USA > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia County > Philadelphia > History of Philadelphia, 1609-1884 > Part 146
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1477
CHARITABLE AND BENEVOLENT AND RELIGIOUS ASSOCIATIONS.
The society was in operation for about nineteen months, when its service was suspended by the cap- ture of the city by the British. It was succeeded in May, 1787, by the Society for Alleviating the Mis- eries of Public Prisons, an institution which still exists, and which is spoken of at greater length in the chapter on Public Prisons.
The Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery was also established before the Revolution, being founded in 1774, and was practically dissolved by the events of that contest. It was re-established after the Revolution, on the 10th of February, 1784, and called the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery and for the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully held in Bondage, and for Im- proving the Condition of the African Race. It was a popular association, and before the year 1801 over seven hundred and seventy-five persons had joined it. The members in 1775 were John Baldwin, president ; Thomas Harrison, secretary ; Samuel Davis, treas- urer ; members, Arthur Thomas, Seymour Hart, Thomas Wishart, John Browne, Joel Zane, Thomas Hood, and James Morgan. These were the founders. During the same year there were admitted Cadwalla- der Dickinson, William Lippincott, Amos Wicker- sham, James Starr, Joseph Shotwell, Jr., William Coats, Matthew Henderson, John Hamilton, John Davis, Joshua Comly, Thomas Morgan, and John Bull.
The presidents of the reorganized society, elected from members who had joined it before 1801, but were not all elected to office during that time, were John Baldwin, the president of the first established society, Samuel Richards, Benjamin Franklin, James Whitall, Thomas Meredith, Dr. Benjamin Rush, Jon- athan Penrose, James Pemberton, Dr. Caspar Wistar, and William Rawle. This association had upon its rolls the names of the most distinguished persons in public life and prominent members of old families. The Quaker element was not in the majority at the beginning of the society, as might have been ex- pected. Episcopalians, Presbyterians, and persons attached to other persuasions, controlled the asso- ciation, the first object of which was to promote the abolition of slavery in Pennsylvania and to improve the condition of the free blacks in regard to their industries and conditions. Even in later times, when the abolition of slavery became a political question, the Pennsylvania Abolition Society stood aloof from the arguments and methods of the anti-slavery party. Slavery in Pennsylvania was over, and the society, instead of buckling on its armor to engage in the great controversy, stood idly by, scarcely showing sympathy, at best giving small assistance. In the stirring times last referred to there were several anti- slavery societies, which exercised great influence. One of these was the Philadelphia Female Anti- Slavery Society, established (1844) by Lucretia Mott and others. The Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society
was a stronger and much more belligerent associa- tion.
The emancipation of the slaves having relieved the society from a portion of its labors, leaves it to the important work of the "improvement of the con- dition of the African race."
Officers .- President, Dillwyn Parrish ; Vice-Presidents, Benjamin Coates, T. Elwood Chapman ; Secretaries, Joseph M. Truman, Jr., William leacock ; Treasurer, Henry M. Laing ; Librarian, Thomas HI. McCollIn; Counselors, Edward Hopper, George H. Earle, Joseph R. Rhoads, Alfred Moore, Joseph Parrish, Philadelphia; Acting Committee, Dillwyn l'ar- rish, Henry M. Laing, Passmore Williamson, Alfred H. Love, William Still ; Board of Education, Dillwyn Parrish, William Hleacock, William Still, Henry M. Laing, Jacob C. White, Joseph M. Truman, Jr., Morde- cai Buzby, Marcellus Balderston, Lukens Webster, Nathaniel E. Janney, Alfred Moore, Robert M. Janney, Samuel J. Stevenson.
The Humane Society, for the recovery of drowned persons, was established in 1780. Its objects were enlarged by extending the efforts of the members to cases of asphyxia and other cases which might sus- pend animation in human beings for a time. Conse- quently the object of the society's care was extended to " those whose animation may be suspended from other causes, as breathing air contaminated by burn- ing charcoal, hanging, exposure to choke-damp of wells, drinking cold water while warm in summer, strokes of the sun, lightning, swallowing laudanum, etc." The signs of the Humane Society were familiar objects to persons who loitered about the wharves as late as 1840 and 1850. They were placed near ferry- houses and prominent taverns and places of resort, and gave notice that the apparatus of the Humane Society was stored upon the premises, and could be had by application in cases of drowning. This con- sisted of drags, hooks, nets, together with medicines and other appliances for the resuscitation of persons taken from the water, where animation was suspended. There were also printed directions how to proceed in such cases. Every summer the society had printed startling hand-bills, cautioning the people against the dangers of drinking cold water when the body was heated. These were conspicuously posted upon the cold-water pumps, of which there were several highly popular in various parts of the city. The society also offered prizes for dissertations on suspended anima- tion, and the best methods of restoring persons to life who were apparently drowned. These offers were re- peated for several years. In 1802, Dr. Benjamin Say was president of this society, and in after-years, Joseph Cruikshank was president and Isaac Snowdon secre- tary.
The Merchants' Fund was incorporated in Jan- uary, 1854, the object being " to furnish relief to indi- gent merchants of the city of Philadelphia, especially such as are aged and infirm." The extension of aid is through an executive committee, in the integrity of which the members of the society have confidence. Hence no report is ever made of the manner in which the bounty of the association is given or to whom it has been supplied. This association has been more
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1478
HISTORY OF PHILADELPHIA.
than usually successful in obtaining a large endow- ment, by means of which its benefactions to distressed merchants are more liberal than they can be made by the larger number of beneficial societies.
Officers .- President, John Welsh ; Vice-Presidente, William C. Ludwig, James (. Hand ; Treasurer, Richard Wood; Secretary, John II. Atwood; Managers, John Welsh, I. V. Williamson, Thomas C. Hand, John D. Taylor, Jolin II. Atwood, Albert F. Damon, Daniel B. Cummins, Wil- liam C. Ludwig, Charles S. Lewis, Charles D. Reed, Jamea C. Hand, J. B. McFarland, Edward (. Knight, Richard Wood, Edward P. Borden, R. Dale Benson, William S. Grant, T. Charlton Hepry, Thomas P. Stotes- bury, Christian J. Hoffman.
The Newsboys' Aid Society was incorporated June 7, 1858, for the purpose of " providing lodging and education for homeless and indigent boys engaged in the occupation of vending newspapers and periodi- cals." This society was in operation for two or three years, but by the strictness of the rules established for the government of the inmates it became unpop- ular with them, so that they abandoned it.
Another newsboys' home was instituted about 1875-76, and opened a building or lodging-house and residence on the east side of Sixth Street, below Locust. This soon went out of existence, but in May, 1878, at the suggestion of George W. Childs, another effort was made to establish a Newsboys' Aid Society, under the management of a number of prominent ladies, whose efficiency in benevolent movements would be a guarantee of success. Accordingly an in- formal meeting of a number of ladies was held in June following at Association Hall. There were present at this meeting Mrs. E. E. Hutter, Mrs. John M. Maris, Miss L. E. Claghorn, Mrs. C. M. Baker, Mrs. C. C. Hancock, Mrs. Joseph Lennig, Mrs. Dr. Muhlenberg, Mrs. Benjamin I. Crew, Mrs. I. H. Jack- son, and Miss McBride. On June 11th, following, the society was duly organized by the appointment of a board of managers, consisting of twenty-four ladies, and a board of counselors of twenty gentlemen. A house was rented at No. 228 South Ninth Street for the use of the society, and on the 11th of February, 1879, was formally dedicated. On the 13th of the same month nineteen boys, all of whom were without homes, were received as inmates of the institution. Mrs. E. E. Hutter was made president; J. S. Cum- mings, corresponding secretary ; and Miss Louise E. C'laghorn, treasurer. An adjunct to the home, and growing out of it, was the formation of a Newsboys' League, organized in May, 1879, composed of about two hundred members. At the same time a Dime Savings-Bank was organized. The society now oc- cupy a building at No. 251 South Sixth Street, which was obtained mainly through the generous aid ren- dered by Mrs. John Gilbert, Mrs. J. Wright, Mr. and Mrs. William Singerly, and Mrs. Hamilton Disston. The formal opening of this building took place on Jan. 25, 1882. The exercises were of an exceedingly interesting character. The late mayor, William S. Stokley, presided. Prayer was offered by Rev. Wil- ham Baum, D.D. The corresponding secretary, Mr.
J. S. Cummings, presented a statement in detail of the progress of the institution. Addresses were made by Justice Trunkey, of the Supreme Court, Judge Pierce, Ex-Governor Pollock, and M. J. Mitcheson.
Officers .- President, Mrs. Elizabeth E. Hotter; Vice-Presidenta, Mrs. G. B. Markle, Mrs. J. P. Steiner, Mrs. Dr. F. Muhlenberg, Mrs. J. Wood Wright, Mrs. William Singerly ; Recording Secretary, Mrs. C. E. Roney; Corresponding Secretary, J. S. Cummings ; Treasurer, Miss Louise E. Claghorn ; Managers, Mrs, Elizabeth E. Hutter, Mrs. G. B. Markle, Mre. Joseph Lennig, Mrs. Dr. F. Muhlenberg, Mrs. J. Hood Wright, Misa Louise E. Claghorn, Mrs. J. M. Maris, Mrs. C. E. Roney, Mrs. H. Shurtleff, Mrs. William M. Singerly, Mrs. Frederick Lovejoy, Mrs. Charles Godfrey, Miss Clara Gilbert, Miss Ida Markle, Mrs. Wil- liam H. Maule, Mrs. John Lucas, Mrs. Henry Dieston, Mrs. J. P. Steiner, Mrs. Horace Disstou, Mrs. Walter Baird, Mrs. Matthew Baird, Mrs. Davis Pearson, Mrs. Edwin H. Fitler, Mrs. Moore; Board of Counselors, George W. Childs, J. S. Cummings, Alexander Whilldin, A. J. Drexel, Jamea Neill, George H. Stuart, Alexander Brown, James L. Claghorn, Edwin Scull, Hon. James Pollock, Benjamin Crew, Jamea Grant, C. C. Hancock, I. V. Williamson, William Ray, Charles M. Baker, William M Shoemaker, Thomas P. Wattson, Henry C. Butcher, Samuel G. Scott, Daniel K. Grim, William M. Singerly, William Bucknall, Horace Diss- ton, Frederick Lovejoy, Caleb J. Milne, Charlea Godfrey, A. M. Spangler, Davia Pearson, William Disston, Edwin Fitler; Solicitor, James W. Paul; Assistant, Charles E. Lex ; Physician, Frank Muhlenberg, M.D .; Dentist, Dr. Thomas,
The Pennsylvania Seamen's Friend Society was organized in 1845, and incorporated March 7, 1846. Its principal field of operations is the port of Phila- delphia. Sailors, when in port, it is well known, are exposed to many temptations, and being without re- straint when off ship, indulge too often in debauchery and vice. The Seamen's Friend Society furnishes to the mariner in port a sailor's home,-a large, com- fortable, cheerful boarding-house. In 1860, this was at No. 422 South Front Street, and sought the confi- dence of the seafaring class by furnishing them with good clean lodgings, abundance of food, and space to indulge in such amusements as are innocent. There is a good library and other conveniences. A part of the duty of this society was to select and send out libraries for use of ships and vessels by which the monotony of long voyages could be beguiled, and in- struction also afforded.
Officers .- President, Henry D. Sherrerd; Treasurer, John Laughlin ; Corresponding and Recording Secretaries, Rev. S. Bonhomme and Rev. George W. MacLaughlin, A.M .; Managers, Dr. Charles A. Kingsbury, Alexander Whilldin, Henry N. Paul, E. O. Thompson, William Brockie, Thomas B. Wattson, Capt. John Laughlin, Robert W. Smith, S. Bon- homme, John H. Atwood, John A. Weir, L. Westergaard, John C. Darrah, William Buehler.
The Female Seamen's Friend Society, at Sailors' Home, No. 422 South Front Street, was established in 1832, and incorporated fifty years afterward. The objects go further than those of the principal society, which looked principally to the finding of a com- fortable home for the sailor while in port. The Female Society is for the relief of the sick, disabled, shipwrecked, and indigent seamen and their families, looking after their moral and religious welfare, sup- plying them with food, fuel, and clothing when in distress, burying their dead, if found worthy and without means, and caring for their children and widows.
1479
CHARITABLE AND BENEVOLENT AND RELIGIOUS ASSOCIATIONS.
Officers .- First Directreas, Miss Martba H. Gano ; Second Directrees, Miss Maggie T. Richards ; Corresponding and Recording Secretary, Misa Teressa Epsy ; Treasurer, Miss Caroline R. Epey ; Managers, Mrs. M. W. Baldwin, Miss Martha H. Gano, Mrs Eooch Turley, Mrs. Alex- ander Hewitt, Mrs. William Proctor, Jr., Mrs. John C. Hunter, Mrs. E. D. Ledyard, Miss M. T. Richards, Miss I lizabeth T. Wright, Miss Lydia Baldwin, Miss Georgiana Baldwin, Miss Lydia D. Sherrerd, Mies Caro- line R. Epsy, Miss Teressa Epay.
The Seamen's and Landsmen's Aid Society in 1876 also had a snug harbor for sailors at the corner of Front and Union Streets.
The Grandom Institution, incorporated April 23, 1841, has charge of the funds bequeathed by Hart Grandom, for two objects: First, "to loan to young men of good character who have attained their ma- jority, loans by which they may commence business in their various pursuits ; and second, to distribute the income of a permanent fund to the aid of the deserving poor, but not the intemperate during the winter season."
The Fuel Saving Society, of the city and liberties of Philadelphia, was established in 1821, and incor- porated in 1837. The object was "to encourage among the poorer classes the practice of economy and thriftiness so as to enable them from their summer earnings to provide for their winter fuel." "Receivers were appointed annually for the pur- poses of this society, and generally they were respectable apothecaries whose places of business were prominent in those portions of the city where poor people most abound. The receiver would take very small sums, and whatever was deposited stood to the credit of the depositor, and could be drawn upon in fall and winter, or whenever necessary for the purchase of fuel. Originally this was fire-wood always, but after the changes caused by the intro- duction of anthracite coal were well established, the supply of wood was given up, and coal furnished by the ton, half ton, and quarter ton. The advantage to the depositors is that the society is to them a saving- fund. They can lay away in summer small sums, the product of which will keep them warm in winter. They also purchase at wholesale prices, because the society lays in large quantities of coal when the price is cheapest, and charges no more than cost. Indeed, of late years fuel has been furnished to depositors at less than cost; the members of the society having the advantage of the revenue of an endowment fund, which assists them in taking a portion of the expense of the coal off of the shoulders of depositors.
The Friends' Charity Fuel Association was or- ganized to supply the poor with fuel gratis on the 1st of August, 1835, among members of the Society of Friends, whose meeting-house was on Cherry Street (now on Race Street above Fifteenthi). It was in- corporated in 1869. It is broad in its views, and established for the benefit of all. It is said, on its behalf, "The Society of Friends, by its discipline, is expected to take care of its indigent members. The aim of this organization, therefore, is to aid such
persons, irrespective of creed, color, or nationality, as cannot be otherwise provided for." Some invest- ments made on account of this society promote its usefulness.
The Philadelphia Society for Organizing Char- ity, established in 1878, works upon the idea that true charity consists in giving only to the worthy. Hence it seeks to repress mendicancy, to reduce va- grancy and pauperism, to prevent imposture and in- discriminate giving. It has no building in which benevolence is administered, but there is an office for the central association and offices in all the wards.
The work of the society is conducted through a central executive board of twenty-one directors and by boards of directors in its several distriet associa- tions. There is also an assembly, consisting of all the members of the society and of representatives of co- operating societies, which meets monthly for the con- sideration of subjects under the different branches of charitable and correctional work. The assembly has committees (1) on arrangements, (2) on visitation and women's work, (3) on employment, (4) on provi- dent habits, (5) on medical charities, (6) on education and care of children, (7) on defective classes, (8) on hygiene, etc., (9) on penal and reformatory institu- tions, (10) on legal protection of the poor, (11) on pauperism, vagrancy, etc., (12) on charitable and cor- rectional statistics. Monthly conferences by the women visitors of the society are held for the consid- eration of their work. It is estimated that the total number of visits among the poor made by the officers and workers of the society exceed one hundred and twenty-five thousand. A paper called The Monthly Register is published by the society, giving informa- tion of the work of charitable societies in this city and elsewhere. It is issued monthly.
Central office, 1602 Chestnut Street. Dr. James W. Walk, general secretary; Benjamin H. Shoe- maker, treasurer.
Officers, 1883-84 .- President, Ilon. Samuel G. King, mayor of the city, ex officio ; Vice-Presidents (being presidents of the district associationa), First and Second Warde, David Woed; Third Ward, A. C. Deakyno, M.D. ; Fourth Ward, William McAleer ; FIIth Ward, William S. Price; Sixth Ward, Thomas M. Seeds; Seventh Ward, Richard ('. MeJIurtrie; Eighth Ward, Alexander Brown; Nioth Ward, l', Pemberton Morris; Tenth Word, John F. Keen; Eleventh Ward, J. Christian Miller; Twelfth Ward, William J. Miller; Thirteenth and Fourteenth Wards, A. M. Spangler; Fifteenth Ward, William Wood ; Sixteenth and Seven- teenth Warda, Isanc A. Sheppard; Eighteenth and Nineteenth Wards, A. HI. Overholt ; Twentieth Ward, William R. Thomas; Twenty-second Ward, Jabez Gates; Twenty-third Ward, Samuel Bolton; Twenty-fourth and Twenty-seventh Wards, Rev. D. R. Goodwin, D. D. ; Twenty-tiftl Ward, John Blood; Twenty-sixth and Thirtieth Wards, A. A. Catanach ; Twenty-eighth Ward, Eooch Fullawny ; Twenty-ninth Ward, Rev. Wil- Hamn H. Hodge : Thirty-firet Ward, William McIntire. Board of Di- rectora: President, Joshua L. Haily ; Vice-President, Janica S. Whitney; Joshua L. Baily, Rudolph Blankenburg, Henry T. Child, M D, Nelson F. Evans, Ambrose Smith, Robert Ellis Thompson, Ph.D., term expires in November, 1884; Rev. Churlea G. Ames, Charles E Cadwalnder, M.D., Philip C. Garrett, John F. Keen, Joseph K. Wheeler, Rer. I. 1 .. Wayland, D D , Joseph P. Mumford, term expires in November, 1885 , A. C. Denkyne, M.D., Josiab R. Sypher, James S. Whitney, Albert B. WIlHame, Robert N. WIllaon, William J. Gillingham, David Wood, term expires in November, 1886 ; Treasurer, Benjamin II. Shoemaker; Gen- eral Secretary, James W. Walk, M.D.
1480
HISTORY OF PHILADELPHIA.
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The Day Nursery for Children .- A peculiar form of kindness is shown by the day nurseries for chil- dren and kindergarten schools, which are mostly associated with them. These take charge of children of poor, industrious working women, and take care of them during working hours. The nursery day is usually from half-past six in the morning to seven o'clock in the evening, by which latter time the little ones must be called for. "The Day Nursery for Children," established in 1863 and incorporated in 1873, is the oldest of these. It was formerly estab- lished at 410 Blight Street, below Pine, but in later years has been at No. 2218 Lombard Street. The Lombard Street Day Nursery, at No. 430, occupies the same field, as does the Northern Day Nursery, at 923 North Seventh Street.
Officers .- Board of Managers : Directress, Mrs. W. A. Ingham; Treas- urer, Miss H. S. Biddle; Secretary, Mrs. W. W. Frazier, Jr .; Visitora, Miss Clyde, Mra F. H. Wyeth, Mrs. H. G. Batterson, Mrs. A. Monges, Mrs. J. Shipley Newliu, Miss M. Newlin, Mrs. Blight, Mrs. C. Buckley, Mrs. W. W. Frazier, Jr., Mrs. M. L. Sewart, Mrs. Rudolph Ellis, Misa Engenia Smith ; Visiting Physician, Dr. T. H. Bradford.
Kindergarten Instruction has been established in seventeen free schools, established by the Sub-Primary School Association. Some of these are, by leave of the school directors and controllers, held in public- school buildings ; others at various places. The annnal expenses in 1883 were five thousand dollars ; the number of pupils, four hundred and thirty.
Indian Aid Associations .- At a very early period in the history of Pennsylvania the members of the So- | College, New York, Rev. Mr. Cooke, missionary of ciety of Friends adopted a humane course toward the North American Indians,-an inheritance, it might seem, from the policy of William Penn. The Friendly Associations for regaining and preserving peace with the Indians was established in 1756, in defiance of the Proprietary government, which had declared war against the Indians and offered rewards for Indian scalps. In later times Friends maintained a constant testimony of kindness in relation to the original in- habitants of North America. The Indian Aid Asso- ciation connected with the Race Street Meeting and the Indian Hope Association are societies of this character.
The Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was established in 1868, and in- corporated April 4th of that year. Its object is suf- ficiently told in its name. It seeks to protect the brute creation from the cruelty of mankind, and its care is given to prevent the maltreatment and suffer- ing of horses, mnles, cattle, and every creature that moves and has being. Its aims have been greatly assisted by the institution of a " women's branch" of the same society. The management is effective, and there are officers whose duty is to examine every report of cruelty and procure the arrest and punish- ment of the offenders.
The Pennsylvania Society to Protect Children from Cruelty might be said to be an outgrowth from
the former, because the vigor with which wrongs against dumb beasts were prosecuted frequently led to expressions of regret that there was not some asso- ciation to follow up and bring to justice brutal parents, guardians, relations, and others who subjected chil- dren to barbarous treatment. The children's society since its institution has been vigilant in interfering for the protection of children, and its officers have bronght many of their oppressors to punishment.
Officers .- President, Hon. Daniel M. Fox; Vice-Presidenta, Clarence H. Clark, Charles J. Harrah, Henry C. McCook, D.D., Charles Willing, M.D., T. Morris Perot, Samuel P. Godwin, Richard P. White, Thomas H. Montgomery, George W. Childs, Joel J. Bailey, Joseph K. Wheeler ; Treasurer, Peter A. Keller; Secretary, Benjamin J. Crew; Managers, Hon. Daniel M. Fox, William Eisenbrey, Gen. L. H. Warren, J. Lewia Crew, Samuel J. Levick, James Constable, Dr. Charles P. Turner, Wil- liam F. Jones, Dr. Thomas G. Morton, Frederic Collius, Mra. R. H. Hare, Mrs. Charles Willing, Mrs. Erneat Turnar, Mrs. E. M. Norris, Mrs. Alfred Cromelieu, Mra. Daniel Dougherty, Mrs. G. M. Jones, Mrs. Dr. George W. Ellis, Miss Isabella Tatham, Mrs. Ed. H. Ogdeu, Mrs. E. H. Miles, Mrs. H. W. Wilson, Misa Rebecca Wetherill, Miss Anna Hal- lowell, Mrs. Henry J. Biddle, Miss Georgiana Harrah ; Counselors, Richard P. White, N. Dubois Miller ; Medical and Surgical Advisers, Dr. Charles P. Turver. Dr. Thomas G. Morton.
Protestant Episcopal Church Reliefs .- The Cor- poration for the Relief of Widows and Children of Deceased Episcopal Clergymen .- This venerable corporation, the object of which is indicated in its title, was originated by a number of the clergy at a meeting held in Elizabethtown, N. J., in 1767. The Rev. Mr. Auchmnty, rector of Trinity Church, New 'York, Rev. Dr. Miles Cooper, president of King's
the London Society at Shrewsbury, N. J., and the Rev. Dr. William Smith, of Philadelphia, were ap- pointed a committee to draw up and recommend a plan, and in 1769 they organized the "Corporation for the Relief of Widows and Children of Clergy- men of the Communion of the Church of England." This society was practically a company for insurance on the lives of the clergy in the three provinces of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Sepa- rate charters were obtained in each province, the one in Pennsylvania being granted by John Penn, on Feb. 7, 1769. It may be noticed that the meet- ings of this corporation called a number of the clergy together at intervals during the period prior to the Revolutionary war, and gave them an opportunity for consultation about the general affairs of the church. In October, 1784, a meeting was held in New York, efforts were made to resuscitate the cor- poration, which had held no meetings during the war, and which in 1784 received a legacy of four thousand dollars from the estate of Andrew Doz. The one corporation was divided into three in 1796, -one for Pennsylvania, one for New York, and one for New Jersey. The accumulated funds were not divided until 1806, when Pennsylvania received as its share #10,390; New York, $11,806; and New Jersey, 84289.
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