tweetybirdgenealogy

MRS. BIRT REPORTS/LETTERS

1874-1875 




From: "Isabel Hayes"
The front sheet of the Sheltering Home for Destitute Children, Byrom Street, Liverpool, Chairman-Stephen Williamson Committee Bryce Allan, Alexander Balfour, James Beazley, H.M. Blair, of London,Henry Coubrough, John Gibson,John Houghotn, Thomas Hanmer, Thomas Matheson, Martin Robinson, Samuel Smith, Capt. H.J. Ward Treasurer: Henry Coubrough Hon. Sec and Superintendent - Mrs Birt Bankers - Liverpool Union Bank In May last the above Home was opened, and at once the children of the destitue and of the bad were taken in, fed, clothed, taught and civilized. The good work went on until the capacity of the building was reached, and until these human strays and waifs were softened, toned, and made to understand what love meant, and what to be cared for meant, and what comforts, cleanliness, discipline, and religion brought in their train(ing) Then after the Home has been opened three months, these little ones were a prepared band of emigrants for the English Homes in the new country. On the 12th August, Mrs. Birt had them all ready with excedingly neat and pretty, as well as useful, outfits, and, amid the adieus and blessings of the Committee and other friends, they sailed with that devoted lady in the "Hibernian" to Nova Scotia. They were commended to the care of Him who commands the stormy waves, and so they sailed to their desired haven.After an agreeable voyage, they arrived on the 23rd of the same month, at Halifax, all in good health and spirits. Pages 2 and 3 missing Page 4 and were met at once by Colonel Laurie, the Rev. G. W. Hill, and other good christian people, who welcomed them, receiving them gladly. The whole of the children were at once housed in the Boys' Industrial School, and St. Paul's Girls' Home, which had kindly been placed by their several Committees at their disposal. Many stalwart men shed tears at the sight of such little children brought so far to seek there the homes denied them in England. On the next day the Colonel and Mrs. Birt were engaged in tabulating the applications -100 in number-for these new arivals; and that same night, notices were posted to the 76 parties to whom little ones were allotted. In a few days all were distribtued, and the work so far completed. Colonel Laurie, in a letter to the public prints, says: "Where applications were made for a boy and girl, brother and sister, these were first attended to and allotted; next in order came the applicants wishing to adopt; and lastly, in order of date of application, those who wished to receive and train for service. On the 26th August, Mrs. Birt held a meeting, and addressed a most influential assembly of persons on the aim and working of her scheme.After her, the Hon. Alexander McKenzie, (now Premier) and the Rev. J.K. Smith testified to the satisfactory working of her sister's (Miss McPherson,) operations in Ontario.The Hon. William Annand pledged the support of the Provincial Government to Mrs. Birt's efforts. The clergy and laity were strong in their approval and support. Ever care is taken by Colonel Laurie that the children shall be educated and affectionately treated, and he has instituted a schedule of quarterly reports from the sever allotees, by whom it must be signed, and also a magistrate or clergyman as to truthfulness of statement. One little fellow writes: I live with Mr and Mrs Fraser,I am at a farmhouse by the sea side, a most comfortable home, with enough to eat and drink,I go to the day school and Sunday School. Another: I'm very happy, brother Davie has a good home, and is being educated for a minister. George Robinson, a little boy wrote: is troubled with a slight cough, not serious, says his prayers night and morning, and sings a number of psalm tunes very correctly. Mr. Turner says: I like Peter Williams very much, very attache to us, we would be very unwilling to part with him now, he has filled the place in our heart left vacant by the loss of an only son. Mrs. Downing writes: I am very well pleased with our little boy, Thomas Gallagher, and he seems qite happy and contented, I shall teach him myself during the winter, and then, when his dialect is improved, send him to school." Mr. Reynolds says: Nelly is a good girl, we love her and believe that she loves us, and we will endeavour to train her in the way she should go. Mrs. James Roch - Our little adopted one, John Jones, is a good boy, affectionate, and obedient, of an amiable disposition, has won our love and esteem; the good instruction and training he has received, left an impressions which I trust will never be eradicated. The balance goes on to speak of the vile surroundings and associates and how better they were in their new surroundings. Financial information- In Account with the Treasurer From May to Dec 1873 (the only dating I could find) Thomas Hanmer, Auditor Feb. 19,1875 Letter of F. Cullen, To: My dear Friend and Mother. Enjoying this home better than last, Confirmed by Bishop of Nova Scotia last summer. Asked to be remembered to Miss Graham and other friends. Rec'd letter from brother re:asking him to purchase a pistol for 3 dollars worried that she might think the money was not obtained, HONESTLY, cheaper in England.His new master says he may buy bees and sell the honey, and he will help me to keep them. "And now, my dear mother, I hope you will forgive me for writing thus, but I cannot rest until I hear from you. And now good bye for the present." Letter: Little River, 12th October 1875 "Dear Miss Birt. I was very glad to receive you kind letter, and to know that you still think of me, though you have so many little boys and girls to look after, and are so far away from Nova Scotia." He states they have 140 bushels of potatoes this year, and he picked nearly all of them. He helped to make hay too. Had a a lot of tomatoes. Animals:Little colt weaned, iron grey, smart, he feeds it; a little calf, chickens, and kittens are doing nicely. His sister Janet is the teacher for all Summer, he hopes for all Winter too. Went to Church last Sabbath, the one where she lectured last Summer, Dr. Burns was preaching.Took some books out of the Library. John. S. Stephenson Letter:Dear Mrs. Birt - Josey, he attends school, making progress, will soon acquire a good, common education. He is truthful and honest beyond a doubt.."We would not part with him, in fact, he is to us though really our brother, and is used as such." signed J.A. McCeardy. General Information - In Ontario, Canada, Public Houses are shut on Saturdays at 7 p.m. until Monday at 5 a.m. and when they shut, the Savings' Bank opens to receive the weekly wages deposits. A home and a hearty welcome has already been given to 350 of our Liverpool and Birkenhead waifs and strays, who, by being brough to me to take away, shows they were not wanted here, were not love much here, and certainly they do not wish to return here. The good natured farmers in Canada say, "it costs them no more to keep these dear children than to keep so many little chickens pecking around;" and as they look tenderly upon the faces of the little ones coming to them for a home, the tears roll down their manly faces, for how can they understand the struggles and sorrows that kill so many thousands of our little ones before the age of seven? In Canada our children then have found homes with plenty, and above all abundance of love, adopted as the farmer's own, calling him and his wife their new "Pa" and "Ma," and they in return giving them the eadearing names of "Sonny" and "Sissy." They are fed at his table with himself, schooled as his children-for non may remain uneducated there-employed healthfully,cared for, prized, and in every way given a splendid opportunity of rising in the social scale. Members of Parliament say there is no reason why these children should not in time rise to seats in the Canadian Parliament. SECOND REPORT OF SHELTERING HOMES Children's Letters From Nova Scotia Barney's River, July 10, 1874 Letter from David Hagga speaking of little Henry and 8 or 9 other children in that area. Paradise, September 3rd, Letter from Ellen - her teacher Mrs.Bent of N.S. " Harry and Bessie are well; they stay out doors almost all the time, and I stay with them and try to take care of them. Miss Bent teaches our Sunday School class too. - If you please Mrs. Birt, I want you to ask my mother how old I am, and when my birthday is. Now I must not write any more this time; write again please, and do not forget to pray for little (blanked out information) Ellen." Letter: Wentworth, Sept. 2nd, 1874 Willie H. living with Miss Silby. He is reading the fourth book; there are five in the class; tnight he is next to the head. He milks a cow night and morning and sometimes two, taught to ride a horse. He speaks of Miss Garnet on Bible lessons she and Mr. Clinch taugh and the hymns. No pictures to send, first attempt at writing her. "Please give my love to kind Mr. Clinch and Miss Garnett, not forgetting your own dear self. Believe me to be your loving and affectionate Willie H. New Liverpool, N.S., September 19th - Mary R. Freeman speaks of her little son Robert is making daily improvement in health, has grown tall, happy, truthful, perfectly obedient, getting on well in school - not as smart as some, BUT she intends to make him a scholar. She will have a picture taken (likeness taken). She is sending a letter of Robert's to his mother in his own hand (she will leave it open for Mrs Birt to read) (letter of Robert not included in information ??) St. Ann's, September 5th, 1874 "Dear Mrs.Birt, We had a letter from Liverpool to-day, and they told us that you came to Halifax with more children, and Maggie and me wants to tell all how happy we are with Pa and Ma. We are going to school since May, and we are at our third book of lessons. If you come again to Halifax with children bring our little brother Henry out here as we would be ever so happy to have little Henry with us,as Mama says she will give him plenty of everything. Our kind love to you for bringing us to this happy place. Edward and Maggie Jones." Twice during the 12 months have band of poor destitute, neglected children been gathered into the Home, cleansed, fed, clothed, as far as possible educated, and brought under Christian influence and training, and twice has Mrs. Birt left these shore with (together) 122 children for Nova Scotia, placing them in Christian homes and in 98 cases out of 100, excellent and cheering reports of thos already placed out. It is a matter for much thankfulness that the now heavy work of this Institution has been so entirely-espoused by that friend of the Home, Colonel Laurie, in Nova Scotia, his letter to the Colonial Government will be read with interest, as will also the letter of Mr. Jas. W. Carmichael, M.P. for PICTOU, IN WHICH COUNTY ABOUT 120 OF OUR CHILDREN HAVE BEEN PLACED. Letter: J. Wimburn Laurie, H.M's Army, D.A.G. Commanding Militia, N.S. To his regret that his avocation and engagements have prevented him from answering the communication of the 4th of June, relative to the care exercised over the children brought to this country by Mrs. Birt. Relative to the original allotment, he forwards copies of forms of Quarterly Report, dully filled, regularly collected andd registry of the particulars,the orginals are forwarded to England and placed in the hands of the Committee, at Liverpool, to those that send the children out.He has contacts that inform him and the clergy to maintain a pretty close supervision. He visits the children at every opportunity and make the acquaintenace of the employers, and both seemed satisfied. He makes arrangements with the missionary of he Colonial Church Society, residing there, who was formerly and assitant to Mrs. Birt, to take charge of any removals, study their characters, and train them afresh, strenthening the weak part, and correcting any bad habits. Quote"I always move a child with great reluctance, and only on full conviction that it is absolutely necessary. Eighteen children out of three hundred have in six months been removed and passed through Mr. Arnold's hands. Most of these were hard cases, or reported to be so, but all of those who have been placed out afresh, have been reported as doing well. Mr. Arnold does not attempt institution style, but carried on his house as a simple country clergyman. The children work with and live with his family, and thus are better fitted to return to the same style of life in their new homes." He has adopted the above system of supervision by the resident clergyman, because it is constant, the child being always under his eye at Church, Sunday School, and Family, instead of a formal visit, once a year, by a paid offical inspector. As an additional proof that the children do well there are 1,000 applications for the 350 children of Mrs. Birt. Letter: of Jas W. Carmichael to Colonel Laurie - the operation of Mrs. Birt's scheme has been eminently successful. Letter: Alloa House, Merigonish, Nov. 11th, 1875 - Annie Owens, came from the Sheltering Home to their little family she has not been going to school but is home schooled in reading, spelling, writing, arithmetic, geography, and in addition, religious training from the Bible, Brown's Catechism, and the Shorter Catechism. In domestic affairs she scrubs, washes dises, &c, quilts, darns, and sews. In out-door concerns, she can milk cows as well as drive them in from pasture, can make bands and bind sheaves, and digs and gathers potatoes; in short, she appears willing to learn to be useful. Signed A.P. Miller Letter: St. Andrew Street, Pictou, Jan. 25th My Dear Friend, Lillie, who is under our care, is well, enjoys the best of health, growing spendid, and is happy and contented with us, and we love her very much.She is very smart, good to learn, seems happy, never fretted from the first, wholly under our own care (no other children). Arthur, Lillie's brother came to see her, he lives near us, but the other brother we have never seen. We do not know where he lives. Arthur has got a good home. We call her Lillie or Leah, for a fond name as she takes the place of an only child we lost, not lost, but gone before us. - signed Matthew and Jane D. Stewart Letter: Annie Owens happy in home of Mrs. and Mr. Miller Letter: Henry J. Cousins in Amherst, N.S, April 17th, 1875 His colt is growing nicely, has a pair of oxen, and a heifer, and two little lambs and a pare of calves, and I would not leave my uncle and aunt for all England, Give my love to mother; I have been looking for a leter from her; please tell her to write to me, and send her likeness, and Kate's too, and I will send her mine. Would yo please send me my brother and sister's address; I would like to write to them.. Give my love to Mr. Arnold, Aunty and Uncle send their love to you. Letter: John. S. Jones, La Have, April 13th, 1875 to Mrs. Birt - I heard that you had arrived at Halifax with amnother lot of children. Was my brother Henry among them? I heard from my brother James, who is staying with the Rev. Robert Jameson, Ship Harbour; James said father though of sending Henry to Nova Scotia. Please let me know if you received my likeness, which I sent the last time you were at Halifax. Would you please let me write to Edward and Maggie! I am very anxious to hear from them.This has been a long severe winter, yet pleasant, so much good sleighing, skating, and coasting. I am making some progress in my studies; one of my Christmas presents was an album of London views; I wish they had been Liverpool views, to let them see what splendid buildings are there., Your little friend. Letter: Annie C. Keilor - Amherst, April 17th, 1875 to Mrs. Birt Picture she sent poor, hope for a better one someday. Heard you were not coming to Amherst, decided to write information. Have learned to knit, make a little quilt for her bed. Sick with scarlet rash, got well. Likes her home better and better every day, never got a whipping yet. Got new things this winter, a little muff and tie, a blue waterproof, two dresses and a hat. Pa bought me a little sledge, and I have had such good rides (she means sleigh).From your affectionate little girl. Letter: Andrew Caufmann to Mrs. Birt - Asking about her health, He is going to school, doing well, sudies georgraphy, grammar, history, spelling and reading. Getting along very well in new home. Has a little garden many kinds of vegetables, such as potatoes, peas, beans, sun flowers, cucumbers, squash, and Indian corn. Has a Kitten 12 days old, four chickens, one gosling, and one lamb. Asks for a tin whistle. Give my best respects to Miss Resker, Mrs. Leach, Mrs. and Mr. Arnold, and all the ladies that used to come and sew for us. Quoted St. John 3:16

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