Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 62, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 April 1909 — AN EFFORT TO AID MR. GEORGE WOOD. [ARTICLE]

AN EFFORT TO AID MR. GEORGE WOOD.

Himself and Family Quarantined and Without Money and Sorely In Need of Assistance. Dr. Arthur R. Kresler has receipted a letter from his uncle, Bruce Porter, who recently moved to the doctor’s farm near Mt.’Vernon, S. Dak., telling of the affliction of George Wood’s family, and also stating that they are without funds and sorely in need of assistance. Mrs. Porter, who went to the Wood home to help in the care of the children after they were stricken with spinal meningitis Was quarantined with the Wood family and was still there when Bruce wrote. His letter reads: "I thought I would write a few lines in regard to George Wood’s family. On last Sunday their little boy took down with spinal meningitis and died Wednesday morning at 3 a. m. They carted us over and the doctor quarantined all but me and had me change and fumigate my clothes. Then the little girl took down Tuesday and died this Sunday morning at 7 o’clock. Mr. Atkinson and I buried the first child and will bury the little girl tomorrow, as none of the family can go. This Is the saddest case I ever knew; In a strange country, among strangers and without money. George had not been able to do a day’s work when his family were stricken. My wife is still there and I do not know when she will be able to come home. The doctor told me today that the county health officer would meet him there tomorow and would decide whei/the quarantine would be raised. Ido not know what George will do; I had to stand for the coffins and lot, which will be about S6O. I have written to Alt Padgittr who is a close friend of George, to see if he can’t collect some money among his friends. I do hope he can as it is a very sad case and a worthy charity.” Dr. Kresler, upon receipt of the letter, signified his Intention of assisting Mr. Wood, who went there to work on the doctor’s farm. He will head the list with $5 and it is probable that many people will be glad to help in lesser amounts. Mr. Wood worked for years for Dr. Hartsell and many thought that Dr. Hartsell would remember him in a will, but no will was found. He began arrangements to bring suit against the Hartsell heirs for claims he had but these were dismissed and he received SSOO by compromise. He was without employment for some time and shortly before going west he bought three head of horses and the cost of shipping them and the railroad transportation for his family took all his money. Rensselaer people have always been very willing to assist worthy charities at home or away, and it is probable that many will contribute to relieve this greatly afflicted family.