Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1902-12-28

to an end within the walls OF the poor
house. These two cases from the old
woman s department, and few from the
old mems ward, clearly prove That the
maioritySof the unfortunate ones came
from humble, but honest walks OF life
Some OF the paupers have been laboi1ns
men In their advanced age, with no
one to provide for them, they have
sought asylum III the aim -house. A Few
were once farmers, who lost their money
during the horrors OF the war one was
an Old, soldier It was in this ward l
met SanS old minister. In his young days
he was bright and energetic preacher
OF the gospel. He has, however. out
lived his usefulness. His feet are no
longer able to carry him on errands OF
mercy. Flis tongue no longer Is able to
herald Biblical truths. Hisrelatlves and
companions of the ministry have passed
on. leaving him to end his days at the
aIn1shouse.
AT ONE TINE WEALTHY.
With the idea Of the almshouse we are
prone ia connect thoughts OF paupers,
poverty and ignorance. What surprise
therefore is, occasionally to lind N
these institutions some few OF. both sexes
who were once wealthy, and stu sho"
signs of refinement and collegiate educa-
ton. Strange as It may seem, 1t is never
theless true. that there such cases at our
poor houses Some few years ego there
died and was buried in the common cetne-
terry. a woman whose life was indeed
remarkable. She was born OF wealthy
Southern sIave-o owners, reared In ease ana
lux a nd married to one Of the wealth.
est men in the State After her marriage
wal, was declared: her husband became
active In the cause OF the South and
spent large sums Of money In Its behalf.
Had the South not been defeated he
doubtless would have remained wealthy
man, but the ending Of the hostinties
and the freezing OF his slaves left him a
comparatively poor man. He engaged in
small business and again lost money.
He died, leaving las wife Almost pennl-
less, She supported herself by Aer own
efforts. Her relations were dead, and at
last, enfeebled by sorrow and age. sne
| who HAD been wealthy. was compelled to
! becomeEan inmate of the almshouse, and
| there breathed the last of her checkered,
| sad life some years ago.
HAS WRITTEN a BOOK
! There is now at this institution one old
! woman whose life has been equally re-
markablo She belonged to what was be-
| fore the war one Of the wealthiest fanai-
| lies OF. the State She has written a
book,s which at one time was popular.
and in her prime she was "a successful
1
| woman and found she had travelled e-l-
| tensively and still retains every mark Of
early refinement and educa ton. The story
| Of her life adds another sad chapter to
| the book Of human events. Among the
| old men are to be found several that were
once wealthy. but limitations In time and
| space forbid the narration OF their muta-
| lions of fortune.
..How do the inmates pass their time?''
| to- off arISe1 ThhSa pChn
| able assist in work about the institution,
| Some help with the cooking, others wal!
! on. the table and wash dishes. Others DC
| the weekly washing and ironing. Those
! who are unable to work have various
! methods OF breaking the u1onotony, chief
| among which is reading. Many who pc
| ruse the dailies and magazines are wei
! posted on the political and religious l:
/ sues Of the day.
SOME OF THE OLD WOMEN SMOKE
There are number OF the old wome +
| who enjoy the rather masculine pleasure
/ Of smoking It is indeed an odd sight tc
! see the old women putting ct their pipes
| They .load up and strike a match with
| a dizziness that speaks OF long experience
| There are none of them. however. who
| will venture to smoke cigar. or at ieas1
! found none. Several Of the superan.
nuated danes were knitting and working
| Wv
| gather. II, groups to spin yarns OF the past
Many are the stirring tales told OF wa.
| times, and OF fishing and cunning trips
| We saw an old man playing game o.
! cards with an imaginary friend. Wher
he can ind any one to play With him
! he enjoys game OF euchre, OF seven up
If none Of MS companions care to pla5
he has game OF solitaire, shutting. deal
ING. and playing all by himself. When
questioned him regarding his one-stdet
games. he said .'the other fellow hac
/ beaten him thfee straight that morning
but he expected to even accounts before
| sundoW1;.
WHAT THEY DO CHRISTMAS.
/ My visit to the almshouse was paid jus
| before Christmas. The Yule-tide cheel
had reached, even the poor Of this place
| Old and young We're looking forward with
bright antioipations Of the happy week
The management very kindly provides :
series Of amusements and eutertainn ent.
! Da-s.zz.lE1.slz-1z-x- -