USA > Wisconsin > Centennial records of the women of Wisconsin > Part 5
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Managers.
Mrs. B. McVICKAR, Mrs. E. D. HOLTON.
Mrs. H. PECK,
Mrs. S. B. GRANT, Mrs. D. MCDOUGAL, Mrs. J. HUESTIS,
Mrs. E. ELDRED,
Mrs. A. D. SMITH,
Mrs. A. F. CLARKE,
Mrs. E. LADUE,
Mrs. W. H. BYRON, Mrs. J. F. RAGUE,
Mrs. C. ARNOLD,
Mrs. J. P. GREVES, Mrs. WM. P. YOUNG.
Board of Councillors.
ASAHEL FINCH, J. B. MARTIN, FRANCIS RANDALL,
ELIPHALET CRAMER, LINDSAY WARD.
Having obtained a charter from the legislature, and funds enough from kind friends to warrant a small beginning, the ladies rented a small house and went to work, poor indeed as the world counts gain, but rich in faith and hope, trusting largely
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to the charities of the citizens, in which they have never been disappointed.
The family of nine children, with which they started, in- creased before the end of the year to twenty-three, for fifteen of whom good and permanent homes were found.
In 1851, Mrs. War. P. YOUNG donated a valuable lot, on which, in 1854, a good sized and convenient building was erected, to which additions were made from time to time, as need required, till finally, in 1869, even that was found inadequate to accommo- date the ever increasing family, and a large and commodious family mansion was purchased. This house is admirably adapted for the purpose, with large rooms and lofty ceilings, and, what conduces greatly to the health and happiness of the children, a pleasant yard, planted with shade trees and flowers on the high bluff overlooking our beautiful Lake Michigan.
Thus, for twenty-six years, a family of young children, vary- ing in number from twenty to over sixty, with no endowment fund, no industry of sufficient magnitude to be profitable, but trusting only to "charity that never faileth," has been main- tained without even suffering a single want, or feeling one necessity. Truly may we exclaim, "I will trust in Thee, and fear no evil, for thou God art with me."
During these foregoing years the legislature has appropriated $4,500 towards its support, for while it is not a state institution, or under the control or maintenance of the state, still orphan children from all parts of the state are received and cared for in
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the asylum; girls under twelve years of age, and boys under ten, the object of the board being to provide good homes for the children, boys especially, before or as soon after twelve years old as possible. Infants who are full orphans are always taken in care by the institution; but infants who are half orphans are not received under two years of age. At the close of the twenty- sixth year, the whole number of children cared for since the commencement is 772.
The institution is out of debt, besides owning the asylum building, which stands a monument to the untiring labor of the women of Milwaukee in behalf of the orphan children.
During the first years of the association, hard work was neces- sary to supply the daily wants; and now though comparatively easy financially, yet if the ladies should cease their labors for one year even, they would be obliged to close their doors; for, though managed as economically as possible, a family of more than sixty require a good deal of expenditure to make them comfortable. The school, where they are also taught needle work and knitting, is attended by all but the youngest children. This, of course, is some expense, but is money well laid out, as it makes the children industrious, well behaved and intelligent, and better fitted to do their duty in that state of life unto which it shall please God to call them.
Officers.
Mrs. C. SHEPARD, 1st Directress.
Mrs. S. S. SHERMAN, 2d Directress.
Mrs. E. LADUE, 3d Directress.
Mrs. J. H. VAN DYKE, Treasurer.
Mrs. WM. P. LYNDE, Secretary.
Mrs. A. McCARTER, Assistant Secretary.
Mrs. J. W. MEACHAM, Corresponding Secretary.
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Managers.
Mrs. E. ELDRED,
Mrs. E. SHAW,
Mrs. J. H. BOOTH,
Mrs. A. F. CLARKE,
Mrs. L. J. HODGES,
Mrs. M. B. MEDBURY,
Mrs. T. W. GOODRICH,
Mrs. ELIAS FRIEND,
Mrs. EVERINGHAM,
Mrs. G. D. NORRIS,
Mrs. C. WHITCOMB,
Mrs. J. W. MEACHAM,
Mrs. LEVI KELLOGG, Mrs. FRANK TERRY,
Mrs. A. MCCARTER,
Mrs. L. MCKNIGHT,
Mrs. J. D. INBUSCHI,
Mrs. C. A. HENDEE,
Mrs. C. H. LARKIN,
Mrs. W. H. FARNHAM,
Mrs. Dr. MEACHEM,
Mrs. JOSEPH BRADFORD, Mrs. W. S. HAND,
Mrs. N. SIMON,
Mrs. J. MAGIE.
Mrs. I. M. ADAMS,
Mrs. J. B. KISSINGER,
Mrs. J. W. VAN SCHAICK, Mrs. J. J. HAGERMANN, Mrs. L. BLAKE, Mrs. JOHN PLANKINGTON, Mrs. R. C. JOHNSON.
Matron -MISS MARIA MASON. Teacher - MISS WELLS.
Retired Managers who have serred more than tirenty years.
Mrs. J. H. ROGERS, Mrs. H. BOSWORTH, Mrs. E. CRAMER,
Mrs. G. WHITNEY, Mrs. G. P. HEWITT.
Board of Councillors.
J. H. VAN DYKE, A. FINCII, J. D. INBUSCII.
Auditor. - S. S. SHERMAN.
ANNA MCCARTER, Assistant and Acting Secretary.
MILWAUKEE, WIS., February 22, 1876.
MRS. WILLIAM PITT LYNDE.
ALTHOUGH it was not the object of this volume to record biog- raphies, yet the history of woman's benevolent work in Wiscon- sin would be incomplete without honorable mention of Mrs.
Mrs. SCHOAF,
Mrs. R. D. JENNINGS,
Mrs. GEORGE TRACY,
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LYNDE, who was the inspirer and founder of many of the noblest charities in its largest city, Milwaukee, and who has for the last five years occupied a prominent place, with four gentlemen, on the State Board of Charities and Reform.
This lady is a native of the state of New York, and was mar- ried in the year 1841, at the age of twenty-two, to the Hon. WMI. PITT LYNDE, now member of congress. Mr. and Mrs. LYNDE immediately songht the new west, and founded their home in the then territory of Wisconsin. Here she has always lived, and has enjoyed woman's highest honor and blessing in rearing a family of six children.
Mrs. LYNDE had received an excellent school education, gradu- ating from a female academy in Albany, N. Y., and taking the first prize medal for a composition which was read in Dr. SPRAGUE's church by War. H. SEWARD, then governor of the state. This early culture of mind gave Mrs. LYNDE sources of happiness which are not found in the rounds of fashionable life, and inspired her with an earnest desire for the true eleva- tion of her sex.
Mrs. LYNDE has never sought notoriety, but has been sought by the places which needed her services. She considered the world's charities next to home duties, to come within the pale of woman's influence and effort, and as early as the year 1849, was instrumental in the formation, and presided over, the first benev- olent society in the city of Milwaukee, out of which grew the Protestant Orphan Asylum, and many other charitable organiza-
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tions of ladies. Over this institution Mrs: LYNDE has ever had a watchful care, and has been its efficient secretary for many years.
In 1871, Gov. FAIRCHILD tendered and urged upon Mrs. LYNDE a place on the Board of State Charities and Reform, which, by the advice of her husband, she was induced to accept. It has not been ascertained by the writer of this paper that a similar honor has been placed upon any woman in the land, unless the city of Boston on one occasion so honored itself. That Mrs. LYNDE has been a most acceptable and useful officer on this board, her asso- ciate gentlemen members and the entire state attest.
To receive commendation from the censorship of the body pol- itic, which is ever pronounced soulless and merciless in its deal- ings, is no small credit to any one; but especially to a lady, whose native refinement might incline her to shrink from some of the duties of her office. There is evidence, on the contrary, that Mrs. LYNDE, by her knowledge of domestic life and home amenities, with a woman's intuition and delicate tact, has been able to contribute more to the real comfort and well being of the unfortunate within the walls of our public institutions, than any man could. The knowledge obtained in her capacity of member- ship in the State Board, of the deplorable condition of the poor houses of the state. led this untiring lady to make an appeal to the hearts of the women of her own city, which resulted in an organ- ization, of which she is still president, called "The Local Visit- ing Committee for the Milwaukee County Public Charities and
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
Astor, Lenox and Tuden Foundations.
Mitw de feh& Per
SEMICIOS KALENMIOA CHIIVSIGILOA ALLSV 'IVNOLLVN
NEAR MILWAUKEE, WIS.
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Corrections." Out of this association has grown the Milwaukee Industrial School for girls and very young boys, of which Mrs. LYNDE is also president. What man on the Board of Charities has had his heart so touched that he has used the information he has gained by the observation of want and suffering, in establish- ing in his own town and county, such outgrowths of blessing to the cause of humanity? I hope there are many. Mrs. LYNDE has had added during the past two years to her other public ser- vices, that of Trustee of the Milwaukee Female College.
Such is the history in brief of one Christian woman in our young state, hastily and unworthily sketched at the last moment of time for the alloted task. As we have seen the golden chain of this life of love lengthen its bright links, we have wondered and admired. Long may it be spared to this commonwealth, and ever may the young daughters of Wisconsin aspire to the legacy of this glorious example, and "fill their odorous lamps with deeds of light " to illumine a darkened world.
MADISON, WIS., March 18, 1876.
A. B. B.
SOLDIERS' HOME, MILWAUKEE.
IN view of the exigencies of the times, a few earnest and patriotic women, residing in Milwaukee, fired with enthusiasm, and inspired by a common wish to stay not their hands in the
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work, so long as there remained a pledge unfulfilled or a promise unredeemed to the soldiers of the rebellion, organized, April, 1864, an association to be known as "The Wisconsin Soldiers' Home," and chose the following officers and directors:
President - Mrs. LYDIA E. HEWITT.
Vice Presidents :
Mrs. E. L. BUTTRICK, Mrs. J. J. TALLMADGE,
Mrs. J. H. ROGERS, Mrs. S. S. MERRILL.
Secretary - Mrs. A. J. AIKENS.
Assistant Secretary - Mrs. J. M. KIMBALL.
Treasurer- Mrs. D. A. OLIN.
Directresses :
Mrs. LYDIA E. HEWITT, Mrs. E. L. BUTTRICK, Mrs. J. H. ROGERS,
MIS. J. J. TALLMADGE,
Mrs. S. S. MERRILL, Mrs. A. J. AIKENS, Mrs. D. A. OLIN,
Mrs. S. T. HOOKER,
Mrs. CHAS. BIGELOW,
Mrs. JAMES HOLTON, Mrs. A. VEDDER,
Mrs. G. W. SANFORD,
Mrs. ANNA MCCARTER, Mrs. A. GREEN,
Mrs. BYRON KILBOURN, MIS. WALTER BURKE, Mrs. WMI. ALLEN, Mrs. FRED'K WARDNER,
Mrs. S. B. SCOTT, Mrs. J. M. KIMBALL, Mrs. H. C. CROCKER,
Mrs. AMBROSE ELY, Mrs. D. W. RICHARDSON, Mrs. W. G. FITCH, Mrs. JOHN PLANKINTON, Mrs. J. M. NORTHRUP, Mrs. II. T. THOMPSON, Mrs. JACKSON HADLEY, Mrs. C. K. WATKINS, Mrs. R. P. ELMORE, Mrs. J. P. WHALING, Mrs. C. E. WENDT, Mrs. C. E. HENDEE, Mrs. C. A. AXTELL, Mrs. LEWIS MACK, Mrs. R. P. FITZGERALD,
Mrs. A. J. LANGWORTHY, Mrs. JOHN A. DUTCHER,
Mrs. CHAS. MOODY, Mrs. H. O. GREENE, Mrs. W. R. SMITH,
Mrs. CHAS. LARKIN, Mrs. G. G. DOUSMAN, Mrs. JOHN S. RICKER, Mrs. EDW'D O'NEIL, Mrs. R. M. FORSHEE, Mrs. O. H. WALDO, Mrs. J. M. DURAND, Mrs. B. B. JONES, Mrs. E. TERRY,
Mrs. GEO. C. WHITE, Mrs. E. J. HILL, Mrs. R. W. PIERCE.
Mrs. Jos. BRADFORD, Mrs. Dr. HEWITT,
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Advisory Committee :
Mr. JOHN PLANKINTON, Mr. J. J. TALLMADGE,
Hon. ALEXANDER MITCHELL,
Mr. W. N. SINCLAIR,
Mr. S. T. HOOKER,
Mr. H. T. THOMPSON,
Mr. W. B. HIBBARD.
Legal Counsel - Mr. O. H. WALDO.
A building was immediately secured on West Water street near Spring, and used for the purpose of the Home until the transfer of property to the National Home, April 30, 1867. This organ- ization was independent of all preexisting ones, having no aid or support from the various commissions and no connection there- with, relying wholly upon voluntary contributions of the people. Popular enthusiasm was great and generous, and a feeling existed that too much could not be done to alleviate the suffer- ings and lessen the privations of the gallant men composing our armies. How to use wisely the popular enthusiasm when the pressing need for aid and succor was ever present, and how to crystallize it into a permanent benefit, when the exciting scenes of the war had been forgotten, soon became a serious question.
The plan projected by the organizers of this enterprise, whose name implied somewhat of its purpose, was substantially the same as that which has since been carried out by government, more fully than would have been possible by a private corpora- tion. The institution was chartered by the legislature, February 3, 1865, having for its declared object the affording a temporary place of rest and refreshiment for the soldiers of the Federal
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army passing through the city on their way to and from the fields of active operation, and a future asylum for such soldiers honorably discharged from the service, who, having no homes, and disabled by wounds or sickness, were unable to support themselves.
To raise the funds necessary for the erection of an asylum, a fair was projected and held in the city of Milwaukee, opening June 28, 1865, and continuing ten days; for which purpose a temporary building was erected, three hundred feet front by one hundred and thirty-five feet deep, surmounted by an arched roof fifty feet high, beneath which, in the center of the structure, was erected a floral temple. Running entirely around the main hall, at a height of twelve feet, was a gallery sixteen feet in width, which was reached by broad stairways at the further end of the hall. The interior of the building was tastefully decorated with evergreens, flowers and bunting, entirely concealing the un- dressed pine lumber of which it was constructed.
The capacity of the dining room was sufficient for the accom- modation of fifteen hundred people. Hundreds of gas jets illu- minated every corner of the building by night.
During the progress of the fair, the 5th battery, portions of the 3d, 6th, 12th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 37th and 38th, and what re- mained of the 21st, 24th, 25th and 32d regiments returned to Milwaukee, also a number of Minnesota regiments; part of these troops were sent to Madison to be mustered out, and part re- mained. All were refreshed with food, and many were lodged
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at the fair building upon their arrival and during their stay in the city.
Many of the counties, towns and villages throughout the state cooperated in the enterprise of the fair, sending delegates to su- perintend and dispose of their donations. Every department of commerce, manufactures and agriculture were represented, being presided over by reliable persons in the various branches.
The Fine Arts Department represented the best art in the country, and was the first attempt to exhibit a collection of paintings and statuary in Wisconsin. The Scientific Depart- ment contained a large number of botanical, geological and zoö- logical specimens, which were voted, during the progress of the fair, to an educational institution within the state. Conspicuous for completeness and attractiveness was the Musical Department and Department of Arms and Trophies. One of the most in- teresting and praiseworthy features was the Department of the Public Schools, presided over by the children under the direc- tion of their teachers.
The editorial committee published in the fair building a daily paper called "The Home Fair Journal," devoted to the interests of the fair, and containing reports of committees, circulars, ac- knowledgments, etc. A portion of the space in the Journal was devoted to original articles of a miscellaneous character, and aimed to be, in some sort, an exponent of the literary taste and ability of the people of the state, as well as their liberality.
The German Department embraced many interesting features,
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prominent among which was the Holland kitchen. A large tent belonging to the State Agricultural Society was borrowed for the occasion, occupying a space next the building, in which were exhibited birds, animals, etc., one of the attractions of which was the "War Eagle," the bird that for three years accompanied the Eighth Wisconsin regiment.
It is impossible to speak in detail of the various departments which lent interest and attractiveness to the fair, or of the many entertainments given for its benefit by interested friends throughout the state, both during its progress and prior to its opening.
Through the untiring efforts of the ladies composing the board, the wise counsel and active cooperation of the advisory committee of gentlemen, and the generous support of the pub- lic generally, the fair proved in every sense all its projectors had hoped. The cash profits, after all expenses were paid, amounted to over one hundred and ten thousand dollars, the bulk of which sum was subsequently paid over to the National Asylum Com- missioners, thereby securing the location at Milwaukee of one of the National Homes. After several months of unabated labor in closing up official accounts, accrediting moneys received and making reports, purchasing a site, offering proposals, and ac- cepting plans and specifications for the erection of the perma- nent home, the officers, wearied by labors well and cheerfully performed, and feeling assured that the object for which the Home was established were now secured, withdrew from the
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board. After this, frequent changes were made in the direction of the Home, until July 5, 1866, when a formal proposition was made to the managers of the National Asylum, to turn over all moneys, lands and property, to be used in the purchase of a site and constructing of an asylum in or near the city of Milwaukec.
After sundry preliminaries extending over a period of several months, the board of commissioners accepted the proposition. April 30, 1867, the last meeting of the association was held. The following July, 1867, a deed in due and legal form conveyed to the board of commissioners of the National Asylum for Dis- abled Soldiers all the real estate of which the Wisconsin Sol- diers' Home was legally in possession; also all bonds, moneys and other property remaining in the treasury. Up to which date, 31,650 soldiers had been entertained at the Home. Over one thousand received medical treatment, and of this number but twenty-eight died, most of whom were in the last stages of their disease when admitted into the Home.
During the three years' existence of the Wisconsin Soldiers' Home the institution was conducted entirly by women, aided by an advisory committee of gentlemen, all of whose services were gratuitous; the superintendent and matron only being salaried. During a portion of the last year of its existence, however, the attending physicians and nurses were paid; previous to which time these offices were gratuitously performed by the lady man- agers and city physicians.
The board of managers of the National Home (Northwestern
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Branch) in compliance with their pledges and in consideration of the moneys and property received from the Wisconsin Sol- diers' Home, proceeded with all reasonable despatch to purchase grounds and erect suitable buildings thereon for the accommoda- tion of the soldiers having a legitimate claim on their bounty. The manifest comfort and happiness of the inmates fully attest that the pledges made the " Wisconsin Soldiers' Home Associa- tion " have been more than faithfully kept.
The situation of the Northwestern Branch of the Soldiers' Asylum is the finest in the country (see note), and the truly magnificent grounds, with the commodious buildings thereon, stand a monument to the glories of that triumph which saved a Nation and preserved to us and them a home.
NOTE. - "The northwestern branch, under command of Gen. EDWARD W. HINCKS, is getting a popularity with the disabled soldiers hitherto unknown. It has been crowded to its capacity during the past winter, although the board of managers have an authoritative hope that a considerable portion of the benefi- ciaries will find employment during the summer. The situation of the Home buildings attached to this branch is the finest in the country. The park is ex- celled by none except it may be Central Park. New York,"-Extract from Re- port of Board of Managers to Congress, for the year 1873.
SELECTIONS FROM RECORDS
OF
CENTENNIAL CLUB INAUGURATIONS, REUNIONS AND CELEBRATIONS OF NATIONAL ANNIVERSARIES,
BY
THE WOMEN OF WISCONSIN.
" Love and Faith in each other, our Country and our God."
The For Lakes of Madison.
For limid lakes- for Marades Or Sylvan deities are these, In flowing roles of arma dressed; Some lovely handmaids, strat uphold Their shining mirrors , rimmed with gold , To the fair City in the West.
.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRA
Astor, Lenix and Tu
-
By day, the coursers of the Sun Drink of these waters, as they run . Their swift , dium alround on high ; By night, the constellations glow Fav down their hollow deans below, And glimmer in another sky. 1
F.L
BY
Aster.1
SELECTIONS
FROM
Centennial Records.
In February, 1875, Mrs. J. G. THORP of Madison received the appointment of chairman for the state of Wisconsin, from Mrs. E. D. GILLESPIE, President of the Women's National Cen- tennial Executive Committee of Philadelphia. Mrs. THORP'S first official act was to issue the following
APPEAL TO THE WOMEN OF WISCONSIN, AND IN THEIR NAME, TO THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE.
Women of Wisconsin: - The voice of our approaching National Anniversary calls to us. Let us, for the time, subordinate individual interests, in obedience to the summons. We return to the homes of our youth, with our children and our children's children, to celebrate the golden wedding days, bearing with us our choicest offerings; and we gather there, fresh fruits from the Tree of Life. Let us in like manner, rekindle the holy sentiments of truth and loyalty to our mother country upon the glowing altar of our national nativity, on the 4th of July, 1876!
Let willing hearts and ready hands attest our gratitude, for the place we occupy and the name we bear, among the nations of the earth. The worth and magni- tude of such considerations will lift us to higher levels, and secure to us broader and stronger thought. In the plentitude of conscious ability, we have hitherto felt ignorant and helpless in many ways, for the want of that strength, which is the outgrowth of union and systematized action.
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The time is indicated, the opportunity furnished, for us to avail ourselves of this power and influence.
Are we not ready and eager to respond, each in our own way, as God has given us the ability ?
Every woman, who has intelligently read the "signs of the times," will in her own heart, comprehend somewhat, the meaning and tendency of this movement, as an indication of Providence.
Every such woman, doubtless, feels that some new ground must be gained, in reference to the education and habits of women, before we realize the full type of true American womanhood.
Amid the agitation and conflict upon this subject, it is difficult to discern clearly and definitely.
Between the two extremes, one represented by public debate and assertion, the other by frivolity and weakness, there is, doubtless, sound middle ground which may be occupied with safety and advantage.
Women guided by pure and healthful instincts will naturally find this golden mean for themselves, if they decide to think and act harmoniously upon the sub- ject.
Love of home, in its family and national sense, is a true incentive. Those who appreciate the blessings which flow to them through these channels will not ig- nore it. In this regard, there is no division of interests between men and women.
Gentlemen of the Legislature: - Understanding, as you do, the influence of the wife and mother in your own homes, we ask of you a practical illustration of that estimate, as women of the state of our mutual birthright or adoption.
The same arguments that are applicable to the appropriation of money, for the general interests of the Exhibition we conceive to be equally applicable to the special department represented by the " Woman's Centennial Executive Commit- tee." It is to be used for the same purposes, and its expenditure provided for in the same manner, by state and local committees.
No compensation is to be paid for services rendered.
Expenses necessarily incurred in the discharge of duties are alone provided for.
Accounts will be carefully inspected by suitable and experienced persons ap- pointed by the State Committee.
The expenditure of money appropriated by the legislature shall be open to their investigation. As sharers and workers with you in all that pertains to the honor and well being of the family, the state and the Nation, we ask you to set aside for our special use the sum of one thousand dollars, or whatever you may conceive to be a suitable amount for the women of the state which you have the honor to
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