Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!
Sign up free
Story
June 14, 1855
Fayetteville Observer
Fayetteville, Lincoln County, Tennessee
What is this article about?
Destitute 70-year-old clergyman Elijah or Elisher Wells, who has preached for Boston clergy like Rev. Dr. Sharp and Jenks, was sent to Deer Island almshouse due to poverty and illness. Commentary criticizes Massachusetts for theoretical rather than practical sympathy toward ministers.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
A Clergyman in Distress.
For some time past a clergyman named Elijah or Elisher Wells, has occupied a room at No. 11, Avery street keeping himself aloof from company as much as possible. Being entirely without means, the landlady applied to the police, and yesterday a permit was obtained from the directors of the House of Industry, and he was sent to Deer Island. Last night he was very sick, and this morning Dr. Moriarty expressed the opinion that he would not recover. Mr. Wells is seventy years of age, and states that he has frequently preached for Rev. Dr. Sharp, Rev. Dr. Jenks, and other clergymen in this city.—Boston Journal.
The above is a good specimen of Massachusetts humanity. With all the regard her people profess for strict principles of morality and religion, and for ministers of the gospel, one of the latter is permitted to suffer for the want of the necessities of life, although residing among her church-attending Puritans. Massachusetts sympathy and humanity is altogether theoretical rather than practical.
For some time past a clergyman named Elijah or Elisher Wells, has occupied a room at No. 11, Avery street keeping himself aloof from company as much as possible. Being entirely without means, the landlady applied to the police, and yesterday a permit was obtained from the directors of the House of Industry, and he was sent to Deer Island. Last night he was very sick, and this morning Dr. Moriarty expressed the opinion that he would not recover. Mr. Wells is seventy years of age, and states that he has frequently preached for Rev. Dr. Sharp, Rev. Dr. Jenks, and other clergymen in this city.—Boston Journal.
The above is a good specimen of Massachusetts humanity. With all the regard her people profess for strict principles of morality and religion, and for ministers of the gospel, one of the latter is permitted to suffer for the want of the necessities of life, although residing among her church-attending Puritans. Massachusetts sympathy and humanity is altogether theoretical rather than practical.
What sub-type of article is it?
Biography
What themes does it cover?
Misfortune
Social Manners
What keywords are associated?
Clergyman Distress
Poverty
Almshouse
Boston Clergy
Massachusetts Humanity
What entities or persons were involved?
Elijah Wells
Elisher Wells
Dr. Moriarty
Rev. Dr. Sharp
Rev. Dr. Jenks
Where did it happen?
No. 11, Avery Street, Boston; Deer Island
Story Details
Key Persons
Elijah Wells
Elisher Wells
Dr. Moriarty
Rev. Dr. Sharp
Rev. Dr. Jenks
Location
No. 11, Avery Street, Boston; Deer Island
Story Details
Clergyman Elijah or Elisher Wells, aged 70 and destitute, lived reclusively in Boston until sent to Deer Island almshouse; he fell ill and was expected to die, having previously preached for local clergy; criticized as example of Massachusetts' lack of practical aid for ministers.