Twentieth Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 55

Author: Sanderson, Thomas W
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: Chicago, Ill., Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 993

USA > Ohio > Mahoning County > Youngstown > Twentieth Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County Ohio and Representative Citizens > Part 55

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

MEDICAL CASES.

In house Oct. 1, 1902 37

Admitted 492

529

Recovered 374

Improved

Not improved

Died

In house Oct. 1, 1903. 28

529

SURGICAL CASES.

In house Oct. 1, 1902 49

Admitted

.941

990

Recovered

865

improved

Not improved

Died .

In house Oct. 1, 1903

The hospital has a skillful medical and surgical staff, including several well known specialists, with an adequate number of trained nurses, under an efficient directress. Besides the officers of the association, who are elected annually, and the trustees, who hold their office for life, there is a Board of Lady Man- agers, who take care of the committees on Inspecting. Supplies. Flowers, Entertain- ments and library. The Executive, Finance, Purchasing and Soliciting Committees are ap- pointed annually from the Board of Trustees. Members from both boards serve on the Train- ing School Committee. The present superin- tendent of the hospital is Miss Sadie Sims.

This year (1907), within three months, to

(igm.ced by Google

408

HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY

pay off a debt, $40,000 has been received in contributions.

MAHONING VALLEY HOSPITAL.

In the spring of 1891 a number of Youngs- town physicians, who were dissatisfied with the conditions which then prevailed at the City Hospital, formed an association to pro- vide separate accommodations for their pa- tients. Among them were Drs. A. L. King, John McCurdy, A. E. Warren, C. C. Booth, J. A. Dickson, L. U. Howard, M. S. Clark and Jared E. Cone. The old Tod city man- sion, built by Governor Tod on Holmes street, near Federal, shortly before his death, was rented and used by the doctors for this pur- pose.

In December of the following year some Sisters of Charity from Pittsburg came to Youngstown for the purpose of founding a hospital, and got into communication with the physicians above named. Arrangements were made whereby the hospital passed into the hands of the said Sisters, they purchasing the property from the Tod estate. The house was thoroughly remodeled and fitted up as a hos- pital, for which purpose it is still used. It has forty beds, which are contained in large, airy rooms, well lighted, and provided with all necessary accommodations for the sick. There are also a few private rooms for special pa- tients. Besides what is paid in by patients, the institution received one-half of the fund appropriated by the city for hospital purposes. It is under the immediate charge of the Sis- ters, who are assisted by a board of directors. While the Sisters owe obedience in matters of faith to the Catholic Church, and are mem- bers of the diocese of Cleveland, the hospital is independent of the diocesan jurisdiction. It is visited by the Catholic clergy, and also by pas- tors of the various Protestant denominations, or other religious organizations, whenever their ministrations are desired by any of the patients, the institution being open to patients of all religions.

GLENWOOD CHILDREN'S HOME.

The purpose of the Glenwood Children's Home is to provide homes for homeless and neglected children under sixteen years of age. It was first opened for the reception of chil- dren in the year 1900.

The home is situated on one of the most charming spots in the city of Youngstown, facing upon Glenwood avenue, and overlook- ing the beautiful Mill Creek Park, and a broad stretch of undulating farm land.

There are eleven and one-half acres of land used for ornamental and garden pur- poses. The buildings consist of a substantial brick central structure, to which is attached by a covered corridor a cottage which is used as a dormitory, school and a play-room for the boys; the girls for the present being cared for in the main building. When the original plan is completed, a like cottage for the girls will be provided.

There is a substantial frame building on the grounds, occupied by the gardener, and a convenient barn will soon be erected. A sew- erage filter plant has been installed and the healthfulness of the home, within and without, has thus been assured.

The report of the superintendent, Miss Elizabeth Harlow, for the year ending Au- gust 31, 1906, shows some useful work done in improving the grounds and in providing suitable arrangements for the amusement and recreation of the children. The highest num- ber of children cared for in the home during the year was thirty-two. There had been a uniformly good state of health, with freedom from epidemics.

The children received into the home must be of good moral character and have satis- factory references. They are given at least five months' schooling each year, and are re- quired to attend church and Sabbath school when possible.

At the age of eighteen they are free and receive a good outfit of clothing and a bounty of from $50 to $100. They may be visited once a year or oftener by some one duly au- -

Digtced by Google

409

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

thorized, and may be legally adopted by re- sponsible persons whose character is satis- factory to the officers of the institution, and the right of recalling a child when its welfare demands it, is reserved.

FLORENCE CRITTENDEN HOME.

The Florence Crittenden Home, of Youngs- town, is one of a large number of homes of refuge and reformation for erring and unfor- tunate women that have been established in some sixty cities of the United States, besides Japan, China, France and Mexico. They owe their existence to the efforts of Mr. Charles Crittenden, a wealthy business man of New York, who was led to consecrate himself to Christian work through the death of his little daughter, Florence, after whom every home is named. It was this great affliction that first caused Mr. Crittenden to seek strength and consolation in religion. After a period of despair and rebellion against the Divine will, lasting for some months, his heart was finally softened. He found peace in resignation to God's will, and sought and found a field of Christian activity in the work of saving "Our Little Sisters," to which he now gives all of his large income. The first mission was opened at No. 29 Bleeker street, New York city, some twenty-three years ago, and since then the work has been steadily growing. It has been the means of rescuing thousands of young women and girls who had, through weakness, temptation, or unfortunate environment, let go their hold on right living, and has saved many more who were in danger of taking a similar false step.

"Any destitute, dissipated, or fallen wom- an or girl desirous of leading a better life, is cordially invited to the home, and may remain for such period of time as the Board of Man- agers shall deem best." Women and girls who have no home, or are out of employment, are also welcome until some employment is found. In this way many who are stranded are enabled to keep out of bad hands and tide over a time of stress and danger. The more detailed sketch of the local institution which

follows is from the pen of Rev. D. T. Thomas, and was published in the first report of the home.

"The Youngstown Florence Crittenden Home is due originally to the persistent pray- ers and efforts of a few of the devoted W. C. T. U. ladies of our city, the following being the primary movers: Mrs. E. A. Hall, Mrs. Jane Davis, Mrs. Paisley, Mrs. Gravell and Mrs. Ferrin. A year or so previous to the spring of 1902, at the invitation of the above named ladies, Mrs. Kate Walter Barrett, Na- tional Superintendent of the Florence Critten- den work, together with our present matron, Mrs. Jaynes, visited the city. Mrs. Barrett presented the work in public meetings, and Mrs. Jaynes, staying some days longer, solicit- ing subscriptions throughout the city.

"In April, 1902, Mrs. E. A. Hall and Mrs. Jane Davis appeared before the Ministerial Association asking the privilege of speaking concerning the needs of such a home in Youngstown. This being granted, they also presented personal letters from the Chief of Police and other leading citizens of Youngs- town, strongly urging the necessity of such a home, and especially emphasizing the adapt- ability, of the Florence Crittenden Homes for this work. After listening to their earnest pleas a committee was appointed by the asso- ciation to consider the need and advisability of such a home in co-operation with these ladies. In due time this committee reported favorably on the matter and was instructed to continue their services.

"After corresponding with headquarters at Washington, the Rev. Mr. Mason, a field worker for the Florence Crittenden work was brought here and spent a month in the city speaking in the churches and soliciting sub- scriptions for the new enterprise. During his stay in the city a permanent organization was formed with the following persons as officers : Rev. C. H. Stocking. president; Rev. W. G. White. vice-president; Rev. D. T. Thomas, recording secretary : Mr. I .. A. Thayer, treis- urer; Mrs. S. A. Hughes, corresponding sec- retary.

"After electing the governing bodies,

Dlg zedby Google

410

HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY

which consist of a board of trustees and an advisory board, and the appointing of stand- ing committees, namely : a finance committee. an admission committee, house committee, and religious committee, a building committee was appointed and instructed to proceed at once to the securing of a home. After much hunting and examining, the Leet property, in Girard, Ohio, was purchased. Mrs. Jaynes, our present efficient matron, was called to take charge of the home in March, 1903, and with the exception of a few months, has con- tinued to fill this difficult position in a most proficient and satisfactory way from its incep- tion to the present time. But before we had occupied our Girard home six months it be- came evident that it was too far away and too small to serve the best purpose and meet the urgent and increasing need.

"After further investigation a residence of eleven rooms was purchased on Hine street. In less than a year after occupying this prop- erty we were for the second time face to face with the problem of securing still larger quar- ters. This time we were fortunate in securing our present large, commodious and delightful location, namely: the old Baldwin home on McGuffey street, which the national officers say is one of the very finest in the whole chain of Florence Crittenden Homes, one which Youngstown may well be proud of.

"During these four brief years services have been rendered by officers, committees,

donors and friends which deserve highest com- mendation, without which service. indeed, it might be said that the Florence Crittenden Home of Youngstown would have been im- possible. For instance, the great service ren- dered it in its beginning by the late Rev. W. G. White and the late Mrs. Ford, Rev. A. L. Frazier and Mr. L. A. Thayer. The splendid and untiring devotion of Mrs. Henry Heedy, who, as chairman of the finance committee during most of this time, has been instru- mental in raising more than three-fourths of the funds for the establishment and support of our home. And common courtesy demands that we speak of the invaluable services ren- dered the home by our staff of physicians, namely. Drs. J. J. Thomas (chief of staff), Jennie Turner, Merwin, Parish, Hawn and McCurdy."

The home was opened in the usual way by Mr. Crittenden's subscription of $1.000, and is supported almost entirely by charity. The late Mrs. Arabella Ford, who was untiring in her efforts to improve the financial condition of the institution, succeeded in soliciting about 100 yearly memberships which represented $12.50 cach, and which for a time were ade- quate to meet the daily expenses. Nine thou- sand dollars were raised by soliciting and sell- ing the Hine street property, and monthly donations were obtained from a number of leading business men of the city.

(igm.ced by Google

CHAPTER XXVII

MILITARY HISTORY OF THE COUNTY

War of 1812-Mexican War-War of the Rebellion-Spanish-American War.

WAR OF 1812.

Ohio has never been found lacking in the military spirit whenever need arose to arm for defense against foreign or domestic foes. The War of 1812 awakened this latent military spirit to a high degree, and as early as Septem- ber, 1810, in anticipation of approaching hos- tilities, and still more, perhaps, in view of the fact that the Indians were already committing depredations on the border settlements there was preparation made for repelling the threat- ened attacks.

REGIMENTAL MUSTER.

There was in Youngstown a full turnout of every able-bodied man. Jared P. Kirtland, son of Turhand Kirtland, who was an eye wit- ness of this muster, was, as he says in a letter written from East Rockport, Ohio, August 29, 1874. "surprised to see an apparent wilderness furnish some six or seven hundred soldiers. The regiment formed with its right near Col- onel Rayen's residence, and marched to a vacant lot near Main street and the Mahoning river, ·near the mouth of Mill creek, and was there re- viewed. Simon Perkins was brigadier-gen- eral: John Stark Edwards, brigadier-major and inspector : William Rayen. colonel : George Tod, adjutant ; and John Shannon and

McConnel, majors. No one at that time was disposed to evade his duties, and two years aft- erward, the efficiency and patriotism of that body of men were thoroughly and favorably tested." This force formed a part of the Fourth Division, organized under the militia laws passed at Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1803-4, and which included Trumbull, Columbiana and Jefferson counties. The county of Trumbull constituted one brigade. The Third Brigade, commanded by General Simon Perkins, em- braced the present counties of Mahoning. Ash- tabula. and Trumbull, and consisted of three regiments, commanded respectively by Lieu- tenant-Colonels William Rayen, J. S. Edwards and Richard Hayes. The title colonel was used in the militia only by courtesy, it having been abolished in imitation of its abolishment by the Continental establishment after the Revo- lutionary war.

In Febraury, 1812, Congress passed an act increasing the United States army, and provid- ing for a regiment of volunteers from Ohio and Kentucky. These men were to be ob- tained from the different militia regiments. if possibly by voluntary enrollment. George Tod was subsequently appointed major of this regi- ment, which was listed as the Seventeenth United States. Samuel H. Wells, col- onel. Owing to a strong sentiment against the war on the part of the old-time Federalists

Digtized by Google

412

HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY

recruiting went slowly until war was actually declared on June 12, 1812. General Perkins returned a list of commissioned and non-com- missioned officers and privates as the quota of the Third Brigade. The time before the actual opening of hostilities was spent in drilling, and all promised well until Hull's cowardly sur- render of Detroit on August 16th to an inferior force of British, Canadians and Indians un- der General Brock.

This disaster was of ominous import to the Reserve and in view of a probable invasion, General Wadsworth issued an order for the whole military force under his command to rendezvous at Cleveland. The citizens in every part of the Reserve had already rushed to arms. From the Cuyahoga came women and children in hurried flight to the interior, and wild rumors of approaching British and Indian forces spread excitement and alarm every- where and nerved to warlike resolution every man, young or old, capable of bearing arms. Old hunting rifles were cleaned, knives sharp- ened, and powder horns and bullet pouches filled with ammunition. So many responded to the call that General Wadsworth gave ord- ers for half of the volunteers to be sent home to act as a reserve in case of emergency. Gen- eral Perkins had been given command at the front. A block house known as Camp Avery had been erected at Iluron near the present site of Milan and thither marched Colonel Richard Hayes with eight companies of Trum- bull and Ashtabula troops, while Colonel Rey- en's regiment from the south part of Trumbull county joined the front rank about September 15th. In the camp the troops suffered much from sickness, especially from malaria and bilious fever which greatly reduced their ranks.

The Indians committing some depredations. a volunteer party was organized under Captain Joshua A. Cotton to proceed against them. They met the enemy on the 20th of Septem- ber, and a spirited engagement took place in which six of the volunteers were killed and ten wounded.

The President on September 5th issued an order for a draft of 100,000 men for the regu-

lar service, the Fourth Ohio Division being re- quired to furnish three regiments. These were reported by General Wadsworth as ready for service by November 28, 1812. Early in De- cember, General Wadsworth, having per- formed patriotic and useful service in defend- ing the frontier, returned to his home in Canfield. He had performed this service with- out any assured financial support, contracting the necessary obligations on his own responsi- bility, and relying upon the honor of the gov- ernment for the settlement of all just claims. as he explains in the following letter to the secretary of war :

CANFIELD, December 20, 1812.

SIR: Having on the 29th ull. completed the force ordered by you from my division by your letter of Sep- lember 51h. and placed them under the immediate com- mand of General Harrison, reporting to him the whole force, it seemed that my service was no longer necessary or required by government, and accordingly on the 30th I left the headquarters of the right wing of the North- western army at Huron and returned home.

Various causes combined, which were altogether beyond my control, have in some measure lengthened the time in completing the organization of the detach- ment. However, no time has been lost. The extensive new settlements have been saved from savage barbarity, and the detachment is equally ready to go forward with the main army. Doubtless you are sensible of the great disadvantages I have lahored under to equip, support, and march into the field such a detachment of men with- out money. Although The credit of the United States may be good, there is a class of citizens that will not lend any assistance or support to the war. Of course it is more difficult to procure supplies for a military force, and in the present ease has fallen heavy on the real friends of the government, You see I am placed in a critical situation. By my orders great expenditures have accrued. I am daily called on for payment and several suits have been actually commenced. Although I do not conceive myself personally holden, yet it will make extra expense and. Sir, I do conceive il necessary as well for the honor of the Government as the good of the creditors, that some effectual measures be immed- ialely adopted to save expense. Would il not be advis- able 10 appoint some person within the limits of my division 10 audit and pay off those demands?

I can assure you, Sir, That many of the creditors are much embarrassed for want of their just dues. Yours very respectfully, ELIJAH WADSWORTH.

Dlgizedby Google

413

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

Owing to the destruction both of the na- tional and state records, those at Washington having been destroyed in the burning of the capitol by the British in 1814, it is not known what companies continued in the army after February, 1813, the date of the expiration of the original enlistments. "It is known, how- ever, that many soldiers from Trumbull county participated in the campaign of 1813, which terminated in Harrison's brilliant victory of the Thames in the fall of that year. That vic- tory left the Northwest secure, the Indians hav- ing been brought to peace, and the British arms driven from Upper Canada."

MEXICAN WAR,

After peace with Great Britain had been declared there was no further call for military service from the inhabitants of the Reserve un- til the breaking out of the Mexican war in 1846, when enlistment offices were opened in the principal cities and towns throughout the country. But three men, so far as we have been able to learn, enlisted from Youngstown, or any part of this county, to serve in that war, which was considered by the opponents of the Jackson administration as being an unneces- sary and needlessly provoked war.

These three men were William Crum. Henry Crum, and Edward Morley, none of whom are now living. Two Mexican War veterans, however, are now residents of Youngstown-Charles G. Viall and Captain Samuel C. Rook. The latter, who at the age of eighty years, is still hale and hearty, and actively engaged in business, is also, a veteran of the Civil War. In Mexico he served in Gen- eral Heintzelman's command, and well remem- bers hearing General Winfield Scott make a stirring speech to the soldiers just before the army entered the city of Mexico. Both he and Mr. Viall enlisted for that war from other states, Captain Rook, then a young men, go- ing out in a spirit of adventure from Penn- sylvania.

CIVIL WAR.

The growth of the slave power which, as some think, was no inconsiderable factor in bringing on the war with Mexico, continued

uninterruptedly until the overweening ar- rogance and ambition of its leaders brought about its final extinction in the bloody conflict of 1861-65. When, soon after the firing of the first gun upon Fort Sumter. April 12, 1861, President Lincoln issued his call for seventy-five thousand troops, his appeal was nowhere answered with more patriotic enthusi- asm than in Ohio. Camps were established in various parts of the state, to which the newly enlisted soldiers were sent for organization and drill. Of the four thousand men who had been thus recruited by the end of the month, one company was from Mahoning county, one from Trumbull, and a detachment of light ar- tillery from both counties. They rendezvoused at Camp Taylor, where they were joined by other companies, and the

Seventh Ohio Regiment of Volunteer In- fantry was formed. Full of patriotic ardor, all were anxious to go to the front. Early in May they left Camp Taylor and marched into Cleveland, whence, more than a thousand strong, they took the cars for Camp Dennison, Cincinnati. Here the regiment was organized by the election of E. B. Tyler, of Ravenna, Ohio, as colonel; William R. Creighton, lieu- tenant-colonel; and John S. Casement, major ; the men received their uniforms and being put under strict discipline, entered upon actual work of soldiers. Soon after, the President is- suing a call for three years' troops, the Sev- enth responded almost to a man, and after a six days' furlough, were mustered into the three years' service. They began regular duty in Western Virginia, and soon after were ord- ered to join General Cox, whose division was then moving up the Kanawha Valley. It be- ing ascertained that four thousand Confeder- ates under General Floyd were preparing to cross the Gauley at Cross Lanes, the spot re- cently vacated by the Seventh, a countermarch was ordered and the enemy was encountered at dawn on the following day in large force. A skirmish ensued and the Seventh after mak- ing a brave stand, was driven back by superior numbers, losing 120 men in killed, wounded and prisoners.

Din coby Google

414

HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY

In October, under Colonel Dyer, who had assumed command, the Seventh participated in the pursuit of Floyd through West Virginia, It was then transferred to Central Virginia and, as a part of General Lander's command retreated before General Jackson to Hampshire Heights, where ten days were spent, it being mid-winter. in boisterous weather with snow ten inches deep, the troops having scarcely any protection from the coll, and being at the same time short of rations. The rest of the time until spring was spent in camp at Pawpaw Sta- tion, where General Lauwers died and was suc- ceeded by General Shields.

Under General Shields the regiment played a conspicuous part at the battle of Winchester. March 23. 1862, losing fourteen killed and fif- ty-one wounded. besides several prisoners. Colonel Tyler was promoted to the rauk of brigadier-general. being succeeded in the colo- nelcy of the regiment by Lieutenant-Colonel Creighton.

An order having been issued by the war department for General Shields' division to join General MeDowell at Fredericksburg. the troops, after a nine days' march reached their destination May tst, and on the following day were reviewed by President Lincoln and other officials. The Seventh was soon again actively engaged in repelling General Jackson's march toward Washington. With the Fifth Ohio it was in the center of the fight, and for five hours, under cover of a field of wheat, three thousand muskets were successful in repelling fourteen thousand of the best troops in the Confederate service. A retreat being ordered. the Seventh was made the rear guard, which onerous post they filled-the regiment being hard pressed by the Rebels-without once breaking line.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Twentieth Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 55

Author: Sanderson, Thomas W Publication date: 1907 Publisher: Chicago, Ill., Biographical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 993

Author: Sanderson, Thomas W
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: Chicago, Ill., Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 993