The Oklahoma City times. [volume] (Oklahoma City, Okla.) 1908-1984, 1918-05-30
WOMAN WORKS 46
YEARS FOR u. s.
AT $50 A MONTH
Now Blind, She Wonders II
Her Pension Is Forgotten,

WASHlNGTON-Over on the
banks OF the Potomac there stands a
little white cottage between two hem
lock trees.
II is the home OF Mrs. Alexcmia Tay-
lor OF Clarendon, Va. for 40 years a
faithful cmpoye OF the bureau OF en-
craving and printing, but now. unable
to work longer, a dependent upon her
relatives, apparently forgotten by Uncle
Sam.
Mrs. Taylor sits in a chair on the
porch of the cottage when the sun is
bright and warm and it you pay her
a visit there she will tell you story
that seems almost unbelievable. a story
OF lie devoted to the government
and life work yet unrewarded by the
government except for the small salary
OF $50 a month that was. paid during
10 years OF work
"Just Wore Out"
The story is one of the strongest
arguments ever presented for the need
of pensions for government workers.
And Mrs Taylor, by her story may
be factor in convincing congress OF
the need OF pension legislation.
Mrs, Taylor was forced to resign from
the bureau on November on account
OF failing sight, or as she expresses it,
because she was "just wore out"
The government doesn't pension us
old folks, | had no money saved up
for a rainy day, and If it hadn't been
for my daughter here in Clarendon,
would have been thrown out on the
world for support" said Mrs Taylor.
Sne is making her home with her
daughter, Mrs Thomas G. Woods. wife
of Thomas G. Woods, employed by
Norrs-Peters Lithograph company at
Clarendon Va.
When Grant was prcsident-when the
State, War and Navy building was be-
ing built-and when the bureau OF en-
craving and printing was so small that
is occupied just one floor of the treas
ury, Fifteenth street and Pennsylvania
avenue-Mrs. Alexemia Taylor started
to work for the government
From that time, 1872, she worked
steadily at the bureau. for 40 years and
had received only two promotions. At
the time OF her resignation she was
earning $50 a month as an operator OF
hydraulic press in the examining di-
vision.
In her language she put the gloss"
on the money OF Uncle Sam, but / had
to stop" she said pointing with her
trembling fingers TO her eyes
"You see | am almost blind. Look
ing at the money every minute, watch
ing to see that the notations we're cor
rect-watching the greenbacks whirl
through the press--did il" she explained
as the half-bind eyes look out of a
window through which showed q
meadow of buttercups and daisies that
she could not see.
"But | enjoyed my work" she added.
What | liked most was the ride to
the bureau from Clarendon to Washing
ton | loved it in the springtime when
| could see the willow trees or the
banks OF the Potomac and the green
leaves when they first opened on the
trees.
Il loved that apple tree over yonder
there in Jones yard because you
know" she faltered, and a flame of
color rose in her withered cheeks. "it
was under an apple blossom tree that
he put this ring IN my finger many,
many years ago" (She is a widow,
But can no longer see II from my
bedroom window when | first wake up
in the morIing as | used TO-"
How old are you" Mrs. Taylor was
asked.
Has Nine Great Grandchildren.
Il am II years old Old enough to
be pensioned by the government" she
replied
Il have six grandchildren and nine
great-grandchildren.
And have two grandsons in the
war" she added with pride. IL can't
read, knit or sew, so | think abour
them mostly"
well, do think OF the pretty little
garden had planned on having and
the chickens when | was pensioned by
the government. but ! know could
not see them" she breathed out with .
sigh, And there is no pension.