Untitled Document

BETHANY HOME

The oldest public charitable organization at Rock Island that has a home where children can be cared for is Bethany Home. It is the outcome of the faith and prayers of G. H. German, who, in June, 1897, began personal work among the poor and needy of Rock Island. Seeing the need of a home for poor children and a place where mothers, left alone to support their children, might have employment, he submitted to the Associated Charities, the proposition of founding an organization for such a purpose, but no action was then taken.

In May, 1898, an appeal was made to the Tri-City Ministerial Association for cooperative assistance to establish a rescue mission, but without results. Upon looking over the records we find that in October, 1898, Mr. German opened a mission, called a kindergarten, on Fourth avenue and Fourteenth street, Rock Island, at his own expense, trusting the Lord would help and provide.

A kindergarten was opened by a young woman from Davenport, who was willing to work without definite remuneration and furnish the necessary equipment. While this society did good work it did not cover the needs of the homeless and neglected little ones, and because of the insistence and persistence of Mr. German, on January 12, 1899, an organization was effected and incorporated, the object of which was the care of homeless, neglected and abused children. The name given it was the Union Mission. The officers chosen were: President, Prof. C. W. Foss: vice president, F. G. Young; secretary, G. H. German; treasurer, Dr. J. W. Stewart; chairman finance committee, H. D. Blakemore.

Immediately after the formation of the society, the matter of the purchase of a permanent home for the mission was taken under advisement and the result was the purchase of the property known as the Cook homestead, located on the corner of Eighth street and Fourth avenue in Rock Island. The price paid was $2,200, and on December 6, 1S99, the board came into possession of the property.

The next step to be taken was to find some one to take charge of the home. Mr. and Mrs. German voluntarily agreed to leave their own home and take temporary charge of this institution that was the outcome of their prayers and efforts for three years, without salary, Mr. German to act as superintendent, Mrs. German as matron, until such time as the mission could secure persons to permanently fill these positions. Mr. German further donated to the general fund of the mission, $30 per month from his earnings as a harness maker at the Rock Island Arsenal, until the society was able to employ a superintendent to take charge.

Fifty-eight children were cared for during the first year, aud the county donated $700. In 1902 the name was changed to Bethany Home. In the early part of the year 1903, Rev. Lockney, of the Sacred Heart church, feeling it would be better for the children to be in the country during the summer, offered to raise the funds for that purpose. The proposition was gladly accepted and early in June the Silvis property on Aiken street, South Rock Island, was leased for four months.

In the fall when the time of outing expired, it was found that the family had increased to such an extent that it would be impossible to occupy the old house, so the board decided to rent out the city home and remain in the country during the winter, changing the name. In 1905 the Gilpin Moore home, Thirty-sixth street and Fifth avenue, a beautiful modern house, was purchased, the amount paid being $10,000, and there the children are today and the good work carried on of not only caring for little homeless, dependent children, but for a small sum per week, keeping children whose father or mother cannot keep up the expense of a home but nevertheless want to provide for their children.

The persons who have served as presidents of the board since its organization are: Prof. C. W. Foss, Mrs. W. H. Gest, Mrs. H. D. Blakemore, Mrs. M. E. Metzgar, Mrs. W. C. Bennett. Superintendents: Mrs. G. H German, Miss Ramser, Mr. Jahns, Mrs. Ferguson. At torneys : Wm. Jackson, W. J. Sweeney, J. Scott, G. Wenger. Matrons: Mrs. G. H. Ger man, Mrs Westerman, Mrs. Jahns, Miss Smith, Miss Parsons. Physicians: Dr. Comegys, Dr. Ludewig, Dr. Bradford.

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