The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1895-03-29
SAVING UNCLE TOM.

:
4 Sick and poor, be could no longer support
himself and his aged wife, and the people
had decided that the poorhouse was the
4 only place for them.
Little Gertie Folsom was taking her
breakfast with her father and mother and
listened to every word.
All the children liked Uncle Tom, for
he always had something pleasant to say
4 to them. Ever since Gertie learned to walk
she had habit of trosting into the street
to meet him and put up small hand for
his large, bony one to clasp.
Often the old man reached his cabin
with cluster of little villagers holding
fast to him, like grapes to their stem. He
was uncle to the whole
As she thought over the situation of
kind Uncle Tom, Gerties heart was very
sad. She felt sure there must be way to
save him the disgrace of being a pauper.
Then she remembered how lady lately
called ON her mamma with subscription
paper for charity of some sort. She re-
solved to get up a subscription for the
benefit of poor Uncle Tom.
4 Gertie, although only 9, could write
quite we'll. She was fond of writing let
ters to mamma, as,if mamma were away
I from home
Saying nothing to any person, she drew
up, all by herself, a paper that read thus:
To the Charitable:
Thomas Alden is too sick to work and has
not got money to buy things with. can't
bear to hear them say he will be obliged to go
! to the poorhouse. If everybody who knows he
is an excellent man will sign and give some
money, he will be ever so thankful, and so will
Gertrude Folsom g cents).
Mamma, said Gertrude very serious
ly, 1--WE brought you this to sign"
II am busy, dear, and can't attend to
you"
But, mamma, you don't know what 1t
is. There isn't time to wait. Please sign.
I have signed cents-all I had-and
Laura has signed her 2 cents, and here is
BERTHE. He must sign 8.
"Pooh!'' returned her brother, with
swell. II should sign cents if anything.
What is itP''
1T is to save Uncle Tom from the
poorhouse"
"Good Give me the paper" tt took
him nearly two minutes to write his
name He cashed his subscription of
half dime on the spot
By this time their mother had become
interested. She read the paper, smiled
little, and the children thought they saw
tear in her eye She had always wished
her young daughters to grow up kind and
helpful to those in need, SO she could but
encourage Gertie in her undertaking. She
wrote her name Mrs. Margaret Folsom.
She paused, then made figure 5 on the
line below Bertie's.
II expected, mamma, DEAR" said the
little girl, eagerly watching the pen,
maybe you'd give quarter. She seemed
disappointed.
But when her mother placed before the
figure this character, $, making her sub
scription So, Gertie was surprised and de-
lighted. Uncle Tom go to the poorhouse2
Why, no. He would soon be rich.
While the child was thinking whom to go
to next her Uncle Wesley came down the
street and was about to pass the house.
She started to appeal to him, but at the
thought of offering her subscription paper
outside of her own family her heart began
to fail her.
Laura, she whispered to her 6-year-
old sister in a hurry, cant you run and
ask uncle for some money for Uncle
Tom?''
"Cert'n," was the pleased answer. I'm
help you get lots"
An eager little voice cried, "Uncle
Wessy, Uncle Wessyl' and pair of little
arms clasped his knees SO that he could
not go on. "Give me some money.
He, thinking it only childish freak,
drew out a jackknife and offered it to her.
No. said the child, give some cents. !"
what for, little highwaymanp he
asked
Poor Uncle Tom Don't you see Ger
ties skiption paperP We's signed all our
moneys"
Still thinking it merely joke, her I'M
Gle gave Laura dime. saying:
You may give me back the change"
mo, uncle,'' said Laura, II must keep
it all and buy something good for poor
man,
Uncle Wesley went up to the gate, be-
yond which Gertie was waiting shyly.
Without giving him time for inquiries
she passed him the paper
well. WE'LL" returned her uncle, this
is good beginning. l must do my part +"
Laying the paper on the top of gate
post, he produced pencil and wrote
something.
w ulCu VI you 10 no III
quired, holding $50 bill.
Gertie opened tiny portemonnaie
"Thank you, dear Uncle Wessyi"
Don't lose it, !" cautioned Uncle Wes-
ley. My money doesn't grow on bushes,
my dears, and / intended this for another
use. "
The next to be invited was the chill
dren's papa.
"You say you nave given all your PEN
nies2"
Yes, papa, . replied the three.
but If give all money who will buy
your food and clothesP'
you can get some more, " said BERTHE.
''Give enough to make sure Uncle Tom
needn't go to the poorhouse, begged Ger
tie.
$50 will, !" said her father earnestly.
las long as can keep him out he shall
be, never fear. :"
The earnest young worker now yentured
out among their neighbors nor did she
pause in her charity work till the little
subscription paper was covered with names
and quite large amount had been raised
for Uncle Tom.
More than one man. upon finding it