Unknown (1900)

UNKNOWN

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler (email)
Date: 9/7/2009 at 10:59:11

Winterset Reporter – February 15, 1900
Pg 7

Sad Indeed

The readers of the REPORTER will remember that a short time ago we noted the fact that a boy about fifteen years of age was found wandering about in Walnut township, thinly clad, poor and in need. He was brought to this city and turned over to the board of supervisors then in session. It was learned that the boy was from near Algona, and that he had ran away from home. The board sent him to the poor farm and his parents were notified of his whereabouts, and they sent word back that they would like to have this wayward son returned, but made no provisions for the car fare. The lad remained at the farm a short while and then came to town and had been stopping at different places. Last Saturday he went to County Auditor Stiles and informed him that he would like to go home, as he was sick. He was furnished with money to pay his car fare. This he gave to Albert Eldridge stating that he was going to the poor farm and would remain there until he felt better. He found Mr. Banker, superintendent of the poor farm, and told him his wish. Mr. Banker took him with him and Sunday evening he died, alone and among strangers. The cause of his death was Brights disease, and for some the only nourishment he had was sweet milk. This is certainly a sad and pitiful case, where a child must die surrounded by no relatives to care for him. The people at the poor farm were kind to him, but nevertheless he died, with no one but strangers to comfort him in his last hours.