The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 55

Author: W.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1214

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509

HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

Dyton, December 6, 1811; Beriah Tharp, born in North Carolina, September 15, 1'18, came to this county in 1802; Peter Lehman, born in Frederick Co., Md., Jhuary 2, 1798, came to Dayton in 1805; Samuel D. Edgar, born in what is now Vd River Township, March 25, 1806; Ephraim Lindsley, born in Morristown, NJ., January 28, 1803, came to Dayton in 1811; George Olinger, born in Bed- fcl Co., Pa., February 18, 1793, came to this county in 1811; Daniel Wertz, bin in Franklin Co., Pa., December, 1781, came to Montgomery County in 1818; Jeph B. H. Dodson, born in Dayton, September 10, 1817; John Waymire, on in Butler Township, August 30, 1808; John Clark, born in this county, Feb- rury 12, 1813; William Neibel, born in Rockingham Co., Va., May 17, 1805, seled in Miami Township in October, 1810; J. D. Phillips, born in Dayton, D'ember 30, 1812; Alfred Hoover, born in Randolph Township, August 10, 1809; BD. Stout, born in Somerset Co., N. J., came to Ohio in June, 1811; John Wygim, born in Ireland, October 30, 1810, came to Dayton in 1818; Hugh Wiggim, bin in Ireland in 1814, settled in Dayton in 1818; Levi Wollaston came to Dyton, August 6, 1816.

Under the first constitution any person who came to the county previous to 100, was eligible to membership, but in 1872 the constitution was so amended as toldmit any person who was fifty years in the county. The objects of the Associa- tin are the collection and preservation of the records, experiences, incidents and tilitions of the early settlement of Montgomery County, in connection with the hjory of events, times and people of later days; also to encourage pioneer sim- p.ity of life, character and intercourse among members, as well as to foster habits oindustry, integrity, sobriety, economy, goodness of heart, and friendly inter- corse in the walk, conversation and character of persons in younger life. The it of May was chosen as the day upon which the annual meetings would be held, irhonor of the date of the county's organization. The following persons were the fit officers of the society :

George B. Holt, President; Henry L. Brown, 1st Vice-President; William Ensel, 2nd Vice-President; William Neibel, 3rd Vice-President; Samuel D. Egar, 4th Vice-President; Henry Waymire, 5th Vice-President; Ephraim Linds- le, Secretary; Robert W. Steele, Treasurer; Rev. David Winters, Chaplain.

Mr. Holt served as President of the Association until May, 1872, at which tile Henry L. Brown was elected, and officiated in that capacity three years. In My, 1875, J. Thompson was chosen as President, serving one year, and in May, 1/6, was succeeded by Robert W. Steele, who also served but a year. In May, 1/7, Elias Favorite was elected President, and re-elected annually up to the p sent. More than one hundred of Montgomery County's pioneers have signed t Constitution since the organization of the Society. Many have died, removed, o ceased to attend, and unless the Constitution is again changed, so as to admit a ater generation, but a few short years will elapse until the Montgomery County Ineer Association will be a thing of the past, and those now composing it laid to rt with their fathers. The officers for 1882, are:

Elias Favorite, President; James F. Thompson, 1st Vice-President; George Kemp, 2nd Vice-President; Henry Waymire, 3rd Vice-President; George Toggoman, 4th Vice-President; William Wagner, 5th Vice-President; J. S. badwell, Treasurer; S. M. Sullivan, Secretary; Rev. David Winters, Chaplain.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY FARMERS' CLUB.

On the 20th of April, 1872, a number of the citizens of Montgomery County rt at the residence of John Kennedy, Harrison Township, for the purpose (organizing a Farmers' Club, whose object would be to bring together the lead- i; agriculturists of the county, at stated times, for the purpose of discussing sobjects of material interest to the farming community. A constitution and laws governing the club were presented and adopted, and the following offi-

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HISTORY OF MONTTOMERY COUNTY.

cers chosen : Nicholas Ohmer, President; John Kennedy, Vice-President; N. Kimmel, Secretary; James Appelgate, Treasurer.

The constitution and by-laws provided that "any person may become member of this society by the payment of $1 annually to the treasurer-wiy of members without additional fee," also that the officers be elected annua and that regular meetings be held on the third Saturday of each of the followi months, viz., April, May, June, July, August, September, October and Nove: ber.

Those meetings are held at the residence or grounds of members, and excellent dinner, paid for out of the funds of the club, is a part of the day's pl gramme. An annual address is delivered by the President, and at every meeti a member, selected for the occasion, delivers a well prepared essay on some subje connected with agriculture. In April, 1873, the following officers were electe John Kennedy, President; Nicholas Olimer, Vice-President; M. N. Kimm Secretary; James Appelgate, Treasurer.

Many interesting essays and discussions have been the result of tho monthly meetings, and incalculable good rendered to intelligent farming.

In April, 1878, Mr. Ohmer was again elected President, and he has be re-elected annually up to the present. M. N. Kimmel was re-elected annua. as Secretary from the organization of the club up to 1879, when Henry Wall mire succeeded him, at the annual election of that year. Mr. Waymire serv until the annual election of 1881, when J. A. Bigger was elected Secretary, whi position he now occupies.

In April, 1874, John Stroup was elected Vice-President and re-elected & nually up to the present. At the same meeting A. D. Wilt was elected Treasur of the club and served until April 20, 1878, having been re-elected every yea On the latter mentioned date Robert Bradford was chosen as Treasurer and r elected annually since. Every officer of the club has been energetic and efficier and all the members have contributed something towards elevating and enligt ening the views of farmers on many subjects.

The club is now in a flourishing condition, and beside the practical know edge obtained by the exchange of views and earnest, intelligent discussi among the members, those meetings are conducive of much social pleasure az happiness. They bring the farming community closer together, thereby encoura ing habits of social intercourse among farmers. No doubt many lasting frien ships have begun at these gatherings and many warm attachments cemented mo firmly. In connection with the Horticultural Society the club have purchase china ware and have had it decorated with the names of both societies, thus lea ing to members a souvenir, which, with the passing years, will be a reminder many by-gone happy hours. A number of Dayton's best citizens are membe of this club and have always given it their support and encouragement.

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

CHAPTER XXI.

IN NE ASYLUM-INFIRMARY-CHILDREN'S HOME-WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION -GERMAN BAPTISTS-GYPSIES.

SOUTHERN OHIO STATE ASYLUM FOR THE INSANE.

HIO has reason to be proud of her institutions, for no State has grander, none better furnished and in none are better accommodations provided. In the Ohio Ste Institutions, not only the erection of buildings, fitting up, and furnishing of hn is done by the State, but every dollar of expenses is drawn from the State Insury. No one, rich or poor, pays for treatment or board, and where pants, from any cause, are not clothed, the State clothes them. She houses, ee3, clothes, and furnishes medical attendance. The poor have to be cared for by houblic under any system, the rich pay the taxes for them, and, when insane, hold be entitled to the same advantages; hence, both ahke enjoy the advan- ags of treatment and care free of expense.

In 1851, the asylum at Columbus was the only one in the State, and was non as the "Ohio Lunatic Asylum." Its capacity was 300 patients. To-day e are in Ohio asylums about 3,600 patients. Prof. S. M. Smith, who was i. u rintendent of the " Ohio Lunatic Asylum" in 1851, estimated the insane of hestate that year at 2,000, of which only 300 were provided tor, while more than of God's afflicted were refused admission during the year. He says: " By the itt accounts I have received, 120 were in the Commercial Hospital of Cincinnati, . oved in narrow and wretched quarters, that, with all the exertions of the excell- officers of the hospital, their condition is lamentable in the extreme, and has bee again and again pronounced by the grand jury of Hamilton County to be dis- graful to the age. Some counties, however, have made, or are making, very od provision for such of their insane as cannot be admitted here. The jails

ch counties as have no infirmaries, are crowded with poor, fettered lunatics. udreds remain to be accounted for whose lot is too horrible to be believed, con- ? in cellars and out-houses, or in log pens; suffering the extremity of cold inter, exposed to a burning sun in summer; pelted with sticks and stones, as n musement, by unthinking school-boys; a scanty meal tossed in through a uw aperture, as to a wild beast; their dens-for that is the only appropriate r. I can apply to them-cleaned out of the accumulated filth at distant intervals. is romance? No! indeed, no! it is sad and sober truth." Truly, a dark ol obscured the future of the insane.

The State was steadily progressing in other directions, population increasing, vith it the number of insane. As a result of the recommendations of Dr. Smith Others, the following winter the Legislature passed an act, dated April 30, BE entitled " An act to provide for the erection of two additional lunatic asy- 11 Prof. H. A. Ackley, E. B. Fee, D. B. Woods, Charles Cist, and Edwin na composed the Board appointed under the act. An appropriation of $140,- JOvas made by the Legislature for the purpose of, building two asylums, and the Foul met at Cleveland, May 18, 1852, and upon the following day agreed to visit diff ent Eastern asylums, and take with them an architect who was to prepare pla: for the new buildings. The Board visited Philadelphia, Trenton and Har- nstig, but Mr. Bush, of Dayton, the architect employed, failing to meet the Board at iladelphia, Samuel Sloan, of the latter city, was engaged to draw up plans

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

for the two asylums. Mr. Bush subsequently made drawings of the asylums a Trenton and Harrisburg. On the 7th of July the Board met at Cincinnati, and o the 8th at Dayton, and resolved not to locate either of the two asylums at an point, unless 50 acres of land were donated for the purpose. On the 9th & voi was taken to locate the northern asylum at Canton, which was defeated, the Boar deciding to locate it in the vicinity of Cleveland. An effort was made to secur the location of the southern at Cincinnati, which failed, and on the 10th of Ju. Dayton was selected as the site. On the 1st of September the selection of th ground was made, the same being in the northeast corner of Section 32, Van Burc Township, and September 6th the County Commissioners appropriated $500 t ward paying for the land, the balance of the purchase money being donated by th citizens.

The site is one of the most beautiful in Ohio, and seems to have bec specially designed by nature for such an institution. It overlooks the city Dayton, and the Miami Valley spreads out in a magnificent panoramic view, d lighting the eye and filling the heart of the beholder with awe and reverence. TI original contract for building the Dayton Asylum was let to Daniel Richmond Co., for $67,350.50, beside the money expended in payment of architects, superi tendent, traveling expenses, etc. June 22, 1854, Joseph Clements, M. D., w. appointed by the Board Superintendent of the Dayton Asylum, and the san year Dr. C. M. Godfrey, of Ottawa, was appointed a member of the Board, and h since served many terms in that capacity. In his first report the Superintende says: " Very little has been done towards grading the grounds; no library, eig. iron bedsteads, no smoke-house or ice-house." The current expenses wej $4,900.52, and the number of patients 59. In April, 1856, the institution was 1 organized, an entire new Board of Trustees appointed, and on April 23rd, Dr. J. McIlhenny was elected Superintendent. The number of patients 133, curre expenses $13,233.14. For 1857, the same administration continues, except I Richard Gundry is appointed assistant instead of Dr. Poague, resigned. Strauch and J. W. Van Cleve furnished plans for improving the grounds. T number of patients 161, current expenses $28,781.65. For 1858, the report show 161 patients, and the current expenses $26,309.70. October 2, 1858, the roofii of the southwest wing blew off. Some improvements were made in out building and grading the grounds. In 1859, a workshop, two stories high, 36x22 feet, w. erected and a lake made; 156 patients reported and $25,180.13 current expense In 1860, there were 157 patients cared for, and the current expenses were $28 142.75. A severe storm this year blew off forty squares of roofing. The groun were much improved during the past season, trees were planted, consideral grading and sodding done, and the roads within the enclosure were nearly all cor pleted. In 1861, 159 patients were reported and $32,630.59 current expense also the grading was reported finished, which cost altogether, upon the front of t building up to that date, nearly $6,000. April 15, 1862, Dr. Richard Gund was appointed Superintendent. The number of patients at the end of the ye was 161, and current expenses $24,043.13. There were 24 acres of land purchas costing $3,750. In 1863, the current expenses were $31,254.06, and the nu! ber of patients 163. In 1864, current expenses $41,584.93, and 162 patien In 1865, patients 171, current expenses $48,623.17. In 1866 a kitchen was bui a rear corridor rebuilt, and $40,000 appropriated for building new wings.

The Board contracted with James W. Mclaughlin, of Cincinnati, as archite to prepare necessary plans and specifications for the proposed addition to the bui ing. The number of patients reported this year was 170, and $46,362.55 curre expenses. In 1867, work upon the new wings was rapidly pushed forward a another appropriation made of $62,500. Daily average of patients 172, curre expenses, $45,452.88. The report of 1868 shows that Dr. Gundry had so far st ceeded in his indefatigable efforts to secure the new wings, that the Trusti report that they hope to occupy the new wards by February, 1869. The total (

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Robert Sloan

WAYNE TP

Mary A Iloan WAYNE, TP.

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HISTORY OP MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

p.diture upon these wings up to date of the report was $187,146.13, and the Tistees reported the financial condition of the institution good. A wind storm bwv down the cow-shed, upper story of the stable, and carriage house; also seously damaged the gas-house. The sum of $6,000 was appropriated to repair tl' damage and the Board reported that five times in twelve years, extensive por- tins of the roofing have been carried off by storms. Number of patients, 174, cur- ret expenses, $46,130.25. In the year 1869 the new wards were occupied by pients, and Drs. W. J. Conklin and H. B. Nunemaker were appointed assistant p sicians, Dr. Bell resigning. The total expenses of the new wings, up to this tie was $290,000. The daily average ofpatients was 255, and the current ex- p/ses $61,471.99. The daily average of patients for 1870 was 481, and the current e: enses $99,285.73. In 1871 the daily average of patients was 531, and the cur- ret expenses $103,273.82. This year a large portion of the roofing was again biwn off, thus causing much labor and expense. Dr. Rutter was appointed adistant, in place of Dr. Nunemaker, resigned. The report for 1872 shows the dly average of patients to have been 609, and the current expenses $98,310.58.

In this year the Superintendent, Dr. Richard Gundry, was selected by the Leg- is ture to complete, furnish and open the Athens Asylum, where he remained four vers, and was then selected to do a like work at the Columbus Asylum. It w; mainly through Dr. Gundry's indefatigable exertions, that the Dayton Asylum w3 so rapidly brought to its present high standard among the institutions of the Cion. Without casting any reflection upon those worthy Superintendents who plceded and followed him, it is but justice to say that none did so much tcards building up this institution, and making it one of the foremost Asylums ir he land, as Dr. Grundy. All honor to those men who have labored so assidu- oly and faithfully in alleviating the sufferings of poor, afflicted humanity. May thir names never be forgotten, but be inscribed indelibly, on the pages of history.

Dr. S. I. F. Miller succeeded Dr. Gundry as Superintendent of the Dayton Aylum, and Dr. Conklin resigned his place as assistant, having served two and 09-half years in that capacity. In 1873 the daily average of patients was 569, al the current expenses $87,000. Dr. Miller resigned in June, 1873, and Dr. Etter was acting Superintendent until one was appointed. Dr. McLain resigned b position as assistant, and Dr. John M. Carr was appointed. In this year s all-pox broke out in the Asylum and was not eradicated until the large brick bise, known as the Dr. William Egry property, was secured for a pest-house. In 174 the number of patients was 526, and the current expenses $90,367.36. This yir the benevolent institutions of the State were re-organized. Dr. Clark had pre- vusly succeeded Dr. Miller as Superintendent of the Dayton Asylum, and after s ving about two years resigned, and was followed by Dr. L. R. Landfear, who v's appointed in 1875. This latter year the daily average of patients was 578, and c rent expenses $86,213.29. In 1876 the institutions were again re-organized, 1; Dr. Landfear, who had previously been re-appointed, was allowed to remain. Te daily average of patients was 596, and the current expenses $91,173.85. In 177 the current expenses were $88,000 and the daily average of patients 571. In 178 another re-organization took place, and Dr. D. A. Morse was elected Superin- t dent. The daily average of patients for this year was 492, and the current ebenses $87,255.01. Dr. P. N. Adams was appointed an assistant this year, to f the vacancy caused by the resignation of Dr. C. A. Hoff. In 1879 the report gles the daily average of patients as 578, and the current expenses $82,167.55. Te report for 1880 shows that in May of that year Dr. H. A. Tobey was elected perintendent, to succeed Dr. Morse, who resigned. Dr. Tobey took charge July 1, of that year; Drs. John M. Carr and P. N. Adams were continued as assist- ats, and Dr. George B. Evans added to the corps of assistants. The daily average ( patients was 594, and the current expenses $101,035.33, yet it is but fair to sir that more than $10,000 of this amount was used in paying debts con-

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

tracted previous to this year. During the year 1881, telephones were put in building, new gas works built, costing about $10,000, an adequate and extend water system completed at a cost of $5,000; a new lake made, and a deer-p constructed, where formerly stood a hog-lot.

Many other improvements have been made and still others contemplated, wh in the near future will be finished. Among the latter is an addition on the rea: the main building, which will give eighteen additional rooms for employees, whom there are ninety-seven, and six rooms to the administration buildings, bes giving a chapel back of amusement hall and increasing by one-fourth the size the latter. An appropriation of $17,500 is now on hand to pay for those neer improvements. In 1881 six fire plugs were put in along the front of the buildi which, with the seven plugs in the rear, afford first-class protection against fire. I one-inch streams of water can be thrown over any part of the building, thus de onstrating the perfection of the water system recently built. The daily average nr ber of patients during 1881 was 591, and the current expenses $98,530.67. For 18 $8.000 has been appropriated for boilers, beside the $17,500 already spoken

The Asylum now contains 190 acres in all, though the land is somewhat so tered. The building is 800 feet long upon the front, has ten female and nine mr wards, and the total cost of lands and buildings upon them, up to November 1878, was $520,000, and no doubt ere this has reached $600,000, as many necess improvements have been made during the past three years. The grounds s rounding the Asylum are beautifully laid out, and on the front and east sides inclosed by a substantial iron fence. In front of the building is a circular dri enclosing a smooth, grassy lawn, dotted with ornamental trees, while to the ride and left handsome drives branch off from the central one, which are fringed w beautiful shade trees, thus cutting the landscape into artistic designs, pleasing the eye. Flower beds here and there break the monotony of the green sward al lend themselves to beautify the scene. In the rear of the buildings are two pre lakes, sodded to the water's edge and enclosed by a substantial gravel drive. their banks grow stately trees, while artificial cascades and miniature islands le to art an appearance of nature. These lakes are principally the creation of present genial and efficient Superintendent, who has always done everything in power, inside and outside of the Asylum, to add to the comfort and well-being those unfortunates over whom he has been placed. The grounds and buildit are kept scrupulously neat and clean, while systematic order pervades throughe the whole institution. . The following are the names of the present Board Trustees and resident officers :

Board of Trustees .- S. A. Baxter, M. D., President; C. M. Godfrey, M. ] J. D. Kemp, M. D .; Joseph Clegg; John M. Milligan. Superintendent acting Secretary.

Resident Officers .- H. A. Tobey, M. D., Superintendent; John M. Carr, D., P. N. Adams, M. D., and George B. Evans, M. D., Assistant Physicians; Jo L. Hughes, Steward; Mrs. Minnie C. Tobey, Matron.

INFIRMARY.

The Montgomery County Infirmary is a plain, substantial brick building, si ated a few miles southwest of Dayton, in Jefferson Township, and located on farm of 166 acres. The present building dates back to 1852, and is the first st stantial building for an infirmary that was ever erected. As has been stated in previous chapter, the Poor Farm was purchased more than fifty years ago, and b always been the same in extent. We find from the records that in the June se sion of 1826 the County Commissioners nominated and appointed the followir named persons to take charge of and manage the affairs of the poor, viz .: Abr ham Darst, John Folkerth, John C. Negly, Abraham Troxell, Henry Oldfathe Edmund Munger and John Ehrstim. They were ordered to meet on the thi

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

Miday in June on the Poor Farm. These men met as directed and organized oyelecting Gen. Edmund Munger President, and John Folkerth Secretary- JaLes B. Oliver was given charge of the Poor House and farm until the follow- n March, and John Folkerth was ordered to draw up rules prescribing the duties the President and Secretary and present them for the consideration of the bord at their next meeting. William Darst and William Oldfather were appoint- d'isiting committee to meet at the Poor House the following July. This first in ting took place June 19, 1826. After this date the Board met regularly to audit bis and receive the report of the examiners on the condition of the poor and singements for their comfort. The constantly increasing population of the conty, as a matter of course, increased the number of paupers from year to year, url the first building was found inadequate to the demands, and as early as 1831 h directors, with the consent of the County Commissioners, ordered the Superin- elent to erect a building of hewn logs 40x16 feet, which was done. Thus oudings were erected from time to time for the growing wants of the poor, but we mostly of a temporary character and put up at a comparatively small ex- rese, until 1852, when the County Commissioners, recognizing the growing essities, concluded to have erected a substantial building of brick. At their n ting, held June 26, 1852, the Board ordered that D. Waymier be required to ostruct the drawings and make specifications for material and workmanship e ired for said building, and that it be advertised that sealed proposals would be elived for construction of the building up to July 10. This time was afterwards exnded to July 17, when the Board accepted a proposition from Seybold & Bag- e, they contracting to construct the same, according to the specifications, for $1240, and to have the walls erected by December 1, following. The final cost of hbuilding, including everything, exceeded, by a considerable sum, the amount tated, and, it is stated by good authority, was nearly $12,000.

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The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 55

Author: W.H. Beers & Co Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 1214

Author: W.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1214