The Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1861-1862, 1862-02-15

"Msfortunes," it is said, "neg5r come sing
iy." This was certainly verified in the fani
" of William Thornby. The world had gone
fortunate with him for time, but soon prom
isrg speculations failed entirely, and his affair
became sadly involved. Some hopes of re-
covery presented themselves, when fire
broke out in the place, his house of business
fell prey to the flames, and to render the
misfortune greater the insurance had expired
the day before.
Thornby and his large family were reduced
to absolute poverty. Nor was this all; his
anxiety and exposure during the fire brought
on fever, and for weeks his wife and daugh-
ter hung over him alnfcst dcspairing, of his
life. At length, however, the fever abated,
aud though he was left weak and helpless as
all infant reason had returned, and nothing
was needed for his restoration to health but
good nursing and freedom from mental anx-
ictv.
Careful and affectiona.e nursing were not
wanting but it was impossible to prevent
mental uncasiness. His children must be
supported, but how? They would share with
him in the poverty, perhaps the disgrace,
which the involved state of his affairs would
bri g upon him, and many would heap upon
him unmcrted reproach
There remained but one way by which his
fair name could be retained, and ON this he at
once resolved. The house in which they
lived was valuable and would command +
ready and favorable sale. It was hard to part
with home he had made so com !ortable but
there was no alternative. The house was Of
fered for sale and purchaser soon found.
Every just claim was satisfied, and the fam
lily removed to distant part of the country.
Here in a small, neat dwelling, they found
themselves in the possession of many comforts
and in their affection for each other the moth
,er and child soon found conentment and hap
pness.
But the fathers heart was still sad. He
felt want of confidence in himself, and mis-
trust Of his fellow creatures. His whole ap-
pearancs was changed. His countenanco was
downcast and sad; his steps lingering and IL
rasoluta, and 70 one would have recognized
the oacs happy merchant in the addressed
and unhappy looking man. WHO DOW busted
himself in cult!yatjng small piece Of land
that surrounded his little dwelling
His wife sought by every means in her
power to srouss his dormant energies The
little property they had saved from The wreck
would socn be exhausted; he was yet il the
prime Of life; his hoalth was fully restored
why not again 60 forward and endcavor 70
regain, at least part, of what they had lost?
Surely it was duty which he owed to HIM
self and his children. But her husband
shrunk from again mingling with what he
deemed a cold and unfeeling world.
at will be in vain, Mary" ho replied, ~
shall loose the little we have. You can hard
ly imagine the manner in which the unfortn-
nate are treated. Many will help those who
seem likely to rise themselves, but very few
will extend a hand to those who are compar-
atively sinking"
"This is part true" said his moro hopeful
wife, "but | trust not to the extent which
you seem to believe. Place more confidence
in your fellow men, and above all, have more
reliance npon your Heavenly Father and you
will succeed. Begin at the bottom of the
ladder, and seek situation as clerk. You
are certainly we'll qualified either for sales
man or accountant, and will no doubt obtain
good salary"
Mr.. Thornby sighed deeply.
"My health" said he, will not permit me