Rensselaer Standard, Volume 1, Number 11, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 August 1879 — From Wealth to Want. [ARTICLE]

From Wealth to Want.

From Ui« New York Herald. A case of destitution was brought to light yesterday, the details of which are well calculated to excite pity and benevolence. An old man named'Edwin Harwood, who lived at No, 228 West Eighteenth street, with - his wife and two children, was yesterday compelled to enter Bellevue Hospital through sickness brought on by want and suffering. A Herald reporter visited the house and found his wife, Mrs. Emily Harwood, who told the following story:* “My husband is over 75 years of age, and was born in Maryland. When I married him he was a very rich billiard-table manufacturer, and had two factories in Philadelphia. We lived in pleuty then and kept servants. Since that time we have been unfortunate in business, and gradually my husband’s fortunes sank. About a year ago he became infirm and sick. Then I took in sewing until my eyesight became nearly destroyed from constant work and I bad to give up. For mouths we have been struggling along, trying to keep the wolf from the door, but my husband is sick and I can get no work and we cannot pay our rent. I obtained $2 from my frauds to help to pay it this month, but the time will be up iu a few days, and we are threatened with being put out. To-day my husband went to Bellevue Hospital in prelerence to the almshouse.” Mrs. Harwood paused, and tears stood in her eyes as she pointed to a neat looking boy about 15 years old. “I want to save him and my little 11-year-old girl. I have pawned and sold every article of furniture and clothing I could, but I am at last penniless.” Mrs. Harwood was the sister of a clergyman who died in Cornwall, Eug., recently. Her sister is in Bt. Luke’s Hospital. The apartment of the Harwoods is small and devoid of furniture, but everything in it shows neatness and .sure. On the wall hangs the suggestive motto: “I need Thee every hour.” The neighbors of the family verify their story in all its details.