Sunday, February 17, 2019

Tramp Begging For Food Finds Two Families With Flu, Stays to Nurse Them to Health, 1919

From The Alamance Gleaner, Graham, N.C., Feb. 6, 1919

Tramp is Samaritan. . . Nurses Two Lonely Families Stricken With Influenza

John Kennedy and Thomas Campbell, two farmers living in a lonely section of Foster township between Hazelton and White Haven, Pa., reported to authorities recently that they and their families undoubtedly had been saved from death through influenza by the timely appearance of an unknown tramp at their homes, when every member of both families was down with influenza.

The tramp “blew in” after alighting from a Jersey Central freight train and called at the Campbell place for something to eat, only to discover the entire household critically ill in bed. Going to the next house, he found similar conditions, and then decided to act as the Good Samaritan. He nursed 11 patients back to health, looked after the fires, did the cooking and attended to stock until Campbell and Kennedy were able to look after the work themselves.

The tramp made frequent trips to Hazelton and White Haven to buy food and medicine, and always returned with the change, except small amounts that he retained to quench his thirst on the way. The allowance was willingly granted.


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