Abandoned a Girl Baby

New York, 1895

The police of Flushing are trying to locate the heartless mother of the infant that was left on the veranda of the Flushing hospital Sunday morning. The cries of the baby attracted the attention of the hospital authorities, who are now taking care of it. It was wrapped in a blanket and was about twenty-four hours old. It is a girl.


They Were Nice Looking Men

Two nice looking men drove into Amityville and put up at a hotel. Later in the day they sold the rig to a livery stable keeper, who soon after sold the horse to E. Bisch, who lives in Amityville. Saturday a detective and two men went to Amityville and claimed the horse. The animal had been stolen from Uriah Ellis of Brooklyn.

—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 8, 1895, p. 1.

All the Baby Wanted

1895

"It isn't a bit of use," cried the young man distractedly as he paced the room with the crying infant in his arms. "There is something alarming the matter with him, or he wouldn't cry like this."

"Oh, whatever shall we do?" said the young wife as she took her offspring and tried to soothe him. "Whatever shall we do?"

They were very young, and it was their first baby, and really if things had gone on for another hour as they had during the last it is an open question which would have gone into convulsions first — father, mother or baby.

"I'll fetch mother," cried the young fellow at last. "She'll know what to do." Presently he returned, dragging the good old mother with him, almost breathless with haste and overcome with apprehension. Putting on her spectacles, she regarded the infant critically for a moment and then said, "He wants feeding!"

"There," cried the young father excitedly, "we both knew the little beggar wanted something, but neither of us could tell what it was. " — London Tit-Bits.

Baby Offered For Sale Given Away

1920

Declares She Needed Money to Restore Her Health, Is Excuse of Mother.

NEW YORK, N. Y. — Baby Margaret McNulty, who was offered at public sale recently for $250, has been withdrawn from the market and went to James F. Sweetman as a gift.

The mother, Mrs. Catherine McNulty, retains an undivided interest in the child's affection and will have permission to see her whenever she wishes.

Mrs. McNulty, whose husband died recently, offered her baby for sale when she found herself unable to earn an adequate living. She hoped the money she asked for the baby would give her an opportunity to regain her health, and at the same time she would know that Margaret was receiving proper care.

She changed her mind about the sale before the first of the scores of would-be purchasers arrived at her home and gave the child to Mr. Sweetman.

Worried for Weeks.

Margaret was in the Sweetman family once before. She came back to her mother when Mrs. Sweetman died. At that time Mrs. McNulty feared that Mr. Sweetman would be so occupied with the care of his own motherless child that he could not give Margaret adequate care.

It was only after the worry of weeks became desperation that Mrs. McNulty finally felt that circumstances had driven her to part with her baby.

She worked beyond her strength to care for the little daughter and her brother two years older. A year ago she was stricken with influenza. It was afterward the doctor first mentioned a fighting chance, which would cost money for transportation to the country, milk, eggs and rest.

Baby's Price List.

Her mind always brought up against the balance between this and the price list following:

Feel of one pair of little, clinging hands, $50; Weight of a tiny body, drowsy in the twilight, $50; 2,555 "good night" kisses, distributed over next seven years, $50; Sound of a baby voice prattling "I love you," $50; Thrill of the word "mother," $50. Total $250.

Her story went on:

"There wasn't any balance. But as I felt less able to be about I came to see that it wasn't what I wanted, but what is best for her.

"Some day she will be old enough to understand what I am doing and why. I shall not be with her then.

"Either way, whether I let her go voluntarily now or not, I should not be with her. But looking backward thru the understanding years she will know that I tried in the only way open to me to raise money to save her mother's life. She will feel that it was for her that I tried.

Has Right to Mother.

"Every baby has a right to a mother.

"And if taking money in exchange for my baby is the only way I can save her mother for her, am I not doing what is right?

"Some day, if I live thru the next few months, I may meet her again as my daughter, if the plan works out. Otherwise the doctor says I shall be here only a little while. This way I can find the right ones to take her; the other way she would be put in an institution."

Altho she made public her offer two days ago, Mrs. McNulty has hidden herself away with her two children, refusing to see any of the dozens who have called for inspection. After having brought herself to agree to the sale, she said she was not yet strong enough to take the next step.

Her only relatives, also in poor circumstances, live in Belfast, Ireland.

—The Saturday Blade, Chicago, Aug. 7, 1920, p. 3.

This Man Had Courage — Sold His Skin for Grafting

1896

Half a dozen men were relating experiences of college days when a young physician said that in cases where students were obliged to eke out their expenses in a professional career by every possible means there often occurred pitiful examples of their courage.

"Suppose, for example," said he, "a case of skin grafting comes to the clinic, any student who will give up his skin is paid five dollars for each bit. I remember one instance in particular, that of a hard working young man who gave ten bits of flesh to graft a new face on a badly burned baby. As the flesh must be healthy and fresh nothing can be used to deaden the pain and it is cut from the inside of the upper arm, the most sensitive part. Slices the size of a silver dime are taken and laid quivering on the wounded part where a new skin is to be grown. This fellow stood there several days and allowed the surgeon to slice off pieces from both arms, each piece bringing the amount stipulate, which paid for extra books, clothing or food, and the poor fellow minded neither the pain at the time of the operation nor the lameness with which he was afflicted for weeks after, neither did he fear the risk of blood poisoning or other difficulties which might ensue.

"He had the satisfaction, however, of seeing a baby face resume its healthy form and his examinations were passed with brilliancy. He is to-day a man well known and honored in the profession." — New York Herald.

Farmer Charges Cat Sucked Breath From Children

1908

Gladstone, Michigan — Two children of Clarence Stearns, a farmer living near this village, are dying and three others are seriously ill, due to a cat having "sucked their breath" when they lay asleep in bed.

The father, in the dim light, saw the family cat sitting on the child's breast, its nose close to the babe's lips. The cat's claws scratched the child's breast as the father drew it away.

Going to the bed of the other children he found, he says, that the cat had sucked the breath of all and that two were so ill it was necessary for him to hitch up his horses and drive to the village for a doctor.


Goat and Man in Duel

Kansas City, Missouri — Bruised and battered on all four sides and with all of his corners knocked off, Frank Schleich lies on a cot in the emergency hospital as the result of a battle in the dark between him and a goat. The goat invaded Schleich's room in the barn and, as the man was unarmed, the goat might have killed him had it not been for the arrival of another barn man, who subdued the horned and whiskered beast by throwing a horse blanket over its head.


Baby Born with Brand

Peoria, Illinois — A letter "H" as distinct as though branded with an iron shows on the forehead of the two-months-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hartman of Alton.

Neighbors gather daily at the Hartman home to view the unusual birthmark, which is exactly in the middle of the forehead and which has become more plainly visible within the last few weeks.

Physicians say the birthmark will disappear within two or three years.

Naming a Girl Baby

1895

The most popular name to bestow on a baby girl at this time is Dorothy evidently, for out of 178 girls' names in the catalogues of the babies whose portraits were shown at a recent baby display 14 bore Dorothy. Next in favor was Marjorie, spelled even Marjourie. Ruth, which is generally supposed to be the favorite, owing to its connection with the White House, wasn't in the race for popularity, as only three infants were so named in the returns. Helen or Helene came next in favor, Kate or Katherine holding its own, and Mary and Marie were well ahead along with Gladys and Elizabeth. Such names as Beatrice, Josephine, Anita, Eleanor, Jessica, Alice, Madeline, Florence and Rachel were twice represented, but aside from that the widest variety figured.

It is evident that much greater independence is shown now than formerly in christening the feminine portion of the population. When two or more children in a family were represented in the catalogue it looked as if there had been an attempt to select names in harmony. In one family there were Mauriel, Dorothy, Marion and Marjorie, a happy combination. The most distinctive trio possibly were Honor, Gillian and Rufus Barr. If that family doesn't turn out well then there is nothing in the effect of a name. Drenna was one of the oddest names; Serane another. There were two Bettys, one dear Peggy, a Mollie, three Virginias, one Lorna Doone and a Yolande. — New York Commercial.

Steals Ring From Baby

New York, 1914

Burglar Cleans Out House and Then Plunders Infant

The meanest man in the world, new 1914 spring and summer model, broke into Herman J. Boecklin's house, in Kent, Westchester county yesterday.

He stole two watches, a diamond ring, silverware, bric-a-brac, and $18 which he found under a mattress. He also took the family revolver. But to show what he was capable of he proceeded as follows:

He took a piece of soap and greased 14-month-old Helen Boecklin's finger slipping off her little gold ring.

He cut a gold chain and locket from her neck.

He smashed her toy bank and took $4.63.

Lest Helen should cry, he took her out of her crib while he stole her jewelry. Then he went away leaving her on the floor. Her cries brought neighbors who discovered the burglary. — The New York Herald.

An Editor Who Loves Babies

1877

We love babies, and also anybody else who loves babies. No man has music in hiss soul who doesn't love babies. Babies were made to be loved, especially girl babies — when they grow up.

A man isn't worth "shucks" who doesn't love babies, and the same rule applies to a woman. A baby is a spring day in winter, a hot-house in summer, a ray of sunshine in a dark day; and if it is a healthy, good-natured baby, and if it's yours, it's a bushel of sunshine, no matter how cold the weather.

A man cannot be a hopeless case as long as he loves babies — one at a time. We love babies all over, no matter how dirty they are. Babies were born to be dirty. Our love for babies is only bounded by the number of babies in the world.

We also have sorrowful feelings for mothers who have no babies. Women always look down-hearted who have no babies; and men who have none always grumble, and drink, and stay out nights, trying to get music into their souls; but they can't come by it. Babies are babies, and nothing can take their place. — Atchison Patriot.


Oops

"No," said the smart boy-baby, when the pretty young woman wanted to kiss him. "But why not?" asked she. "O, I am too little to kiss you; papa will kiss you, papa kisses all the big girls." He was permitted to play with his toys.


Somebody, Meet Nobody

Nobody likes to be nobody; but everybody is pleased to think himself somebody. And everybody is somebody; but when anybody thinks himself somebody, he generally thinks everybody else is nobody.

Half Pound Baby Gets Along Nicely

1920

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Mr. and Mrs. Louis Ouisett are proud of being the parents of the littlest baby in New York. She is Jeanne Ouisett, and when she and her twin brother, Louis, were born Feb. 24 she weighed just under half a pound. Louis was bigger, tipping the scale at three-quarters of a pound, but he lacked the vitality of his sister and died a few hours after birth.

At the Bellevue Hospital the doctor and nurses believe the baby will live.



N.Y. Beds Too Short to Fit Tallest Yank

Brooklyn Pal Finally Leads Him to a "Rigged-Up" Couch

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Being the tallest man of the A. E. F. is something to be proud of, but it has its disadvantages when one goes looking for a place to sleep in this city.

Robert Redington of Pittston, Pa., former sergeant major in the 311th Artillery band, 79th Division, who is 6 feet 7, made the discovery on a recent night.

He finally appealed to Secretary James F. Drum at the K. of C. employment hut in Longacre square, who took Redington to his home in Brooklyn and managed to rig up a bed so his feet didn't stick out over the footboard.

Latest Progress: Phonograph Croons Baby Lullabies, Cradle Rocks

1903

Brass Lullabies for Babies.

Further cause for indignation among the cult, that is for getting back to nature and old-fashioned ideals as fast as possible will be supplied by the newly invented machine of a Swiss mechanic.

It is an automatic nurse for babies, and is attached to the cradle. If the baby cries, the air waves cause specially arranged wires to operate a phonograph, which croons a lullaby, while clockwork released simultaneously causes the cradle to rock.

How the heart will be stirred at the sight of the motherly brass phonograph bending over the grieving pink and white mite in the cradle, "crooning" a lullaby. Did you ever hear a phonograph croon? It croons in a sad, low tone like an X-ray machine and a torn cat singing a duet. It ought to cultivate a taste for music in the infant mind that might materially affect the voice quality.—St, Louis Globe-Democrat.

—Davenport Daily Republican, Davenport, Iowa, March 5, 1903, page 6.

Commits Suicide By Exploding Dynamite Between His Teeth

1917

Fargo, June 30. — Adolph Peterson, 35 years of age, unmarried, a farm hand employed by E. O. Studlein, near Moorhead, Minn., killed himself early this morning by exploding a stick of dynamite between his teeth. NO cause for his action is known. Peterson was injured in an accident several years ago, and at times has been irrational.


Runaway Team Grind 18-Months Babe Into Dust of Barn Yard

Ryder, N. D., June 30 — The 18-months-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Johnson of Rice Lake was instantly killed while playing in the barnyard of his home by a runaway team, which took fright on the prairies, and in their mad dash for the stable ran over the little one, grinding him to pieces under their hoofs.


Cromwell's Last Words

Of the great Oliver, who brought Charles I to the scaffold, Thomas Carlyle has written a notable book, and in the fine description of the death scene Cromwell's last words are recorded. When, being restless, he was offered something to drink, he said: "It is not my design to drink or sleep, but my design is to make what haste I can to be gone."

—The Bismarck Tribune, Bismarck, North Dakota, June 30, 1917, page 3.

Seven Children Born to Wife; Mexican Paints Town Red

1920

MONTEZUMA, Mexico -- Septuplets were born to the wife of Jesus Lopez, a private in the Mexican army.

The arrivals are three girls and four boys, weighing about two pounds apiece and each perfectly developed in every respect. It is believed here that this blow at race suicide is unprecedented in any country.

After he became a sevenfold papa, Jesus was given the privilege by the military commander to "paint the town red and go as far as he liked." He is doing so at the present time with a vengeance. Before starting on his mescal celebration he announced that he would get a release from the army and place his family in the side show of some American circus.

The mother and children were reported as doing splendidly.

Septuplets Case in Italy

Septuplets are possible! A staff doctor of the Chicago Lying-in Hospital declared that there is on record such a case in Italy. At the Chicago Maternity Hospital it was declared that authentic records of five and six children both simultaneously were available, and it was considered that birth of septuplets is possible. Dr. David Hillis of the Monroe Building, an authority, declared that such a birth is possible, but that it occurs very rarely and that it is seldom that more than three babies are normal or live.

--The Saturday Blade, Chicago, March 27, 1920, page 1.

Comment: The article used the word septlets.