The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-06-03
As THROUGH A MIRACLE.
A woman Bedridden for Forty.seven Years
Believes She Was Cured In Answer to Prayers.
From he Ner Orleans Times Democrat

From me Ner Orleans Times Democrat
After lying helplessly on her back for forty
seven years Mrs. Josephine Hasam, the au-
horess-poetess residing at 1902 81. Mary
street, without premonition or thought. at
tempted to walk yesterday and succeeded.
A year ago. on Ascension Thursday. a lamp
was lighted in ST Alphonsus Church and il was
agreed by the congregation to say novenas
for Mrs. Hasam's recovery Yesterday Mrs. Ha-
sam was, as usual on Sunday, lifted from her bed
TO a small vehicle and wheeled to ST. Alphon-
sus Church. After the services she returned,
and for the first time in years felt an impulse
10 walk. She found little trouble in getting
about the room. and was made so happy by
the discovery Of her returned power that she
became hysterical. After she recovered her
composure she tried TO walk again and again
and then summoned her children and grand,
children. who trooped in one by one. II any
thing more surprised than the invalid.
The news soon spread through the neigh
borhood and to the church. and throughout
the day people poured in 10 congratulate the
family, Mrs. Hasam and her children seemed
convinced that the recovery was a direct re-
Spouse 10 the prayers said. and the devout
ones Of St Alphonsus's, without exception,
expressed a conviction that IL was due to SUI
pernatural interposition.
Mrs. Hasam IL 81 years OF age, but Is won
derfully preserved and does not appear a day
over 45. Her maiden name was Ormsby. In
1852 she was married to Thomas Hasam, a
pioneer lumber dealer, who died In 1885. Dur
Ing her youth Mrs. Hasam contributed h. the
leading magazines. of the day, and was con-
sidered an adept in. the use Of good English
and a poetesss with a future.
Her invalidism was caused by a pelvic trou-
Bile at the age Of 20 For years thereafter
specialists throughout the country were con-
suited. They operated on Mrs. Hasam, but
without avail. The last operation was per
formed by a local physician fifteen years ago,
SINCE. which no medical practitioner has been
called into. the case. During that period the
She was paralyzed in the region OF the hips,
and could not stand on her feet, even when
held in that position by willing arms. without
suffering eXcruciating pain.
rooms to-day, the first time in forty-seven
years, said Mrs, Hasam joyfully TO a reporter
last night. Il hope II is a final and complete
recovery, but ! don't know. / may not be
"Of course, | firmly believe it Is through
a supernatural power this boon has been
granted me For a year my friends have
been saying nOvenas for me. MY recovery,
cannot believe otherwise. | hope it will be
q lasting one"
The children Of Mrs. Hasam are: Thomas
r. Hasam, a commission merchant In the city
OF Meyiso; sidney Hasam' = local manufset-
pioyed in the City Hall, sidney Hasam was
seen AT his residence. I4t5 ~. Mary street
and said his mothers recovery was n great
surprise to him and must he a greater one TO
the medical fraternity, which had given the
case up a. incurable, He said he could not
account for the recovery except through mi
r~aculons interposition.