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John Ellard: The Newsboy

Creator: Frederick Ratchford Starr (author)
Date: 1860
Publisher: William S. & Alfred Martien
Source: American Antiquarian Society
Figures From This Artifact: Figure 1  Figure 2  Figure 3

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129  

"All the good impulses of this boy were carefully encouraged by the kind friends who had taken him up, and he had become noted for his economy, industry, and generosity. He was always ready to help his comrades who were in want, and a short time before his death he sent word to those who had borrowed of him that he "forgave them all they owed him." His last request was to see one of the Managers who had frequently prayed with him during his illness, and throughout all his sickness he manifested a gentle, forgiving, and patient disposition, and his whole deportment was such as those interested in his future could have wished.

130  

"Now that this one boy should have been furnished with a cheerful Christian home, and cared for, when in pain and suffering, by skilful physicians and kind and watchful attendants, is enough to reward all who have laboured for this neglected class, and we commend the fact to the benevolent, and ask them to give a little attention to a charity which is doing so much good."

131  

Copy of a letter received from one of the Aldermen of the city.

132  

Mr. Sloan, Superintendent of the Newsboys' Home:

133  

Dear Sir -- I am indebted seventy-five cents to "Didley Dumps," for papers, please inform me to whom I can pay the money.

134  

Poor Didley Dumps! may we, when the cold hand of death beckons us away, leave behind us as many friends, and as few enemies as he has.

135  

Extract from a letter dated Memphis, Tennessee, from a newsboy, formerly an inmate of the Home.

136  

"I have heard from.......about the death of John Ellard, and it made the tears come out, and I could not stop for half an hour. I have received a paper, it was the.... and in it was the death of Ellard, and it was .... that sent it to me. Mr. Sloan, I have got a Baltimore paper, and it had the death of John Ellard, and I gave it to a Philadelphia boy, and he knew John, and this boy used to stand at the corner of Sixth and Chestnut."

137  

There are, in all large cities, hundreds of persons who have no place they can call their own, and who would be truly thankful for a bright, happy home, conducted upon Christian principles, where, for a moderate sum, which they would cheerfully pay, and which would amply support such an establishment, they could have the protection and comfort they so much need.

138  

A Home of this kind, for each sex, is very much wanted in Philadelphia, and would be attended with blessed results.

139  

Several applications were made to our Society for the admission of persons not engaged in vending newspapers or books, and some were at first received; but the boys felt that their Home should be for their exclusive benefit, and it has been found necessary to make it so, although there is room for many more boarders.

140  

Clean and attractive tea and coffee saloons, to take the place of the wretched "pauper-making dens" which disgrace our cities, and which are increasing with fearful rapidity, are also much needed, and many honest and generous-hearted men would gladly avail themselves of them, were they established.

141  

Were half the zeal expended in denunciation of intemperance and other vices, exerted in well-directed efforts to provide such places of resort for those whose sad condition calls so loudly for sympathy, their reformation would no longer wear an aspect so hopeless.

142  

Are there none in this city, noted for its Christian liberality, who will act upon these suggestions? The undertaking is full of promise, and its faithful performance would ensure a rich reward.

143  

"HE THAT CONVERTETH A SINNER FROM THE ERROR OF HIS WAY SHALL SAVE A SOUL FROM DEATH, AND SHALL HIDE A MULTITUDE OF SINS."

144  

THE END.

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