History of Erie county, Pennsylvania. Containing a history of the county; its townships, towns, villages schools, churches, industries, etc, Part 70

Author: Bates, Samuel P. (Samuel Penniman), 1827-1902; Whitman, Benjamin, 1940-; Russell, N. W. (Nathaniel Willard); Brown, R. C. (Robert C.); Weakley, F. E; Warner, Beers & Co. (Chicago, Ill.)
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago : Warner, Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1280

USA > Pennsylvania > Erie County > History of Erie county, Pennsylvania. Containing a history of the county; its townships, towns, villages schools, churches, industries, etc > Part 70

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The Erie County Savings Bank, on the northwest corner of Fourteenth and Peach streets, was organized in the fall of 1871, with a capital of $150,000. N. J. Clark, President; J. L. Stewart, Vice President; M. H. Burgess, Cashier. Mr. Clark was succeeded in the Presidency by J. L. Stewart, Adam Brabender becoming Vice President. The next President of the bank was William W. Reed, succeeded in 1879 by Adam Brabender, who has since filled that position. He was succeeded as Vice President by R. Pettit, who was the last occupant of that office. In 1879, F. G. Schlaudecker became Cashier of the bank, and in May, 1882, was succeeded by R. Pettit.

Nothing shows more clearly the rapid progress in the wealth and enterprise of Erie than the present amount of capital invested in banking. With the beginning of 1863 there was not a single incorporated bank in the city, the whole of the banking business being done by a few private firms on a combined capital of about $200,000. The capital and deposits of the banks of 1883 run into the millions, and all are in a flourishing condition. They have large capital, are well conducted and have a high reputation in financial circles.

INSURANCE COMPANIES.

The Erie County Mutual Fire Insurance Company was incorporated March 26, 1839, by the following persons: John A. Tracy, William Kelley, Peter Pierce, Julius W. Hitchcock, James Williams, Smith Jackson, Samuel Low,

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Conrad Brown, Jr., B. B. Vincent, Bester Town, Jabez Wright, David G. Webber and Stephen Skinner. It has ever since conducted a safe and success- ful business, and January 1, 1883, had insurance in force amounting to $756, - 513.94, and premium notes in force amounting to $85,852.45. It is doubtless the oldest native corporation doing business in Erie County, which speaks well for its stability of character. The office of this company is No. 26, North Park Row.

The Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of Harbor Creek, office No. 701 State street, Erie, Penn., was chartered May 6, 1857, by John Dodge, G. W. Wagner, John W. McLane, J. Y. Moorehead and G. A. Eliot. The law then required the company to get $100,000 of insurance before issuing any policies, which was complied with in August, 1858, and the first policy issued. The business of this company grew rapidly, and its exemption from extensive fires is assured, as it insures only the property of farmers, taking no risks in towns or cities. The amount of its insurance in force January 1, 1883, was $4,495,037.66, while its premium notes in force on the same date was $224,- 751.88. This is an exhibit that requires no commendation at our hands, for it stamps this company as a strong financial institution and a credit to Erie County.

There were two other native insurance companies, with headquarters at Erie, that existed for a few years, viz., the German and Alps. The former was organized in 1867-68, and lasted until 1874, when it failed. The Alps In- surance Company began business in 1868-69, and was under the management of some of the leading men of Erie. It had placed considerable insurance on property in Chicago, Ill., and when the great fire almost swept that city out of existence, the Alps incurred such heavy losses that it went down, though it paid up the greatest part of its indebtedness, and closed up business in such a manner as to reflect credit upon its management.

CEMETERIES.

Prior to 1805, all interments were on the bank of the lake, immediately east of the town, but in that year a lot for a burial ground was set apart on Eighth street, a little west of the United Presbyterian Church. This ground was used by the several denominations until 1827, when it was absorbed by the United Presbyterian congregation, who had erected their house of worship on the adjoining lot east in 1816. The Presbyterians purchased four lots on the corner of Seventh and Myrtle streets, about 1826-27, and many bodies were removed to this cemetery from the old ground soon after it was opened. The Episcopalians started a cemetery about 1827, on Myrtle street between Seventh and Eighth. St. Paul's German Evangelical Church opened a burial ground in 1859, and St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church established a graveyard many years ago on Sassafras, between Twenty-second and Twenty-third. Nearly all of these cemeteries have long since been abandoned and the dead removed, while those which still remain here have been closed for interments.

The Jewish Cemetery on Twenty-sixth street, east of Cherry, was opened in 1858, and is still used by the adherents of this faith.

The earliest Catholic cemetery in Erie of which we have any knowledge was located on the site of St. Benedict's Academy East Ninth street. It was purchased in 1837, and consecrated by the Rev. Ivo Levitz August 2, 1840. This graveyard was used until 1848, in which year Father Steinbacher, the pastor of St. Mary's congregation, bought a piece of ground on Chestnut street, between Twenty-fourth and Twenty-fifth streets, to which the bodies of those interred on Ninth street were removed. This cemetery was used by the Ger-

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man Catholics until the consecration of Trinity in 1869, when it was closed for interments.

As early as 1837-38, St. Patrick's congregation bought a small lot, 40x160 feet in size, on Third street, between German and Parade, which was the first graveyard owned by this parish. Iu 1852, Father Deane purchased five acres on the corner of Twenty-fourth and Sassafras streets, and the old ground was abandoned and the bodies removed to the new location. Upon the consecration of Trinity Cemetery in 1869, this second graveyard was closed and many of the dead removed to Trinity, though quite a number still remain on account of the foolish obstinancy of their friends in refusing consent to their removel. St. Vin- cent's Hospital now occupies a portion of this ground, and it is to be hoped that ere long every bodythere interred will find a last resting place in the beautiful cemetery west of the city, now used by the Catholics of Erie and vicinity.

The ceremony of consecrating Trinity Cemetery, the present Catholic burial grounds, located on the lake road about four miles west of Erie, took place on Sunday afternoon, May 23, 1869, and was witnessed by thousands of specta- tors from the city and adjoining townships.

The procession, including the several Catholic societies, headed by four bands, formed on Eighth stroet and marched to the cemetery, escorting Bishop Mullen and the clergymen present on the occasion. A large wooden cross, the emblem of Christ crucified, had been placed in the middle of the cemetery, around which the societies formed a hollow square, with the Bishop, clergy and choir in the center. Bishop Mullen then delivered a brief address, fol- lowed by a sermon in the German language from Father Wenderlein, of St. Mary's Church. At its conclusion, the usual beautiful ceremonies ordained by the Catholic Church on such occasions were performed, and the proceed- ings were brought to a close with a prayer for the repose of the soul of Bishop. Young, whose remains had been removed to the cemetery. This graveyard contains thirty acres nicely laid out in walks and driveways, and planted throughout with ornamental and shade trees, which in a few years will add much to the natural beauty of the location. Many handsome monuments mark the last resting place of those who are "asleep in the Lord," and the time is not far distant when it may justly be ranked among the beautiful cities of the dead.

The Erie Cemetery had its inception in October, 1846, when a paper was drawn up, and a few citizens subscribed $1,500, with the view of purchasing the same piece of land on which the cemetery was subsequently laid out. The persons who subscribed to the object at that time were Charles M. Reed, George A. Eliot, John H. Walker, John A. Tracy, William Kelley, Smith Jackson, John Galbraith, B. B. Vincent, Thomas G. Colt, M. Courtright, C. M. Tibbals and J. C. Spencer. The subject, however, was postponed, and no decisive measures were taken to secure the desired site, on account of the increased price constantly demanded; yet the object was never abandoned, and in December, 1849, the first efficient movement was made to accomplish the long-cherished design. In that month, a subscription paper was again circu- lated, by which the subscribers agreed to unite in purchasing seventy-five acres of land at $100 per acre, bounded on the north by Nineteenth street, on the east by Chestnut, on the south by Twenty-sixth, and on the west by Cherry. Thirty-one signatures were obtained, and the following amounts eubscribed toward purchasing the ground: C. M. Reed, $100; George A. Eliot, $100; William Himrod, $100; H. Caldwell, $100; George A. Lyon, $100; Elisha Babbitt, $100; A. W. Brewster, $100; J. A. Tracy, $100; J. C. Spencer, $100; Joseph M. Sterrett, $100; J. H. Williams, $100; M. Courtright, $100; Irvin

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Camp, $100; C. M. Tibbals, $100; William Nicholson, $100; William A. Brown, $100; J. C. Marshall, $100; B. B. Vincent, $100; T. G. Colt, $100; P. Arbuckle, $100; James Skinner, $100; S. Jackson, $100; P. Metcalf, $100; John Hughes, $100; John Galbraith, $50; P. E. Burton, $50; William Kelley, $50; F. Schneider, $50; William W. Reed, $50; M. W. Caughey, $50; Walter Chester, $50. The individuals who assisted by advancing money were Mrs. R. S. Reed, $50; John Evans, $50; M. B. Lowry, $50; J. C. Beebe, $25; Thomas H. Sill, $25; John P. Vincent, $25; John Moore, $25; Andrew Scott, $10.

On the 29th of January, 1850, the Legislature passed an act incorporating " The Erie Cemetery, in the county of Erie," and May 24 a majority of the in- corporators met and elected seven managers, viz., Charles M. Reed, George A. Eliot, William Kelley, John Galbraith, Elisha Babbitt, William Himrod and A. W. Brewster, who ou the same day organized by electing George A. Eliot President, and appointing William A. Brown Secretary and J. C. Spencer Treasurer. A deed of conveyance was made to the corporation March 28, 1850, and the sum of $1,500 paid down as required by the contract, while a majority of the incorporators signed a judgment bond to secure the remaining $6,000, which they agreed to pay in four equal annual payments, together with inter- est thereon, relying with confidence that the sale of lots would fully indemnify them, and that they would suffer no lose.

In December, 1850, the services of H. Daniels were secured to lay out the grounds; but very little was accomplished until April, 1851. From that time forward the work progressed rapidly; walks and driveways were constructed, cutting the grounds into harmonious sections, while trees and shrubbery were planted wherever they would add most beauty to the natural landecape. At the annual meeting in January, 1852, Rev. Joseph H. Presley, John Evans and Wilson King were chosen to fill the vacancies caused by the deaths of William W. Reed, A. W. Brewster and John Hughes, three of the origi- nal incorporators. The by-laws, rules and regulations for the government of the corporation were adopted at this meeting, and the following Board of Managers elected for the ensuing year: George A. Eliot, Charles M. Reed, William Kelley, William Himrod, John Galbraith, Elisha Babbitt and Will- iam A. Brown, who thereupon elected George A. Eliot President and appoint- ed J. C. Spencer Secretary and Treasurer.

The formal opening of the cemetery took place May 20, 1851. An address was delivered by the President of the board, George A. Eliot, and the dedi- catory address by Rev. George A. Lyon, while other appropriate ceremonies usual on such occasions went to make the day an enjoyable one. Since the cemetery was laid out, many improvements have been made. New sections have been opened up, the walks and driveways extended, much additional shrubbery planted, and a substantial iron fence erected, both on the east and west side of the grounds, besides a " Porter's Lodge " near the main entrance, together with many other improvements that go to beautify the cemetery. Great care has been exercised for the protection of the grounds and the many beautiful monuments that have been erected by the hand of affection, while every effort has been put forth to make Erie Cemetery an honored and sacred resting place for the dead, and a beautiful and attractive spot in the eyes of the living.

CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS.

St. Joseph's Orphan Asylum had its inception about 1865, when the Sisters of St. Joseph occupied a small frame building on Fourth street, close to St. Patrick's Schoolhouse. In April, 1866, they regularly opened the asylum in

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a house on Second street, between French and Holland, purchased for the pur- pose by the late Bishop Young, and while there they had on an average the care of sixty orphans. In 1871-72, the present commodious brick building was erected at a cost of about $50,000. It is located on Third street, between Hol- land and German, is three stories high with basement, and is heated through- out by steam. The institution has an average of about 120 orphans, who are tenderly cared for and instructed in the precepts of the Catholic faith, while at the same time they receive the benefits of a common English education in two large school rooms within the building. Whenever pupils develop a special talent for music they are instructed in that branch, and all are encour- aged to cultivate and practice the virtue of industrious habits. Abont ten Sisters are connected with St. Joseph's Asylum, and perform all the duties thereof. The institution is supported by the industry of the Sisters, voluntary contributions and an annual collection taken up throughout the diocese. All classes are received irrespective of creed or color, and the grand work which the Catholic Church is here so silently performing for Christ's little ones, under this noble band of Sisters, deserves the highest commendation. The community is now erecting a three-story brick building, 45x70 feet, on the corner of Ash and Twenty-sixth streets, to be used as a home for the aged and infirm. They hope to occupy it inside of a year. and though its capacity will then be about 100, it is only a portion of the building which they contemplate erecting at some future day. Thus is the noble work of charity trying to keep pace with the ills and wants of suffering humanity.

St. Vincent's Hospital was erected in 1874-75, on the corner of Twenty- fourth and Sassafras streets, overlooking the city of Erie and the charming bay of Presque Isle. It is a handsome three-story brick building, 60x90 feet square, and possessing a well-lighted, airy basement. It cost about $7,000, is well fur- nished throughout, and is under the charge of the Sisters of St. Joseph, se ven of whom devote their time to the care of the institution, while four others who teach in the parish schools of St. Joseph and St. John reside at the hospital. St. Vincent's is open to all classes irrespective of "creed, color or previous condition of servitude," and J. L. Stewart, one of the "ading practitioners of Erie, is the physician in charge, so that the patient has a sure guarantee of the best medical care to be obtained in this portion of the State. In connection with St. Vincent's the Erie Herald of April 11, 1883, gives the following sta- tistics: "This popular institution was opened for the reception of patients in September, 1875. Owing to the poverty of the institution very few patients were received until 1878, from which date 408 patients have been received and cared for. Of this number 203 were charity patients and the remainder paid from $3 to $5 each per week. Those admitted were of religion as follows: Catholics, 185; Protestants, 178; Jews, 5; not professing any religion, 40; total number, 408. The nationality were as follows: Americans, 189; English, 18; Germans, 95; Irish, 86; French, 7; Canadians, 8; Russians, 3; colored, 2. Total, 408."

The City Hospital was erected in 1870 for the accommodation of persons with contagious diseases. It stands on the bluff immediately north of the Marine Hospital building, and overlooks Lake Erie. Dr. E. W. Germer has been physician in charge since its establishment.

Home for the Friendless: On the 17th of October, 1871, a meeting was held at the residence of J. C. Marshall, for the purpose of organizing the "Home for the Friendless." It was mainly through the efforts of Miss Laura G. Sanford that a beginning was made and the institution organized. Appli- cation was made for a charter which was granted by the court November 29,

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1871. Gen. C. M. Reed having tendered the use of the old family residence on the southeast corner of State street and South Park Row, it was accepted and first occupied by the "Home " November 2, 1871. In February, 1872, the Marine Hospital Board offered to the managers of the institution the use of the hospital building and authorizing them to use it as a "Home for the Friendless" until such time as the State authorities should direct its use for other purposes. The offer was gladly accepted, and in the early part of May, 1872, the " family" removed to that building, where it remained until the occupancy of the "Home" on the corner of Twenty-second and Sassafras streets, November 2, 1875.

The following ladies were the original incorporators of the institution: Mrs. C. M. Reed, Mrs. M. B. Lowry, Mrs. I. B. Gara, Mrs. W. A. Brown, Mrs. W. W. Dinemore, Miss A. C. Kilbourne, Mrs. W. S. Brown, Mrs. William Bell, Mrs. Henry Jarecki, Miss Laura G. Sanford, Mrs. W. L. Scott, Mrs. J. H. Neil, Mrs. J. P. Longstreet, Mrs. G. W. Starr, Mrs. W. A. Galbraith, Mrs. Bernard Hubley, Mrs. P. Metcalf, Mrs. S. S. Spencer, Mrs. J. W. Hart, Mrs. J. P. Vincent, Mrs. S. A. Davenport, Mrs. J. C. Marshall, Mrs. E. W. Pol- lock, Mrs. D. S. Clark, Mrs. L. W. Shirk, Mrs. P. Crouch, Mrs. Miles W. Caughey, Mrs. Robert Evans, Miss S. Parkinson, and Mise Sarah Reed. The first officers chosen were as follows: Mrs. C. M. Reed, President; Mrs. I. B. Gara, First Vice President; Mrs. W. A. Galbraith, Second Vice President; Mrs. W. W. Dinemore, Secretary; Miss Kate M. Mason, Treasurer; Mrs. Mary Chalfant, Matron. After serving about a year, Mrs. Reed resigned the Presi- dency, and Mrs. I. B. Gara was chosen to fill that position, which she held until May 2, 1876, when she, too, resigned, and Miss Kate M. Mason was elect. ed, and has filled the office continuously up to the present time.

On the 16th of September, 1875, Hon. M. B. Lowry presented the manage- ment with the " Gaggin property," located on the southwest corner of Twenty- second and Sassafras streets, one of the most desirable sites in the city. This munificent gift, which was worth from $10,000 to $15,000, was gratefully ac- cepted by the board, who began at once the project of erecting an addition to the building. Ground was broken September 25, 1875, and the corner stone laid on the 18th of October following. The "family " removed to the " Gag- gin property " November 2, 1875, and on the 25th of March, 1876, the new addition to the " Home " was finished free of debt, at a total cost of $6,820.48. This money was raised by subscription, mainly through the indefatigable efforts of Mrs. I. B. Gara, who took a leading part in the enterprise from its inception until the completion of the new " Home." She, however, was effi- ciently aided in procuring the subscription by Mrs. J. C. Marshall, Mrs. J. R. Saltzman, Mrs. W. S. Brown, Miss Kate M. Mason and Miss Sarah Reed, the latter of whom has ever taken a special interest in the institution, and given much of her time and attention to insure its success, which may also be said of many other ladies whose names figure in its history.

In October, 1872, a school for children was opened at the "Home," which has since been in successful operation. In June, 1876, Mrs. Gara presented the "Home" with a portrait painted by herself of the generous donor, Hon. M. B. Lowry, which now decorates the institution. An inscription on the frame reads as follows: "Portrait of Hon. M. B. Lowry, painted and pre- sented to the institution by Mrs. I. B. Gara, in testimony of her appreciation of his great liberality to the 'Home for Friendlees Children and Aged Indi- gent Women.'" With the completion of the new "Home" free of debt, the brunt of the battle was over, and since that time the institution has been suc- cessfully accomplishing the work intended by its founders.

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The Hamot Hospital Association was chartered on the 7th day of February 1881. The present Board of Managers (except two who were elected to fill vacancies, and Rev. G. A. Carstensen who succeeded Rev. J. T. Franklin, de- ceased April 14, 1882), were named in the charter. They held their first meeting as a board on the 28th day of Febuary, 1881. The property offered for use as a hospital was accepted by the board on the 5th of April, 1881. The deed of two-thirds interest in said property was tendered and accepted on the 23d of April, 1881. The selection of this property for a hospital resulted from a call on its owners by one who had for months been working to establish a hospital, viz., the Rev. John T. Franklin, to ascertain if it could be bought or leased for a term of years for such purpose. Having carefully considered the plans, a proposition in writing was made by the donors to convey a two- thirds interest in the property to a corporation on certain conditions. This was the origin of the association. To it was conveyed by deed, by Mrs. Mary A. Starr, Charles H. Strong and Kate Strong, their two-thirds interest in said property, bounded on Front street 165 feet, on State street 2162 feet, and on Second street 105 feet, including the buildings, George W. Starr joining in the deed of conveyance. The conditions of the deed are solely for the purpose of insuring the firm establishment and perpetuity of the hospital, and met the approval of the association from the beginning. Immediately after the acceptance of the property the buildings were examined and changed where necessary, the better to adapt them to meet the wants of a hospital. New roofs were put on the main building and wing; water was introduced from the city water works; two convenient bath rooms were provided; a laundry with its appliances was put in complete order; a furnace was added, which, with the grates in the wards and private rooms, give warmth and ventilation and render the building in these respects well fitted for the purposes designed. Two large wards, one for male and one for female patients, were established on the east side of the main building, and one called the "sailor's ward " in the wing, all of which have been furnished and are now in use. Besides these wards now furnished for twenty patients, there are five private rooms which are fully furnished and ready for occupancy for such pationts as desire privacy, and who may prefer to come to and remain in the hospital for treatment, mak- ing in all ample room for twenty-five patients, besides a large room in the wing originally designed for a ward for children.

On the 1st day of July, 1881, the hospital was opened, and on the 10th of July received its first patient. Up to January 9, 1883, 157 patients have been admitted, and received the benefits of the institution. The management of the hospital proper was under the supervision of Miss Irene Sutliff, until No- vember 1, 1882, when she resigned the position of Superintendent, and was suc- ceeded by Miss Emma L. Warr. These ladies are graduates of a regular training school for hospital nurses, and are therefore fully competent to take charge of such institutions. The Superintendent, however, is allowed absolutely no discretion in the matter of receiving patients who cannot furnish evidence of their ability to pay, except it be for a day or two in an extraordinary emer- gency. To accomplish its mission, the hospital needs an endowment of at least $25,000. The income of this sum would enable the managers to set apart six beds exclusively for free patients-a number, which, under ordinary circumstances, would meet all demands. George Selden has already subscribed $4,000 toward this proposed endowment fund, and it is hoped that there are others among the citizens of Erie who will respond with like generosity to this appeal.

The largest sources of revenue and the most valuable, because continuous

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through the year, come from the following parties: The Philadelphia & Erie Railroad Company, the Anchor Line Transportation Company, the Erie City Iron Works, the Erie Car Works, the Jarecki Manufacturing Company, and the Ladies' Parochial Society of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Each of the above named has subscribed the sum of $200, payable quarterly in advance, for the support of a bed in the hospital. There is no doubt but that these subscriptions will be continued, and it is hoped that others, individuals and companies, will add to the annual income of this association, in that way ren- dering it of more general utility to the public and enabling the managers to extend the benefits of the institution to more of the needy sick who are unable to pay anything for medical attendance or the skilled care of nurses in hospitals.

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History of Erie county, Pennsylvania. Containing a history of the county; its townships, towns, villages schools, churches, industries, etc, Part 70

Author: Bates, Samuel P. (Samuel Penniman), 1827-1902; Whitman, Benjamin, 1940-; Russell, N. W. (Nathaniel Willard); Brown, R. C. (Robert C.); Weakley, F. E; Warner, Beers & Co. (Chicago, Ill.) Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Chicago : Warner, Beers & co. Number of Pages: 1280

Author: Bates, Samuel P. (Samuel Penniman), 1827-1902; Whitman, Benjamin, 1940-; Russell, N. W. (Nathaniel Willard); Brown, R. C. (Robert C.); Weakley, F. E; Warner, Beers & Co. (Chicago, Ill.)
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago : Warner, Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1280