Savannah
Female Asylum (founded 1801)
Location
of Records: Georgia Historical Society, Savannah (filed as Savannah
Home for Girls Records #692)
Extent
of Records: Manuscript Volume of Minutes of the Board 1810-1843;
sketch of minutes after 1843, originals presumed lost; registers
of children and of directresses.
Extracts
from the Records
Rules
of the Society
1st.
This charity shall be confined, to poor, and destitute, Female
orphan, and other equally distressed female children.
2.
They shall be, all dressed alike, in a plain, and simple attire
and encouraged when they behave well, by some token of the societys
approbation.
3.
They shall be placed under the care and instruction of capable
discreet and virtuous woman [sic].
4.
They shall be arraigned in classes according to their age, capacity
or improvement.
5.
The governess shall lead them every Lords Day to public worship
and shall endeavor to impress their minds with a becoming sense
of God and religion, and the great importance of a modest and
virtuous behavior.
6.
At a suitable age they shall be placed in good families until
the age of eighteen years, except such as those of them as may
be taught, millinary and mantua-making on some business of a
similar kind,
7.
In case of sickness among the children they shall be committed,
to the care, of any gentleman of the faculty, who are willing
to attend them gratis.
December
17, 1810
Board:
Mrs Clay, 1st Directress
Mrs
Noel, 2nd Directress
Mrs
Smith Treasurer
Mrs
Irvine Secretary
Mrs
Wall
Mrs
Evans
Mrs
Stilles
Mrs
Millen
Mrs
Taylor
Mrs
Williamson
Miss
Stephens
Miss
Hills
Miss
Jones
Jan
21, 1811
The
board, to a request of Mrs Achords to give her two children
six months education, agreed to give, each of the, two quarters
schooling.
Feb 20, 1811
Ordered
that indentures be drawn up to bind Hannah Harb[l?]ock to Mrs
Goldwire.
March
5, 1811
Mrs
Helen Smith being appointed treasurer to the Savannah Female
Asylum, I as her surety bind myself my heirs, executors and
administrators, to the said asylum for the performance of the
said treasurer, and the due investment of the monies that may
be committed to her charge.
Signed
U.Tobler
Savannah
February the 18, 1811
Witness
Norman
Wallace
April
24, 1811
Elizabeth
Johnston bound to uncle John Johnston who has requested to
take charge of her - if Mr Johnston does not wish, to have
so mean a relation - bound to him - Mrs Clay had ordered the
secretary to deliver up Elizabeth Johnston to her uncle taking
his promis [sic] to do everything that is proper to be done,
for the child who the asylum have placed under his protection.
May
7, 1811
Mrs
Rogers and fifteen of the children attended divine service
in the morning at the Presbyterian church and in the afternoon
at the Baptist......
A
motion was made by Mrs Clay, and agrees to by the Board that
the Ladys of the board to pay to the secretary - at their monthly
meetings - 12 1/2 cents or what ever is agreeable to them to
be kept as a fund - for distributing, to any person, they may
think fit objects of charity - the secretary to mention at every
meeting the amount of this fund.....
April the 24 - the following children of the Female Asylum where
[sic] baptized in the Presbyterian church by the Revd Mr Kollock.
the Ladys of the board attended as sponsors. Ann Joy - Naomi
Joy - Sarah Suares - Judith Suares - Elizabeth Norris - Ruth
Norris - Hariot Greenwood - Eliza Williams - Mary Wright - Ann
McCoulough.....
Lot
Letter T - belonging to the Savannah Female Asylum - rented
to the following - Black People.
June 5, 1811
Application
to the board from Mrs Willson, to place her daughter Julia Willson
aged 5 years - under the care of the Savannah Female Asylum
- agreed to be the board. Application to the board from Mrs
Hewit, to place her daughter Elizabeth Cummins aged 6 years
- under the care of the Savannah Female Asylum - agreed to be
the board.....
Part
of Lot Letter T, rented to Mrs Noels black man John Dallen at
three dollars a month from the 1 of May 1811.....
Part
of Asylum lot letter T rented to July a black man, but now in
posession of John Dallen - belonging to Mrs Newel.
July 29, 1811
met
on perculiar business
Mrs
Evans informed the board, that she had called them together,
for the purpose of taking into consideration what was the most
proper step to be taken, to recover the child Elizabeth Cummings
- who had been taken away from the asylum house by her mother
Mrs Hewit, that she refused to give her up. the board thought
it advisable to take the opinion of Mr Lawson. Mrs Smith and
Mrs Irvine appointed to wate on Mr Lawson and request his advice.
Mr Lawson, had the politeness to wate on the board, who where
[sic] then siting [sic] - the case was stated to him by Mrs
Evans. Mr Lawson said he would take the case into consideration
- and give the secretary instructions - how to proceed against
Mrs Hewit mother of Elizabeth Cummings.
August 7, 1811
Mrs
Evans mentioned, that there had been a warrant issued by Mr
Pettybon, for taking Elizabeth Cummings from her mother Mrs
Hewit, and delivering her to Mrs Rodgers, at the asylum house,
which was done, on the 30 of July.
October 2, 1811
Mrs
Norris applyed to the board, to have her two children Ruith
and Eliza Norris given up to her, as she was now in a situation,
to provide for them, her request was granted.
The
board have agreed to give Ruith and Eliza Norris quarters schooling.
Dec 2, 1811
Heriot
Greenwood bound to John & Ann Cooper
Dec
4, 1811
John
Deveaux, slave of Mrs Mary Bullock, made offer to the Savannah
Female Asylum, to sell to them a house, he had put up on the
asylum lot, the price fixed by him, for the house, one hundred
and forty dollars - the board agreed to the purchases of the
house, on the following terms. John Deveaux to have the use
of the house, paying ground rent to the asylum. The house
to be considered as his until the purchase was actually made,
by the Female Asylum.
Dec
14, 1811
Mrs
Clay moved that the rent of the Asylum House should be always
set apart, for the improvement and keeping of the Asylum House
in repair - and for the purchase of a small house, on the asylum
lot, belonging to Catherine Deveaux - a free woman of color
- the board were unanimous in their oppinion [sic] that the
rent should be appropriated to that use.
March
13,1812
Sermons
requested to be preached at Baptist and Presbyterian church
on 3/5/12 and at episcopal church 10/5/12 for benefit of Savannah
Female Asylum.
May
6, 1812
Collection
at above services $468.31 1/2 from Presbyterian, $117 from Baptist,
and $115.45 1/4 from Episcopal
Mrs
Robertson, governess of the Female Asylum, attended the different
churches - and sang suitable hymns.
Oct
7, 1812
A
letter from Sarah Suares to her mother saying that her situation
with Mrs Plumb was not agreeable, and from the letter, it appeared,
that she had left Mrs Plumb. Mrs Noel authorized to write to
Mrs Plumb and inform her that she was sorry to find that Sarah
Suares had been permitted to leave her place.
Nov
4, 1812
The
amount of charity fund $14.93 3/4
Deduct
gave Mrs Johnson for a pore woman $2.12 1/2
Total:
$12.81 1/4
Ordered
that the secretary write to Mrs Plumb and request of her, to
keep Sarah Suares strictly to her duty and not permit her, under
any pretence whatever, to be absent from her place.
May
6, 1813
The
committees of inspection reported that that [sic] they saw,
most shameful neglect of the children - in every respect, with
the exception of their diet - and request that Mrs Robertson
the governess - should be called before the board, which was
accordingly done. the directress then informed her that unles
she altered her mode of conduct as Governess to the Female Asylum,
that she must be displaced. Mrs Robertson then agreed to try
and give satisfaction to the board, by her attention to their
orders, in what regarded to the institution.
July
1, 1813
Mrs
Savage requested the board, of the female asylum to receive
Mary Wright (who had been bound to her, by the Female Asylum)
back into the asylum - as she had behaved in a most improper
manner to her - the board took Mrs Savages request in there
serious consideration.
Resolved
that Mrs Savages request be not granted and that the secretary
give to notice to Mrs Savage that it is against the rules of
the society to receive back any child that had been bound out
by them.
August
12, 1813
The
reports of the comittees whe [sic] most unfavourable, the opinion
of the board was that Mrs Robertson was unfit to take charge
of the children, the secretary orderd to speak to Miss Rebecca
Russel and know if she would take charge of the children of
the Female Asylum as governess.
January
5, 1815
reports
legacy from Mr Hills, but also $500 from subs
March
2, 1815
Mrs
Dews paid to the sectry three dollars amount of money for work
done by the children
June
1, 1815
Mr
Robert Isaac presented the Female Asylum with one hundred dollars,
as donation - and fifty dollars, stopped from a black man, who
could give no account, of the manner he came in possession of
the money.
August
3, 1815
Susan
Hutchinson, had refused to be bound to Mrs Williams, she was
then ordered back to the asylum, to remain there, until she
could find a place the board could approve of for her; this
she also refused to do when a warrant was ordered by the directress,
to be taken out, to apprehend Susan Hutchinson, and bring her
back to the asylum. This has proved ineffectual, the board think
their duty to take every means in their powers to have her taken,
and as they have some reason to think that she is in Savannah,
they have appointed Mrs Susan Wall, to take every legal measure
in her power, to have Susan Hutchingson taken, and brought back,
at the expense of the Female Asylum.
Board
asks Mrs Dews, the governess, to discover which children are
not baptised and get them done at IPC on 13th
October
5, 1815
Mrs
Berniss, a poor widow, petitioned the board to take her two
children into the Female Asylum, her petition was granted as
there was a vacancy in the asylum for two children
February
1, 1816
Ordered
that the children of the Female Asylum give over the practice
of paying Mr Andrew Low, an annual visit at the New Year, unless
he requests it to be done, as some of the members of the board
thought it improper as Mr Low generally made the children a
present at that time, and it was thought that it looked like
craving Mr Lows charity
asks
Walter Cranston to preach charity sermon at Christchurch
April
4, 1816
Mary
Taylor petitions for board to take a child, held over until
sufficient funds
May
2, 1816
raises
$470 from sermon at Christchurch
June
6, 1816
raises
$638 from sermon at IPC; Baptist $90, Methodist $52
July
4, 1816
Mrs
Russel gets Margaret Stephens bound to her
September
5, 1816
Mrs
Russel returns Margaret Stephens as she had never been formally
indentured to board, board cannot keep her and she was given
up to her sister Mrs Armour.
Mrs
Irvine moved that it be a law in the Female Asylum that no child
be admitted until her indentures, are made out and signed agreed
Ordered
that the charity fund of the board be given up as the Dorcas
Society render this fund unnecessary
May
1, 1817
children
attending Sunday school, but being given too much to learn which
distracts them from more useful studdys - SS teacher asked to
limit work
August
19, 1817
The
Directress mentioned that she had called a meeting of the board,
to take in to consideration the petition of a poor woman, to
have her children taken into the asylum - she being afflicted
with fits - and nothing to support them, but the labor of her
hands.
Mrs
Davies case being duly considered, it was unanimously agreed,
that her situation is a most deplorable one, and her petition
could not be rejected.
Ordered
that indentures be made binding Elizabeth and Patience Davies
to the Female Asylum.
Elizabeth
Davies died at the asylum house on Sunday the [9th]
of November.
Dec
4, 1817
Mrs
Gibbons petitioned the board, to give up her children to her,
her petition was not granted, as it was thought more to the
advantage of the children to be under the protection of the
female Asylum than of there [sic] mother.
Dec
15, 1817
Mr
Penfield petition to the board, to admit Peggy Pendergrass aged
13 years into the asylum was read, stating that he wished to
place her under the care of the asylum and he would pay her
board and every other expense.
This
request being against the rules of the Institution, the question
was put to the vote, for the question - Mrs Clay, Noel, Reid,
Jackson, Williamson, Easley, and Miss Oliver and Miss Drysdale.
Against the question - Mrs Irvine - whose disapprobation of
the question did not proceed from want of feeling to the destitute,
but with the firm assurance that it was for the good of the
institution to reject it was a very bad precedent.
Ordered
that indentures be made, binding Peggy Pendergrass to the asylum.
Jan
12, 1818
Mr
Penfield requested that he may have the liberty of removing
Margaret Pendergrass from the asylum when he wished it - Ordered
that Mr Penfield shall remove the child from the asylum at his
pleasure.
Feb
5, 1818
Mrs
Gibbons refuses to return her child to the asylum.
Ordered
that means be used to make Mrs Gibbons bring back (her child
Rebekah) to the asylum.
April
24, 1818
Ordered
that Mrs Irvine wait on Mrs Monrow and inform her that the board
cannot continue Mary Ann Flynn any longer in her service, as
they have every reason to think, that she is kept for the sole
purpose of attending on her child, and never allowed to go to
a place of worship.
May
20, 1818
Mrs
Noel mentioned she had called a meeting of the board to take
into consideration, the propriety of keeping the orphan child
Rebekah Homes, in the asylum.
The
child was received into the asylum, from application made by
Mrs McAlister, who said it was a destitute orphan, and under
this impression it was admitted - after the board adjourned,
some of the members of the board mentioned, that the child was
brought to Savannah by Mrs Hall, sister to Mrs McAlister, and
that they did not think it a destitute child, as it was then
under the protection of one, who could provide for it, an that
it would be depriving destitute children, of relief from the
institution, if it was permitted to remain.
The
question was then put, shall the child remain in the asylum.
For
the question Mrs Noel, Reid, Wall and Miss Oliver,
Against
the question Mrs Easley, Bulloch, Lloyd, Irvine, Williamson,
Miss Drysdale, Robertson.
Mrs
Wall Wall, Irvine, and Miss Drysdale, a committee to wate on
Mrs McAlsiter and state the case to her, and inform her that
the child, may remain in the asylum, provided Mrs McAlister
pay the board of Rebekah Homes.
Mrs
McAlister agrees to pay the board of the child Rebekah Homes
as long as she remains in the asylum.
Mrs
McAlister desires her name to be withdrawn, from the Savannah
Female Asylum as one of its members.
Aug
5, 1818
Mrs
Sanderlins appeared before the board with her child Sarah, who
was bound to Mrs McLeod - she said that the child had been treated
very ill, and that she would refer the ladys of the board to
Mrs Cline and Miss McQueen who would testify, that the child
had been improperly treated.
Mrs
Talyor and Miss Drysdale wated on Mrs Cline and Miss McQueen
and stated Mrs Sanderlins complaints against Mrs McLeod for
improper treatment of her child Sarah.
When
it appeared that there was no just cause of complaint against
Mrs McLeod and the child Sarah Sanderlins ordered back to her
service.
Sarah
Sanderlins was delivered to Mrs McLeod by Mrs Noel and Miss
Drysdale.
Oct
1, 1818
Mrs
Carr petioned [sic] the board of the Female Asylum to admit
her two children, Adleine Carr aged 7 years, and Harriot Carr
aged 6 years, into the asylum, as she was left a widow with
six small children, without the means of support.
Dec
3, 1818
Ordered
that Elizabeth Foley, do not attend at the free school, and
that she be brought before the Board and be repremanded, for
improper conduct.
December
? 1818
Mrs
Taylor elected directress of SFA
January
1, 1819
still
259 subscribers nearly 20 years after foundation
May
5th 1819
At
the above meeting Mrs Irvine being too much agitated made no
minute of the business of the day.
At
an extra meeting [date?] Mrs Noel handed in Mrs Irvines resignation
December
13, 1819
The
first directress then laid the case of Julia Wilson before the
board. Julia as been bound to a Mrs Nevil. Upon information
that she had been cruelly whipt, the directresses thought themselves
justified in taking her away. She returns to asylum even though
normally against rules to have those back who have been bound
out - the cruelty of the treatment which Julia received makes
it incumbant upon them to take her again under their protection
February
3, 1820
board
repremands The negligent conduct of Mary Shearman in regard
to her work and dress
March
2, 1820
Ann
Terry (who had lately been taken in to the asylum) was taken
away by her mother. The directresses made use [of] every persuasion
to induce her mother to leave her but to no effect
April
6, 1820
The
directress mentioned the situation of Mary Ann Flynn, whose
case had been brought before the board at the last meeting.
Mary Ann Flynn had left Mrs Munro and placed herself under the
protection of Mr Hutson.It now remained with the board to say
whether they approved of Mary Ann Flynn being bound to Mrs Hutson.
This was unanimously agreed to.
May
21, 1820
[SFA
gets $520 from charity sermon at the Independent Presbyterian
church]
September
7, 1820
The
children were removed on the 30th August to the court house
square that part of the city in which they lived being considered
by the physicians as unhealthy Mrs Start, Mrs Taylor, Miss Oliver,
Miss Demere and Miss Wayne still in city
December
16, 1820
Elections
to the Board
Mrs
Noel 1st Directress
Mrs
Stiles 2nd Directress
Mrs
Clay visiting member
Miss
Brastow Treasurer
Mrs
King Secretary
Mrs
Early
Mrs
Wall
Mrs
Stark
Mrs
Rd Habersham
Mrs
James Wayne
Miss
Oliver
Miss
Telfair
Miss
Bulloch
Miss
Wayne
Mrs
Hunter
Dec
6, 1821
Mrs
Mulrynes application for her daughter Sarah Davis was refused.
April
4, 1822
Mrs
Mulryne again petitioned for leave to take her daughter Sarah
Davis under her own protection but her petition was unanimously
rejected.
Nov
14, 1822
Mrs
Stiles mentioned that she had received a petition from Mrs Mulryne
entreating that she might take her child Sarah Davies under
her own protection and she would promise, by her future good
conduct and example to deserve the charge entrusted to her.
Resolved that she be permitted to take the child on condition
that she sign a bond authorising the directresses to take the
child back if they hear any thing prejudicial to the future
welfare of the child.
Mrs
Worral applied for one of the children. Resolved that she be
allowed to choose one.
Jan
2, 1823
Mrs
Harrison complained to the Board that Mrs Sears had whippd and
otherways ill treated her child and that she would wish to take
her out of the asylum. Two witnesses were called in who had
the opportunities of seeing how the children were treated who
proved to the board that Mrs Harrison’s charges were incorrect.
Mrs H was allowed to take her child from the asylum as her health
enabled her now to support the child herself.
May
1, 1823
Mrs
Stiles informed the board that Mrs Saunders having married Mr
McKee applied to the directress for leave to take her children
Frances & Rebecca under protection as she was going up the
country and as she was to go to soon to have a meeting called
she was permitted to take them.
July
29, 1823
the
directress informed the board that Elizabeth Thrower had left
the asylum and gone to her mother and that they had called a
meeting to consult with the members whether they should apply
to a magistrate to take the child as her mother would not give
her up and she appeared to be very poor and unable to support
the girl having several children besides - the widows society
having to contribute also to her support. Resolved, that application
be made to a magistrate for a warrant to compel the child to
come back to the asylum.
August
7, 1823
Mr
Gill applied to have one of his children taken into the asylum
and as he is very poor and has a large family it was resolved
that one be admitted if the state of the funds would authorize
any addition to their present number.....
As
Elizabeth Thrower’s indentures could not be found, no legal
measures could be adopted to oblige her to return to the asylum
until the board could hear from Mrs Anderson (who placed her
in this institution and who probably has the indentures) but
it was resolved that Mrs Read & Mrs Hunter again request
her mother to resign her.
August
12, 1823
...the
directress informed the board that a meeting had been called
for the purpose of consulting with them whether E. Thrower should
be permitted to return to her mother. She had been sent back
to the asylum a few day [sic] previous. Resolved that her mother
be permitted to have her. The ladies consented as Mrs T said
E was old enough to assist in her work and should they withhold
their consent E might be induced again clandestinely to leave
the asylum as she wished to be with her mother.....
It
was resolved to admit Mr Gills youngest daughter into the asylum
in the place of E Thrower, and also to take his eldest if on
enquiry she is not as vicious as had been represented as in
that case she would be setting a bad example to the other children,
but it was their wish to admit and reform her if she is not
too old to be received.
Sept
4, 1823
The
board were informed that Eleanor Gill had been placed in the
asylum on trial for a short time and that as her conduct had
proved satisfactory, it was resolved to admit her.
Oct
9, 1823
the
board were informed that Mrs West had sent Martha Shearman to
live with Mrs Melhards, and as Mrs M had ill treated Sarah Patterson
whom Mrs Densler had placed with her it was considered by the
board an improper place for her. Mrs Wall & Mrs Read resolved
to call on Mrs West to endeavor to get her to take Martha again
as it was against the rules of the institution to admit any
child into the asylum that had been bound out - and they did
not wish her to remain with Mrs Melhard. [Mrs West takes her
back 6/11/23]
Jan
2, 1824
The
board were informed that Mrs Payling had placed Ann Decker in
another family as Mrs P found it impossible to manage her.
Feb
9, 1824
Mrs
Lloyd & Mis Wallace reported that A. Decker was in a very
good family - and they were directed to inform her that she
was now of age & was released from their direction.
Dec
6, 1824
Mrs
Noel informed the board that Mrs Loper had asked permission
to take her child Missouri as she was going into the country
and was now able to support her. No objection being made, resolved
that she be allowed to take her.
Jan
6, 1825
Mrs
Noel informed the board that Mrs Loper was at times deranged
and therefore incapable of taking charge of her daughter. Missouri
had accordingly been sent back to the asylum.
April
7, 1825
Mrs
Atkinson made application to take her child from the asylum
- but the ladies knowing her character to be very bad it was
unanimously resolved not to give up her child to her.
May
6, 1825
The
board were informed that Mrs Atkinson had clandestinely taken
away her child Diana Kirkling but that a warrant had been issued
to reclaim her and that she had been brought back to the asylum.
Dec
1, 1825
On
a motion by Mrs Richardson, that it being found by experience
that the children derived no actual benefit by being bound out
in families, and so much trouble arising there from. It was
resolved unanimously to keep the children in the asylum &
limit themselves to such a number as their funds would conveniently
support & until they were old enough to support themselves.
More particularly at this periodwhen they were about adopting
the plan of instructing the children in spinning and weaving,
wher [sic] their services would be turned to more account by
being kept in the asylum, learning the habits of regular industry,
and thereby saving to the institution the expense of purchasing
stocking, thread, frocks &c, &c.
Dec
14, 1825
Mrs
Richardson sent to the asylum two spinning wheels. The repairs
done by Mr Taylor the cabinet maker without charge.
June
1, 1826
the
petition of Mrs Sheaver, (grand mother) and Mrs Kapp ( aunt)
to take out of the institution Catherine Tresper was unanimously
agreed to, under the following restriction. That should it hereafter
appear to the directress that this child is not properly brought
up, they retain the power to demand her return to the asylum.
Jan
2, 1827
In
consequence of a letter received by Mrs Read from Mr Child the
step father of Eliza Cruise threatening to apply to the law
for the purpose of taking the above named child from the institution
where she had been placed by her mother. An extra meeting was
called to investigate the propriety of giving her up to her
mother, when it was unanimously agreed and resolved, that in
consideration of the general character of the mother of Eliza
Cruise, we considered ourselves under a moral obligation not
to give up this child to her direction. Therefore answer whatever
was sent the aforesaid step-father.....
Mrs
Keepers petition for her daughter Caroline Bexly to take her
from the asylum, as she had it in her power now, to provide
for her, was unanimously agreed to.
Feb
1, 1827
Contrary
to our expectations the board was informed the Mrs MacGarvey
would continue one year longer to preside over the institution
as house keeper at the salary of three hundred dollars per ann,
& to teach the children for the year @ fifty dollars, making
the sum total to be paid for her services $350. The board agreed
also to allow her for the services of a negro woman two &
a half dollars pr
month. This woman to assist the children to cook & wash
such articles as may be too large for their strength.
[goes
on to detail the daily diet of children, homany or mush made
of corn meal, or corn bread for their breakfast with molasses,
the same for their supper & one dish of meat or soup for
their dinner, with rice potatoes &c, &c., no coffee
or tea to be allowed them at any time unless ordered in sickness.]
July
9, 1827
A
an extra meeting of the directresses & trustees for the
purpose of receiving Mary Ann Baldwin who was returned to the
society by Mrs Smith & to have the voice of this board respecting
her being bound to a Mrs Turner wife to a carpenter, after enquiring
into the character of Turner it was resolve unanimously that
the girl should not be given to them.....
The
ladies took into consideration the complaint of the matron on
the impertinent conduct of two of the children, Amelia Butler
& Diana Kirkland, they were called before the board and
desired to express sorrow for their past conduct & to ask
pardon of the matron, which they refused to do. The Matron was
then directed to put them in solitary confinement & feed
them on bread & water until they expressed sorrow for their
past conduct and promised better behavior. Amelia Butler then
asked pardon, but Diana for her obstinacy was locked up.
Dec
5, 1827
Mrs
Loper applied for her daughter Missouri to be placed with Mrs
Jones the mantuamaker, her request was complied with provided
Mrs J would receive her as an apprentice.
Jan
3, 1828
concluded
to hire a woman to cut & fix the childrens frocks.
March
6, 1828
Mrs
Cooper complained of the conduct of the large girls, particularly
Nelly Gill, Diana Kirkland & Selina Smith, their conduct
was represented so highly improper that the board conceived
it their duty to reprove them in the presence of the matron,
when they presented her with a whip with directions to use it,
whenever their conduct made it necessary. With feelings of deep
regret was this measure adopted....
Resolved
to turn Nelly Gill from the asylum unless she obeys Mrs Cooper.
Sept
4, 1828
Mrs
Howard reported that Nelly Gill had left the asylum during the
month of august - where she had been hired as a servant.
Oct
2, 1828
Information
was laid before the board that during the last summer one of
the children (Mary Corneil) a destitute child who threw herself
on the bounty of this institution in the year 1825 - had been
inticed away by a Mrs Johnson & her daughter Diana Kirkland
- abandoned women living in the neighborhood of the asylum.
This extra meeting of the board was called for the purpose of
adopting such measures as seemed best in the judgement of this
board, for effectually putting a stop to such infamous conduct,
when it was resolved to consult a gentleman of the bar - as
to the proper measures to be pursued. Mrs Read & Mrs Howard
our directresses, were instructed to adopt every measure consistant
with his advice to bring these women to punishment.
Dec
4, 1828
Mrs
McGarveys application for Eliza Tullis rejected as the uniform
good conduct of this girl & her sister was such, as to render
it an object to retain them in the institution on account of
their example.
December
20, 1828
Elections
to Board
Mrs
Read 1st Directress
Mrs
Howard 2nd Directress
Mrs
Coe Treasurer
Mrs
Richardson Secretary
Mrs
Bulloch
Mirs
Neufville
Mrs
Baggs
Miss
Howard
Miss
Barrou
Mrs
Anderson
Mrs
Winn
Mrs
Loyd
Miss
Maxwell
Miss
Johnson
April
2, 1829
Mrs
Howard also reported that Eliza Tullis was of age and at liberty
to leave the asylum, where it was desirable she should remain,
on account of her excellent example and useful services, and
proposed, that a compensation be allowed her, as an inducement,
which was consented to & it was voted that three dollars
per month be paid her.
May
7, 1829
[board
decides to hold a fair to raise money advertises in the Georgian]
to
call on the Ladies of Savannah, for assistance in making up
such fancy articles as their different tastes may dictate so
as to enable them to have a fair on the 17th December next.....
The
liberal support they received at their first attempt has been
inducement sufficient to tempt the directresses to make this
resolution - and they flatter themselves that they will again
meet the assistance of a generous and humane community.
July
2, 1829
In
consequence of the illness of Polly Wilson one of the children
belonging to this institution, & the deranged sate of her
mind, inducing her to wander from the asylum & giving much
trouble & anxiety to the matron. It was proposed to board
her in the country, & unanimously agreed to, that Mrs Coe
should endeavor to fix her in some good family where the child
would be tended to & taken care of & a provision allowed
for her support. Fifty dollars was therefore thought a competant
sum, and voted accordingly. She is now boarding with Mrs Jesse
Patterson on New River in the state of So.Carolina at $50 per
ann.
Oct
8, 1830
The
first directress called the attention of the board to the application
of Nelly Gill for one years wages said to be due her. This demand
was made by Wm Chadourn - justice - as there was no agreement
on record - the ladies could only reply to the best of their
recollection - that Nelly Gill had been retained with the view
of its being a safe home & to save her from ruin - her clothing
& food was offered her, with the promise of an additional
suit if she behaved herself well - this she forfeited by her
bad conduct.
January
5, 1831
[Dr
G Dupree of Glynn Co offers to take one child, SFA invites him
to take his choice of one of the children]
March
3, 1831
[accepts
Mary Ann Campbell, a fatherless child, her mother not being
able to support her]
July
7, 1831
[board
rejects off of Mr Hoff of Pennsylvannia for two children, because
the rules of the society prevented their consenting to send
the girls beyond the control of the directresses]
October
? 1831
the
mother of Sarah McCall made application to take her daughter
from the institution - refused until information could be procured
respecting the mothers character & circumstance
[Mrs
Taylor get a child admitted
Eliza
Tullis (former pupil) getting married, ladies give a tea set
as present]
December
1, 1831
[Ann
Tullis still at asylum get to go to wedding in the country]
February
7, 1833
[application
to send a child to Connecticut cheerfully accepted cf 7/7/31]
August
1, 1833
Mrs
Fell applied for a situation for a soldiers child, six years
old
September
5, 1833
The
child a situation applied for by Mrs Fell, was prevented from
coming into the asylum by her mother who was reluctant to part
with her
February
1834
[board
requests that Judge Nicol tries to secure money from Lucene
bequest, if possible - perhaps bad investment/loan]
March
6, 1834
[Mrs
William Stiles returns Martha Battles to SFA in consequence
of bad conduct]
May
1, 1834
Mr
Fisher applied to have his two daughters taken into the asylum.
His wife being an improper character he wished to remove them
beyond her control. As it would be impossible to prevent her
from having intercourse with her children & as her example
and precept would be an injury perhaps to the other children
in the institution as well as her own, it was resolved that
they could not be received
June
5, 1834
[SFA
purchases Planters bank stock
Received
from Mrs Anderson stopped from a negro $50]
July
3, 1834
application
from Mrs Stiles to take Jane Wilson refused as she is essentially
necessary andif they gave her up they would be compelled to
hire a servant in her place. They regret much to be obliged
to refuse so good a situation for her
July
21, 1834
[Ellen
Fryer runs away, board to track her down, but to refuse to accept
her again as she has history of bad conduct]
August
7, 1834
[Ellen
Fryer returns and bound out to Mr Greiner of Buloch co.
Mrs
Lee applies to aslyum to take her children which they do as
long as she is willing to give them up altogether, she agrees,
4/8/34]
December
4, 1834
the
board were informed that Mrs Lee had behaved in the most shameful
and insulting manner to Mrs Cooper and wished to take her children
from the asylum and Mrs Cooper representing to the board that
she could not submit to a repetition of such conduct and the
board not wishing to lose the services of so good a matron,
resolved that Mrs Lee be allowed to take her children from the
asylum.
February
5, 1835
[Jane
Wilson’s time up , she wished to stay and is paid $3 month for
her services,
note
that now about 110 subscribers, (sub money of $330)]
August
5, 1835
[Mrs
Gale gets her daugher back being enabled to afford her a comfortable
home and maintenance]
February
4, 1836
[another
application for Jane Wilson, board ups her pay to $5 per month
to keep her]
April
7, 1836
[Martha
Battles comes back from Bulloch Co, ladies resolve to send her
back to the country where she would have less temptation to
err than in town , and prevent her communication with these
children]
October
6, 1836
[application
for two children refused as they were both considered too useful
to the asylum to be placed out]
March
1, 1837
[rules
and regulations for matron
$425
salary, plus $60 for a servant
children
never to be left alone in evening;
children
never to be sent on errands unless on asylum business
matron/servant
to do shopping]
September
18, 1837
[agree
to accept, Mary Ryan 8 or 9yr old, destitute picked up in Yamacraw
by a negro woman]
April
5, 1838
rules
8.
Girls prohibited from visiting relative without permission of
board
10
family worship to be held every evening
12
children attend churches en masses in rotation on sun afternoons,
their own church Sunday school in morning
13
winter: rise at 6am, breakfast 8, dinner 1, tea 6; summer rise
5, breakfast 7, dinner 1, tea 7
14
school hours 9-12 and 3-5 every week day
15
girls washed once per week
24
weekly walks
25
no indulgence shall be granted to the larger girls above what
it allowed the younger ones
26
bed time 7-8pm for youngest, 9pm for oldest
27
garden work every day
February
7, 1839
[arrangements
for new orphan house building; Mrs Anderson says six gentlemen
should be allowed to join with the board and to inspect the
work daily. Mrs Richardson objected to this motion stating that
the committee would be sufficient and intended to consult one
or more gentlemen as to price etc eventually four gents to be
consulted]
September
5, 1839,
[gives
Jane Denny to her aunt, if on enquiry, the aunts general character
would authorise the measure]
February
6, 1840
[fatherless
child admitted on condition that the mother should relinquish
all claims to it (5/3/40 goes to SFSS instead)
agree
to take 25-30 children from Augusta following an epidemic, only
if Aug CC pays $100 per child for 1st year and $75 after that
and takes them back at 18. If quarterly payments not made in
advance then children go back. 5/3/40 note from Aug results
in project being dropped]
April
13, 1840
[Mr
Low’s gift of white cotton dresses causes dilemma, eventually
accepted but not given to children as it might give them a taste
for dress which the board deem it proper to discourage]
June
4, 1840
[take
two children on condition that mother give them up to SFA] and
that she shall bind them to it and that upon no occasion shall
she be allowed to visit them at the asylum or that they be permitted
to go to see her, except in case of her extreme illness certified
by a physician. The board being aware that her character and
examples are such as to render these precautions necessary [2/7/40
mother refuses these conditions]
July
16, 1840
[turn
down offer from Mr Hogg to teach from 5-7 in evening as it would
infringe on the children’s play hours]
August
6, 1840
[reports
donation of $56 from Catholic church including a donation of
one dollar from Clarette a colored woman who was prevented form
attending church on the day of collection by indisposition.
Mrs
Greens child refused admittance cos only 3 and not weaned]
September
3, 1840
accept
Alice Gordon whose mother was in a destitute situation and very
desirous of binding her child to the asylum
Mrs
Green attends in person with her child exceedingly desirous
that she be received forthwith refused on account of age and
sickness in asylum
October
1, 1840
Charity
Green (Kelly) admitted in consequence of her mothers inability
any longer to take care of her
December
1, 1840
[receive
a German child mother dead,] whose father is in the habit of
locking up his child when out at work himself, [father has to
relinquish all claim]
March
4, 1841
The
father of Alice [Gordon] presented himself at the asylum &
demanded his child his request was refused and after some deliberation
it was determined that Alice should be delivered into the hands
of her mother from whom she had been received.
April
8, 1841
[decline
offer of oratorio performance by the Singing Society, saying
money should be given to the Widows Society, which was very
needy at the present time]
July
21, 1841
[Anna
Maria Jones’s mother very anxious to bind her to SFA but 5/8/41
refuses when she hears conditions]
September
2, 1841
[children
of Anthony Lewis admitted even though too old as they have no
care during their fathers absence at work]
October
5, 1841
[due
to a report in circulation that the children of this institution
are literally starved they inform public that $93 was spent
on food in the last month
duties
of older girls include: care of sick room, washing/ironing,
kitchen and dining room, back room, first room, painted room,
staircase, school room, yard.Ie mainly cleaning]
February
3, 1842
[legacy
from Mr J Wallace of $7,640]
March
3, 1842
[resolve
to hold refreshment fair for fund-raising purposes]
October
6, 1842
[Mrs
Danson asks daughter back claiming she can support her, as she
never signed the indentures and just left her, ie board cannot
keep her by legal force]
November
3, 1842,
[says
Mrs Danson never came for daughter]
Dec
1847
[Mr
Sheftall (of SFSS) doing some teaching for $50 per qtr]
Oct
1854
[Reports
that 17 children and matron ill with yellow fever and two children
died, but no real mention of epidemic in the minutes. Bishop
Elliot, Dr Bulloch and the Benevolent Association all very kind]
Dec
1854
[Gave
Mrs Bell (matron) a silver cup and Dr Bulloch a silver goblet
in recognition of devotion and care of children presumably during
YF epidemic.]
Apr
1855
[Ann
Catherine Ward admitted walked in from Dr Screvens plantation
11 yr old]
Feb
1857
[Caroline
Williams, formerly at the asylum, asked that she be assisted
while attending the Massie School to be a teacher given $8 July
57]
July
1858
[Katherine
Burke asked to re-enter the asylum as she had lost her place
with Mrs Wall.]
Nov
1858
[Miss
Brown, teacher, dies during epidemic]
Dec
1858
[Mrs
A L Read 1st Dir dies perhaps of YF]
Lists
of directresses and office holders
1st Directress
Mrs
Elizabeth Smith 1801-10
Mrs
Ann Clay 1810-12; 1814-20
Mrs
John Y Noel 1813; 1821-1826
Mrs
A L Read 1827; 1842-1857
Mrs
G W Anderson 1858-1865
2nd
Directress
Mrs
John Y Noel 1810-12; 1814-20
Mrs
Henry Kollock 1813
Mrs
Stiles 1821-1823
Mrs
A L Read, 1824-6
Mrs
C Howard 1827-1829
Mrs
G W Anderson 1830-1857
Mrs
Champion 1858-1865
Secretary
Mrs
Jane Smith 1802
Mrs
Sarah Lamb 1802-10
Mrs
Eliza Irvine 1811-19
Mrs
Margaret King 1820-21
Mrs
JF Lloyd 1822-1825, 1835-37
Mrs
Martha Richardson 1826-34, 1838-9
Mrs
Solomon Cohen 1839-1863
Treasurer
Mrs
Margaret Hunter 1801-02
Mrs
Hannah McAllister, 1803
Mrs
Helen Smith 1810-12
Mrs
Arnold 1813
Mrs
Sarah Lamb 1814-16
Mrs
Jackson 1815
Mrs
Early 1817-1819
Mrs
Braston 1820-21
Mrs
Winter 1822-23
Mrs
G W Coe 1824-1832
Miss
Isabella Barron 1832-1865
History
of SFA By Mrs B F Bullard (typescript, 1924)
quotes
refusal of SFA to benefit from a performance in 1803 as it was
very unfriendly to religion . . .they more generlaly are the
means of encouragement of vice and dissipation than to good
morals. Disapprove of Saturday night performances when a congregation
(unnamed) was meeting
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