Montgomery County, Ohio - Chapter 14, 1882

Chapter 14

V the following sketch of the Soldiers' Home, it is not our intention to en- J ter into an elaborate description of that institution, and the many blessing conferred upon the heroes of our country, who have there found a fitting mute to the sacrifices undergone by them during the nation's peril, but to ripe briefly its establishment, growth and present prosperity. The history of i home from its inception up to the year 1875 has been written " By a Vetmi of the Home," and to that work we are indebted for the mutter used in ii: article up to that date. At the close of the war, hospitals and soldiers njies were established in most of the loyal States, and everything that mede skill, care and comfort could suggest was done for the returned soldier.

T ) gradual disappearance of hospitals and soldiers' retreats resulted in the ttion of national homes, on a more substantial basis, the main object in view mg to enlarge their usefulness and extend their benefits to the disabled sollip of the Union. To carry this purpose into effect, an act of Congress was i lined and approved March 31, 1865, and a Board of Managers appointed. T|) board, at its first meeting, elected Gen. B. F. Butler President, and Hon. off. Gunckel Secretary. The act of Congress authorized the Board of Manors to establish one or more homes, and under it the Central Home came into Jitence, besides three others in different parts of the Union.

In the selection of an eligible site for the Central Home, the attention of the i rd of Managers was directed to the rich and fertile valley of the Miami, and. u ing it admirably adapted to the purposes of a home, they at once entered into lflotiations for the purchase of 540 acres of land, about three miles west of the -i of Dayton, located principally in Section 1, Jefferson Township, with a 11 fraction in Section 36, Madison Township. The land, at the time of the pfphase, was in the ordinary condition of farm lands throughout the State, iCjsessing, however, natural beauty and great facilities of improvement; but . tve all, the supply of water was both abundant and excellent. On the p.mds are several medicinal springs, two of which have rare mineral prop- T3s. At the request of the Board of Managers, Chaplain T. B. Van Horn, i he United States Army, was detailed by the Secretary of War to lay out theimds. The site overlooks the city of Dayton and the beautiful scenery of i! Miami Valley for miles around. The cost of this site was $46,800, and h board was influenced in its selection, as between other nearly equally eligifljsites, by the munificent donation of $20,000 from the citizens of Dayton,

' , under the leadership of Hon. Lewis B. Gunckel, Secretary of the Board, 'Vced the liveliest interest in the success of the institution. Most vigorous

II of the disabled soldiers. Congress had given to the home the lumber :o posing the temporary buildings at Camp Chase, and, with the aid of this iLerial, under the efficient and enthusiastic direction of Mr. Gunckel, build - m were most rapidly and economically constructed, which were filled as fast as hey could be got ready. The organization of the Central Home as an instation dates from March 26, 1867, at which date the Hon. L. B. Gunckel,

State Home and transferred them to the nation's care. We cannot do butte here than to quote from a speech made by Mr. Gunckel in the presence of tk officers, employes and veterans of the State Home upon the day of the transfei there being also present Gens. Wright, Mitchell and Warner, Gov. Cor. an Lieut. Gov. McBurney. Said he: "Although technically the national asylum

' 1 W e hope soon to furnish you one better deserving the name. Like tb pioneer who first builds a log cabin, soon to be replaced by a larger and mor ^comfortable mansion, so this, your first home, will soon give way to one mud larger and better. W e hope before long to give you one which, in beauty am healthfulness of situation, extent of grouuds, and size and character of building? shall equal that of the richest and best of the land. In addition to chapel an school room, there will be work-shops, where you may learn new and li o-hte trades, adapted to your several disabilities. We hope, by proper surgical car .and nursing, to send many of you again into the world, healthy and able t take care of yourselves, and, by suitable education, to prepare many of yo for teachers, book-keepers, clerks, mechanics, etc., and so be able to enter lb lists with the best. Whenever you think you can get along in the world, w prefer that you should try. If you succeed, we bid you Godspeed. If yo fail, we will welcome you back. For here, as long as you live, is your home, 1 which, if you have left with an honorable discharge, you will be ever welcome.

How thoroughly these noble promises have been fulfilled and carried or to the letter, a visit to the home will answer; for it would not be an exaggeri tion to say that it is now one of the most beautiful spots on God's green ibo stool. The grounds where this institution now stands were taken possessic early in August, 1867, and the first men were sheltered here September ! 1867; but it was not until the latter part of that year that the final transfer ( all the disabled soldiers from the Ohio State Home took place. Day by da this institution has grown larger, until it has assumed immense proportion furnishing a comfortable, and, in some respects, luxurious home to 4,000 di: abled veterans, supplying them with amusements, entertainments, literatim education, moral and religious instruction, light and suitable employment -clean clothing and linen, and excellent food. To the casual observer who sa this place in 1868, and did not again behold it until 1882, the rapid growth < the buildings, and the vast improvement and ornamentation of the grouru seems a grandeur of design and a miracle of execution. Indeed, to the coi stant observer of this work, it seemed to progress with unexampled rapidit

To Lewis B. Gunckel, and to his zeal and energy in the cause, more tbs to any other man, is attributable this wonderf ill advancement. The work < improvement has been prosecuted most vigorously, and alterations and add tions are being made continually. Although but a few years have elapse since its commencement, the Central Branch may be regarded as the large and most flourishing institution of its class in the world.

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States in Vongr That the following persons be and they are hereby appointed Managers (if t National Asylum for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, under the provisions and condition^ the third section of the act approved March twenty-third, eighteen hundred and sixty-si Richard J. Oglesby, of Illinois, Benjamin F. Butler, of Massachusetts, and Frederic Smythe, of New Hampshire, of the first class, to serve six . years; Lewis B. Gunckel, Ohio, Jay Cooke, of Pennsylvania, and P. Joseph Osterhaus, of Missouri, of the secoi class, to serve four years; John H. Martindale, of New York, Horatio G. Stebbins, | and George H. Walker, of Wisconsin, of the third class, to serve two years.

By a joint resolution approved December 7, 1866, Erastus B.. Wolcott of dsconsin, was appointed to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of George ] Walker; and John S. Cavender, of Missouri, was appointed to fill the vaiacy caused by the resignation of P. Joseph Osterhaus.

By a joint "resolution approved June 9, 3870, Lewis B. Gunckel, Jay Cooke td John S. Cavender, whose terms expired April 21, 1870, were re-appointed - managers of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. At the me time Erastus B. Wolcott and John H. Martindale were re-appointed on 1 3 Board of Managers, and Hugh L. Bond, of Maryland, was appointed to . the vacancy caused by the resignation of Horatio G. Stebbins. Maj. Gen. 'nomas 0. Osborn, of Chicago, 111., and Maj. Gen. James S. Negley, of Pitts- Irgh, Penn., became members of the Board of Managers, in place of Richard Oglesby and Jay Cooke. Thus in 1876, the following constituted the regi ir Board of Managers :

The President of the United States, ex officio : the Chief Justice, ex officio ; to Secretary of War ex officio; Maj. Gen. B. E. Butler. President; Maj. Gen.

Sirce the above date a complete change has taken place in the Board of 1 magers, on account of the change in the political complexion of Congress, pich controls the appointments. On the 20th of June, 1878, Col. Leonard i: Harris, of Ohio, Gen. Richard Coulter, of Pennsylvania, and Col. John A. hrtin, of Kansas, were appointed Managers to fill vacancies occasioned by te expirations of the terms of office April 21. 1876, of Hon. Lewis B. Gunckel, In. James S. Negley and Gen. John S. Cavender. By an act approved June 1, 1880, six new members of the Board were appointed, viz. : J ohn M. Pali|r, of Illinois; William B. Franklin, of Connecticut; and Charles W. Roberts, < Maine, to fill vacancies which occurred April 21, 1878; and Martin T. Mcihon, of New York; John Love, of Indiana; and David C. Fulton, of Wiscisin, to fill vacancies which occurred April 21, 1880. The six retiring mem- 1 (.'s were; Benjamin F. Butler, J. H. Martindale, Frederick Srnythe, Hugh L. ind, Erastus B. Wolcott and James S. Negley. By the death of Gen. John five, January 29, 1881, a vacancy occurred in the board, and Gen. George B. BClellan, of New Jersey, was appointed to fill said vacancy. The following L the gentlemen who now constitute the Board of Managers ;

The President of the United States, ex officio; Chief Justice ex officio; tp Secretary of War ex officio; Gen. William B. Franklin, President; Col. JonardA. Harris, First Vice President; Gen. Richard Coulter, Second Vice Resident; Gen. Martin T. McMahon, Secretary; Col. .John A. Martin, Maj. Ml C. Fulton, Gen George B. McClellan, Gen. John M. Palmer, Gen.

The Attractions Of The Home

To attempt a minute description of this institution, with its intricate int dor workings, is foreign to this article, and the reader will bear in mind tjit much might be written which would be unimportant from a historical and therefore outside the scope of this work. The Home has two rlroads running into its grounds, viz.: The Home Avenue, and the T. D. and Railroad, the former coming in on the east side, and the latter entering 1 >m the north, and being but recently constructed. Both roads afford ample ipilties for reaching the Home, and are well patronized, paying institutions; ' t the Home Avenue Road, being the older one, we will start from its depot i| our description of this beautiful tribute to the Nation's defenders. On reaching the Home, the visitor alights at a handsome depot, constructed in tfo Gothic style of architecture, with balconies on each side, supplied with com fortable seats. The interior is fitted up with counter and refreshment tables and attended by veterans of the Home. To the right is a commodious bote] erected in 1878, and paid for by the institution itself; where visitors will fin< good, comfortable accommodations at reasonable prices. Passing through th< rear entrance of the depot, we reach, by means of rough-hewn stone steps, i broad and sloping avenue, and proceeding farther on arrive at an open space from where a magnificent picture presents itself to the view. At the right i a beautiful flagstaff, with the starry banner unfurled to the breezes of heaven The siege guns and mortars, with pyramids of shot and shell (the gift of a lov ing Government), and a battery in position as in battle, fill the thoughtfu beholder with thrilling memories.

Standing almost directly in front is the Headquarters Building located on the main avenue, an imposing brick structure 130x41 feel three stories, the third being a mansard, surrounded by broad veranda that completely embrace the building, the first story of which is usei for the offices of the Governor, Treasurer and Secretary of the Home. Th second and third stories are used for a library and reading room, is 104x4 feet, and nineteen feet from floor to ceiling, lighted by ten windows each oi the north and south sides, making it light, airy and cheerful, while at night cone reflector sheds its brilliant rays over all. This room contains the notei "Putnam Library," contributed by Mrs. Mary Lowell Putnam, of Boston Mass., as a memorial of her son, William Lowell Putnam, who fell at the feat tie of Ball's Bluff. This library now contains 5,000 volumes of well-selected and valuable books. At the opposite end of the room is the " Thomas Library, containing some 7,000 volumes, contributed by the old soldiers and admirer of the lamented Gen. George H. Thomas, and named in his honor. Beside the books, there are regularly received most of the leading magazines, reviews etc. , and some 300 daily and weekly newspapers. The formal opening of thi library took place in April. 1871. The room is large and beautiful, the ceiling handsomely frescoed, the walls hung with several hundred pictures, while strewi around the walls on tables and in cases are exhibited many interesting relics c the great battles of the war.

Upon leaving the library, and looking to the right, the beautifn " Memorial Hall" and Home Church is in full view; and beyond, on i knoll, shaded by forest trees, stands the Chaplain's residence. Stil farther to the right the magnificent and commodious hospital charms the be holder; and a little farther on the neat cottage of the Resident Surgeon, sui' rounded by a lovely lawn, completes the picture in that direction. As we lool to the northwestward, we behold the Soldier's Monument, rising from a hili-to in the distance, which marks the place where the heroes sleep. Keeping th same position, we now turn to the left and observe a rustic arbor, the springe the flower garden, the fountain, the conservatory and the lakes, upon whici are numerous swans and other water fowl; and still letting the eye sweep on ward, we behold the rustic bridges, the beautiful groves of forest trees, th deer park, with more than fifty deer, elk, antelopes, buffaloes, etc..; the \eterai Spring, the Governor's residence, embowered in trees and flowers, the res; dences of the Treasurer, the Secretary and the Steward, all located on the boi ders of the grove. To the west is the long line of neat and comfortable bar racks where 4, 000 veterans rest from the fight; the large and comfortable dininj hall, kitchen, bakery, laundry, workshops, the Home store -building, the Quar termaster and Commissary store- building, the tasteful band pagoda, surrounded by a charming lawn, while the whole grounds are interspersed with broad

,vl paved avenues and shaded paths, combining to make this splendid pic- :ne complete. Strolling beyond the woods and immediate confines of the ititution, we come to the farmer's residence, the vegetable garden, the barn,

} stable and the well-fed stock that graze upon the broad acres of the 9me farm. From the Headquarters Building, which we have already de- we will now go on to give a brief description of the principal buildt s of the Home.

Memorial Hall

The first " Memorial Hall " was built without cost to the Government, the they coming from the disabled veterans themselves, through what is called y "store and posthumous fund." It was a large, splendid brick building, ij)x75 feet, and sixty-five feet high, designed for all classes of literary, jmatic and musical entertainments, military drills, etc. It was erected in '8, and destroyed by fire in May, 18S0. Congress soon afterward made an aropriation of $30,000 toward replacing it, and in October, 1S81, the new isl was finished, and opened during the winter of 1881 and 1882. It is a Scent structure, with a seating capacity of 1,600 beautifully painted and :ncoed, and possessing all the latest improvements in hall architecture. We ii.bt if there is a hall in the Union that surpasses it, in comfort, elegance, gustic properties, beauty of design and finish. The stage is fitted up with jJutiful scenery and all other appliances sufficient to produce any piece per- fned at first-class places of amusement.

The Church

This is a fine Gothic structure, built of stone, eighty-nine feet long by fiftyr wide with beautiful windows of stained glass. In the tower is a large clock Oh the dial visible from all parts of the Home; also a large clear-toned bell, sip from brass cannon, captured from the enemy during the war of the rebellion. Tp auditorium is handsomely frescoed and furnished, and will comfortably sG nearly 1,000 persons. The national colors are draped across the ceilujj, while back of the pulpit near the ceiling is the seal of the institution in stained glass, with the inscription " The Nation to her Defenders." die the Rev. William Earhshaw, who is chaplain, holds services every Sun- ! attendance is entirely voluntary, and the church is equally open and free ill denominations. The basement of the church, now fitted up for a Oath- J ; chapel, was formerly used each evening by one of the associations of Home, among which are the " Grand Army of the Republic," " Good Temrs," " Hibernian Society," " German Yeteran Society," etc. The view of tip church, as we saw it one beautiful summer evening with the creeping ivy ' ering its walls, will not soon be forgotten, as it was one of the most charmi sights it has ever been our good fortune to behold.

The Hospital

This is the largest single building of the Home, is built of brick, three sries high, with basement and rear building for kitchen, dining-room, etc. e main structure is 293 feet long, composed of a center or administration .lding 41x131, and two wings for wards for the sick, each of the six vrds being 101x28, with two rooms in the tower, twelve feet square, Cached to each wai'd and fitted up for bath-room, water-closets, etc. The ' rds are perfectly ventilated and heated, and are beautifully furnished ,uh everything which could possibly add to the comfort of the patients. The Elding stands immediately north of the church on an open ground a little plining from the latter. The position, though somewhat lower, is conspicu- :s and convenient, and Mr. Gunckel did not fall into the error of hiding the hospital in some obscure place. Approaching from the main entrance to thi grounds, it stands the first important edifice of the Home. It is the prominen object. The building cost over $200,000, accommodates 300 patients, and i believed to be one of the best-constructed, best- furnished and best-kept hospital in the country.

Cemetery And Monument

More than 2,100 of the disabled veterans who were residents of the Centra Home since its establishment, have died and been buried with military honor in the beautiful grove, west of the Hospital, which has been tastefully laid ou for a cemetery. Their comrades desiring to manifest their respect and love i'o these fallen heroes, have erected to their memory a beautiful monument of pur white marble, fifty feet high, and surmounted with a splendid figure of a pri vate soldier. It was unveiled on the 12th day of September, 1877, by tin President of the United States, with grand ceremonies and in the presence o 25,000 people. On the pedestal are the words, " To our fallen Comrades,' and " These were honorable men in their generation. " On the base are fon figures, representing the four arms of the service, viz., Artillery, Infantry Cavalry and Navy. These figures were carved in Italy, at great expense The base is surrounded by tablets, on which are engraved the names o all the veterans who are buried in the cemetery. The entire cost of this beau tiful monument was $16,000, each veteran voluntarily paying $1 toward it erection, which was in charge of the " Monumental and Historical Society " o the Home. Rev. William Earnshaw has been President of this society si no its organization, and to his efforts much of the success attained is justly duc- Several donations helped on the worthy object, but it will ever stand as th tribute of the living veterans to their deceased brothers.

Dining Room, Kitchen And Other Buildings

It is no small matter to bake the bread and cook and serve the food fo 4,000 men, and no ordinary building will answer for all these purposes at tin Central Home; but the great structure immediately west of the frame barrack was specially designed to meet these requirements. All the baking, cookin; and serving is done by the veterans, and although the food is all of the bes quality, comprising an abundance of the best meats, vegetables, fruits, etc., thi average daily ration of each man for 1880 was only 16f cents. This buildin; is of brick, 97x131 feet, three stories high, and finished in first-class style, thi top story being a mansard The Central Home buildings comprise 140 ii number, and altogether make a pleasant looking city. The most of them wen designed for and are used as barracks, the older ones being of wood, iargeh constructed from lumber taken from " Camp Chase. ' ' They are large, three storied structures, 30x100 feet, with mansard roofs, and are uniform in sizi and appearance. The new barracks are of brick, three stories high, 34x141 feet, and the interiors of all are nicely furnished and supplied with everything necessary for the health and comfort of their occupants. All these building' have large windows on four sides, with no partitions, affording perfect ventij lation and making them admirable for sitting and sleeping . apartments. Between each row of barracks is a wide, well-paved avenue, or a space of from fifty to sixty feet, laid out and kept as lawns. Many other large and substan tial buildings, some of fine and imposing appearance, and all tasteful and wel adapted to the purposes for which they are used, are scattered over the grounds South of the dining hall is a large brick building used exclusively for bathing and the men are not only furnished with hot or cold baths without price, but every man in the institution is required to take one bath each week. Just west of the bath-house is another large brick building, devoted wholly to the; im laundry, at which the washing of all the men is done. West of this are h carpenter and cabinet shops, and near by are the workshops for the shoe l.ers, tailors, tinners, saddlers, blacksmiths, broom-makers, cigar-makers, lnbers, stocking-knitters, wagon-makers, painters, etc. Then there is a ! e, three-storied brick building for amusements. Upon the first floor are ling alleys; upon the second, billiard and bagatelle tables, and the third y used as the armory of the Brown Guard, a splendid volunteer military o pany, belonging to the Home, composed entirely of disabled veterans. '/ understand that this company has disbanded on account of the many re - : -dons thrown in its way by the present unpopular Governor of the Home,

: . no doubt, disliked the honor paid to his predecessor, through this organ- '.;!on, after whom it was called. There are also half a dozen pretty cottages officers' residences, and still other buildings for the school, restaurant, hotel, <n fire engine, for quartermaster and commissary stores, for post office, o ting office, and for the manufacture of gas, with which all the buildings uiighted.

Schools And Labor

Another excellent feature of the Institution is a school, where veterans nstructed in useful callings. Here men who lost their right arms are uht to write with the left hand, while instruction is given in book-keeping, cd-carving, telegraphy, as well as all the common school branches. Any of a trade may be thoroughly learned here, the object being for each vetto acquire that calling best suited to his disability. Believing that men 'e/where are more healthy, contented and happy when they have something ) ), it has been the steady policy of the management to encourage labor by u dishing workshops of every suitable kind, and by making the cultivation c t pwers, fruits, etc. , features of the institution. It is an imperative order of itdoard of Managers that all labor and service in and about the Home, shall, vVe have heard it freely asserted that the Government could support the tans of the National Homes in the first-class hotels of the country at less base than the same cost at said Homes. This is a mistake, as a glance at ; expenses of the Central Home will prove. The total current or running -fuses of this institution, including subsistence, clothing, fuel, lights, med- 1 , officers' salaries, employes' pay roll, transportation, and all other expenses, u!bt only those for construction and repairs, during the year 1880, was 44,791.54. The average number of men present during the year was 3,399, 'R ng the average yearly cost of keeping each man $117.32, which is actually 'sj-han at any other of the public institutions of the United States, although nreterans of the Central Home are better and more generously provided for a those of any other public institution.

was honorably discharged and disabled by wounds received or sickness coi traded in the service, can gain free transportation and admission to the Horn' By a recent act of Congress, soldiers of the war of 1812, and Mexican war ai also included. Thus does a thankful Government provide for those war-woi veterans, filling their last days with peace, contentment and happiness.

Recent Improvements, Flowers, Etc

Besides the new brick barracks, the monument, hotel and "Memorial Hall many other improvements have recently been made, or are in process of coi struction. A new lake, covering ten acres, has been built, large ice hous erected, and an extensive water-works system is now being put in at an nutlf of about $30,000. The Board of Managers have appropriated $3,000 for tl purpose of constructing an avenue 100 feet wide, in conjunction with certai citizens of Dayton beginning at the western terminus of Fifth street, and te minating at the new lake on the Home ground.

It would be utterly impossible to attempt in this brief article anytkii like a description of the magnificent beauty of the garden, conservatories ar dower beds. Entering a lovely dell where the art of the florist and botani has been brought into requisition, a landscape garden, with nature's choice flowers of beauty and fragrance delights the eye and charm the senses, the co: servatory and greenhouse, with plants from the tropics, and trees bearing the delicious fruits. Creeping vines adorn the rock work, and rustic seats are co veniently placed for rest and pleasure. Three mineral springs are convert into drinking fountains; and it is not too much to say that nature and art cor bined have succeeded in creating a little paradise of beauty and grace. To M Frank Mundt, the florist and gardner, to Mrs. Elizabeth Bohrer, of Genua town, and to Mr. Davis, the architect, assisted by the veterans of the Horn the whole under the personal supervision of Col. E. F. Brown, is due tl honor of creating this garden of Eden, which to-day is the wonder and adm ration of the 100,000 persons who annually come from all over the world feast, their eyes and record their tributes of praise.

Officers Anb Ex- Officers Of The Home

In closing this sketch the want of space will prevent us from recordii more than the names of those who have held official positions in the Oenti Home, leaving to some future writer the duty of giving to each a genera biography.

Governors. - Maj.E. E. Tracy was appointed Deputy Governor in flare 1867, and died in June, 1868. Gen. Timothy Ingram was appointed Govern; in December, 1867, and served until January 1, 1869, on which date Col.

F, Brown relieved him. The latter was commissioned Deputy Governor j November, 1868, confirmed in July, 1869, and was appointed Governor Se tember 6, 1873. On September 23, 1880, Col. Brown was appointed, by t Board of Managers, Inspector General of the National Homes, and Gen M. Patrick appointed Governor of the Central Plome, which office he now oeeupit

Secretaries. - In 1867, Capt. A. P. Woodruff was appointed Secretai serving until September, 1870, when he was succeeded by Capt. Wilham Lough, who served until September, 1873. Capt. it. E. Fleming then becd Secretary, and occupied that position until May 14, 1880, when Maj. Lou? again became Secretary, and now occupies that position.

Surgeons. - Dr. C. McDermont served as Surgeon of the Central Hoi from its organization until August, 1874, with the exception of fourteen mont ei as the surgeon of the Southern Home. Dr. S. K. Towle was transferred o' the Northwestern Home to the Central in April, 1872. and served until dj 1873, when he resigned. In November, 1874, Dr. James M. Weaver ben Surgeon, and was succeeded by Dr. A. H. Stephens October 1 , 1880, who t[) present Surgeon of the Home. The following physicians have served as slant Siugeons in the Central Home: Drs. J. W. Stewart, George G. Hop- JT. F. Price, J. K. Evans apd A. S. Dunlap.

Chaplain. - Rev. William Earnshaw, D. D., has occupied the position of lain since the organization of the Central Home, and his labors have been liable to the institution. A brave soldier, an earnest student, and a kindled, Christian gentleman, his chaplaincy has been a constant blessing to - iome.

- -Capt. A. P. Woodruff served as Steward in connection with j ecretaryship. He occupied the latter position until September, 1870, and tewardship until December, 4. 1872, when he resigned and was succeeded opt. William Thompson, who served in that capacity for nearly ten years.

Matron. - Mrs. E. L. Miller has been Matron of the Home since its incep c and too much praise cannot be accorded her for the indefatigable energy a as always displayed in the performance of her arduous duties.