Santa
Clara County, California
County Infirmary History
| Santa Clara County Infirmary - The infirmary is located about three miles south-west from San Jose'. The building was erected in 1875, at a cost of twenty thousand dollars. Before that time the accommodations had not been adequate, consequently there was a greater mortality and more suffering. Dr. A. J. Cory, A.M., M.D., the leading and controlling spirit, who inaugurated a more humane condition, is a prominent and revered physician in this county. He was first appointed physician and surgeon of this county to and for the infirmary, April 8, 1861, till January, 1862, and held the position at various times for the period of nine years and nine months, during which time three years were in succession (appointment by the year), and six years in succession (two years each by appointment). During all that time the doctor struggled to give opinion to the tax- | |
| payers, and the result is that a
beautiful structure has been erected, and everything
conducive to the welfare of the waifs of humanity has been
done, so that their suffering may be assuaged and their
pillows smoothed as they fall into the grave. Let us here
give a brief description of this building and grounds in
their order; the time of appointment, and for what time and
salary, from 1857 to 1881, of the different physicians who
were appointed. The new building is three stories high, built after the Gothic style of architecture. It has six wards, which will accommodate sixty-five patients; gas, water and all the modern improvements are connected with the building. There are three other buildings, containing nine other wards, with the capacity to accommodate fifty patients. The number of acres of land connected with this institution is one hundred and fourteen. |
|
Physician
Salary
Time of Appointment
Dr. A. B. Caldwell
In 1857 - Received $2.50 for each patient per day
March 1857 to 1859
Dr. T. D. Johnson
$4,000
1859 to 1860
Dr. T. D. Johnson
$4,500
1860 to 1861
Dr. A. J. Cory
(Salary not provided)
Appointed for nine months after above term
Drs. Johnson & Brown
$750
1862 to 1863
Dr. A. J. Spencer
$1500 per year
1863 to 1865
Dr. A. J. Cory
$676
1867 to 1868
Dr. A. J. Cory
$1200 per year
1868 to 1870
Dr. A. J. Cory (Physician and Superintendent)
$3240 per year
1870 to 1872
Dr. A. J. Cory
$1,500 per year
1874 to 1876
Dr. A. McMahon
$1000 per year
1876 to 1878
J. B. Cox, Physician
$888 per year
1878 to 1880
Dr. B. Cory
$1000 per year
1880 to 1882
In the year 1871 the old infirmary buildings were removed from the former site to two and one-half miles from San Jose', where the infirmary has since been located. The magnificent building has been erected since, dedicated to Sickness, Poverty, and Charity - a temple which is an honor to Santa Clara county, and is considered a model of its kind throughout the State. Hither shall seek shelter, through many generations, such as Dickens tells us of in his story in the "Seven Travelers" - "There shall rest the pilgrim and friend, and there shall be no one to make afraid." Let us hope and trust that this monument which the genius of civilization has erected shall exist for our time, day and generation.
Before 1863 there was no location for the infirmary, and the pest-house was an eye-sore in the very City of San Jose'. The infirmary then was cosmopolitan, and as such traveled from street to street. We therefore see the progress made in this one field, and admire the intellect which inspired it. In all countries and ages it has been the grand crowning act of humanity to be humane; therefore infirmaries have been established, and in this spirit we say, so let them continue to progress in the grand mission, then the human race will be relieved of one burden that it may suffer less. To this end the tax-payers of Santa Clara county have done their best, and shall continue so to do. There is no more beautiful spot in the county than where these unfortunate are provided for. Long may the pilgrims enjoy the peace and unfortunate nomad.
The present county physician is Dr. Benjamin Corey, A.M., M.D., a man who has exercised more charity and ability towards the poor of this county than any whom we know of. He is one of the oldest of the pioneers, and this work gives him credit for the progress made in Santa Clara county since 1847. In conclusion, we will say that if every county in each State should have such accommodations for indigent sick then should the tax-payers rejoice and charity be satisfied.
Transcribed from History of Santa Clara County, California by J. P. Munro-Fraser, Alley, Bowen & Co., Publishers 1881.
submitted by C. Anthony
