The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-01-11
Interest in Mrs. FinsOn Benefit
Fund Is Increasing.
Y. M. c. A. and Y. w. c. A.
Campaign in Her Support.
BY THE BUGGY LOAD.
West Side Women Organize and
Send Quick Relief.
Cash Subscriptions Received at
Prudential Bank.

The benefit fund started for the pur-
pose of helping the destitute widow of
Claude E. Finson the young laborer
who died as a result of the burns re-
ceived at the Seventh street clstern ex.
plosion, is in full progress today and
many new schemes have been devised
for the increase of the benefit.
Councilman H. B. Howard, who is
heading the movement, reports excel
lent sentiment over the city and every
one seems anxious to do all in their
power to help feed, clothe and provide
for the destitute family.
This morning a number of women
from the West side of the city who re-
fused to allow their names mentioned,
got together. and brought all of the
children's clothing and warm clothing
for Mrs. Finson, they had in their
houses. They also collected neat sum
of money from their husbands and to-
gether with enough substantial food to
last the family for a day or so they
went in a body to the home which is
situated at 1910 North Kansas avenue.
Needless to say it was a happy wo-
man who met the delegation at the
door of the little home and welcomed
it with their comforts.
Mr.. Howard informs the State Jour-
nal that the secretaries of the Young
Mems Christian association and the
Young Women's Christian association
have signified their desire to help in the
benefit. Mr.. Howard provided them
with subscription papers at once and
today the papers have been placed in
the two association buildings.
The secretary of the Y. NJ. G. A. is Of
the opinion that the men of the asso-
citation will contribute literally to the
cause. In this one building alone where
so men live and where hundreds come
and go during the day it is thought
that a neat sum can be collected for
Mrs. Finson and her five children, who
have been left penniless by the death
of the husband and father who lost his
life in the employ of the city.
At the Y. w. c. A. quarters in the
Masonic building the conditions are the
same. The secretaries have promised
to make mention of the Dollar Bene-
f1t'' to the young people informally
during the day and formally at the
regular meetings of all kinds.
Mr.. Howard has arranged with Frank
NJ. Cope, a commission man with his
main office at 1874 Kansas avenue, to
conduct a headquarters for subscrip
tions for the business houses and offices
in this district. Mr.. Cope was willing
to lend the assistance and stated that
the proposed dollar benefit" had re-
ceived the moral support, at least, of
all the people in this part of the city.
1t is thought that the subscription pa
per will fill rapidly.
The numerous church organizations
over the city have decided to hold a
meeting of some kind this week and
arrange for a permanent benefit. The
sewing schools and girls sewing classes
can do wonders in helping Mrs. Finson
out in the clothing of the five small
children. At this time Mrs. Finson is
unable to work and cannot do anything
for herself in the support of her large
family.
Cashier Cobb. of the Prudential bank
said this afternoon that the campaign
had just started at the bank. All cash
subscriptions uptown will be received
at the Prudential bank. corner Sew
enth and Kansas avenue, where s. E.
Cobb, cashier. is stationed for. the pur-
pose of receiving all cash gifts. Mr.
Cobb has been elected treasurer of the
organization.
The subscriptions received so far for
the dollar benefit" fund are:
II. B. Howard. ...................$1.0 90
c. NJ. Crews. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. 100
Mrs. c. M. Crews. ............ LOO