History: Local: Chapters XXXIII & XXXIV : Charitable and Benevolent Associations & Insane Hospital and Poor House : Bean's 1884 History of Montgomery Co, PA
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BEAN'S HISTORY OF
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
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488
CHAPTER XXXIII.
CHARITABLE AND BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATIONS.
MASONIC. -There is a tradition that a Masonic lodge was in existence
within the lines of the Continental army occupying Valley Forge, and that it
was presided over by Washington.
CHARITY LODGE, No. 190, F. AND A. M. -The first lodge of Masons organized
in Montgomery County of which any positive information can be obtained is
Charity Lodge, No. 190, F. and A. M., of Norristown, the charter for which
was granted August 2, 1823, and the lodge constituted October 23d the same
year. By the last published report it has two hundred and twelve members.
The present officers are:
Thomas J. Baker W. M.
William F. Slingluff S. W.
James A. Welsh, J. W.
John Slingluff, Treas.
George R. Kite, Sec.
Of Past Masters now living are
Charles L. Cornman
Edmund A. Kite
Samuel Brown, Jr.
Edward D. Johnson
William B. Roberts
Florence Sullivan
Benjamin F. Solley
William E. Mover
John Slingluff, R. G. L.
George A. Lenzi
D. G. Sherman
John C. Richardson
Abraham S. Hallman
Benjamin Thomas
Joseph H. Bodey
Jacob Custer
Henry A. Derr
Alexander Hooven
Thaddeus S. Adle
John W. Bickel
Joseph R. Ebert.
STICHTER LODGE, No. 254, OF POTTSTOWN. -The charter for this lodge was
granted March 3, 1851. It now has one hundred and forty-nine members, with
the following officers:
George R. Harrison, W. M.
R. S. Malsberger, S. W.
J. H. Morris, J. W.
M. S. Longaker, Treas.
Alexander Malsberger, Sec.
The Past Masters now living are
S. A. Stout
H. C. Feger
A. Malsberger
Samuel R. Ellis
Charles Moore
W. C. Rutter
J. H. Hobart
T. W. Ludwig
Dr. M. Aug. Withers
William M. Gordon
J. Harry Hobart
Mont. S. Longaker
John Scheetz
William Auchenbach
E. B. McCauley
N. F. Dotterer
J. M. Cunningham
M. A. Campbell
J. H. Smith
Hiram Coller
Lloyd C. Keim.
CASSIA LODGE, No. 273. -The charter for this lodge was granted March 7, 1853,
and it was constituted at Morgan's Corner, Radnor township, Delaware Co.,
and later, by dispensation, removed to Ardmore, in Montgomery County, where
it still holds its meetings. It has a membership of one hundred and thirty-
six, with the following officers:
Samuel M. Garrigues, W. M.
Thomas D. Murphy, S. W.
F. V. V. Artsdalen, J. W.
George H. Baker, Treas.
Josiah S. Pearce, Sec.
Past Masters:
E. J. Lauman
J. Levis Worrall
J. T. McClellan
Albert G. Preston
Josiah S. Pearce
Benjamin Shank
S. S. Whiteman
J. N. Marshall
H. L. Litzenberg
Joseph T. McBride
J. M. Afflick
Francis Fenimore
Charles W. Humphreys
E. T. Carr
Isaac A. Cleaver
Mahlon Rossiter
George G. Lennig.
FORT WASHINGTON LODGE, No. 308, is located at Fort Washington, in
Whitemarsh township, and was constituted September 29, 1857. It has at
present sixty-six members and the following officers:
Francis S. Wilson, W. M.
Oliver K. Beyer, S. W.
Edward Neal, J. W.
Henry Unger, Tres.
George Lower, Sec., Flourtown.
Past Masters:
J. A. Martin
Eli Hoover
Joseph Rex (deceased)
Dr. M. Newberry
H. S. Sechler
Joseph Morrison
Samuel Jackson
T. J. Wentz
John Sechler
Henry Unger
George D. Whitcomb
George Lower
James McGowen,
Charles Hoover
Adam Hersh
G. W. Worth
Edward W. Lukens
Edwin H. Faust
George W. Hellings.
WARREN LODGE. No. 310, was chartered September 5, 1857, and constituted at
Trappe, in Upper Providence township. It has a membership of sixty-four,
with the following officers:
Garret F. Hunsicker, W.M
Henry H. Fisher, S. W.
Joseph W. Culbert, J. W.
Dr. J. Warren Royer, Tres
Henry W. Kratz, Sec.
Past Masters:
Dr. J. W. Royer
W. R. Rittenhouse
J. W. Sunderland
Henry W. Kratz
Aug. E. Dambly
Frs. R. Deeds
Aaron Weikel
J. C. Laver
D. S. Raudenbush
Lewis Royer
Franklin March
Dr. Amos C. Coleman.
FRIENDSHIP LODGE, No. 400, located at Jenkintown, received a charter
bearing date September 5, 1867. It now contains ninety-five members and has
the following officers:
T. Benton Dornan, W. M.
Paul C. Schwemmer, S. W.
George W. Smith J. W.
Charles Cottman, Treas.
M. Luther Kohler, Sec.
Past Masters:
Thomas P. Manypenny (deceased)
Charles Mather
J. W. Ridpath
S. W. Broadbent
Charles Evans
Dr. Thomas Betts
Robert E. Patterson
August Beitney
A. S. Schively
Samuel Keightly
J. A. Shoemaker
D. H. Yerkes
John Dornan
Lewis B. Gusman
J. W. Wister
John C. Roberts
William Elliott.
W. K. BRAY LODGE, No. 410, of HATBORO', was chartered March 4, 1868, and
now has sixty members and the following officers:
Thomas Kelley, W. M.
Ephraim Slugg, S. W.
Paul Jones, J. W.
John B. Jones, Treas.
Samuel B. Wilgus, Sec.
Past Masters:
Dr. E. Reading
R. L. Davis
J. John Beans
George Dunnet
John Slugg
Jesse S. Leidy
T. G. Watson
Edw. Bright
Edmond Wilgus
W. Elwood Palmer
Reuben A. Baum
Dr. A. D. Markley.
FRITZ LODGE, No 420, OF CONSHOHOCKEN, was chartered June 3, 1868, and had,
by the last report, eighty-six members. The following are the present officers
and Past Masters:
George M. Williams, W. M.
Cadw. H. Brooke, S. W.
T. B. Reddington, J. W.
J. S. Hipple, Treas.
Peter Fritz, Jr., Sec.
Past Masters:
Edmund A. Nuss
Joseph Chislett
J. W. Harry
Peter Fritz, Jr.
J. P. Armitage
George Stiles
Joseph McGonegal
C. A. Maxwell
William F. Smith
James H. Steen
Dr. William McKinzie
James Bell
Richard B. Deal
Edmund A. Kite, Jr.
489
SHILOH LODGE, No. 558, OF LANSDALE, Was constituted January 31, 1882, with
ten members, and now has twenty-four members.
David H. Hoult, W. M., R. G. L.
W. E. Richardson, S. W.
H. D. Fiesel, J. W.
C. E. Miller, Treas.
Hiram F. Effrig, Sec.
Past Master: Rev. Henry F. Seiple.
ROYAL ARCH CHAPTERS. -The first in the county to be constituted was
Norristown Royal Arch Chapter No. 190. Its warrant was issued December
27, 1858.
The present officers and Past High Priests now living are:
Comp. William F. Slingluff, High Priest
Isaac W. Smith, K.
Robert Wilson Perry, Scr.
Joseph Shaw, Treasurer
Franklin T. Beerer, Secretary.
P. H. P.'s:
Charles L. Cornman
Samuel Brown, Jr.
Edmund A. Kite
William E. Meyer
J. F. Hartranft
John Slingluff
B. F. Solly
G. A. Lenzi
Benjamin Thomas
D. G. Sherman
J. C. Richardson
I. P. Wanger
C. I. Baker
Thaddeus S. Adle
H. A. Derr
T. J. Baker
James A. Welsh.
FORT WASHINGTON ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER, No. 220, OF FORT WASHINGTON,
WHITEMARSH TOWNSHIP, was constituted September 10, 1868. Its present
officers and Past High Priests are
Comp. John J. Slifer, High Priest
Henry J. Houpt, K.
Charles H. Marple, Scr.
Henry Unger, Treasurer
Louis S. Whitcomb, Secretary.
P. H. P.'s
Joseph Rex
Milton Newberry, M.D.
Joseph Morrison
Henry Unger
Dr. J. T. Hampton
Louis S. Whitcomb
T. C. Vaux
Adam Hersh
T. MacReynolds
Lemuel Rodenbaugh.
ABINGTON ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER, No. 245 OF JENKINTOWN, was constituted
November 28, 1873. The present officers and Past High Priests are:
Comp. Elwood Wilgus, High Priest
William Elliott, K.
J. Howard Danenhower, Scr.
Charles Harper, Treasurer
Edward Bright, Secretary.
P. H. P.'s
S. W. Broadbent
J. W. Ridpath
Lewis B. Gusman
Daniel H. Yorks
Robert E. Patterson
Thomas Rose
Samuel Keightly
Edward Bright
Joseph W. Hunter.
MONTGOMERY CHAPTER, No. 262, OF ARDMORE, was constituted, June 23, 1882.
The following are the officers:
Comp. Joseph T. McClellan, High Priest
J. Newton Marshall, K.
George G. Lennig, Scr.
William H. Sutton, Treasurer
Thomas McCully, Secretary
P. H. P.
William H. Sutton, R. G. C.
KNIGHTS TEMPLAR. -HUTCHINSON COMMANDERY, -No. 32, OF NORRISTOWN, was
constituted May 23, 1868. Its present officers are
Sir Knight Charles I. Baker E. C.
Irving P. Wanger G.
Samuel J. Long, C. G.
William Stahler, Treasurer
Wallace Boyer, Rec.
The Past Commanders living are
John Slingluff
Edmund A Kite
John C. Richardson
William Rennyson
Franklin T. Beerer
William E. Moyer
George A. Lenzi
Henry A. Derr
Thomas J. Baker
Benjamin F. Solly
Thaddeus S. Adle.
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD-FELLOWS. -The Independent Order of Odd-Fellows
is a charitable fraternal and beneficial organization, and a legitimate
offspring of the Manchester Unity of Odd-Fellows in England. The payment of
weekly and funeral benefits to its members, whether in straitened
circumstances or not is one of its peculiar and dominant features. The
amount thus paid to its members in this country has grown to almost
fabulous figures, and every night throughout the land thousands of dollars
are voted to its sick and disabled members, of which the general public know nothing.
The origin of modern Odd-Fellowship is of comparatively recent date.
Apparently endeavoring to rival other organizations, an absurd claim was
set up by some, ascribing its origin to the Jewish legion under Titus, who,
it is asserted, received from that emperor its first charter written on a
golden tablet. Even more ancient origin has been ascribed, but all Odd
Fellows now agree that Odd-Fellowship can be traced no further back than
about the middle of the eighteenth century; the name is explained from the
fact that orders and sects that rendered aid to members in times of
sickness and distress were exceedingly rare.
The Manchester Unity of Odd-Fellows was planted on American soil by Thomas
Wildey, in Baltimore, in 1819. This was soon followed by the institution
of Pennsylvania Lodge, No. 1, in Philadelphia, December 26, 1821, at the
public-house of John Upton, on Dock Street. This lodge was started by
Englishmen social and convivial in their habits, and the organization thus
commenced soon became of more than local interest. Like convivial spirits
became identified with the order and as they separated, induced lodge
organizations whenever they happened to locate. Such an individual in the
person of Morton Kelsey, who belonged to a Philadelphia lodge, came to
Norristown in the fall of 1836. [See NOTE 33-1.] His evenings were spent in
the barroom of the Farmer's Hotel, kept by James Coates, and the zealousness
of the man's nature soon found others who were willing to cooperate with him
and institute a lodge. The initiations were then a mere travesty of the
impressive lessons now taught, and curiosity doubtless prompted several to
become identified with the order. Mr. Kelsey secured the necessary
information, and Montgomery Lodge, No. 57, was organized February 27, 1837,
the charter having been previously granted by the Grand Lodge. The
following-named persons were first elected, to wit:
N. G., James Coates
V. G., Watson Kirkbride
Secretary, John W. Powell
Treasurer, Jacob Spang.
The lodge first met Saturday evenings, and was organized in an attic over
the back building of the residence of William Powell, immediately adjoining
the property on which Music Hall now stands. Shortly afterwards the
meetings were held in the old courthouse, but at the expiration of a year
Samuel Jamison
[NOTE 33-1.]
"History of Montgomery Lodge, 57" by George W. Holstein.
[FINIS NOTE 33-1.]
490
rented them a roam on Main Street for sixty dollars per annum for meeting
purposes. At the expiration of another year they again moved, this time to
the house of their treasurer, where, January 19, 1840, all they owned was
swept away by a disastrous fire. This was evidently the work of an
incendiary for the popular feeling against secret societies was very great.
Notwithstanding this great loss meetings at different places were still
held. Immediately after the fire a full set of regalia was presented by a
Philadelphia lodge, and the brotherhood in that city contributed $155.25 to
the distressed lodge. The assets being at this time merely nominal, a
suitable place in which to meet being secured with difficulty, it was
sometimes weeks before a quorum could be obtained, and the end of
Montgomery Lodge seemed fast approaching. This was doubtless aided by the
feeling which, during all this time, existed against fraternal
organizations. The conviviality of the members, too, had a deleterious
effect on the membership, but a general weeding-out of this class, as also
of some for the misappropriation of funds, revived the lodge, and made it
what it is today, one of the finest organizations of the kind in existence
in the State. The popular feeling against secret societies abating, the
next few years witnessed not only a large increase in the membership of
this lodge, but the institution of new lodges throughout the county. The
second, Wissahickon Lodge, No. 178, was formed at Flourtown, and was
instituted by the Grand Lodge officers, assisted by H. S. Leibert, of
Montgomery, as the District Deputy. August 27, 1846,
Thomas Bitting was elected N. G.,
N. K. Shoemaker, V. G.
J.A. Martin, Secretary
Charles J. Aimain, Assistant Secretary
S. H. Aimain, Treasurer.
This lodge has erected a hall, and is a goodworking lodge. Messrs. Thomas
Bitting and Charles J. Aimain still retain their membership.
D D. G. M. X. S. Leibert instituted Merion Lodge, No. 210, November
3, 1846. This lodge is still in existence, has had its periods of "hard
times," but is now in a flourishing condition. The incoming Grand Master of
the State, Dr. F. V. Van Artsdalen, is a member of this lodge.
D. D. G. M. Leibert instituted Centre Square Lodge, No. 204 December 22,
1846, at Centre Square. The application for the charter of this lodge, was
granted by the Grand Lodge before that of No. 210, but when the officers
visited the village, and saw the room in which the charter members proposed
to meet, they withheld the charter until a more suitable place could be
obtained. The institution of this lodge was thus postponed for more than
two months. Those interested persisted, and finally procured the second
story of an old wheelwright-shop, where the lodge was instituted by Mr.
Leibert, assisted by a delegation from Montgomery Lodge, No. 57. Thomas H.
Wentz was elected V. G.
William Zimmerman, V. G.
Jacob Fisher, Secretary
George Sheaf Sr., Asst. Secretary
Wells Tomlinson, Treasurer
One of the charter members of this lodge, George F. Sheaf, Sr., was
initiated in Philadelphia, March, 1828, and is still living, a remarkably
well-preserved old man. It is the second oldest Odd-Fellow in the State,
has always been active in subordinate lodge-work, and for many years has
been the secretary of Centre Square Lodge. The members of this lodge
becoming dissatisfied with the accommodations, which the wheelwright-shop
afforded, purchased the building they now own, and remodeled the third
story into a commodious lodge-room.
In the early part of the year 1847, Brother Leibert, as D. D. G. M.,
instituted four lodges, as follows:
Manatawny Lodge, No. 214, at Pottstown, January 5, 1847
Gratitude Lodge, No. 216, at Conshohocken, January 15, 1847
Eagle Lodge, No. 222, at Huntingdon Valley, February 4,1847
and Curtis Lodge, No 239, at Norristown, April 29, 1857
Manatawny Lodge had seven charter members, and elected the following
officers:
Salomon A. Stout, N. G.
Joseph E. Yeager, V. G.
Henry A. Sellers, Secretary
Andrew H. Lippin, Assistant Secretary
Bernard Weand, Treasurer
Samuel Lightcap and Charles Moore was the two additional members who applied for
the charter. This is one of the best-disciplined lodges in the State. Its Secretary
Dr. Charles Moore, was for years the representative of the Grand Encampment in
the Grand Lodge of the United States, and no more efficient officer lives
than he. Gratitude Lodge, at Conshohocken, is a good working lodge, and is
now prospering. A hall now in the course of creation indicates the interest
the members take in the order. Curtis Lodge, No. 239, was composed almost
entirely of members of Montgomery Lodge at its organization. This lodge is
the largest in the county, is composed of good material, and has done much
to alleviate the wants of its members. William A. Ruddack, a member of this
lodge, is a Past Chief Patriarch of the Grand Encampment of Pennsylvania.
On the 24th of August 1848, Spring House Lodge, No. 329, was instituted by
withdrawing members from Wissahickon Lodge, No. 178. After institution the
members concluded to build a hall, and in this laudable effort were
assisted by some of the public-spirited citizens of the neighborhood. This
lodge is in a good condition now, numbering over one hundred members.
Peace and Love Lodge, No. 337, was instituted at Willow Grove, November
6, 1849. The lodge first met in the attic-of a private house, next door to
the Fountain Hotel. The members coming principally from the vicinity of
Jenkintown, a growing village, succeeded in having it removed to that
place. The first meeting was held in that village April 18, 1850.
Loller Lodge, No. 338, was instituted December 8, 1848, at Hatboro'. The
lodge takes its name from the old academy located at that place and is in a
good financial condition.
Providence Lodge, No. 345, was instituted February
491
19, 1849, and has had many difficulties to overcome. It first met at the
Trappe, in Providence township (hence its name), but many years ago, its
members tiring of their effort to overcome the prejudice of the vicinity,
contemplated surrendering the charter. A few members who weekly drove from
Kulpsville determined to save it, and succeeded in removing the lodge to
the last-named place. The members here upheld it through that period of
prejudice, which almost cost the member social ostracism, until now,
although not strong numerically, the lodge is in a good financial
condition, and has the well-wishes of the people of the neighborhood.
Marble Hall Lodge, No. 351, was instituted July 10, 1849, at Barren Hill,
now called Lafayette Hill. This lodge has erected a fine hall, and has a
large membership.
Douglas Lodge, No. 367, was instituted June 14, 1849. This lodge met at
Douglasville and had a checkered history. The prejudice of the people of
the vicinity drove from the lodge many of its members. In May, 1852, the
lodge Dot having held a meeting for several weeks, it was determined to
surrender the charter. The charter remained among the archives of the Grand
Lodge until July 17, 1874, when certain members, obtaining their cards from
Pennsburg Lodge, No. 449, and Providence Lodge, NO. 345, reclaimed the
charter and instituted Perkiomenville Lodge, No. 367, at Perkiomenville.
This lodge now numbers over one hundred members, has erected a suitable
hall, and the average attendance at the weekly meetings is much better than
those of the lodges meeting in the several boroughs of the county.
Banyan Tree Lodge, No. 378, was instituted October 23, 1849, at Ardmore.
This lodge has a few enthusiastic members and deserves to succeed.
Economy Lodge, No. 397, was instituted February 25, 1850, at Evansburg.
The meetings of this lodge are still held in the third story of the store
and post-office at that place, and has a large and commodious room. The
lodge is progressing finely.
On March 28, 1851, Norris Lodge, No. 430, was instituted. The charter
members formerly belonged to Montgomery and Curtis Lodges, and were
ambitious young men largely drawn from professional and mercantile life,
who believed that another lodge could live and prosper in the borough of
Norristown. This addition to the family of lodges in this county soon
proved itself entirely worthy of fellowship, for many young men became
members, and energy became typical. A rivalry, not bitter, but friendly
soon arose and still exists. The three lodges in the borough extend
cordial invitations to the others when making or receiving visitations,
and candidates from either of the lodges for an office to be voted for in
the district receive a cordial support in all. The membership of this lodge
now consists principally of men identified with industrial pursuits, are
social and genial in their intercourse with each other, and profess great
independence. Norris Lodge is a good working lodge, and has been the means
of doing much. good in distributing money to its sick, distressed and
worthy members. Believing that it is more blessed to give than to receive,
a Christmas call at the house of an afflicted or indigent member from the
membership with provisions and a well-filled purse is not an unusual
thing.
Pennsburg Lodge, No. 449, was instituted September 18, 1851, in the second
story of an old shop at Pennsburg. In this room the lodge met until May
18, 1853, when it was first convened in the third story at the residence of
Jacob Hillegass. Being dissatisfied with the accommodations afforded, the
lodge erected a large and spacious hall, three stories in height, which was
dedicated May 18, 1876. This hall is the largest in the county, and the
lodge-room is possibly better adapted for degree work than any other. Dr.
Edwin H. Bieber, of Brotherly Love Lodge, No. 77, and Daniel Heins, of
Douglas Lodge, No. 367, were instrumental in organizing this lodge. Several
times after having secured the signatures of gentlemen whom resided in the
neighborhood to an application for a charter they were informed that
objection had been made, and they desired their names withdrawn. In this
manner the efforts of Messrs. Bieber and Heins were frustrated until the
necessary number were obtained. After institution the lodge frequently
failed to meet for the want of a quorum, until the surrender of the charter
was contemplated. The members most interested suggested that the sessions,
of the lodge be held after the people in the vicinity had retired, and in
this way the lodge organization was maintained. Frequently members of the
lodge were publicly denounced. Even at the "Harvest Home " held by the
lodge during the year 1883, the, Rev Mr. Deckant, although invited by the
lodge to speak, assailed the fraternity with much feeling and great
bitterness. The lodge has, however, overcome all such difficulties, and is
one of the best in the county. The members occasionally use the German
ritual and are well versed in the unwritten work in both languages.
Upper Dublin Lodge, No. 458, was instituted November 17, 1851, at
Jarrettown. This lodge is, chiefly composed of farmers, and is
conservatively managed, and as a natural consequence the finances are in a
good condition.
Madison Lodge, No. 466, was instituted at Pottstown, June 14,1852. The
charter members came from Manatawny Lodge, No. 214. The lodge is finely
progressing.
Gulf Lodge, No. 525, was instituted at Gulf Mills, June, 12, 1856. The
lodge was soon removed to West Conshohocken, and is progressing admirably
in its work, and has a jovial membership, their hospitality being almost
proverbial.
North Wales Lodge, No. 610, was instituted at North Wales October 12, 1867.
This lodge is in good working order and thoroughly equipped, the members
being earnest and active.
492
Lansdale Lodge, No. 977, was instituted March 17, 1881, at Lansdale. There
are flow nearly one hundred members belonging to it, mostly young men, and
all seem to be earnest and active.
The two lodges in Norristown succeeded in erecting a fine hall in the year
1850. In this, however, they were aided by the citizens, and the venture
became a joint-stock company, which sold its building in 1878 to Philip
Quillman, who has remodeled it. The three lodges, the Encampment and the
Rebekah Aid meet in this hall, as do also many other secret societies.
During the year 1876, when the centennial anniversary of the Declaration
of Independence was celebrated in Philadelphia, the order throughout the
State appropriately celebrated the event by a grand street parade. The
lodges of the Upper District of Montgomery County participated in this
demonstration. Lodges 37, 204, 239, 345, 397, 430 and.610 joined together,
elected Samuel S. Apple, of Providence, No. 345, as marshal, and turned out
fully two hundred men in line. Thus has Odd-Fellowship grown until there
are now twenty-three lodges in the county, with a membership of about two
thousand three hundred.
The Encampment branch of the order requires favorable mention.
Endeavoring to copy after a sister fraternity, additional degrees to those
of the subordinate lodge were written, and the Grand lodge of the United
States finally acceded to the request, and made an independent branch for
the patriarchal degrees. Norristown Encampment, No. 37, was instituted in
July, 1846, by Montgomery Lodge members. It now has upwards of two hundred
members, and is one of the fixed institutions of the county. Its members
are principally taken from the three lodges in the borough, but it is a
harmonious body. Since organization, this encampment has paid in benefits
$21,775.00, in funeral benefits $2,820.00, and in other charities $415.00
or making a total of $25,010.00. The present officers are:
Chief Patriarch, Benjamin F. Wright
Scribe, James R. Ebert
Treasurer, Edmund A. Kite.
Centre Square Encampment, No. 84, was instituted at Centre Square December
29, 1848. The meetings were subsequently held at Hickorytown, though not for
a long time, for they were soon thereafter held at the place of
institution. Here the members, cherishing the beautiful lessons taught in
the ritual, clung to the charter until it was felt that it must be
surrendered. At this time enough of the members of North Wales Lodge became
identified with it to secure its removal to the last-named place, where it
has since prospered. This encampment has paid in benefits the sum of two
thousand six hundred and fifty-nine dollars since its organization. The
present officers are:
Chief Patriarch, Thomas McClain
Scribe, David R. Lewis
Treasurer, William W. Morris
The following lodges have since been instituted:
Excelsior Encampment, No. 85, at Pottstown
Flourtown Encampment, No. 94, at Flourtown
Montgomery Encampment, No. 115, at Ardmore
Marble Hall Encampment, No. 169, at Barren Hill
Abington Encampment, No. 189, at Jenkintown
Conshohocken Encampment, No. 209, at Conshohocken
Pennsburg Encampment, No. 234, at Pennsburg.
On the 1st day of May, 1883, Lanah Degree Lodge, No. 133, of the
Daughters of Rebekah, was instituted by the Grand Lodge officers at North
Wales. This is the only one in the county. A lodge of the Daughters of
Rebekah was instituted at Pennsburg, but was short-lived. Miriam Beneficial
Aid Association for Odd-Fellows and Daughters of the Degree of Rebekah was
organized at North Wales January 1, 1884. This is a beneficial
organization, and is run in conjunction with the Rebekah Degree Lodge.
The Norristown Rebekah Aid has long been in existence. It is in independent
organization, but none but Odd-Fellows, or there wives and daughters, can
become members. It is exclusively beneficial, and is a strong, healthy
organization.
The following statistical table is appended, and will be of interest to all
members of the order.
TABLE OF INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD-FELLOWS, APPEARS HERE.
493
NOTE- It is to be regretted all lodges in the county did not respond to the
inquiry forwarded. Had they done so an accurate statement of benefits paid
since organization could of have been published; as it is those reporting,
eighteen lodges have paid out $164,364.94. The five not reporting are
estimated at $34,000, making the amount thus voted to the sick and disabled
members of the subordinate lodges $202,364.94. There are eight encampments
in this county. The two reporting aggregate $27,660. It is fair to assume
that the remaining six paid at least $22,331, or $50,000 in this branch of
this order. Therefore, more than a quarter of a million dollars have been
distributed in this way by this order alone.
The years 1880 and 1881 witnessed a large increase in the membership of
the Norristown lodges. The conferring of degrees frequently detaining the
members in their lodges until a late hour, it was determined to institute a
Degree Lodge, and Harmony Degree Lodge, No.__, was instituted, with Edwin P.
Gresh as Degree Master. The succeeding session of the Sovereign Grand Lodge
lessening the degrees to three, and requiring all business to be transacted
in the third degree, seemed to anticipate the work of a Degree Lodge and the
same reason for it not existing, the charter was surrendered.
An instance of the methods used against members of in Odd-Fellows lodge
came accidentally to the attention of the writer daring the past summer.
Jeremiah Weber, a member of a city lodge, was a tenant of Eli P.
McGlathery, in Whitpain Township. Mr. Weber was taken sick during the fall
of 1844 and reported himself to his lodge. A committee waited on him to
ascertain the nature of the illness and pay him his benefits. Mr.
McGlathery, hearing of it although on the best of terms with his tenant,
never again called on him, and in due time Mr. Weber received notice to
quit. Many such incidents doubtless happened, for the general feeling that
then existed was so great against all fraternities that it is a marvel that
murders were not committed.
COLORED ODD-FELLOWS. -The Colored Odd-Fellows, who claim to be a part of
the Manchester Unity of Odd-Fellows, of England, have a lodge in the
borough of Norristown. When the colored men were debarred membership in the
American fraternity they sent to England five persons, who were there made
Odd-Fellows, and returned to this country with the full authority to
institute a lodge and grant charters. Thus were the Colored Odd-Fellows'
lodges commenced in Philadelphia, and this is the foundation of the many
lodges now in existence this country.
On the 15th day of May, 1851 five persons, residents of Norristown,
Joined Good Samaritan Lodge, of Philadelphia. They immediately made
application for a charter, which was granted, and Good Will Lodge, No.
1025, Grand United Order of Odd-Fellows, was instituted June 3, 1851.
John Augusta was elected Noble Father
Joseph Mann, Noble Grand
Samuel Amos, Vice-Grand
Allen Blau, Secretary
Thomas Bruff, Treasurer
Thomas Bruff has filled the position of treasurer from institution to date,
and he and John Williams are the only charter members living.
IMPROVED ORDER OF RED MEN. -The Improved Order of Red Men is a fraternal
and benevolent organization, based upon the custom and antiquities of the
North American Indians. It originated as a patriotic association among the
volunteers who garrisoned Fort Mifflin in 1813.
It is distinctly different in every detail from other fraternal
organizations, being original in conception and peculiarly American in
character and tendency, without being proscriptive. A good moral character,
sound in mind and body and I belief in the "Great Spirit in whose hands all
power doth exist" are its only prerequisites for membership.
John Fry, of the borough of Norristown, visited Baltimore during the
winter of 184546. While there he made the acquaintance of gentlemen who
belonged to the Society of Red Men. On his return he induced
Charles L. Cornman
Robert K. Ward
Samuel Jamison
A. S. Powel
John Shaner and
David Dice to cooperate with him, and they made application to the Great
Council of the United States for a charter. The Tribe Tecumsch, No. 1, was
instituted July 14, 1846, in the Masonic lodge-room, at the corner of
Lafayette and Swede Streets, Norristown, and is the first one organized in
Pennsylvania. The officers who instituted this tribe proceeded at once to
Lancaster, where the second tribe was instituted and from there to
Philadelphia, where Lenni Lenape Tribe, No. 3, was organized.
The membership of Tecumseh rose to about sixty, and after a couple of
removals fitted up handsome rooms on Main Street. The walls were decorated
with scenes from the "Lady of the Lake," and everything represented the
primitive manners of the Indians. But incompetent officers created
dissatisfaction, and after a long struggle the tribe was compelled to
yield, and the pioneer organization n the State surrendered its charter.
This was in 1853 Thus matters remained until October 31, 1869, when some of
the members of old Tecumseh and twenty-seven of Beaver Tribe recalled the
charter, and Tecumseh Tribe, No. 1, was reinstituted, and is now one of the
best beneficial organizations in the county.
Beaver Tribe, No. 62, was instituted at Norristown; for several years
after its institution its membership was recruited almost entirely from the
rolling mills, and the adoptions were carried on in a very rough manner.
But as time rolled on these men allowed themselves to be suspended for non-
payment of dues, and then the tribe took front rank in the secret societies
of the town. At present it has invested funds of about six thousand dollars
and a membership exceeding two hundred and fifty. The present officers are:
Sachem, Ephraim F. Slough
Chief of records, C. H. Fisher
Treasurer, Charles H. Bard
494
There, are in the county seven tribes, and, aggregate membership of about
seven hundred. The following table is appended:
IMPROVED ORDER OF RED MEN MEMBERSHIP TABLES, APPEARS HERE.
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS. -This order has made a wonderful growth since its
organization, twenty years ago. Norristown Lodge, No. 32, was instituted
January 22, 1868, has initiated over three hundred persons and now has a
large membership. Jenkintown Camp Lodge, No. 476, was the twelfth,
instituted November 10, 1881, and has over one hundred members.
The following table is appended:
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS LODGE TABLE, APPEARS HERE.
-The Patriotic Order Sons of America was organized in the city of
Philadelphia, Pa., in the year 1847, under the name of the Junior Sons of
America. The order prospered and attained a degree of popularity that was
unprecedented. The breaking out of the Civil war brought disorganization
into the order, for by the principles Of the Patriotic Sons of America, and
in obedience to them, the members rushed to the from of battle to save the
flag that they had pledged themselves to honor. National American pride and
glory are the cherished sentiments of the Patriotic Order Sons of America.
"God, our country and our order," is the consecrated motto under whose
inspiration the Patriotic Order Son, of America has been laboring to
perpetuate freedoms holy cause, and preserve the temple of American liberty,
built on the broad foundation of universal emancipation, and sealed by the
precious blood of our forefathers.
The order is distinctively American being limited in membership to the
native-born citizen of the United States. Washington is fond of the orders
a name beloved by bond and free, and second to none in the cause of
constitutional liberty. The ritual is martial in form, patriotic in spirit
and benevolent in it operations. The first camp in this country was No. 6,
of Norristown, chartered March 20, 1850. It had a somewhat precarious
existence for a few years, resulting in the surrender of its charter. The
camp was revived April 11, 1856, grew and flourished until, as stated before,
the late war for the preservation of the Union transferred the members from
the camp fraternal to the camp of war.
Camp No. 33, of Norristown, was instituted June 15, 1855, and survived until
1876, when, from serious financial embarrassment it, together with Camp No. 6,
disbanded. Montgomery County has at present ten camps, located as follows, with
a membership of seven hundred:
Washington Camp, No. 33, at West Point
Washington Camp, No. 53, at Cold Point
Washington Camp, No. 92, at Pottstown
Washington Camp, No. 114, at Norristown
Washington Camp, No. 120, at Lansdale
Washington Camp, No. 121, at Conshohocken
Washington Camp, No. 200, at Hatboro'
Washington Camp, No. 215, at Ambler
Washington Camp, No. 224, at Jarrettown
Washington Camp, No. 267, at Collegeville.
There are three degrees in the Patriotic Order Sons of America, -the Red, the
White and Blue. The first two admit into the camp and the coun-
495
cil the third, the highest, admits into the Commandery. The commandery
distinct from the camp and the council, but can be reached only through
them. Each distinct is limited to one commandery. This county has
Montgomery Commandery, located at Conshohocken, and constituted June 8,
1875. The present District President, the highest local officer of
Montgomery County, is A. D. Fetterolf, of Camp 267, Collegeville.
The name Patriotic Order Sons of America was adopted in 1866 at a State
convention held in Minersville, Pa. The form of government in the order was
radically changed, the original name was abolished and the surviving
members of Camp those of ten other camps were constituted the First State
Camp of Pennsylvania, Patriotic Order Sons of America. This order is
rapidly growing in strength and reputation, and in its advance confirms its
lofty mission and sacred purpose, leaving to posterity a bright record of
which every freeman may well feel proud.
BROTHERHOOD OF THE UNION (H. F.). -This is a secret fraternal and beneficial
organization and possesses much merit. Norris Circle, No. 111, was
instituted October 24, 1874, in Norristown, with eight charter members. It
immediately grew to a membership of over two hundred, and now has about
one hundred and thirty. Since organization over two thousand dollars have
been expended in benefits to the members. There are three other circles in
existence in the county Kenderton, No. 62, at Cold Point, Joseph W.
Coulston, Scroll-Keeper; Good Intent, No. 75, at Lansdale, John Steever,
Scroll-Keeper; and Schwenksville No. 117,at Schwenksville, Enos Schwenk,
Scroll-Keeper. There are three hundred and fifty members in the county. The
present officers are:
John K. Stong, C. W.
Wm. Hart, C. J.
John McAfee C. F.
Wm. Rylands, Treas.
John L. Weber, Fin. Sec.
William H. Wolper, Scroll-Keeper.
Jerome B. Hendricks, the Chief Washington of the State organization
during the year 1881, was a member of this circle, and died while filling
this position.
ANCIENT ORDER OF GOOD-FELLOWS. -The Ancient Order of Good Fellows was
transplanted from the city of Philadelphia May 17, 1869 when Buena Vista
Lodge, No. 16, was organized. This lodge has been extraordinarily
successful, the membership now reaching one hundred and seventy, with
assets valued at upwards of three thousand dollars. The lodge has paid out
in benefits the sum of $10,316.66, as follows: Weekly Benefits, $9246.66;
funeral benefits, $1070.
KNIGHTS OF FRIENDSHIP. -The order Knights of Friendship is a fraternal
organization of great merit. It was founded by Dr. M. G. Kerr, of
Philadelphia, formerly of Norristown; and, by the aid of his friends,
Consonance Chamber, No. 3, was instituted in Norristown May 9, 1868. The
chamber has at times numbered upwards of two hundred and it other times
only a faithful few have maintained the organization. About 1872 it change
in the bylaws providing for benefits was adopted. This displeased a great
number, and many suspensions in the next few years took place.
Subsequently the beneficial feature was defeated, and since then a large
increase in the membership has taken place, the number now being upwards
of two hundred. The present officers are:
Sir Knight Marshal, Geo. F. Meredith
Secretary, Daniel F. Quillman
Treasurer, John J. Corson.
BLACK KNIGHTS OF MALTA. -The Black Knights of Malta were introduced in
Norristown by the institution of Montgomery Lodge, No. 51, and August 27,
1884. The order is claimed to have been instituted in the Holy Land during
the Crusades, in A.D. 1048, and is a beneficial and religious order, with a
military tendency. It is entirely an independent organization, having no
affiliation whatever with any other order. The officers are:
James A. Duffy, Sir Knight Commander
David A. Moyer, Generalissimo
Joseph Cameron, Captain General
Allen Martin, Jr., Prelate
Chester L. Bertolette, Recorder
William Chantry, Treasurer
Samuel R. Fisher, Registrar.
ORDER OF UNITED AMERICAN MECHANICS. -This order was founded in
Philadelphia in 1845, and soon thereafter introduced in this county,
Montgomery Council at Kulpsville, being eighteenth instituted
American Star Council, No. 53 at Bryn Mawr, was instituted June 26, 1847;
Union Council, No. 102, May 26, 1849, at Norristown
Manatawny Council, No. 240, August 6, 1870, at Pottstown. There is also a
council at Limerick Square, -Limerick, No. 278. The entire membership in this
county is about four hundred.
Union Council has paid for sick benefits, $13,089.10; for funeral benefits,
$1810 for relief of widows and orphans $269.51; and in other charities,
$584.02, or making a total of $15,752.63. The present officers are:
Councilor, Albert J. Henning
Secretary, William S. Seany
Treasurer, Anthony Richardson.
American Star Council has paid $2121.45 for benefits. The present officers are:
Councilor, Edgar C. Humphreys
Secretary, Charles W. Scott
Treasurer, Jas. T. McClellan.
Manatawny Council has paid in benefits, $6100. Its present officers are:
Councilor, Bion Cofrode
Secretary, M. S. Lessig
Treasurer, Samuel H. Roeller.
JUNIOR ORDER OF AMERICAN MECHANICS. -This order has a council at Evansburg,
this county. The principles of the seniors and juniors are much the same,
the last named admitting to membership it the age of eighteen years. The
council at Evansburg is flourishing.
AMERICAN PROTESTANT ASSOCIATION. This organization is a beneficial one,
the membership coming generally from the Protestant Irish families. There
are two lodges in the county, -Conshohocken Lodge,
496
No. 41, being instituted November 28, 1853, one day before Friendship
Lodge, No. 39, of Norristown. Almost the entire membership of the last
named lodge having enlisted in the late war for the Union, the charter was
surrendered, but was reclaimed after the war had closed. The records for
the period prior to 1861 having been lost, but partial statistics call are
obtained, but enough is known to show that fully who have been paid to
their sick and disabled members.
W. J. McKinley is Worthy Master
James A. Duffy, Secretary
James Kilpatrick, Treasurer
The Conshohocken Lodge has, however, had a continuous existence, and has
paid in sick benefits, $2832; in funeral benefits, $1285; and for other
charities, $297.54, or making a total of $4414 54
Samuel B. McAfee is Worthy Master
William Glass, Secretary
James Cairns, Treasurer.
JUNIOR AMERICAN PROTESTANT ASSOCIATION. -This order has the some principles
in view as the American Protestant Association, admit to membership youths
above the age of seventeen. Lincoln Lodge, No. 18, was organized October
16, 1882. The present officers are:
Worthy Master, Elmer E. Shearer
Secretary, A. Markley Murray
Treasurer, Joseph Cameron.
KNIGHTS OF THE REVOLUTION. -This organization was instituted in Norristown
January 24, 1884, and has been successful in obtaining a goodly number of
members. The patriotism of the Revolutionary heroes is inculcated in the
ritual. The present officers are:
H. S. Longaker, Ex-Patriarch
James Boyd, High Priest
Milton Schell, Prophet
John L. Weber, Sergeant-at-Arms
J. K. Stong, Treasurer
H. C. Fisher, Secretary
William Hart, Guard
John McAfee, Sentinel.
KNIGHTS OF THE GOLDEN EAGLE. -The order of the Knights of the Golden Eagle is
a secret benevolent institution, and was founded in the city of Baltimore,
Md., February 6, 1873, and for the general administration of affairs it is
divided into Supreme, Grand and Subordinate Castles.
In 1875, through the efforts of prominent Odd-Fellows, Keystone Castle,
No. 1, was instituted in Philadelphia, where there are now nineteen
castles. Some of the members of the castles in Philadelphia, with the
cooperation of their friends at Shoemakertown, instituted a castle which
now members about seventy-five members, who participated in the Centennial
parade at Norristown. This order made such an elegant appearance at that
time that prominent gentlemen were attracted to it and aided in the
institution of Montgomery Castle, No. 34, which event took place October
20, 1884, and it now has about one hundred and twenty-five members.
The following named persons were the officers, to wit:
Past Chief, J. R. Harner
Noble Chief, A. J. Henning
Vice-Chief, J. H. Henning
High Priest, Wm. A. Ruddach
Master of Records, Jos. B. D. Hamill
Master of Exchequer, Anthony Richardson
Clerk of Exchequer, John T. Ruddach.
ANCIENT ORDER KNIGHTS OF THE MYSTIC CHAIN. -This is a fraternal and
beneficial order, there being two castles in existence The first castle
organized is located at Pottstown: was instituted July 6, 1872, and is
named Westminster. There have been initiated in this castle two hundred and
ninety-four persons, and the benefits paid exceed tour thousand dollars.
H. R. Bossert is the Recording Scribe and A. M. Miller, Treasurer.
Blooming Rose Castle, No. 44 was instituted at Norristown January 30, 1873.
The membership exceeding two hundred, and the castle is well officered.
The present officers are:
S. K. C., James A. Duffy
S. K. V. C., Elmer Slough
Recording, Scribe, George A. T. Coe
Treasurer, A. W. Geiger
0ver five thousand dollars has been expended in benefits alone and assets
on hand exceed two thousand dollars.
SONS OF VETERANS. -This organization was instituted for the purpose, of
inculcating the patriotic sentiments of the Grand Army of the Republic in
the sons of the veteran, of the late war for the Union, and with the hope
that when the ranks of the Grand Army of the Republic are depleted by death
that their archives and trophies may be handed to this junior organization
for preservation. The membership is limited to the sons of the members of
the Grand Army of the Republic and to the sons of veterans, living or dead,
who can produce all honorable discharge from the United States government.
The beneficial feature has been added as an additional inducement to secure
members.
Colonel Edwin Schall Camp, No. 29, was instituted December, 1882, in
Norristown, with thirty charter members. There are now about forty-four
members. A camp was to have been started in Jenkintown, but the requisite
number to secure success could not be obtained, and the project was
abandoned. The office of the State organization is in Philadelphia.
MYSTIC DRUIDS. -This organization, which is claimed to be the offspring of the
ancient Druids, who were a separate class of the inhabitants of Britain,
and who were to the masses of that ancient people a sort of priests or wise
men, to whom all paid tribute, whether for medical advice or religious
instruction, has long had an organization in this county.
About twelve years ago a lodge was instituted in Norristown. For a while it
prospered beyond the expectation of its charter members and finally rooms
were fitted up in elegant style, the paintings, being representative of the
old rites and ceremonies of ancient Druidism. This was such an epoch in the
history of the lodge that the rooms were thrown open for inspection of the
public. Elegant carpets covered the floor and all the appointments were of
the most elaborate finish. But extravagance was the forerunner of
destruction for in a few years the sick list increasing the funds became
low and the lodge was compelled to yield to the inevitable and surrender
the charter. This was not done however until every cent was expended, and
suits against the more prominent and well-to-do members instituted for
payment of orders granted by the lodge.
After the dissolution of this lodge one was started in Conshohocken.
Here economy instead of extravagance was practiced, and the consequence is
that the lodge there is in good condition financially as well as numerical,
and gives promise of spreading to other parts of the county.
497
ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN. -This is a fraternal and beneficial
organization formed in Meadville, Pa., October 25, 1865, by seven persons.
It is the first organization, which provided for the families of deceased
members by contribution from the members of an amount equal to two
thousand dollars. Several Norristown gentlemen having become identified
with a lodge of this order in Philadelphia, induced others to cooperate
with them, and Lynwood Lodge, No. 154, was instituted May 13, 1879. The
membership now numbers over one hundred, and is increasing. Three deaths
have occurred since organization. The present chief officers are:
M. W., Dr. Horace Still
Financier, J. P. Hale Jenkins
Receiver, I. H. Brendlinger
Recorder, William F. Solly.
AMERICAN LEGION OF HONOR. -The American Legion of Honor is a secret
benevolent organization, and has been in existence but five years. The
benefits are paid on the death of a member to the person named in the
beneficiary certificate, and for the amount therein mentioned. This amount
varies from five hundred dollars to five thousand dollars. The assessments
are graded according to the age of the candidate when becoming a member.
De Kalb Council, No. 855, was instituted February 20, 1882, at
Norristown, and Pottstown Council, No. 962, at Pottstown, June 7, 1882.
Meetings are held biweekly, and the entire membership of the two councils
does not exceed seventy-five. The principal officers of De Kalb, Council are:
Commander, John B. Beaver
Secretary, William F. Solly
Treasurer, Philip Quillman
The officers of Pottstown Council are"
Commander, Dr. M. A. Withers
Secretary, J. H. Binder
Treasurer, William M. Stanford.
THE ROYAL ARCANUM. -The Royal Arcanum is a secret order, which pays a death
benefit of three thousand dollars, collected from the membership-at-large
in proportion to age. It was instituted in Boston in June, 1877, and was introduced
in this county by the institution of Pottstown Council, No. 351. There are
about fifty members and there have been two deaths since organization.
Dr. James B. Wieler is Regent
William C. Beecher is Treasurer
R. Morgan Root, Secretary.
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF GOOD TEMPLARS. -This order, a semi-secret society is
antagonist of the liquor traffic. Both sexes are admitted to membership on
an equal footing, and initiates take a lifelong pledge not to make, buy or
sell, use, furnish or cause to be furnished to others a beverage any
spirituous or malt liquors. At one time there were possibly twenty lodges
in the county; now there are but six lodges, with a membership of about two
hundred and fifty.
SONS OF TEMPERANCE. -This, the pioneer order antagonistic to the liquor
traffic, has fit organization in this county, there being a division in
the borough of Norristown with about fifty members as also in other section
of the county, the total membership aggregating about four hundred.
TEMPLE OF HONOR AND TEMPERANCE. -Prohibition Temple, No. 32, of this order,
was organized in the borough of Norristown in 1873. Its career was short
lived, however, bickerings amongst the members causing its dissolution
within two years after its organization.
LADY MASONS. -This ladies' order is one that has had all organization for
many years, but was introduced in Norristown about fifty years ago. The
membership is small, the members undemonstrative and the organization is
hardly known to exist.
DAUGHTERS OF THE FOREST. -This is a secret society of women, and was
introduced in the county by the institution of Osceola Tent, No. 30,
November 3, 1871. One hundred and eighty-five persons have become members,
of which number sixty-nine still retain their membership. The organization
has paid out in benefits since institution as follows: In sick benefits,
$3495; funeral benefits, $430; other charities, $17, -total, $3942.
DAMES OF THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS. -Damon Chamber, No. 3, of this order, was
organized March 3, 1870, in Norristown. It is a ladies' beneficial
organization, and was first intended to be exclusively for the wives and
daughters of the Knights of Pythias, but, other regulations being adopted,
the membership was allowed to become general. This chamber, the only one in
the county, has paid during the fourteen years of its organization, in sick
benefits, $2385, in funeral benefits $11,350, and in other charities $29.74.
PYTHIAN TEMPLE. -Naomi Temple, No. 3, of this organization, is a ladies'
beneficial and fraternal society, and was instituted in Norristown about
the year. 1870. This order clings to the Knights of Pythias, none but
members of the last named order being eligible for the position of trustee.
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF GOOD SAMARITANS AND DAUGHTERS OF SAMARIA. -This
beneficial order is, composed of men and women of color, and in 1868 was
introduced in the borough of Norristown by the institution of Shaw &
Kenworthy Lodge, No. 6. This lodge is still in existence, though now
without funds to pay its maturing liabilities.
498
CHAPTER XXXIV.
INSANE HOSPITAL AND POORHOUSE
THE STATE HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE, LOCATED AT NORRISTOWN. -The state Hospital
for the Insane of the Southeastern District of Pennsylvania is beautifully
situated upon. a broad plateau within the northern limits of the borough of
Norristown. The grounds comprise about two hundred acres of superior
farmland, and the site selected commands an extensive view of Norristown
and tile picturesque country surrounding it. It has ample surface drainage,
with perpetual streams near at hand to carry off necessary sewage. The
Stony Creek Railroad passes within a few yards, of the promises, with track
running to the buildings for the transportation of necessary supplies.
This magnificent charity was erected by a commission appointed by
Governor Hartranft in the spring of 1876. [See NOTE 35-1.] The commission so
appointed originally consisted of the following named gentlemen:
Joseph Patterson, Esq.
Dr. Herbert M. Howe
Col. James S. Chambers
Dr. Thomas G. Morton, of Philadelphia
Henry T. Darlington, Esq., Bucks County
William H. Miller, Delaware County
Dr. L. W. Reed, Montgomery County
Gen. George Smith, Chester County
Hon. John Shouse, Northampton County
Gen. Robert McAllister, Lehigh County
[NOTE 35-1.]
By act of the General Assembly approved the 5th day of May 1870 it was
provided, "That the Governor shall appoint ten commissioners to select a
site and build an hospital for the insane for the Southeast District of
Pennsylvania, embracing the city and the county of Philadelphia and the
counties of Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, Chester, Northampton and
Lehigh, four of said commissioner to be chosen from citizens from the city.
And county of Philadelphia and one from each of the other counties embraced
within the district aforesaid, who shall serve with out compensation."
[FINIS NOTE 35-1.]
During the period in which the commission was engaged in the execution of
its important trust there were three deals among its members. Two of the
vacancies, thus occasioned were filled by the appointment of Dr. A. J.
Pennypacker, Chester County, and John Williams, Esq., Bucks County.
One year was judiciously consumed by the commission in the selection of
all eligible site and another year in the examination and adoption of a
suitable plan of hospital buildings.
Among the five competing architects, the plans of Messrs. Wilson Bros. &
Co. were preferred. (The construction of the hospital was awarded to the
well-known builder, John Rice, Esq.)
The erection of tho hospital began March 21, 1878, and was completed
February 17, 1880.
PICTURE OF THE STATE INSANE ASSYLUM AT NORRISTOWN, APPEARS HERE.
The plan of the hospital is unique, and marks an era in the progressive
development of asylum construction. It is designated the segregate or
detached system (or more commonly, the cottage plan), which in this
instance consists of eight ward building an administration building,
amusement hall or chapel, kitchen building and a boiler house and laundry,
-in all twelve separate buildings. A number of hospitals for the insane
throughout the United States have been built in accordance with this
system, but none similar in design to this, which in its originality and
adaptation to purpose surpasses any scheme as yet devised.
In former years it was believed and promulgated by the American
Association of Asylum Superintendents that a set form of hospital building,
then in vogue, was the ne plus ultra of desirability, and that all unbuilt
asylums should be cast in this mould. As well might a society of architects
attempt to rigidly enforce the adoption of a certain pattern of voltage,
hotel or schoolhouse, and strenuously oppose any departure from their
specifications.
Not least among the reforms of the old system was required a more
economical method of providing accommodations for the largely increasing
numbers of the insane.
Formerly the palatial structure upon which untold thousands were expended
in external architectural adornment, and upon sumptuous for quarters for
officers, cost per capita from fifteen hundred to three thousand dollars.
The commissioners, endeavored to avoid this waste of public funds in
erecting an appropriate hospital at Norristown that would be comfortable
but at the same time shorn of all unnecessary ornamentation.
They accomplished their difficult task at a cost not exceeding eight
hundred dollars a bed.
This is in harmony with public sentiment, and is a long stride toward,
the correction of the lamentable inconsistency of caring for a portion of
the indigent insane in palaces, while an equally deserving number of them
are lying in squalor in the almshouses.
The principal advantages of this plan of building's are that it facilitates
convenient classification of patients (separating widely the noisy and
turbulent classes from the mild and convalescent), that it insures better
ventilation, admitting more light and sunshine into the wards and that it
also greatly diminishes the risk of extensive conflagration.
The act of Assembly referred to further provided that upon the completion
of the hospital the commissioners "shall surrender their trust to a board of
manager, to consist of thirteen members five of whom shall be appointed by
the Governor from the State-at-large, two by the Council of, Philadelphia
and one by the county commissioners of each of the other counties embraced
in the Southern District" described in said act, and shall manage and
direct the concerns of the institution and make all necessary bylaws and
regulations not inconsistent with constitution and laws of the commonwealth.
The commissioners completed their duties and made their report on the 17th
day of February, 1880, and formally surrendered their trust to the board of
managers on the same day.
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The following gentlemen composed the original board of managers:
Appointed by the Governor:
Ex-Governor John F. Hartranft, Philadelphia
Hon. James Boyd, Norristown
Mr. Samuel M. Dines, Philadelphia
Mr. Thomas R. Brown, Philadelphia
Mr. B. K. Jamison, Philadelphia
Appointed by the City Councils of Philadelphia:
Mr. George W. Simons, Philadelphia
Mr. Israel Fleishman, Philadelphia
Appointed by the commissioner of the several counties:
Hon. Charles H. Stinson, Montgomery County
Addison May, Esq., Chester County
Mr. W. D. H. Serrill, Delaware County
Hon. Harmon Yerkes, Bucks County
Dr. George P. Kern, Northampton Count
Dr. E. G. Martin, Lehigh County.
The board organized by electing
John F. Hartranft, president
B. K. Jamison, treasurer,
Dr. E. G Martin, secretary.
The hospital was established for the care of the indigent insane of the
district, and the management was intended to be consistent with the spirit
of reform urged by men and women of the State who had given the subject of
insanity the most careful consideration. Those who are conversant with the
history of this practical field of philanthropy can alone appreciate the
progressive changes that have been wrought in the care and treatment of the
insane within the comparatively short space of time measured by three
generations.
First, the benighted theory that an insane man was possessed of evil
spirits was combated, and with it the cruel and barbarous methods of
treatment were modified; successively, the false notions that he was a
demon, an outcast, a monster, and, last a criminal, yielded one by one to
the proper conception of his true position in society, -that he is a sick
brother, bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh, requiring of the
community, with rare gentle nursing and skillful treatment for his malady,
as other sick folk, and one whose suffering touch the tenderest chords of
human sympathy.
It was well known that the inmates would comprise both sexes, and possibly
in about equal numbers. The progressive men of the management desired to
place the insane women under the care of a female physician, and thus
insure for them proper and kindly treatment. This was deemed an innovation,
and a wide departure from the usual manner of organizing institutions of
this character. The same element in the board insisted upon separating the
professional care and responsibility from the routine or general
administrative duties connected with the management, in order that the
proper medical treatment could be bestowed upon the unfortunate inmates.
Both of these measures were successfully inaugurated, and the institution
was opened under a government of the most humane and approved plan. In May
1880, Dr. B. H. Chase was elected resident male physician of the male
department [See NOTE 35-2.] and Dr. Alice Bennett resident female physician of
the female department. This conclusion was reached after the most mature
consideration upon the part of the trustees, who recognized fully the requirements
of a public opinion that demanded an enlightened change in the government of our
insane asylums.
[NOTE 35-2.]
Dr. Mary Stinson, of Norristown, Pa., a graduate of the Female Medical
College of Philadelphia, was elected resident female physician, but
declined to serve.
[FINIS NOTE 35-2.]
The new departure was not in the sense of a novelty or experiment, but as a
permanent rule of government, as appears from the following by-law, chap. iii
sec. i, rules and regulations of the institution: "Resident physicians'
duty, -They shall devote all their time and attention to the personal care,
treatment and management of the patients and inmates of their respective
departments, and shall have therein the entire and exclusive direction of
their medical, moral and dietetic treatment, and their respective
instructions and directions are to be, implicity observed and obeyed by all
the assistants, subordinates and others employed in their respective
departments aforesaid."
For a quarter of a century the question of the competency of female
physicians, and the propriety of employing them in the care and treatment
of their sex, had been agitated by the most skillful and enlightened men of
the medical profession. A separate college for the training and graduation
of female practitioners had been fully and liberally equipped and
successfully maintained in Philadelphia. Female physicians gradually but
surely found their way to public confidence, and nowhere received a more
prompt and cordial recognition than in Montgomery County, the medical
society of this county being the first in the State (at the instance of Dr.
Hiram Corson) to admit them to equal fellowship and the privilege of
honorable consultation, while eminent physicians of the community, with
rare exceptions, accorded them honorable standing in the profession, and
aided them in their humane and exalted calling. It was therefore natural
for the trustees, in adopting the organic law for the government of this
great asylum, to utilize them in the treatment of the inmates, and for the
first time in the history of this country or Europe make them responsible
to the board of management. The experience of several years has
demonstrated the wisdom of the course pursued, and the medical profession
of the State and country is to be congratulated upon the advanced ground
taken and maintained, and the unfortunate class of indigent sufferers and
their families may rejoice that the days of brutality are approaching in
end.
The institution has adopted the system of non-restraint, the employment of
patients, a thorough system of night service, a scientific investigation
into the causes and nature of insanity, and other features which so
distinctly mark the progress of modern psychiatry in our hospitals for the
insane. The Hon. James Boyd, and ex-Judge Stinson, of Montgomery County,
the former appointed by the Governor and the latter by the commissioners,
were united in their advocacy of the reform measure, insisted upon in
founding this asylum, and to them is due in no small degree the honor of
its successful accomplishment.
500
The following gentlemen compose the present board of managers:
Ex-Governor John F. Hartranft
Ex-Judge Charles H. Stinson
Hon. Charles Hunsicker
Hon. George Ross
Dr. George P. Kern
Dr. G. Martin
Addison May, Esq.
Mr W. D. H. Serrill,
Mr. Thomas Walters
Mr. Israel Fleishman
Mr. George W. Simmons
Mr. _____ Rhoades
Mr. L. P. Ashmead.
SOME ACCOUNT OF THE POOR AND THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY POOR-HOUSE. [By Wm. J. Buck]
-In the early settlement of the country very little appears to have been done for
the support of the poor. The population was sparse, labor was in demand, and
the necessities of the people were limited to such few absolute
requirements that pauperism could scarcely be said to exist. The Society of
Friends, the Mennonites and the Dunkards have invariably supported their
own unfortunate poor to the present time.
During the whole of the colonial period, down to the erection of houses
for the support and employment of the poor, they were maintained by their
respective townships or districts. For this purpose two overseers were
appointed for each by the judges of the County Courts. Their duties were to
secure for those committed to their charge homes and employment at the most
favorable rates. At March Sessions, 1736, a petition was sent to the court
by residents of Hanover, stating that there was a dispute as to the line of
Limerick, whereby they were compelled to support a cripple who had served
his time and received his misfortune in the latter township, and that the
same may be satisfactorily determined. The court ordered that as the bounds
had not been fixed or recorded at the proper time, that both townships be
at equal charges for his keep or maintenance, and the line be ascertained
by the surveyor-general.
An act was passed in 1771 that provided for the appointment of two
overseers in every township by the justices at a special meeting to be held
every year. The expense incurred in providing subsistence, shelter and
employment for those whom misfortune bad rendered a burden to society was
to be supplied out of the regular county rate. The overseers were
responsible for the collection of the amount assessed and were required to
pay over the moneys in their possession. A record was kept of the poor, and
an order from a justice of the peace was necessary to become admitted to
the list before assistance could be furnished. All having near relations
who were paupers were compelled to support them, in their circumstances
enabled them to do so. Those who liberated slaves were required to give
bonds in the sum of thirty pounds each to keep harmless and to indemnify
the overseers in case such negroes became a charge through sickness or
otherwise and rendered incapable of supporting themselves. Among the duties
of the overseers were applying the immediate wants, of families reduced to
poverty, and in case of death to give them a decent burial. Those that
could work were kept in employment among the farmers. On the formation of
the county the justices of the court made the following appointments of
overseers of the poor for the year 1785, which, however, does not embrace
half the townships:
Abington.- John Collum, Matthew Tyson
Cheltenham. -Alexander Loller, Benjamin Mather
Horsham. -William Lukens, John Lloyd
Lower Merion. -Jonathan Robeson, Lewis Thomas
Moreland. -Isaac Warner, Lawrence Sentman
Springfield. -John Piper, Christian Keysler
Montgomery. -Peter Martin, Edward Morgan
Plymouth. -John Meredith, Thomas Davis
Upper Salford. -Christian Hellerman, George Widemyer
Whitemarsh. -David Acuff, David Shoemaker.
The subject of providing a home and a house of employment for the poor,
instead of the former method of having them work or board around with those
that would consent to receive them, began to receive attention soon after
the formation of the county. The first move in this direction was the
holding of a public meeting at the house of John Davis, at Norristown,
January 23, 1801, on the expediency of petitioning the Legislature of the
State for the of building a poorhouse for the use and benefit, of the
destitute, in Montgomery. But little was done in the matter until March 10,
1806, when an act was passed authorizing the purchase of a farm and the
erection thereon of suitable buildings for the purpose by the county.
Subsequent acts were passed January 2, 1807, and December 22, 1810. The
location of the place now began to attract attention, and a meeting was
called and held in regard to the matter at Centre Square, Whitpain
Township, and October 8, 1806. Strange to say, this was so managed as to
recommend the purchase of the out-of-the-way site that was shortly
afterwards chosen, -namely on the east-bank of the Schuylkill, in Upper
Providence township, ten miles above Norristown, and all of said distance
west of the centre of the county.
The place was purchased from a person by the name of Cutwaltz, to which a
few additional acres were added, making together about two hundred and
sixty-five acres at a cost not ascertained. The directors, Ezekiel Rhoads,
Henry Scheetz and Jacob Houck, gave notice that they would be on the
premises May 28, 1807, at nine o'clock A.M., "to meet persons who may
desire to erect by contract a house for the reception of the poor agreeably
to a plan to be shown. The person or persons contracting to find all the
materials for completing the same." It would appear that by fall the
building must have been completed, for in the county statement for the year
ending February 9, 1808, the cost of keeping the same is reported to be
$5217.10. On the following May 17th the directors gave notice to the
overseers of the several townships that they would be present at the
poorhouse "in order to receive the paupers of the said county," with their
goods, which are to be
501
valued by two men appointed for the purpose. Among the expenditures for the
year 1809 are mentioned horse, cattle, and swine, $696.35
implements of husbandry, $245.98
bedsteads, bedding and furniture, $8839.67.
Among the items in the report of the farm for 1813 are:
5 barrels of shad
435 bundles of flax
3 yards of flannel
45 of linsey
500 of linen
30 yards of carpeting
Jacob Barr of Pottstown, was steward, probably from the beginning until
about 1816, at an annual salary of $400, which included his wife's services
as matron. In 1821 the poorhouse was destroyed by fire. At this time Philip
Reed, Samuel Horning, Samuel Mann were directors, who shortly afterwards had the
same rebuilt. The barn and out-buildings were burned March 31, 1867 and rebuilt
that summer. The former is of stone, 126 feet long, 76 feet wide, and cost
$9790.71. The wagon-house, slaughter-house, sheep-stable, barn-yard wall,
corn-crib and chicken-house cost additionally $3189.91.
The house proving inadequate and not well adapted for the purpose
designed, it was resolved to erect another more comfortable to modern taste,
improvement and requirements. The contract for the building awarded by the
county commissioners, August 15, 1870, to William H. Bodey, of Norristown,
for the sum of seventy-one thousand dollars. The grading cost upwards of
five thousand dollars; the engine, pipe and plumbing, four thousand
dollars; in 1874 the building, steam-heating apparatus and necessary
fixtures, cost nearly thirteen thousand five hundred dollars; the following
year the steam-pump, plumbing, as fixtures, etc., above ten thousand
dollars. The main building is two hundred and forty-four feet long, from
seventy-five to fifty feet wide, and three stories high, surmounted by a
stone belfry. A central rear wing extends back one hundred and two feet in
length, fifty-four feet wide and two stories high. The whole is
substantially built from the red sandstone of the neighborhood. Sixty
dormitories are for the use of the paupers. The architect was Henry Sims.
An adjacent building contains three large boilers for the purpose of
heating water to warm the house. The water is brought hither from a spring
about eight hundred yards distant, is pumped from a cistern by a
steam-engine. A three-story stone building is used for hospital purposes and
for the insane, and also another of two stories, a department of which is
assigned to colored persons, the insane numbering about twenty-five. Water
is brought to these buildings, and the barn by gravity from a Spring about
five hundred yards distant.
The male and female paupers eat apart and have their separate rooms.
The graveyard is neatly inclosed and contains nearly an acre of ground.
A law has been lately passed that all children between the age, of two and
sixteen years are not to remain at the poorhouse over sixty days, but that
the directors shall provide place, for them, thus rendering schools
unnecessary here for the instruction of the young. In 1872 the former
building was burned, fortunately when the present was nearly completed. The
officers of the institution in January 1884, were as follows:
Directors
John A. Richter
John 0. Clemens
Daniel Shuler
David H. Ross, clerk
Adam F. Saylor, steward
Joseph H. Johnson, deputy steward
Samuel Rambo, farmer
Dr. J. W. Royer, physician
Horatio Sands, engineer
Charles Ulrich, watchman
Number of paupers, three hundred and five; monthly average, two hundred and
forty-seven; cost of each per week, $1.46; net expenses, $18,798.80.
Through a late purchase of farm now contains two hundred and ninety-eight
acres, of which but ten or twelve remain in timber. The woodland in 1858
comprised about thirty acres. The land is quite rolling and appears to be
under good cultivation. The main building from south, and, as seen from
below on the east bank of the river, presents a fine view, the scenery
around being unusually interesting. Above it is the Black Rock bridge
spanning the Schuylkill, nearer it lovely island reposing its bosom, and
the boats passing up and down the river impart variety. The government of
the entire place is under the complete control of the three directors, who
told their positions for three years, one being elected annually They
appoint all the officer, of the institution and are accountable for its
management. They are required bylaw to meet at least every month at the
place and see to the proper regulation of the same. On the first Monday of
January the directors, county auditors and treasurer meet here to adjust
and make out the accounts of the previous year. The expenses are met by
funds raised from taxes, levied by the County commissioners on requisition
of' the directors, and through their order paid by the county treasurer.
From the following statistics relative to pauperism in this county
interesting information may be obtained: Number of paupers in the poorhouse
on the 1st day of January,
1815, was 82
in 1825, 106
in 1832, 110
in 1849, 198
in 1858, 233
in 1870, 265
in 1884, 305.
The important question now arises have the poor increased or diminished
with the population according to the several enumerations made? By
calculation in 1815 we find it was
about 1 in 393
in 1825, 1 in 350
in 1832, 1 in 360
in 1849, 1 in 290
in 1858, 1 in 343
in 1876, 1 in 340
in 1883, 1 in 280 of the population. It would have materially aided us, if
we could have had the statistics at hand of the number of paupers in the
poorhouse in census years, which would have been more accurate; but it is
evident that pauperism among us is increasing in spite of the great
diminution taking place in the use of intoxicating liquor, and the
considerable sums now raised and paid out by benevolent and secret
associations to ward off poverty and ameliorate the condition of society. It
must be admitted that a considerable number of the poor are
502
improvident foreigners, as the officers of the Poorhouse have informed us;
yet we doubt that the ratio is near as great now in proportion to our
native population as formerly; at least, it does not appear so obvious. One
of the great causes, most probably, is the rapid increase of our larger
manufacturing towns, where habits of dissipation and idleness are more
readily acquired and more prevalent than among the simpler habits and more
regular pursuits of country life.