USA > Ohio > Greene County > History of Greene County : together with historic notes on the Northwest, and the state of Ohio, gleaned from early authors, old maps and manuscripts, private and official correspondence, and all other authentic sources > Part 30
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A number of destitute children have found a home within the walls of the Infirmary. Besides supplying the bodies with the essentials of life, it has ever been the aim of the Christian and philanthropic gentlemen composing the board of directors, to provide for their educational and spiritual wants as well. The daily intercourse of the children with that fallen class of humanity which is found in all charitable institutions, was damaging in the extreme, and could not fail but to lead to evil results. It was obvious that the younger in- mates should be separated from the bad influences surrounding them. At a recent session of the board, it was decided to transfer all the children to the colored infirmary, while the older inmates of the latter institution were removed to the main building. Before the change was carried into effect, numerous alterations were made in the old buildings.
The building now serving in the capacity of a "Children's Home," is one hundred feet long and forty feet wide, containing a basement and two stories. The basement is used for a bakery and store-room. On the ground floor are located the kitchens, dining-
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room (with a seating capacity of forty), matron's apartments, re- ception room, and sleeping rooms. On the second floor are the . children's dormitories. From the porch in the rear of this floor, a splendid view is presented of the surrounding country, which is traversed by the rival railroads running to Dayton. The rooms are models of neatness, being cleaned by the inmates under the super- vision of the matron, Mrs. E. Bryant. This lady is the relict of the late Rev. Bryant, the first colored Baptist minister that ever occu- pied the pulpit in Xenia; an exemplary Christian and esteemed citizen. Mrs. Bryant was appointed matron of the colored infirm- ary in March, 1875, and has continued in that position to this day, to the full satisfaction of the directors. She will assume control of the-" Children's Home." The old "crazy" building has been con- verted into a chapel and school house. This building is 33x33, and two stories high. The lower floor is used for a school room. Re- ligious services are held on the upper floor each Sabbath. A very fine orchard has been planted on the tract between the buildings just described and the pike.
We return to the pike, and crossing it, enter the grounds where now is located the main building. The graveled avenue over which we pass is bordered on both sides by shade trees. In front of the main building is a rich and profuse display of flowers, in the midst of which a fountain throws up a steady stream of water. The Infirmary, proper, is one hundred and fifty feet long, and about fifty feet wide, to which is added a wing. The building contains three floors and a basement. The floors are divided into sections by halls, running east and west and north and south. To the left of the main entrance is the superintendent's office, where the meetings of the directors are held; to the right is the reception room. The west side of this floor is occupied by female dormitories and dining room; the east side is similarly arranged for the males. The family dining room, and a number of smaller apartments, are also located on this floor. On the second floor is the chapel; services are held in the same every Sabbath afternoon. The superintendent's private apartments are located in the center of north side. To the rear of these are sev- eral apartments called "flower rooms," in which are kept the flowers and plants in cold weather. The superintendent and matron un- derstand perfectly how to care for plants, and all lovers of the beautiful, would certainly be benefited by a visit to the floral de-
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
partment of the Infirmary. The sewing and linen rooms, several private bed rooms, and male and female dormitories, constitute the remainder of the floor. The third floor is occupied principally by the inmates. The wing attached to the south side of the main building is divided mainly into cells for the insane patients-those incurable, and those awaiting transportation to one of the State Insane Asylums. An old lady aged 97 occupies one of the rooms, although being allowed the freedom of the buildings and grounds ; apparently she has a passion for the one room she occupies, which she calls her home.
The basement of the main building, is used for a store-room, laundry, kitchen, and for general industrial purposes. In the base- ment of the wing, are the huge engines, and boilers, to which are attached all the modern improvements. Steam is used in heating the building, and pumping water to all parts of the same. Here also, are stationed tanks, containing gasoline with which the building is lighted. Bath tubs are stationed in various parts of the building, in which, to prevent the contraction of disease, the inmates are bathed at stated intervals. To the rear of the main building, are the various out-buildings.
As all of the new buildings are located on a knoll, a perfect system of drainage has been established, and the infectious waters are conveyed from the premises. The farm is beautifully located, very productive, and surrounded on all sides by forests.
The management of the Infirmary is in the best of hands. One of the directors, Mr. J. C. McMillan, has held this position for a period of nearly thirty consecutive years, consequently has much experience which is beneficial. The other directors are gentlemen of real worth. The superintendent, Mr. H. Gram, and his estimable lady, the matron, are thoroughly acquainted with the duties of their offices. They are kind, Christian people, beloved, and esteemed by the inmates. Greene County is in possession of an Infirmary and Childrens Home, of the management of which she need not be ashamed. From the semi-annual report of the directors to the county commissioners, submitted September, 1880, we extract the following :
Expense of conducting Infirmary, six months, -
- $4,458.
Paid for out-door relief, 1,016.
Average number of paupérs, - 114.
Board of Directors: Brenton Baker, president; J. C. McMillan,
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ORPHANS' HOME.
secretary ; Robert Gowdy ; superintendent, H. Gram; matron, Mrs. H. Gram.
SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' ORPHANS' HOME.
INTRODUCTION.
When peace was declared by the opposing factions of the "late unpleasantness," the northern, or Union armies had great cause for rejoicing. They had fought for liberty and equal rights, and their cause was triumphant. And yet the participants of the late rebel- lion did not escape the horrible scenes of bloodshed, suffering, and death, the inevitable results of strife between rival governments. When the victorious soldiers returned to their homes, they were met by a throng of grateful people, and accorded a cordial recep- tion. The horrors of the war were forgotten; every heart was filled with rejoicing at the safe return of the "brave boys in blue." But, in the midst of that joyful assembly, there was many a mother's heart saddened by the cruel reflection that her brave and noble boy was not there. The wife sees her fond and doting husband in im- agination only. His body is buried in southern soil, his spirit has been wafted through the heavenly portals. Children realize that on this earth no more will they see the familiar face of "father;" that they are orphans, thrown on the cold charities of the world. Peace and prosperity fled from the cottage of the soldier's widow and orphan; poverty and misery alone remained. Oh! how cold and dreary was the future ! Bereft of husband, money, and friends, who can wonder at the despondency of the soldier's widow? The existence of this dreary state of affairs, however, a country, grate- ful and magnanimous, would not long permit. Appropriations for temporary relief were made by congress ; homes for disabled soldiers were established by the same authority. The different states took it upon themselves to care for the orphan, while the widow had her temporary wants relieved by pension. Our own state, which an- swered so promptly the call for defenders of our country, recognized at once, the invaluable services rendered by her patriotic citizens. Second to none in point of gratitude and magnanimity, she has ever accorded her citizens that care and protection required for their
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
welfare. To-day she points with pride to her many charitable in- stitutions, excelled by none other in system and management. As has been intimated, this state, upon recovering from the devastation produced by the late war, proceeded to make provisions for the maintainance of those whom the implements of war had rendered incapable of self-support. Prior to 1870, however, no definite action had been taken by the legislature of the state. The initiatory steps toward the. establishment of a home for soldiers' and sailors' orphans, were taken by the Grand Army of the Republic, a society which had for its object the protection of disabled soldiers, and the widows and orphans of those who gave their lives that their country might live. Greene County, and the city of Xenia, also rendered material aid in the good work. To the Grand Army of the Re- public, the philanthropic citizens of Xenia, and Greene County, and the state at large, do we award the honor of establishing, and main- taining, one of the grandest institutions known to civilized nations -The Ohio Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home.
HISTORY.
The establishment of a permanent home for soldiers' orphans was first agitated by the Grand Army of the Republic, in 1869. It was the object of the society to procure the funds necessary for the purpose from individual sources, believing that the state would take the matter in hand at the proper time. On the 31st of June, 1869, a meeting was held at the City Hall, at Xenia, the object of which was to devise ways and means for the furtherance of the plan then under consideration. The address was delivered by Chaplain Collier, agent for the Grand Army of the Republic, in which he vividly portrayed the duty of the citizens of this state, insomuch as it was involved in the question now before them. On the 13th of July another meeting was held at the same place, which was largely attended. Speeches were made by Governor Hayes, Congressman Winans, Captain Earnshaw, and others. Subscrip- tion books were opened, and the sum of $16,500 guaranteed before the close of the meeting. Of this sum, Eli Millen, Lester Arnold, and J. C. McMillan subscribed $1,000 cach.
In the meantime, citizens of Xenia, assisted by representatives of the Grand Army of the Republic, were actively at work. The press favored the project, and advocated the erection of suitable
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ORPHANS' HOME.
buildings at once. It was ascertained that a favorable location, situated in the immediate vicinity of Xenia, could be secured, and the friends of the cause continued in the good work. The annual convention of the Grand Army of the Republic was held at San- dusky City, on the 21st and 22d of July, 1869. Nine delegates from Xenia were in attendance. The "Home" question was ear- nestly discussed, although no definite action was taken. The Xenia gentlemen, however, were encouraged to believe that the lands lo- cated near their city would eventually be selected as the permanent location of the Home. Subsequently, a resolution providing for the acceptance of the real estate, and funds offered by the citizens of Xenia, was passed by the Grand Army of the Republic, the in- itiatory steps toward the establishment of a Home at Xenia.
The Board of Control, consisting of General George B. Wright, Major M. S. Gunckel, Colonel H. G. Armstrong, Eli Millen, Esq., Judge White, Mrs. R. B. Hayes, Mrs. H. L. Monroe, and Mrs. Ann E. McMeans, met, on the 11th of October, and agreed to accept the location offered by the people of Xenia. Contracts for the erection of four cottages were made with Drees & Thornhill, Norris & McIl- wain, and Smith, Howard & Co., at a cost of about $1,650 each. Meanwhile, in anticipation of the early establishment of the "Home," a number of children had been gathered at Xenia. To provide for their temporary wants, the board leased the premises of the Messrs. McMillan, on Main Street, lately occupied by Rev. W. T. Findley. Mrs. A. McMeans was elected superintendent, January, 1870; Dr. John G. Kyle, of Xenia, was appointed surgeon. To supply the spiritual wants of the children, a non-sectarian Sunday-school was formed, which was to be conducted by a committee, appointed by all the orthodox churches of the city. The following gentlemen constituted the committee: T. Drees, J. W. King, D. Millen, J. C. McMillan, A. Trader, W. Keller, A. H. Baughman, W. C. Hutchin- son, J. C. Cooper. They met, January 3, 1870, and elected J. H. Cooper, superintendent; William Smith, assistant superintendent ; Ewing IIannon, secretary; A. H. Baughman, treasurer; Thomas Moore, librarian. The school was opened at the Young Men's Christian Association rooms, on the following Sunday. During this month, eighty-one children were being cared for in the tem- porary quarters. Major M. S. Gunckel was appointed acting super- intendent, vice Mrs. McMeans, resigned. Additional appointments had been made, as follows: Mrs. Edgington, of Chicago, matron;
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
Mrs. S. A. Brockaway, Zanesville, assistant; Miss Della Johnston, Bellefontaine, teacher; Miss Ensign, Berlin Heights, teacher; Miss Buchanan, Clifton, superintendent sewing department.
January 23, 1870, a meeting of the Executive Committee was held. Present: Gunckel, Wright, Armstrong, and Millen. It was decided to construct, at once, a large frame building, for the pur- pose of furnishing a temporary dormitory and dining-room for the children, who were coming in rapidly. Contracts for the construc- tion of five more cottages were awarded as follows: Two to Drees & Thornhill, two to Norris & MeIlwain, one to Smith, Howard & Co. It was ascertained that about one hundred children were in the tem- porary quarters, and that applications were on file for many more.
The hearts of the managers, and the children as well, were made glad by the many donations, consisting chiefly of wearing apparel and bed clothing, from all parts of the state .. A committee, ap- pointed by the legislature, and consisting of Senators John Cowan, H. S. Prophet, H. Mckinney, and Representatives J. D. Callen, William A. Parr, W. H. Enochs, N. H. Van Vorhes, J. K. Mower, John Bettelon, and John P. Williamson, on February 28th, visited the "Home," and examined its surroundings. A public meeting was held at the City Hall, which was attended by the children in a body. Master Howard E. Gilkey, of Cleveland, stepped forward from the crowd of children, and delivered a touching little speech, introducing his orphaned brothers and sisters, and presenting the claims which they had on the state. The entire audience was much affected by his pathetic recital. Other speeches were made by members of the committee. They returned to Columbus, fully convinced that the Soldiers' Orphans' Home should be placed under the care and jurisdiction of the state.
During the month of March, that contagious disease known as measles, prevailed in the temporary quarters, causing much suffer- ing. On the 18th, a little girl, named Rebecca Swift, succumbed to the ravages of the epidemic. This, the first victim of the grim de- stroyer, was an interesting child, fourteen years of age, who had been at the "Home" since its opening. Her funeral services were conducted by Revs. Hypes, Beddell, and Prugh, of Xenia, and Bales, of Yellow Springs.
Meanwhile, a bill "to establish Ohio Soldiers' and Sailors' Or- phans' Homes," was introduced in the Ohio Legislature. Follow- ing, is the full text of the measure :
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ORPHANS' HOME.
SECTION I. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, That the governor of the state shall, immediately upon the passage of this act, appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the sen- ate, seven citizens, who shall constitute the Board of Managers of the Ohio Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' Homes, whose term of office shall be for five years, and until their successors are appointed and qualified, except those first appointed, one of whom shall hold his office for one year, one for two years, one for three years, two for four years, and two for five years, commencing from date of confirmation, the length of the term of service of each to be desig- nated in his appointment. Whenever a vacancy shall occur in said board, by death, resignation, or removal, the same shall be filled by appointment by the governor, and the person so appointed shall serve to the end of the unexpired term, subject to the approval of the senate.
SEC. 2. The first meeting of the board shall be ordered by the governor, and thereafter shall be fixed by the members thereof. Before entering upon the discharge of their duties, the members of said board shall take and subscribe an oath of office, which shall be entered upon their journals of proceedings.
SEC. 4. That the Reform and Industrial School for Girls, now located and established at White Sulphur Springs, in Delaware County, in this state, together with all the real and personal estate, and property thereon, belonging to the state, except such as belongs to, or is necessary for said school, shall, on the passage of this act, be transferred to this Board of Managers, whenever they shall be appointed, and qualified, as hereinafter provided ; that said premises, after such transfer, be known, used, and occupied as an Ohio Sol- diers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home, provided that so much of said farm at White Sulphur Springs, not exceeding five acres, adjoining and on which the building known as the Burnet House is situated, shall be retained by the trustees of said Industrial and Reform School for Girls, for the use of said school, until other provisions can be made for them by the state. The managers herein provided for, shall have authority for making such necessary and needful repairs, alterations &c., in the buildings on said farm, as shall be required for the purpose of such home, and to produce such furniture, and equip- ments, as shall be necessary for the proper establishing, and opening of said home thereon ; but in no case shall the costs, and expenses
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
of such changes, repairs, alterations, furniture, and equipments ex- ceed during the first year of said home, at said Springs, the sum of $13.000. Whenever the said managers shall ascertain that the capacity of the home, as herein located, shall be insufficient to ac- comodate comfortably, and well, all of the children, as contemplated by this act, in said institution, they shall be authorized, and empow- ered to accept, and receive by donation, or bequest, a suitable tract of land, not less in any case than one hundred acres, at a convenient, and accessible point, with the necessary buildings and equipments thereon, for the accommodation of not less than two hundred and fifty orphans, and with power, and authority, to open and establish upon said premises, a home or homes for Ohio soldiers' and sailors' orphans intended to be provided for by this act, as soon as said tract of land, with its appurtenances, and the property thereon, shall by good and sufficient deed in fee simple, without any incumbrance or condition, other than that the same shall be used by the State for that, or some other elemosynary purpose, be conveyed to the State of Ohio, and the title to which shall have been examined and ap- proved by the Attorney General. *
SEC. 6. There shall be received into said homes, the children residing in Ohio, of deceased, indigent, and permanently disabled soldiers and sailors, who served in the land and naval service of the United States, during the late rebellion, that are by said board, ascertained to be destitute of the means of support and edu- cation, and they shall be furnished a support, and education at said homes, for such length of time as said board may determine, not beyond the age of sixteen years ; provided, that other indigent orphan children resident of this state, and under the age of fifteen years, may, at the discretion of the Board of Managers, be received into said homes, and there supported, and educated as the other children hereinbefore mentioned, if there be room in said homes, more than sufficient for such children, first above mentioned, as may be re- ceived therein.
SEC. 7. The Board of Managers shall make such rules and reg- ulations for receiving into and discharging from said homes the inmates thereof, as shall not conflict with the provisions of this or any other law of this state. They shall also make all the needful rules and regulations for the government of the homes, and shall have authority to employ a superintendent and matron for each of
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ORPHANS' HOME.
said homes; and such teachers and other assistants as they may deem necessary for the education of the inmates, and the proper management of such homes, and fix the salary and compensation of the same; and they may at any time dismiss any officer or em- ploye thereof; provided, however, the salary of the superintendent shall in no case exceed one thousand dollars, and that of the matron four hundred dollars, each per annum. Nor shall any officer or employe of said board receive a greater compensation for services than one thousand dollars per annum.
* * * *
SEC. 9. Said Board of Managers shall not receive any compen- sation for their services, but shall be paid their necessary expenses, incurred in attending the meetings thereof.
SEC. 10. The Auditor of State is hereby required to draw his warrant in favor of the treasurer of said board, upon the treasurer of the state, for any money appropriated for the changes, repairs and alterations of buildings, and other purposes in the establish- ment and maintainance of said homes; the same to be done upon the estimate of said board, attested by the president and secretary ; provided, the aggregate amount to be drawn for establishing and equiping such homes shall not exceed, during the ensuing year, thirteen thousand dollars; and provided, also, that the sum to be drawn for the carrying on of such homes shall not exceed the rate of one hundred and fifty dollars per annum for each inmate to the number of one hundred, and one hundred and twenty-five dollars per annum for each inmate in excess of one hundred; the number of inmates therein to be certified to the Auditor of State by the president, secretary, and superintendent. Provided, further, that the directors or managers of such children's homes, or other asso- ciations as may now exist, or hereafter be organized and conducted pursuant to law, not including any county infirmary in any county or city, for the care and maintainance of indigent orphans, shall be . paid annually, by the Treasurer of State, on the warrant of the Auditor of State, for the support of said orphans of soldiers and sailors who served in the Union army, in their charge, the same amount per capita that it may cost the state per capita to maintain the orphans kept at the said Ohio Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home, including all expenses except the original cost of lands and buildings, and the repairs thereof; provided, the amount so drawn
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
shall in no case exceed the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars per annum per capita.
SEC. 11. The board, in devising plans for erecting buildings, fit- ting grounds, and otherwise preparing and equipping said homes, shall have careful reference to the limitations of appropriations hereinbefore made. * *
While the bill was pending before the senate, Senator Odlin, of Montgomery, offered an amendment to substitute "Xenia" for " White Sulphur Springs." Hon. M. D. Gatch, senator from this district, favored the amendment by an able speech. From the Xenia Torchlight, dated April 13, 1870, we extract the following: "Let us examine into this matter. There are one hundred and eighty-nine acres of this White Sulpher Springs property, for which the state paid $55,000. By the new provisions of this bill it seems that five acres of this is deemed quite sufficient now for the girls of the Reform School: this leaves, as surplus for other purposes, one hundred and eighty-four acres. Now, sir, if this was a judi- cious purchase, the property is. valuable, and the one hundred and eighty-four acres which is still left would command a fair price in the market; if it was not a judicious purchase, and the land is not valuable, and consequently not saleable, would it be either economy or retrenchment on the part of the state to expend money upon it in the way of buildings or improvements ? Would not even the $13,000 which this bill proposes to expend there, be in a great measure thrown away? It is very true, as is said by the senator from Butler, that this property already belongs to the state, and that something might have to be expended should the home be continued at Xenia. But let us take a rational view of this matter. The friends of the Xenia Home have tendered to the state over thirty thousand dollars in property and money. Now, if it be true, as this bill assumes, that this surplus of one hundred and eighty-four acres is not required for the girls, and is as valuable as elaimed by the gentleman from Butler, it would bring in the mar- ket at least $50,000, which, added to the $30,000 which Xenia has tendered, would make $80,000, and would secure for these children a home equal in point of location, and all that is essential to their comfort and happiness, to any in the state, and without a dollar of appropriation for buildings or improvements to be raised by taxation. Then why reject the offer that Xenia has made, when
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