USA > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia County > Philadelphia > An Historical sketch of the origin and progress of the Society of the Sons of St. George : also the charter, by-laws, and permanent resolutions, together with an alphabetical list of the members and associates, list of officers, etc., for one century, from April 23, 1772 to April 23, 1872, to April 23, 1897 > Part 8
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Mullingford, Edward
April 23.
IO2
Hartell, Thomas
Hazlewood, William
Moult, William 1824, Oct. 23.
Mann, Horatio
1825, Oct. 24.
McKewan, John . 1830, July 23.
Mather, Edwin M. 1834, Oct. 23.
Martin, Edward
1849, "
Meadows, Charles
1857, April 23.
Mills, James
.6
Miller, Cecil Henry 1871, July 23.
Nailer, Jeremiah . 1816, April 23.
Norton, John Thompson
1831: Oct. 24.
Nangles, William
1832, Oct. 23.
Owen, Thomas 1825, April 23.
Oldfield, Abraham . 1830, July 23.
Philips, Isaac
1819, July 23.
Poole, Andrew R.
1826, April 24.
Pearson, John
1831, April 23.
Pearson, Thomas
1835,
Peirce, Samuel Thomas
1837, April 24.
Pegg, Joseph
1839, April 23.
Pratt. Erasmus C.
July 23.
Penrose, Thomas
1852, July 23.
Page, Charles .
1855, April 23.
Phillipps, G. Jenkin
1856, July 23. .
Palmer, Charles
1865, Oct. 23,
Pratt, Wilson
1871, April 24.
Russell, George . 1816, April 23.
Robinson, Daniel
1830, July 23.
Robinson. James .
1831, Oct. 24.
Rowbotham, Henry H. 1832, Oct. 23.
Ridgway, William 1844, Jan. 23.
Rae, Robert
1855, July 23.
Rhodes, Thomas P.
1864, April 23.
Robinson, Wm. Massey
1870, April 23.
Selkirk, John 1818, Oct. 23.
Shaw, John
1819, July 23.
Simpson, Thomas
1824, Oct. 23.
Simpson, William 1826, April 24.
Samuel, David 1827, April 23. "
Sheffield, Charles Augustus
Samuel, Frederick
1828, July 23.
Smith, Thomas
1830, "
Staley. Andrew 1835, April 23. Smith, William H. " July 23.
Sylvester, Elias J.
1836, Jan. 23.
103
Smethurst, Richard 1836, July 23.
Stevens, David
1837, April 24
Spencer, Charles 1845, Oct. 23
Sidney, J. C. 1850, April 23.
Smith, Samuel 1855, Jan. 23.
Starr, John
April 23.
Simpson, George
1859, April 23.
Shill, Geo. Harry
1867, Jan. 23.
Seddon, John
Thompson, Robert 1817, April 23.
Tallent, James
Oct 23.
Todhunter, Joseph
1819, July 23.
Tams, James
1830,
Tams, Samson
Todhunter, John, of London*
1848, Oct. 23.
Tidman, Frederick
. 1857, July 23.
Thurgaland, George
1857, Oct 23.
Triman, T. Richmond
1862, Jan. 23.
Tetlow, Thomas . .
1863, July 23.
Trumpler, Chas. W. A.
1866, July 23.
Thornton, John
1867, Jan. 23.
White Richard 1816, April 23.
Walker, Samuel 1817, ..
Welsh, Joseph
1824, Jan. 23.
Walton, Joseph
1829 April 23.
Watson, William Brice
1830, July 23.
Wrigley Edward,
Wrigley, John M.
1831, Oct. 24.
Williams, Rev. Dr. Charles S. .
1837, April 24.
White, Henry
1844, July 23.
Warren, Jabez
1845, April 23.
Wade, Robert . 1852,
66
Wright, William H.
1855, April 23.
Whitaker, William J.
1856,
Walker, Samuel
1864, Jan. 23.
Warren, William Albert 1866, Jan. 23.
Winterbottom, Wm. 1868, April 23.
White, Frank
1869 July 23.
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OFFICERS FOR 1872.
PRESIDENT. JAMES ALLEN.
VICE-PRESIDENT. WILLIAM MASSEY.
TREASURER. JAMES R. WEBB.
SECRETARY. WILLIAM UNDERDOWN.
STEWARDS.
SAMUEL LEES,
WM. WATERALL,
E. D. THOMPSON,
ISAAC DEARNLEY,
JOSEPH LEES, W. H. LUCAS,
WILLIAM BEAL,
WILLIAM BALL,
CHAPLAINS.
REV. DR. SUDDARDS,
REV. E. A. FOGGO.
COUNCELLORS.
JOHN G. KERSHAW, MACGREGOR J. MITCHESON.
PHYSICIANS. DR. W. W. BURNELL,
DR. C. W. HORNER, DR. A. HEWSON.
MESSENGER. ISAAC MUFF.
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.
1872 to 1897
107
WILLIAM WATERALL
Steward, 1871 to 1874 Vice-President, 1875 to 1879 President, 1880 and 1881.
PREFACE.
THE oft-expressed wish of many members of the Society to have a reprint of the Historical Sketch of the First Century, and also 'a continued history of the first quarter of the Second Cen- tury, was considered at a meeting of officers, held at St. George's Hall, on November 2d, 1896, the result of which was the adop- tion of the following resolution, offered by Mr. William Water- all, ex-President of the Society :
"Resolved, That Mr. William Underdown, Treasurer, and formerly Secretary of the Society, be requested to continue the Historical Sketch from April 23d, 1872, to April 23d, 1897."
This action was taken in order to give sufficient time to do the work properly. This action of the officers was unanimously approved at a stated meeting of the Society, held January 23d, 1897, and the appointment of the following gentlemen: George Dixon, Chairman; Messrs. William H. Lucas, President; Benja- min Allen, Vice-President; William Waterall, ex-President; John Carbutt, William Underdown, Treasurer, and Henri C. King, Secretary, the committee to take charge of the same.
Our purpose in publishing the Historical Sketch is, that its members, contributors, and benefactors may become fully ac- . quainted with what the Society has accomplished during the past one hundred and twenty-five years of its existence in the City of Brotherly Love. Only those who are frequent visitors at the re- lief room (especially on Mondays and Thursdays) can ever realize the amount of good done by the Stewards, who are the almoners of the Society. The reports of the Stewards made at the quar-
109
terly meetings give the number that has been relieved and the amount expended, but they cannot picture the scene of distress in the countenance of the applicant or detail fully the sorrow of the homeless ones who apply to us for shelter, if only for a night. A full table showing a condensed statement of the Stewards' work for the first twenty-five years of the Second Century (1872 to 1879) will be found commencing page 216.
Our attention has recently been called by Mr. William H. Allen, a former Treasurer, to the history of the Carter family, which should have appeared in our Centennial Report, but was accidentally overlooked by the papers being mislaid. Nothing perhaps could more fully illustrate the work of the Society; we feel it will be read with deep interest. It is as follows: In the spring of 1851 James and Harriet Carter sailed from Liverpool for Philadelphia, together with their three children, Samuel, Emma L., and James; during the voyage the parents died with ship fever, leaving the three children orphans. On their arrival at Philadelphia, the youngest only four years old, what was to be done with these children? Some said, send them to the poorhouse! Fortunately our agent, Mr. Thomas Elkins, happened to be at the ship, and interested himself in their welfare, and procured homes for all of them. The father having been a member of the "Odd Fellows," of Saddleworth District, Manchester Unity, our So- ciety collected the funeral dues he was entitled to, which amounted to $81.47. The children being provided for, and not needing the money, the Society added $4.78, making $86.25, and with this amount purchased two shares of Pennsylvania Rail- road stock. This fund was kept intact with its seventeen years' accumulations. Mr. James Allen, then Treasurer, took great in- terest in this fund, and on his advancement to the office of Vice- President in 1859, handed over to his successor, Mr.Wm. H. Allen, his son, securities of the value of $143. The War of the Rebel- lion, with the high rate of interest and the gold premium, enabled
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the Treasurer in February, 1868 (nine years later), to pay to the children, all then of age, the unexpended sum of $417.54; we hold the receipts of each child for $139.18, making the above amount. The youngest boy was then a private in the United States Army.
If the Right Rev. W. Bacon Stevens, D.D., LL.D., had seen the account of these children, he could not have chosen a more appropriate text for his sermon on April 22d, 1878, when he preached the 106th anniversary sermon, " He went about doing good " (Acts 10: 38). May we not hope that the sons, grand- sons, and descendants of those noble men who took so much interest in the Society at the time of our Centennial, and have now gone to their reward, will, when they read these pages, feel it their duty and their privilege to tread in the footsteps of their beloved and lamented fathers, and help to carry on the grand work of this Society.
We ask all to carefully read not only the account of the Stew- ard's work commencing on page 216, but also the list of dona- tions and legacies commencing on page 213, which has enabled us not only to carry on this good work in providing for the homeless and distressed from our native land, but to have in- creased our permanent fund to $93,787.90, as will be seen on page 200.
III
HISTORICAL SKETCH
1872 TO 1897.
Ix continuing the Historical Sketch of "The Society of the Sons of St. George," after the Centennial celebration, it is very gratifying to mention the large attendance of members on Octo- ber 23d, 1872. Eighty-three were present, and the Secretary re- ported continued applications for copies of our Charter and By- Laws from various parts of the country, which is an evidence of the influence our Society is exerting in our own and other States. At this meeting the Secretary reported the Historical Sketch printed and ready for distribution; also at this meeting it was on motion resolved, That a bound copy of the Historical Sketch be presented to each officer of the St. George's Society at Wilming- ton, Del. At the meeting, held January 23d, 1873, the Secretary reported and read letters of thanks from those outside our So- ciety who had received copies of the Historical Sketch. Sir Ed- ward Thornton, H. B. M. Minister at Washington, in his letter of thanks, asked to be elected a member of our Society, which was gladly complied with, considering it a great honor conferred upon our Society.
The committee appointed at the meeting in October, consist- ing of Messrs. John Sartain, William Waterall, and Samuel Lees. to prepare a suitable testimonial in appreciation of the important services of our esteemed Secretary in the preparation of the His- torical Sketch, reported having performed that duty, which con- sisted of a beautiful framed engrossed resolutions, signed by the committee and the President, Vice-President, and Treasurer. A copy of these resolutions, and the letter of thanks from Mr. Wm. Underdown, were read, and ordered spread on the minutes, Mr. Underdown's letter closing with these words: " May this Second
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Century of our history not close before we or our successors have erected a St. George's Hall where we can hold our meetings."
Mr. Waterall then stated that after consultation with the offi- cers they had purchased and presented with the framed resolu- tions a set of silver, which he hoped, would meet the approba- tion of the Society, which was on motion unanimously approved. At the same meeting the permanent resolutions adopted January, 1860, commencing on page 65, were unanimously rescinded.
The report of the Stewards of this date gives a good idea of what is being done by our Society. After stating the relief given to 257 applicants in cash, meals, groceries, coal, etc., amounting to $406.06, the report states: " Whilst these figures embody the facts of what our expenditure has been, it would be difficult for us to convey to you an adequate idea of the good accomplished by the same. Since the heavy snow-storm in December nearly all kinds of out-door employment stopped, producing a great amount of distress, rendering it difficult for the newly-arrived immigrants to procure employment. It was only to-day that we were called upon to give advice and assistance to five young men who ar- rived on our shores on Saturday last, and came to us with stom- achs and pockets alike empty.
" We have been called upon to relieve almost every shade of human suffering, from the sick heart, not knowing which way to look for human sympathy, to burying the dead and providing for new life. We are happy to inform you that through the lib- eral allowance you have made us, and the assistance of friends, we have been enabled to pursue a liberal policy with the numer- ous applicants.
" On Christmas Day it was our pleasure to receive a note, en- closing a bank bill for $50, signed ' L. E. M.,' stating the Stew- ards could spend the same for the benefit of their suffering coun- trymen more judiciously than she could. We have bestowed on twenty applicants $29.25 of this contingent fund, and we are pre- pared to hand over to the incoming Stewards the balance, $20.75."
Signed, WILLIAM WATERALL, WILLIAM H. LUCAS, Stewards.
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At the meeting held April 23d, 1873, John Sartain, Esq., in be- half of Mrs. Sill, presented to the Society a portrait in oil of her late husband, Joseph Sill, a former President of the Society, which was accepted with a vote of thanks.
Also at the same meeting Mr. William Waterall, in behalf of a few members of the Society, presented a copy of the historic pic- ture (60x40) of the Waterloo Banquet, which was accepted, and a vote of thanks tendered to Mr. Charles Day for his efforts in se- curing this valuable picture for the Society.
At the close of this meeting William Massey and others made remarks on the propriety of securing a more suitable room for the Society. After the discussion, it was on motion resolved, That a committee of five be appointed, which consisted of Messrs. William Massey, John Lucas, Thomas Thompson, Samuel Lees, and Charles Day, to consider the matter further, and report.
The Society celebrated its 101st anniversary at the Continental Hotel, and adjourned to meet on Monday, June 30th, at 4.30 p.m., when 14 members and 5 associates were nominated. On June 25th, 1873, 310 members and their families went to Atlantic City by special train, and enjoyed a very pleasant day at the seaside.
At the stated meeting, held July 23d, 1873, 34 members and 5 associates were elected, and 8 nominated. This large increase was owing to the popular effect of our Centennial celebration. After the regular business the Society adjourned to meet Sep- tember 29th at 4.30 p.m. These adjourned meetings were held to receive nominations for membership, and thereby comply with the Charter and By-Laws.
. At the meeting held October 23d, 1873, there were present 60 members and IO associates; total, 70. At this meeting 10 mem- bers were elected and 7 nominated. The Society adjourned to meet December 29th, at which time 21 persons were nominated for membership, and Thomas Thompson was nominated for As- sistant Treasurer. The Secretary reported that during the pres- ent quarter it had been found desirable to assist many persons to return to England; that he had corresponded with John G. Dale, Esq., of the Inman Line, and F. W. J. Hurst, Esq., of the Na- tional Line, asking for a further reduction in the price of pas- sage. Both these gentlemen responded promptly, making the
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rate hereafter $15. On motion, a vote of thanks was tendered these gentlemen.
At the meeting held January 23d, 1874, there were present 63 members, 6 associates; total, 69. The Treasurer reported hav- ing received $1,015.50 for the contingent fund to assist the Stew- ards in their work, and the Stewards reported as follows:
RECEIPTS.
The regular appropriation $500.00
From the contingent fund 500.00
-_- $1,000.00
EXPENDED.
To 819 cases, relieved with cash, meals, groceries, coal, clothing, etc .; due Stewards $42.44. $1,042.44
Amount saved by reduction on passage to England. 180.00 Estimated value of clothing given applicants. 200.00 Amount contributed for library and furniture for House of Industry, where we send the homeless applicants. . 80.00
Total amount $1,502.44
At this meeting there were 27 members and associates elected, and 8 nominations made. By this large increase in membership it was found necessary to have an Assistant Secretary, and James Warrington was elected to fill that position. Appropriate resolu- tions were passed on the deaths of John Elliott, Elijah Dallett, and Thomas Heath. Adjourned, to meet March 30th, at 5 o'clock, at which time 23 were nominated for membership. This meeting adjourned, to meet on April 22d, at 5 p.m., at which time 14 were nominated for membership.
At this meeting it was found necessary to change the By-Laws. The chair appointed Thomas M. Thompson, John G. Kershaw, James R. Webb, John Annear, William Waterall, and John Lucas, the committee for that purpose.
The regular stated meeting was held April 23d, 1874, at 10 : o'clock. The Stewards reported having relieved 569 cases, ex- pending $799.18 cash; estimated value of clothing $100. 45 mem- bers and associates were elected, and 5 nominated for member- ship.
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The 102d Anniversary Banquet was held at the Continental Hotel.
On June 26th another re-union of the Society was held at At- lantic City, when 300 adults' and 39 children's tickets were sold.
The subject of addressing the English press in reference to the gross misrepresentations, inducing many to come to this country under false impressions, was fully discussed, when it was on mo- tion resolved, That a committee be appointed to prepare and send a suitable letter to the "London Times," the "Liverpool Mer- cury," and the " Manchester Guardian." The chair appointed Messrs. William H. Lucas, William Waterall, and William Un- derdown the committee. A copy of said letter, headed, " Cau- tion to Emigrants," together with the notices thereof cut from English papers, will be found in the minutes of the Society under date of October 23d, 1874.
At this meeting the Secretary stated that he had received a let- ter from our esteemed and honored President, James Allen, Esq., declining re-nomination. Mr. William Waterall then offered suitable preamble and resolutions setting forth the long and faith- ful services of Mr. Allen, as Steward, 9 years; Treasurer, 13 years; Vice-President, 3 years, and President 16 years.
The preamble and resolutions were lengthy, and entered in full on the minutes of the Society, and he was with one voice de- clared the first Emeritus President of the Society.
The Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary, together with Messrs. Thomas Thompson and William H. Lucas, were ap- pointed a committee to have said resolutions engrossed and framed in the best style of art, and presented to Mr. Allen.
At the stated meeting of the Society, held January 23d, 1875. the Secretary reported that at an impromptu meeting of the offi- cers, convened on the occasion of the death of Mr. Shadrach Hill, which was held at 30 Merchants' Exchange, Messrs. William H. Lucas, J. G. Kershaw, and William Underdown were appointed a committee to prepare suitable resolutions expressive of our re- gard for the departed, and present them to the family. The pre- amble and resolutions are entered in full on the minutes of the Society of this date.
The Stewards reported that since the publication of our letter to the English papers, there had been a great decrease in immi-
116
gration, consequently very few of that class of applicants as com- pared with last year; we have only assisted 14 back to England, as no work could be procured for them, thereby saving a large amount of suffering.
As soon as it was made known that the property at the corner of Thirteenth and Arch Streets had been purchased for a St. George's Hall, there was a great increase in the applications for membership, so that adjourned meetings were obliged to be held. The full account of the purchase, building, and dedication will be found commencing on page 121. It was considered best in the preparation of this Historical Sketch to make the history of the Hall one continuous account, rather than have it interwoven in the history of the Society, as it was a separate and distinct cor- poration, although composed of the members of the Society, and built especially for the Society to have a more suitable place for . its work of charity.
An adjourned meeting was held March 29th, 1875, at which 35 were nominated for membership, which meeting adjourned to meet on April 19th, at which time 31 more were nominated.
At the regular stated business meeting, held April 22d, 73 were elected members and associates, and 4 were nominated for mem- bership.
The 103d Anniversary Banquet was held on St. George's Day (April 23d) at the Continental Hotel, at which many distinguished invited guests were present; among them were Sir Edward Thornton, K.C.B., H. B. M. Minister at Washington, with the insignia of the Order of the Garter; Charles E. K. Kortright, Esq., British Consul at this port; his Excellency Governor Hart- ranft; the Presidents of our kindred Societies, and many others.
After the banquet, before the toasts were commenced, the President, William Massey, Esq., called upon the Secretary, Mr. William Underdown, to read his annual report, as follows:
Number of members elected during the year, 98; membership, April, 1865, 212; membership, April, 1872, 364; membership, April, 1875, 580.
The increase during the past three years (since our Centen- nial) has been more than during the first ninety-three years of the Society's history. During the past year the Society has pro- vided 1,780 homeless persons with lodging and meals. Total amount of relief for the year, $2,780.25. The Society has re-
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cently purchased the property at corner of Thirteenth and Arch Streets, known as the Newkirk Mansion, which when altered will be known as St. George's Hall. It will be completed early next year. About $95,000 has already been subscribed. A fine drawing by the architect, James H. Windrim, Esq., was on ex- hibition at this dinner.
Sir Edward Thornton, in responding to the toast of the " Queen," said: It was with unfeigned satisfaction he found him- self surrounded by his fellow-members of the Society. His pleas- ure was enhanced by the knowledge that his father during the last century was also a member (elected January 23d, 1792). He contributed his small share towards eradicating the feelings of animosity between the two countries; societies like this cannot fail engendering kind feelings between the two nations, and the amount be much greater if these institutions were multiplied.
It was highly gratifying to him that the toast to the Queen had been so cordially responded to, and in Her Majesty's name he returned thanks to those assembled. The International Exhibi- tion of 1876 had the most earnest sympathy of his countrymen.
The other toasts were ably responded to by the distinguished guests, and the company separated at a late hour, feeling " glad to have been there."
At the adjourned meeting, held June 28th, there were 22 nom- inations for membership.
At the stated meeting, held July 23d, 1875, 23 persons were elected to membership, and 16 nominations made for member- ship.
At this meeting the Secretary reported that a Board of Direc- tors had been elected by the stockholders of the St. George's Hall Association, and asked that the committee appointed Feb- ruary 25th be discharged, which was done, with many thanks and complimentary resolutions for their valued services in the matter of the St. George's Hall.
The Rev. Dr. Suddards, by request, read a very interesting let- ter from Hon. John W. Forney, now in London, acknowledging the receipt of a picture of the St. George's Hall, sent over by Dr. Suddards, stating that the picture had produced quite a pleasing sensation in London.
A special meeting was held on August 9th, 1875, called by the President to take action on the death of our much esteemed and
IIS
venerable Honorary President, James Allen, who died on the 8th inst.
The chair appointed Messrs. William Waterall, William H. Lucas, and William Underdown a committee to make arrange- ments for the funeral, and on motion it was
Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to prepare resolutions expressive of the feelings of the Society on the death of one who had so faithfully served the Society over forty years. The chair appointed Messrs. M. J. Mitcheson, W. Waterall, W. H. Lucas, James R. Webb, and William Underdown the com- mittee. The resolutions were afterwards adopted, and spread on the minutes. The Society met at 30 Merchants' Exchange, at 3 p.m. on the IIth, and proceeded to the residence of the de- ceased, and then to his final resting-place in Woodland Ceme- tery. The rooms of the Society were draped in mourning for three months, and the resolutions were presented to the family of the deceased by the committee.
At the adjourned meeting, held September 27th, 16 persons were nominated for membership.
At the regular stated meeting on October 23d there were 74 members present, and 33 were elected members and associates. Nine nominations were made for membership.
At this meeting Mr. Lewis Thompson, chairman of the Build- ing Committee, gave a very interesting account of the progress made with the St. George's Hall since our last meeting.
Dr. H. P. Hay moved the following resolution, with pertinent remarks:
Resolved, That this Society requests of the President, William Massey, the privilege of having his portrait painted, to place among the officials and benefactors of this Society, and that a committee of three be appointed to take charge of the matter. The chair appointed Messrs. John Lucas, Thomas M. Thompson, and William Underdown the committee.
At an adjourned meeting, held December 27th, 1875, 36 per- sons were nominated for membership.
At the regular stated meeting, held January 24th, 1876 (Mon- day), there were 114 members present, showing the great interest manifested in the Society, especially in the near approach of the opening of St. George's Hall.
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