Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1866-02-07

| plicatlohs from among the precincts of their
own Lodge, that their finances were at that
! time very low; but they would try and
find homes for the children. Months pass
ed by, and heard nothing from them. /
was heretofore advised by friend 70 pre-
sent the case in fplIt to the Grand Masonic
Lodge of Ohio. did so by addressing a
letter to, Mr., +, D. Caldwell, Of Cincinnati.
1t was now fifteen months since the atTi-
val OF the orphans. tolled on from day
to dav, sometimes hopeful, but more often
discouraged. / was feeling unusually sad,
when heard 1t announced that Mr.. M. and
son, of Columbus, had called. The first
thought that passed through my mind was,
"That by entertaining strangers, you may
entertain angels unawares," 1t proved SO
in this case, as you will soon see; for dur
ing Mr.. Ms short call he matiifesteda deep
interest In theorph9n children, ,iI W. ~
But it was at a subsequent interview that
he learned their full history, and when 1
had finished, he placed in my hands fifty
dollars, saying, ""When that Is gone call for
more, and call freely. When little Sammy
Is old enough to be educated, want you TO
let me know" | could not find words TO
express my gratitude to this kind benefac-
| by way of announcement, I" that every
cloud had silver lining" but had now
for the first time seen the "silver lining"
1t was not the roll of greenbacks that
held in my hand (Which Il is true were very
| acceptable), but | had found a kind beDe-
| factor in Mr.. NJ, and he had kindly offered
to assist me, so that the Intellect of that
bright little boy should have the means of
cultivation. He should be educated, and
thereby prepared for usefulness In this life.
o, felt this to be too much; but when the
| question was asked, "Are you a Mason g'
the reply was Yes.n Then knew this
was but another proof of the wonderful
kindness and beneicence of that excellent
| fraternity.
Here is another kind act that | must re-
late to you. 1t is this: At this very time
received an answer to the letter bad ad-
dressed to Mr.. Caldwell He wrote that he
sympathized with me, and took deep in
terest in the poor orphan family; advised
me to brace the opportunity and place two
or more of the children in the Masonic Or
phan Asylum OF Cincinnati, saying. "they
have a commodious building, extensive
grounds Board of Managers of most ex-
cellent ladies, with good Instructors, ply
sician, 81. Their comforts are such that
children have every adequate attention to
their diet clothing, schooling, and moral
Instructions" sc. found inclosed in the
lettcr free pass on the railroad for myself
and two children, and myself back again
to Columbus.
made ready in a few weeks, took two of
the children and went down,m met with Mr.. c.,
made the acquaintance of several Of the Of
ficers, visited the institution, and found it
to far exceed my most sanguine eXpecta-
tions; left my two little ones in the care of
what | believed to be very kind matron,
hoping that Providence would ere long
open goodadopted homes for them. If time
would permit, would be pleased to speak
at length of the Kindness, sympathy and
friendship OF Mrs. L. G. Davis and Mr..
Caldwell, but must say their acts of love
and words of encouragement fell like sweet
heart. -. t...,' I. SO - =
Ladies, it win be easy tor you now to
know my opinion, for you can see that as
we 90 back and review this truthful sketch,
we see that the first acts of kindness were
| performed by Masons, when they stood
by and watched over for three long
months, the dying bed of that dear
brother. 1t was Mason and his daughter
who volunteered to bring those children
| from out of the very Jaws of Rebellion,
and well did they perform this perilouS
task. 1t was Mason that gave me the first
dollar for the orphan, and lifted from me
the burden that was fast sinking me to an
early grave. And you see that it is in a
Masonic Asylum that two OF my orphans
have found warm and comfortable homes,
while the bowling wind and peltiDg storm
sweeps over our country, these cold winter
| mouths.
Then to the Masons, and the Masons
alone, may all the honor be given, for they,
and they only, are the true friends of the
orphan. ..--. L. A. GREGG.
| BERKSHIRE. OHlO.