WOMEN OF CLEVELAND


AND


THEIR WORK,


PHILANTHROPIC, EDUCATIONAL, LITERARY,

MEDICAL AND ARTISTIC.


A HISTORY,


IN WHICH MORE THAN ONE THOUSAND PEOPLE Or CLEVE-

LAND'S PAST AND PRESENT ARE MENTIONED

AS PARTICIPANTS.


BY


MRS. W. A. INGHAM.


INTRODUCTION BY HON. C. C. BALDWIN, LL. D.,

Pres't Western Reserve Historical Society.


A WORD COMMENDATORY BY MRS. SARAH K. BOLTON.


CLEVELAND, O.


W. A. INGHAM, 138 SUPERIOR ST.


1893.


" Honor the dead ; quicken the living,"


The woman singeth at her spinning wheel

A pleasant chant.


While, thus apart from toil, our souls pursue

Some high, calm, spheric tune, and prove our work,

The better for the sweetness of our song.


—ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING.


COPYRIGHT BY W. A. INGHAM.

1893.


THE CLEVELAND PTS. & PUB. CO. CLEVELAND, O.


DEDICATED TO THE


Women Workers of Cleveland, 0.,


IN WHATEVER PURSUIT THEY MAY HONOR THE MASTER.


" Inasmuch as ye bane bone it unto one of tile feast of these,

my brethren, ye have bone it unto me."





CUYAHOGA COUNTY COURTHOUSE, CLEVELAND, OHIO

CONTENTS.


HISTORICAL





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INTRODUCTION.


HISTORY is the relation of past life, the story of former experience ; it is said to be many sided. It may be as varied, in relation as life is in experience, and what is most valuable and most to' be admired to-day is most valuable in history. It has been thought to be uninterestingly written by " Mr. Dryasdust," and, indeed, the works of many historians have been more valuable for what they have incidentally revealed than for what the authors intended carefully to preserve. I would hardly go so far as Mr. Herbert Spencer, who—in his little book on education—with courage and with force stigmatizes many histories as useless because the authors chose the wrong facts to relate. His criticisms apply more forcibly to compilations than to original relation, for one can hardly make a narra-


INTRODUCTION - v


tive from the life that has not its value. There may be as much variety in the written 'relation of history as in the relation by livings persons in conversation. The lives of women and their work in our locality are of special value Ito be known and to be well presented.


Every true man feels strongly that the world is better for women, and that his own ideal and its very measurable realization is elevated by their work. Yet, when he writes history he forgets this and relates especially those matters that are within the more ordinary range of his own activity. But that which most ennobles life, that—above a " good support "—which cares for the educational, moral and religious welfare of those who most need the care, often because they fail to care for themselves—such charity is best worthy to be related, and such charity do we expect of woman. The experience, and above all the example, are most worthy and inspiriting.


vi - INTRODUCTION.


It is not yet one hundred years since our large and prosperous city was begun. When our fair historian commenced her work, it was not too late to learn from original settlers, by only one remove, of earliest Cleveland, and to learn very directly of its noble women, of true and best New England mould, with its educational and missionary spirit and active intellect; women who laid here broader and nobler foundations than the exploits so generally registered—the felling of forests, the tilling of new soil, occasional hunger, the killing of bears or perchance an Indian murder. The work of these noble women lives ; lives in the continuation of the same work, in stimulating others in lines educational, moral or religious, and we need hardly say in temporal prosperity.


I welcome this history, told as it should be ; the author's own life, religious, educational and charitable, evidently directing her story ; no mere compilation, but where she herself has led. Much


INTRODUCTION - vii


herein would never have been rescued or told but for her. It is a large, original contribution to the best history of our city. No better or more useful narrative could be made than of the charities, the literary activities, and the lives of the women of Cleveland—the better part of humanity working so usefully, unselfishly and disinterestedly tor us all.


The history of past Cleveland develops into the present. Having enjoyed the privilege of looking over advance sheets of the book, I have learned many delightful things about our own city. Women who have become famous as writers, those helping to sustain our newspapers—who have led in art—in history and have influenced the cause of political advancement are all here.


We have a book, now, to which we can go, to learn of writer, educators, physicians, artists and patrons of art in Cleveland. Its style grows upon me and after reading her page, I, a solemn, matter-


viii - INTRODUCTION.


of-fact man, am not only better informed but lighter of heart and happier. I am more and more of opinion that Cleveland and its history will always be indebted to the author.


C. C. BALDWIN.


A WORD COMMENDATORY.


IT is fitting that the biographer of the Women of Cleveland and historian of their work should, herself, have been a participant in many departments so vividly described in the following pages.


A teacher in our city schools —afterward, in one of Ohio's higher institutions of learning—a church worker—pioneer in the organization of the Foreign and Home Missionary Societies of the Methodist Episcopal Church—a leader in the Temperance Crusade, culminating in the National Union, in which she is a charter member, Mrs. Ingham knows something of woman's work.


Later, she is a founder, trustee and secretary in the Cleveland School of Art—connected with the Press Club—and Daughters of the American Revolution—President of the Northern Ohio Columbian Association.


x - A WORD COMMENDATORY.


Her FLAG FESTIVAL, a processional entertainment, and the Four Hundredth Anniversary Program are used in every State of the Union, bringing large receipts to the various causes for whose benefit presented.


A believer in the ability of woman to accomplish much yet unattained, she attempts encouragement by reciting examples in this record of work ; winning to greater achievement the younger women favored with superior advantages.


This book is the result of much thought and patient labor; many years of careful search have been given in preparation of its detail, data and accuracy of delineation.


SARAH K. BOLTON.





TABLE OF CONTENTS.





CHAPTER I.

Mrs. B. Rouse, Pounder of Woman's Work in Cleveland—Union Prayer Meeting—The Ladies' Tract Society.


CHAPTER II.

Cleveland in 1800—Mrs. Juliana Walworth Long—Mrs. Mary H. Severance —Historical Sketch—Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Payne.


CHAPTER III.

Mrs. Philo Scovill—Old Trinity—Mrs. Noble H. Merwin—The Log Court House.


CHAPTER IV.

The Western Reserve—Brooklyn—Moses Cleaveland—Mrs. Stiles and Mrs. Gunn—John Jacob Astor's House—Major Lorenzo Carter—Judge Josiah Barber and Wife—George Watkins—Charles Taylor's Farm—Levi Sargent—Walk-in-the-Water.


CHAPTER V.

Heroic Women of Cleveland—Rosamond Sargent—The Black BottleJerusha T. Barber—Mrs. George L. Chapman—Mrs. Zerviah Champion—Mrs. Julia Selden—Mr. and Mrs. Josiah Barber, Jr.—Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lord.


CHAPTER VI.

The Presbyterian Church—Mrs. Elisha Taylor—Mrs. Samuel Starkweather—Mrs. C. M. Giddings—The First Foreign Missionary Soci, ety—Its Workers—Mrs. Erastus E. Gaylord.


CHAPTER VII.

Mrs. Grace Johnston—The Methodist Episcopal Church—Mrs. Eliza T. Worley—Mrs. B. Rouse—The Baptist Church—Mrs. William T. Smith —Mrs. C. A. Seaman—First Congregational, Plymouth, Bohemian, Polish, and Swedish Missions—German Work—Mrs. J. Rothweiler.


CHAPTER. VIII.

Ohio City—The First Sewing Circle—Miss Harriet Barber—The Flats—Columbus Block—The Formation of Churches—Mrs. Abigail Randall—Mrs. Alfred Davis—Mrs. Charles Winslow—Sixteen Women of Cleveland—An After-Dinner Coffee.


xii - TABLE OF CONTENTS.


CHAPTER IX.

The Female Charitable Society of Old Trinity—Moral Reform Society—The Social Evil—Maternal Association—Mrs. S. Williamson—Mrs.' Louisa 'Pickands.


CHAPTER X.

Ohio City—Some Prominent Men and How They Found Their Wives—Going a Maying—Mrs. D. P. Rhodes—Mrs. Belden Seymour—Mrs. Mary A. Degnon—Mrs. J. H. Sargent—Mrs. G. W. Jones—Twenty-five Women of Cleveland—Mrs. W. B. Castle—Mrs. Kate Newell Doggett.


CHAPTER XI.

Mrs. J. A. Harris—" The Dear Old Martha Washington and Dorcas "Mrs. C. A. Dean—Mrs. A. H. Barney—Mrs. J. E. Lyon—Mrs. William Mittleberger—Report of Fifty Years Ago—Protestant Orphan Asylum—Mrs. Stillman Witt—Sophia L. Hewitt—Ladies' Temperance Union.


CHAPTER XII.

A Phantom Charity—Mrs. Charlotte Degmeier—Mrs. Jacob Lowman—The Ragged School—Children's Aid Society—Trinity Cathedral Home—Mrs. John Shelley—Mrs. Harvey Rice—Mrs. O. A, Brooks—Mrs. N. W. Taylor—Orphan Asylum Workers—Mary Champion—Mrs. Eliza Jennings—Mrs. Lewis Burton—Mrs. M. Wetmore--Mrs. Julia Bedell.


CHAPTER XIII.

Soldier's Aid Society of Northern Ohio—Dear Mrs. President—Mary Clark Brayton—Ellen F. Terry—Mrs. William Melhinch—Miss Sara Mahan—Fifty Workers.


CHAPTER XIV.

Dorcas—Mrs. J. Ross—Mrs. J. S. White—Ladies' Bethel and Mission Aid Society—Mrs. IL Chisholm—Rebecca—Railroad Woman's Union—Woman's Repository—Woman's Exchange—Fifty Workers—Secret Orders—Mixed Societies—Lida Baldwin Infants' Rest—The Cure for Poverty.


CHAPTER XV.

Sarah E. Fitch—The Woman's Christian Association—The Retreat—Its Founder—Mrs. Meribah Farmer and Mrs. Tatum—Mrs. A. P. Dutcher—The Boarding Home—Home for Aged Women—Day Nursery and Free Kindergarten Branch Association—The Educational and Industrial Union—Eliza Jennings Home for Incurables—Honorable Mention.


TABLE OF CONTENTS - xiii


CHAPTER XVI.

Woman's Temperance Crusade—Its Marvelous Outcome—The Workers—Mrs. S. W. Duncan—League Organization—Dealers' Pledge—Mr. Joseph Perkins—River Street Friendly Inn—Mrs. John Coon—The Open Door.


CHAPTER XVII.

Woman's Temperance Crusade—Special Mention—Mr. W. H. Doan - Our Dead—Mrs. Joseph Perkins—Pearl Street Inn.


CHAPTER XVIII.

St. Clair Street Inn—Mrs. M. C. Worthington—Central Friendly Inn—Miss F. Jennie Duty—Columbian Statistics—Mrs. Emma C. Worthington —The W. C. T. U. of To-day -National W. C. T. U.—Women of the Salvation Army—Our Y's.


CHAPTER XIX

Church Societies—Fifty Noble Women—Columbian Statistics—Presbyterial Work— W. H. M. S.—Mrs. Lucy Webb Hayes—Episcopal Church—Mrs. C. S, Bates—Congregational—Mrs. G. W. Cowles—Missionaries at Home—Miss S. C. Valentine—Miss Sarah L. Andrews —McAll Mission—King's Daughters—Mrs. Conway W. Noble—Women's Council—Roman Catholic Church—Mrs. T. J. Mooney—. Miss Joanna O'Mara.—Hebrew Women's Work—Mrs. Manuel Halle—Bohemian Hundreds— Marie Hajek.


CHAPTER XX.

The Pioneer Schools of Cleveland—The First School-house—Mrs. Irene Hickox Scranton—Mrs. Mary Scranton Bradford—The First Free School—Seventeen Noted Teachers.


CHAPTER XXI.

Thirty Noble Women of Cleveland—Eight Hundred and Twenty-two Teachers of To-day—Miss Ellen G. Reveley—Mrs. Lucretia R. Garfield—Mrs. Rebecca D. Rickoff.


CHAPTER XXII.

Miss Linda T. Guilford—Mrs. Eliza Clark—The Woman's College—Mrs. Flora Stone Mather—Our Musicians—Suburban Schools—Mrs. A. A. F. Johnston.


CHAPTER XXIII.

Early Literary Women of Cleveland—Mrs. Maria M. Herrick T-Mrs. L. C. Parker—Mrs. H. E. G. Arey.


xiv - TABLE OF CONTENTS.


CHAPTER XXIV.

Five Famous Women of Cleveland—Susan Coolidge—Constance Fennimore Woolson—Lydia Hoyt Farmer—Sarah K. Bolton—Lucy Seaman Bainbridge.


CHAPTER XXV.

Sixty Well-known Women of Culture-Twelve Clubs for Intellectual Advancement—The Columbian Association.


CHAPTER XXVI.

Mrs Mary Mason Fairbanks—Cleveland Newspapers—Old Round Table--Julia Vaughn Willey—Harriet Gaylord Smith—Ohio Farmer—Good Thomas Brown—Twelve Sprightly Writers— Helen Barron Bostwick —Correspondence.


CHAPTER XXVII.

Mrs. Harriet J. Kester—Cleveland. School of Art—Louise F. Randolph—Georgia L. Norton—Patronesses—Mr. and Mrs. C.F. Olney—Suburban, Ladies--Helen Elizabeth King—Luella Varney—Emma D. Cleveland —Katharine H. Clark—Fifteen Artists—Caroline L. Ransom.


CHAPTER XXVIII.

Woman's Medical Work—Myra K. Merrick, M. D.—Eliza J. Merrick—Miss E. Grisell—Mrs. C. A. Seaman, Founder of the Woman's Medical College—Finette Scott Seelye—Medical Missionaries—Dr. Martha A. Canfield—Lillian G. Towslee, M. D.—Institutions.


CHAPTER XXIX.

Our Pallas Athenes—Mrs. Frances D. Gage—Mrs. Caroline M. Severance—The First Mrs. D. R. Tilden—Mrs. H. H. Little—Minervas in Council —Mrs. Betsey M. Cowles—Mrs. Louisa Southworth—Mrs. S. M. Perkins—Mrs. D. Cadwell.


CHAPTER XXX.

A Successful Woman of Cleveland—Mrs. Mary S. Cary—Mrs. Cornelia Lossing Tilden—Mrs. C. T. Doan—Industrial Pursuits—Miss Nellie M. Horton—Out-Door Industries—Ella Grant Wilson.