Buchanan County, Missouri - Chapter 15: The Public and Private Charities of Buchanan County and St. Joseph. - History of Asylum No. 2. - the County Paupers and How They, 1900

Charity Board And The Free Kindergarten

THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE CHARITIES OF BUCHANAN COUNTY AND ST. JOSEPH. - HISTORY OF ASYLUM NO. 2. - THE COUNTY PAUPERS AND HOW THEY HAVE BEEN MAINTAINED SINCE THE EARLIEST DAYS. - THE CITY HOSPITAL. - ST. MARY'S ORPHAN ASYLUM. - MEMORIAL HOME AND THE HOME FOR LITTLE WANDERERS. - THE HOME FOR EXSLAVES. - THE ASSOCIATED CHARITIES, THE CHARITY BOARD AND THE FREE KINDERGARTEN.

I he most important public charity in Buchanan County, and one of the most important in the entire West, is State Lunatic Asylum No. 2, located a short distance beyond the eastern limits of St. Joseph. I p to March, 1872, Missouri had but one insane asylum, that located at Iuilton. The necessity for additional accommodations for the afflicted had long been felt, and the legislature, on March 19, 1872, appropriated $200,000 for a "Northwestern or Southwestern Lunatic Asylum at the same time providing for a board of commissioners to carry the act into effect. These commissioners were Wm. H. McHenry, St. Louis; Zach J. Mitchell, Lafayette County; Joseph K. Rickey, Calloway; Louis Hax, St. Joseph, and William Gilmore, Springfield. On June 14, of the same year, the comissioners, after a tour of inspection, located the asylum in Buchanan County, purchasing 120 acres of land from H. R. W. Hartwig and O. M. Loomis for $28,800. Thomas Walsh of St. Louis was appointed architect, and in the following September N. H. Fitzgibbons of St. Louis was awarded the contract for building the asylum at $188,897.

There were two north and south wings, of 1 15J feet each, and the entire edifice was four stories in height, with a Mansard roof, and there was a bell tower in the center 115 feet high. The building was of stock brick, trimmed with Milwaukee brick and cut atone.

J. M. Malin and John C. Evans, who were appointed by the governor for four years. Mr. Vories was the first president of the board and Dr. Malin the first secretary. Dr. George C. Catlett of St. Joseph was the first superintendent and his assistant was Dr. A. P. Busey, who is now first assistant.

This building, which stood for over five years, was destroyed by fire January 25, 1879, at about 1 o'clock in the afternoon. The alarm was given, but the flames spread so rapidly that the attendants had a difficult task in rescuing the inmates. The building was improperly and inconveniently designed as to stairways, and the managers had vainly besought the legislature to remedy this important defect. The loss was total, there being not a cent of insurance. Luckily there was no loss of life. The patients were brought to the city and quartered at the court house, where the males remained for three months, while the females were taken to a building on Louis street used as a railroad hospital. Afterwards the males were removed to temporary quarters on the asylumn grounds and the females were placed in a house nearby.

The people of St. Joseph took immediate steps looking to the rebuilding of the asylum, and also for the relief of the distressed. It so happened that the legislature was in session at the time of the disaster, and every energy was bent toward securing the necessary appropriation. A commission of architects and builders examined the walls and reported that these could be used to the extent of three-fourths of the entire building and estimated that the sum of $75,000 would cover the expense of rebuilding. There were other claimants, however, for the institution. Legislative committees visited different localities, with much waste of time and money, but the result was favorable to St. Joseph, and, in May of 1879, the legislature appropriated $75,000. The work of rebuilding began a,t once, the architect being S. V. Shipman of Chicago, and the contractors Lehman & Olson, also of Chicago. The work was superintended by Louis S. Stigers of St. Joseph.

April 1, 1880, the patients were removed to the new building. Since then many improvements have been made. Several wings have been added to the main house, hospitals, a laundry and other buildings have been erected. The latest improvement is an electric lighting plant.

Dr. Catlett was the superintendent until his death, which occurred in May of 1886. He was succeeded by Dr. R. E. Smith, who served four years and was succeeded August 11, 1890, by Dr.

Chas. R. Woodson, the present successful superintendent. Dr. Woodson's assistants are Dr. A. P. Busey, Dr. Charles O'Ferrall and Dr. C. B. Simcoe. At present there are about 900 patients in the asylum and the entire number of attendants and employes is 150. The annual cost of running the asylum is about $125,000.

Since the asylum was rebuilt in 1879 nearly $200,000 in improvements have been made, and most of them have been effected since 1885. Jn 1896 the board of managers purchased another tract of land containing no acres, and which is situated just north of the original site. The price paid for this land was $192 per acre or a total of $21,000. The grounds and buildings at this time are valued at $325,000.

THE COUNTY FARM. - Buchanan County provides better for its paupers than for its prisoners. The county farm, situated northeast of the city, about two miles from the corporate limits, is quite a modern institution, there being quarters for indigent sane, indigent insane, a hospital, proper separation of sexes, medical attention and other comforts.

The first pauper mentioned in the history of Buchanan County was Henry Fulks, who petitioned the county court for relief in October of 1840, stating that rheumatism had deprived him of the use of his hands. At that time there was no county farm and the court made an order granting him $15 per month for three months. This method of providing for the indigent, of whom there were few in those days, was pursued until 1850, when Elias Richardson, a farmer, residing near One Hundred and Two River, was authorized to maintain the paupers at the rate of $5 per month each, the county providing clothing and medical attendance. Richardson kept the paupers for two years. Judge Cornelius Roberts of Bloomington Township then kept the paupers until 1857, receiving $80 per annum for each. The county then purchased from Leroy Bean a tract of one hundred and forty acres, two miles southwest of Sparta, for $3,500. This farm was maintained until 1868. John Peter was superintendent until 1861, when he was succeeded by Henry Utz, who served three years and was succeeded by George Peter, who served until December, 1865. He in turn was succeeded by Isham Wood, who held the place until January, 1868, when he purchased the farm for $4,200. These superintendents received as compensation the use of the farm and from $75 to $80 per annum for each pauper, the county providing clothing and medical attendance.

First Lunatic Asylum

The paupers were next brought to the city and kept for three years by Dr. William Bertram, who had been appointed superintendent of the poor and county physician, by the county court. Dr. Bertram was succeeded in January, 1871, by Dr. A. S. Long, who held the place until September, 1871. The county court purchased, August 16 of that year, a quarter section from Matilda S. and Martin Hughes, paying $11,000 for the same, and, as soon as possible, had the paupers removed. Dr. Bertram and Dr. Long received as compensation fifty cents per day for each pauper, the county furnishing everything but the food.

In September of 1871, the new institution was opened, with seven male and six female inmates. John Spellman was appointed superintendent at a salary of $100 per month, the county providing for the inmates, and Dr. A. S. Long was retained as physician. There was a good, roomy frame house on the farm, which had been erected by Kit Todd before the war and intended for use as a summer resort, a railroad from St. Joseph to Savannah having passed through the farm.

In 1873, a frame building was erected for the insane. These unfortunates had been kept at the state insane asylum at Fulton, but were returned owing to the crowded condition of that institution. They were cared for in the temporary quarters until the completion 01 asylum No. 2. When that institution burned, January, 1879, they were again placed in the temporary quarters. The necessity of a permanent institution for the county insane was so pressing that, in August, 1880, the judges appropriated $10,000 for this purpose. A building with modern equipments and with a capacity of 150 patients was completed in February of 1881. In this building the incurably insane are kept. The county still maintains a number of patients at Asylum No. 2 considered curable.

Improvements were made at various times as the necessities arose until to-day the county has an asylum for indigent and insane that is both adequate and comfortable.

Superintendent Spellman was succeeded on December 31, 1872, by John Sheehan, who served until July 6, 1874. On that date Bluford Allee took charge, but died one month aterwards and his son, William Allee, managed the institution until March, 1875, when William Carson was appointed superintendent. The office was salaried, the compensation ranging from $60 to $100 per month. Mr. Carson continued in office until March, 1883. During the last four years of his administration Mr. Carson fed the inmates for nine cents per day, the county paying all other expenses.

Michael Gleason succeeded Mr. Carson and held the office until September, 1886. He was paid 30 cents per day for feeding, clothing and maintaining the inmates, the county keeping up repairs and providing medical attendance. In addition he had the use of the farm free of charge and the privilege of such labor as was available from the patients. John B. Corbett was appointed to succeed Superintendent Gleason upon the same terms, but, during the month of September, 1896, the county court ordered that the superintendent be placed on salary, which was fixed at $75 per month, and that all expenses be borne by the county. T. P. Mosely succeeded Mr. Corbett March 1, 1894, served one year and was succeeded by Spencer G. Barnes, who also served one year and was succeeded, March 1, 1896, by Thomas Chivers, the present (1898) incumbent. The salary of the superintendent remains at $75 per month.

THE CITY HOSPITAL. - While St. Joseph has cared for her charity patients ever since she has been a city of prominence, her city hospital, like the Buchanan County jail, is not a thing to be proud of. It answers the purpose and that is about all. Located on the high bluffs, on West Robidoux street, there is but little to commend it, save the air, of which there is an abundance, such as it is.

There is no record of a city hospital prior to 1861. In that year the city acquired the site of the present hospital, upon which stood an old-fashioned building, which had been used during the pioneer days as a combination storehouse and dwelling. This building is still in existence and forms the residence of the hospital steward. The first steward was T. W. Bern, who served seven years. John Deveraux, now of Doniphan County, Kansas, followed and served three years, being succeeded by John Wilson, who served four years, dying in office. He was succeeded in April of 1874 by Felix Defonds, who held the place continuously until May 15, 1896, when he was succeeded by William A. Ziemendorff. After serving two years Mr. Ziemendorff was succeded by Dr. Harry Kaull, the present incumbent.

The hospital building is forty feet square, two stories high, of brick. This building marks the struggles for an adequate city hospital that has been going on during the past thirty years. In 1875 the council set aside the dog tax for hospital improvement and extension purposes. With the proceeds of this revenue a one-story brick building-, 20x40, was erected in 1878. In 1880 a second section, of similar dimensions, was joined to the first. In 1890-91 a second story was placed over the ground work and other improvements, such as water, lighting, etc., were added. Up to 1890 the hospital steward was clerk of the Board of Health. At that time the office of city chemist was erected. It was one of the duties of thus officer to serve as clerk of the Board of Health. However, this office was abandoned last May, at the suggestion of Mayor Kirschner, and now charity prescriptions are compounded at a specified rate by any druggist in the city, as was formerly done, and the steward of the hospital is once more the clerk of the health department. From 1880 to the beginning of the present fiscal year there was also an assistant city physician. This office was abolished and the place filled by the hospital steward, who is now required to be a physician.

Some months ago the Sisters of St. Vincent de Paul, who are in charge of St. Joseph's Hospital, submitted a proposition to maintain the city's patients, which was feasible and would have been economical, but legal obstacles prevented the city from entering into a a contract for a sufficient length of time to justify the necessary expense on the part of the Sisters. Perhaps the next historian will tell of a better city hospital.

ST. MARY'S ORPHAN ASYLUM. - This is an asylum for orphaned boys only, conducted by the Sisters of St. Joseph, and which depends entirely upon charity for its existence. It was established by Mother Clements, a lady of great energy and business tact, in 1879, Corby Chapel, northwest of the city. In 1880, the late Francis Brown donated a substantial house and forty acres of ground, desirably located, about three miles from the eastern city limits. Since then the house has been enlarged and improved and it is today capable of accommodating seventy-five children. The Sisters in charge of this institution receive no compensation for their services, but give their time and attention to its management purely through Christian love for the fatherless and motherless boys who are sent there. There are from forty to fifty boys in the institution all of the time, and the Sisters of St. Joseph are performing a noble work. Orphans are received at this institution without condition. Relatives who have children in St. Mary's are not required to surrender all claim to them or to pay for their support. The children are cared for and are returned to relatives or guardians when these become able to support them.

MEMORIAL HOME. - The Ladies' Union Benevolent Association is a charitable organization that has accomplished a world of good in a practical Christian manner since its organization in 1874. Twenty-four years ago this society was organized in a quiet, unostentious way, by the Protestant Evangelical churches of St. Joseph. The society at the time of its organization had no funds nor a home in society at the time of its organization had no funds or a home in which to shelter the unfortunates, but it was composed of a band of earnest women who were willing to work. By soliciting contributions, by giving entertainments and by various other means, a little money was secured, a frame house at the corner of Antoine and Levee streets was rented, and the work begun. From that time to this the association has performed a charitable work that has commanded the respect and aid of the Christian and business elements of the city.

In 1880 money was raised by private subscription to purchase what was then known as the Armstrong Beattie homestead, at Main and Pouline street, which property has ever since remained in the possession of the association. The sum of $3,985 was raised by subscription to purchase the Beattie place, and since that time until the new building was erected, in 1895, it was twice remodeled and enlarged, at considerable expense, to accommodate the homeless and distressed.

1 his institution was for many years known as the Home for the briendless, but October 1, 1895, R was converted into the Memorial Home for Aged People, both male and female. Since the property was purchased, eighteen years ago, the old family residence has been supplanted by an entirely new structure, no part of the original building remaining.

Two years ago the new building was remodeled and enlarged just before it was converted into a home for aged people. It is a solid, substantial brick building, heated by steam, supplied with gas and water and other modern conveniences, and is comfortable in every respect. This institution is supported largely by ''The Hoagland Endowment Fund," created by George T. Hoagland in honor of his wife, and consisting of $25,000. This endowment is, however, not sufficient to entirely support the institution, and the public contributes the remainder.

HOME FOR LITTLE WANDERERS. - The Home for Little Wanderers, located ait Twenty-eighth and Colhoun streets, in the extreme eastern portion of the city, is also controlled by the Ladies Union Benevolent Association. This home was erected at a cost of $25,000, including the site. The home was a gift to the association from Charles W. Noyes, of the local shoe manufacturing firm of Noyes, Norman & Co. Mr. Noyes spent most of his life in St. Joseph and this section, but now resides at Boston. The Home for Little Wanderers is a love tribute to the memory of his daughter, who died in early womanhood.

The gift was made in 1892, accompanied by an endowment of real estate on North Third street valued at $65,000. The building is of pressed brick, three stories, steam-heated, modern in every respect, and has a capacity of one hundred inmates. The ground consists of eight and one-half acres and the site is commanding and healthful. From the income of the endowment made by Mr. Noyes the home is supported entirely. Children of both sexes, from two years up to nine, are taken here and well cared for.

THE HOME FOR EX-SLAVES. - The idea of a home for dependent ex-slaves originated in Charles S. Baker, an intelligent young negro. By persistent solicitation both at home and abroad he and those of his race who were interested with him in the work, secured enough money to build a structure at Seventeenth street and Highland avenue. This was under roof, but was destroyed by a hurricane in September of 1894. For a time the future of the project seemcc! gloomy, but Dr. P. J. Kirsclmer came generously to the rescue. Iri December of 1887 he donated one-half of the purchase price of a tract of two acres, with a substantial brick house, at Twenty-fourth street and Mitchell avenue, and gave the promoters long and easy terms on the balance, which amounts to $1,500. The build-, ing has nine rooms and there are accommodations for fifteen inmates.

OT HER CHARITIES. - The poor were always well cared for in St. Joseph. Up to the fall of 1897 distress was relieved by the county court and by the mayor. At various times organizations have existed for the purpose of systematizing the charity work and preventing impositions. For several years there has existed the Associated Charities, representing a consolidation of the various societies.

In 1897 a state law was passed authorizing the formation of a Board of Charities. This board is composed of members appointed by the county court and by the mayor, and its business is the distribution of funds supplied by the city and county for charity. A secretary is employed, whose duty it is to investigate all applications and prevent imposition.

The Associated Charities maintain a sewing room, where needy women are furnished employment. Besides these there are charitabl organizations in nearly every church parish in the city, and there is also a free kindergarten, maintained by the Mothers' Association. This is a day nursery, where working women can leave little children while they go out to employment.