Case 9059

This case is recommended by Sir Charles & Lady Johnson. The father was always a good steady labourer & was married & has grown-up children by his first wife. His second marriage at the age of 65, with a girl of 20 was of course very unsuitable, but he was always steady & did his best to work. He had poor health & was an old man for his age & died in considerable want. Mrs. [?] has since his death tried to struggle on, with very occasional days charring & work in the gardens. But she is a thriftless, dirty woman & no one cares much to have her. She is perfectly respectable, was very good to her old husband & kind & affectionate to the children - Often but for the kindness of neighbours she & the children would have little or nothing to eat & last winter, they certainly had not enough clothes & were nearly starved. Next winter I think they would certainly have to go to the workhouse, unless something can be done. The mother is wishful for both children to go together, if they can be accepted, as she would like them to be brought up together. If they are taken off her hands, she can give up her house, the rent of which (1/6 a week) is a heavy item for her, & can go out to service at once, as she has the offer of a good place. Lady Johnson says she believes the elder child could be taken in to the Belbroughton Home, but is not sure about the younger.
Mrs. C. A. Pode
Upton on Severn