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 32
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The General Assembly by act of April 20, 1874, entitled, "An act to regulate the Ohio Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home, located at Xenia, and to repeal a certain act therein named," provided for the appointment of five trustees for the management of such home.
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
The governor made the following appointment: Durbin Ward, of Lebanon ; J. Warren Keifer, of Springfield; George Keifer, Troy ; Oscar White, Toledo; Jacob Haynes, Bellbrook. The board met at the home at Xenia, on May 1st, 1874, and organized by the ap- pointment of Durbin Ward, president, and Jacob Haynes, secretary. On the 15th of the same month, they met and appointed Dr. A. E. Jenner, of Crawford County, as superintendent for three years, and he gave bond and entered upon his duties accordingly. Under the new administration but few changes were made, and the matron, cottage managers, and teachers were retained in the positions they then occupied. The statute provided for the appointment of a steward for the home, and on the recommendation of the superin- tendent, the board appointed Mr. James Hoyle, of Xenia, for the position, and fixed his compensation at fifty dollars per month.
The affairs of the home ran smoothly for some time after the entrance of the new superintendent on his duties. Toward the close of the summer, however, rumors of certain improprieties on his part toward the female inmates and employes of the home were in circulation, and they assumed such magnitude that the board concluded to have them investigated. Accordingly a committee, consisting of General J. Warren Keifer and Jacob Haynes, was appointed, to make inquiry concerning the matter, and to prefer formal charges against the superintendent. Charges in writing were reported to the board, and the matter was fully investigated. Distinguished counsel appeared for both parties. A month trans- pired from the time the board took its first action. After a full and patient hearing, the case went to the board for decision. Be- fore any final action was taken, Dr. Jenner tendered his resignation as superintendent, and the board at once accepted it, and dismissed the charges and specifications against him. There is no necessity for the pollution of the pages of this history by publishing the charges preferred against Dr. Jenner; the nature of the offense will be readily understood.
On the morning of the 22d of October, the board placed the tem- porary internal management of the home under the control of the matron, Mrs. Adelia A. Nelson, a lady of high character and long experience. The external affairs were placed under the superin- tendence of the steward, Mr. James Hoyle. Under this arrange- ment the home was conducted as harmoniously, and with as much success, as could have been expected under the circumstances.
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ORPHANS' HOME. 329
Numerous applicants were recommended for the vacant superin- tendency. The board finally chose, as superintendent, Hon. W. P. Kerr, of Granville, Ohio, on the 17th of November. Mr. Kerr was absent on business in Utah when the appointment was made, and did not take charge of the office, and assume its duties, until the 15th of December.
In the month of May, 1875, the term of service of Mrs. Adelia A. Nelson, having expired, Mrs. W. P. Kerr was appointed as her successor, a position which she, as wife of the superintendent, was entitled to, according to the usages of the institution. O. C. Brewer was appointed clerk, rice John P. Kellogg, who had for years served in that capacity. As a matter of economy, Mr. Brewer was also appointed steward, and Mr. Hoyle relieved of the duties.
The General Assembly of 1874-'75, took steps to enable the in- auguration of a system of industrial education and employment at the home. Shops were established to teach printing, telegraphing, tailoring, dress-making, knitting, carpentering, blacksmithing, shoe- making, and tinning. Gentlemen well versed in the different branches were placed at the head of each department. A tele- graph school was established, and placed in charge of Mr. Crowl, who taught thirty to forty boys and girls each day. A line was erected from the library room to the school house, thence to the telegraph office in the city. All departments were conducted with commendable energy, and the institution had attained a high degree of prosperity. The health of the inmates had been good. During the year (1875) there were but four deaths, although the number of inmates was in the neighborhood of six hundred. The prevalence of sore eyes, from the opening of the institution, and during the first two months of 1875, was especially noticeable, and the physician, Mr. C. B. Jones, sought for some means of eradicat- · ing the troublesome disease. The manner in which the inmates washed their hands and faces was fixed upon as the cause of con- tagion. This washing was done in tin wash basins, three in each cottage, and the drying of hands and faces was done on one large towel in each cottage. The physician caused fixtures to be intro- duced, at slight expense, whereby all the children washed in run- ning water, and dried their faces on separate towels. This arrange- ment had its desired effect. There were no new cases, and those then affected made rapid recovery. The measles and scarlet fever had been epidemic every winter since the opening of the institu-
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
tion. The physician determined to make a careful investigation as to the cause of these prevailing diseases. He soon discovered that in both cases the diseases originated within the institution, and were not imported from the outside. By examination into the usage, as to the quilts, blankets, etc., it was ascertained that in the spring of each year, when the heavier articles were no longer necessary, they were taken from the beds, and, without airing or disinfecting, stowed in the closets during the summer, and on the coming of winter were taken therefrom, and again placed upon the beds. And the breaking out of these dangerous epidemics was coincident with the use of winter bedding. Thus the malady was packed away each spring in the quilts and blankets, and carefully preserved until the approach of winter, when it served to occasion a new epi- demic. The superintendent, in connection with the physician, caused every article of bed clothing to be thoroughly washed, dried, and aired in the spring. This had its desired effect.
A law, passed March 14, 1876, provided for the appointment of a new board of trustees, consisting of seven members. The gov- ernor, on March 15, 1876, appointed the following gentlemen : J. Warren Keifer, Springfield; W. S. Furay, Columbus; R. P. Buckland, Fremont ; A. M. Stark, Xenia; J. W. Reilly, Wellsville; Thomas Ewing Lancaster; M. F. Force, Cincinnati. Pursuant to call of the governor, the board met March 23, 1876, and organized by electing J. Warren Keifer president, and W. S. Furay secretary. On March 29, 1876, Major William Shaw, late of Eaton, Ohio, was appointed superintendent of the home, (vice Prof. W. P. Kerr,) and on the 8th of April he entered upon the discharge of the duties of his position. On the 9th of April, on the nomination of the super- intendent, the board appointed Mrs. Rachel J. Shaw, matron; A. H. Brundage, M. D., physician ; John P. Kellogg, clerk; and Prof. Edward Merrick, principal of the schools.
During the year, a reservoir sixty-five feet long, twenty feet deep, and fifteen feet wide, was constructed, by which the managers were enabled to run a supply of clear, fresh water through the cottages. A new system of sewerage was also introduced, and several much- needed improvements were made in the engine room. Nearly four hundred stumps were removed from the grounds, immediately in front of, and in the rear of the main building and cottages, and around the laundry and farm-house. The channel of the creek running through the northern part of the grounds was changed by
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ORPHANS' HOME.
straightening it, which prevented the cutting away by water of a beautiful embankment, and afforded a way for a drive much need- ed in that part of the grounds. The progress made by the boys and girls in the five industrial departments already established was highly satisfactory. The results, pecuniarily, were all that could be expected. The farm comprised two hundred and seventy-five and one-half acres, divided as follows : seventy-nine acres timber land; eighty-four acres occupied by garden, home buildings, and lawn; sixty-three acres under cultivation ; and forty-nine and one- half acres in grass.
During the session of 1876-7, the general assembly appropriated $30,000 for building a new school house upon the home grounds, as the old buildings had become inadequate to the wants of the in- stitution, and besides were greatly needed for workshops, to be used in prosecuting and developing industrial pursuits.
In the year 1877 a steady improvement was made in the man- agement of the home. Four hundred feet of four-ply rubber hose, (making in all six hundred feet,) and an excellent hose-reel were purchased, to be used in case of fire. One of the most extensive and needed improvements was the laying of one hundred and thirty-four rods of bouldered gutter, of an average width of two and one-half feet, along the main drive in front of the administra- tion buildings and cottages.
Under the act named, on the 14th day of May, 1878, a new board of trustees, consisting of five members, was appointed by Governor Bishop, as follows: B. Burns, Mansfield; A. M. Stark, Xenia; John Kirkpatrick, Cambridge; R. C. Blackburn, Roscoe; A. M. Stimson, Washington C. H. The board met for organization on the 20th day of May, 1878, and accompanied by the governor ex- amined the condition and workings of the institution. The board elected Barnabus Burns president, and A. M. Stark secretary. A general committee was also chosen, consisting of B. C. Blackburn, A. M. Stimson, and A. M. Stark. On the 20th day of July, 1878, Dr. George Keifer, of Troy, Miami County, was appointed super- intendent, a vacancy in the office having been made by the act reorganizing the institution. He began the duties of the office within a few days after his appointment, and on the 23d day of August, 1878, he nominated Miss Henrietta Keifer, his daughter, for matron; Dr. C. B. Jones, for physician; David M. Brelsford, for steward ; and Prof. Mansel Hartly, for superintendent of. in-
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
struction. These appointments were duly made by the board of trustees. A full corps of teachers was also appointed.
The board, soon after its appointment, was, in the discharge of its duties, required to construe those portions of the late legislation as to this institution which relate to the admission of its benefi- ciaries. The act was carefully examined and tested by the usual rules of legal construction, and the legislation of the general gov- ernment on the subject of pensions was compared with its provi- sions. Sections four and five of the act of reorganization provided that a portion of the pension be paid to the superintendent, and used for the maintainance of that portion of the beneficiaries who were inmates of the home. After mature deliberation they de- cided that pension grants by this and all other governments were regarded in their laws, and the departments charged especially with the execution of those laws, to be given or withheld as the law-making power choose; and that no right, based upon a prior claim or service, existed as to a pension. Hence, the government, in granting pensions, had the right to attach limitations and con- ditions to the gift. The board found, also, that the government had exercised the right, in attaching to the grant of all pensions allowed by it, and especially those based upon services in the war of 1861, the condition that every attempted pledge, barter, sale, or transfer of any part of the money due upon such pension, forfeited the certificate of its allowance. The fourth and fifth sections of the reorganization act required a pledge of pension moneys. Such pledge would forfeit the claim to the gratuity. The board, there- fore, as to the condition of admisson of the children to the home, decided that so much of the act of May 13, 1878, as was in conflict with the laws of the United States, upon the subject of pensions, was inoperative. The third section was regarded as preliminary and introductory to the fourth and fifth sections. The sections re- ferred to, read as follows :
SEC. 3. Said board of trustees are authorized to receive into said home, the indigent children of deceased soldiers and sailors, who lost their lives in the military or naval service of the United States, during the late rebellion, or have since died by reason of wounds re- ceived, or disease contracted while in said service, and in the line of duty as such soldier: provided, however, that no child of such de- ceased soldier, shall be received into said home under the age of twelve years, during the life time of the mother of said child; and
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ORPHANS' HOME.
provided also, that no child shall be received into said home, except the child of a deceased soldier, on account of whose death the United States has paid, or is paying a pension.
SEC. 4. That, after the passage of this act, the said board of trus- tees, shall admit, and continue in such home, no child or children, unless the mother or guardian of such child or children, shall pay over to said board of trustees, for the purpose of clothing said child or children, the money paid by the United States as a pension- on account of the death of said soldier.
SEC. 5. The superintendent shall keep an accurate account of the amount of pension received, on account of each, and every of such children, and the amount of pension so received, on account of such child shall be used for no other purpose, except for the clothing of such child, and if a greater sum than is needed to pro- perly clothe such child, shall be received as a pension on account of such child, then such balance shall be paid said child or the guardian thereof, when said child leaves said home.
There were two cases of death during 1878. Anna Scoby, of cottage No. 15, died February 10, and Nettie Bowen, of cottage No. 11, September 23, 1878, both of consumption.
On the 16th of February, 1879, the administration and domestic buildings were destroyed by fire. A number of the officers and em- ployes were slightly injured, but none seriously. The loss to the state was nearly $75,000. The officers and employes lost various sums, ranging from $10 to $500. The cottages escaped the ravages of the fire, and the children were therefore unharmed. The super- intendent and his assistants took up their residence in some of the cottages, the hospital, and the school building. The legislature with commendable speed and unanimity, authorized the re-building of the destroyed structures, and made the necessary appropriation therefor, and for the furnishing of the same. The walls of both buildings, to some considerable extent remained standing and sound. The board of trustees adopted the plans of D. W. Gibbs, architect, which provided for thorough fire-proofing, for the reconstruction of the buildings. The domestie building was pushed rapidly to completion, and was ready for occupancy in about three months after the fire. It has since been occupied for its purpose, and also for the accommodation of the officers of the home during the pro- gress of work on the administration building, which is nearing com- pletion. During 1879 the school house was completed, and occupied
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
by the schools, and the old school building had been assigned in its various divisions, to occupancy by the different industrial pursuits which were practically taught to the beneficiaries of proper age and advancement.
During the spring of 1879, rumors of improprieties on the part of the superintendent toward the female employes became rife. To avoid the publicity of an investigation, the superintendent at the request of the board, tendered his resignation to take effect on the 1st of April, 1879. Until the election of a new superintendent, the affairs of the home were carefully and satisfactorily managed by Hon. A. M. Stimson, and Hon. A. M. Stark of the board of trustees, and Prof. M. J. Hartley, superintendent of the schools; having authority to do so by resolutions of the board of trustees.
N. R. Wyman, of Shelby county, was chosen superintendent on the 17th day of April, 1879, and entered upon the discharge of his duties on the 23d day of the same month. He, on the 9th day of May, 1879, appointed Mrs. Mary Wyman, his wife, matron of the home. The board confirmed the appointment.
DESCRIPTIVE.
The home grounds are located about a quarter of a mile south- east of the corporate limits of Xenia, and contain two hundred and seventy-five and one-half acres. That portion on which the build- ings are erected is slightly elevated, making altogether a very pleasing contrast. The grounds are inclosed by a neat board fence. At about the center of the south side is the main entrance, through which travelers in conveyances pass, while foot passen- gers may mount the steps and tread the boarded walk. Upon ascending, the first object presented to view is the handsome chapel on the right. In this building are held services on each Sabbath, except during the warm summer season, being conducted in turn by the ministers of Xenia. Mr. J. HI. Cooper, of Xenia, is superintendent of the Sabbath-school, which position he has held since the opening of the institution. Thus do loving hearts ad- minister to the spiritual wants of the children, preparing them for a brighter home through the beautiful portals above. To the rear of the church, surrounded by evergreen shrubbery, is located the little cemetery. The angel of death, whose grim features are visi- ble in every portion of the universe, has penetrated even this
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ORPHANS' HOME.
secluded abode of six hundred of the rising generation. Nineteen slabs of wood, erected at the head of nineteen mounds, with simple inscription of name and age thereon, tell their own sad story. The bodies of nineteen former inmates of this institution are sleep- ing the sleep that knows no awakening-their souls have gone to join their Maker. "Tis sad to die so young, and so full of promise. Some who are here sleeping so sweetly had lived in suffering and misery. To them death was sweet relief. The fathers and mothers of others have long since crossed the dark and bloody chasm. Thither are they going, with hurried steps, to participate in an everlasting and glorious reunion.
" There is sweet rest in heaven."
We return to the walk, and resume our journey. Ere long we arrive at an imposing structure-
THE HOME SCHOOL BUILDING.
This commodious building was erected at a total cost of $30,000, and was completed in 1878; is constructed of brick, and consists of three stories and the basement. A fountain is seen playing on each side of the front entrance. During the school months the building is occupied by upward of five hundred children, and in charge of instructors of rare ability.
We next turn to the cottages, of which there are twenty-ten on each side of the main building. They are built of brick, and two stories in height. Each floor is divided into three apartments- the large sitting-room for the children, the matron's parlor, and the wash-room. The children's sitting-room is handsomely carpeted; on each side is a row of chairs, sufficient for the accommodation of thirty persons. In the center is a table loaded with books, or, in some cottages, covered by a miniature aquarium. On the upper floor is the children's dormitory, the matron's sleeping apartment, and the bath-room. The cottages are kept serupulously clean by the children, under the direction of the matron. Each cottage is numbered-those south of the main building, occupied by the girls, in odd numbers; those north, occupied by boys, in even num- bers. In the front of each cottage is a piazza, which continues from the first to the last building. At the sides of the piazzas and
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
the cottages, vines of ivy and morning-glory have been planted, presenting, during the summer season, a beautiful aspect. On the space between the rows of cottages is located the
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING,
Which contains the officers, teachers, and children's dining-rooms, dormitories, parlors, reception-rooms, superintendent's office, and private apartments. The main building is constructed of pressed brick, and elegantly furnished throughout. The addition to the rear is built of material less pretentious. In the basement are the mammoth stoves, used for culinary purposes, the bakery, store- rooms, and a refrigerator. To the rear of the administration build- ing is the water tower, in which is a massive tank. Water is forced into this, and thence to all parts of the grounds.
We next arrive at the engine house, containing four large boilers. Two are in constant use during the warm season, while all of them are pressed into service in cold weather. The steam is used for heating purposes, running the pumps which force the water into the tower, and for the laundry. There are also several force pumps, which are held in reserve, to be used in case of fire; one of the rooms in this building being a receptacle for the hose reel and an abundant supply of hose.
A few rods east of the engine building is the laundry, a large, two-story building-the first floor being used for washing purposes, the second divided into sleeping apartments. The establishment is fitted out with the latest improved washing machines, a steam wringer, and a mangle for pressing sheets and table-cloths. In one corner of the main room is a fine engine, which supplies the power for the various machines. Steam for running the same is conducted by pipes from the engine house. Miss Ann Harvey, a lady who has been employed at the home for upward of eight years, has charge of the laundry. The building is surrounded by a lawn, on which are planted beautiful flowers of various kinds.
Proceeding yet further east, we arrive at the hospital. Upon en- tering, we are greeted and cordially welcomed by the matron, who kindly volunteers to show us through the building. To the right, as we enter, is the cozy reception-room; to the left, the physician's office; adjoining the reception-room is the dining-room ; in the im- mediate rear of this room is the kitchen. Meals are prepared here
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for the inmates, under the supervision of the hospital matron. Opposite the dining-room is the ward for the sick. The second floor contains a ward for the sick, the matron's apartments, and a spare room. Thirty-four children can be treated conveniently at one time. During a recent prevalence of measles, however, more than one hundred were accommodated in the building. This build- ing is surrounded by a lawn, on which are planted evergreen trees and flowers.
We next proceed to the old school house, or " industrial building," as it is now called, a long, frame structure, two stories in height. The rooms formerly used for school purposes are now converted into workshops, and various vocations taught therein. On the lower floor is the shoe-shop, where are manufactured all the shoes worn by the inmates. Here eighteen boys are employed, under the supervision of a foreman. The tin-shop, where are employed a number of boys, is also on this floor. All the tinware and spout- ing used by the institution is manufactured in this department. On the second floor is located the paint shop, sewing-rooms, and the printing office, from which a neat little paper "The Home Weekly," is issued. West of this building is the gardener's cottage, a lovely spot, which is almost hidden from view by flowers. South of this is the home stable, a large and commodious building, well stocked with horses and milch cows.
Half way between the industrial building and the "L" of the fe- male cottages is the hot-house, for the cultivation of flowers, which is surrounded by handsome floral designs, one of which, a magnifi- cent star composed of many colors, never fails to attract the atten- tion of the passer-by. A fountain sending its spray high into the air adds to the beauty of the scene. Here several men and boys are kept constantly employed.
In front of the main building is an extensive display of flowers which are beautiful to behold. In the center is a fountain, from which numberless sprays of water issue spasmodically. Artistic hands have formed the letters " S. O." by the tasty arranging of flowers. The gas-house, in which is manufactured all the light used by the institution, is located at the foot of the knoll, near the main entrance; in the immediate vicinity of which an ice house has been erected.
The vacant spaces between the respective buildings are sodded, and shaded by trees. They are divided by graveled avenues for
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