, when their services were most needed, the guards fled, panic-stricken. Necessarily discipline was very much relaxed. For six- teen days and nights the cell doors remained unlocked and the prisoners commingled

freely. Some of them were stoically indif- ferent to their surroundings, others were manly, heroic, and rendered very efficient service in ministering to the sick, while an- other class of prisoners were filled with ner- vous fear and trembling, imploring physi- cians, attendants and nurses, with piteous cries, to speak to the governor and have them pardoned out.

Governor Ford acted with great discretion in this emergency. An article written by Hon. Charles B. Flood and published in

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Historical collections of Ohio in two volumes, an encyclopedia of the state, Volume I, Part 101

Author: Howe, Henry, 1816-1893 Publication date: 1907 Publisher: Cincinnati : Published by the state of Ohio Number of Pages: 1006

Author: Howe, Henry, 1816-1893
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: Cincinnati : Published by the state of Ohio
Number of Pages: 1006