Jed, the Poorhouse Boy

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About this book

Jed, the Poorhouse Boy is by Horatio Alger, Jr., author of, among others, Ragged Dick, Luck and Pluck and Tattered Tom. The contents list chapters headed, among others, Jed, Mr. and Mrs. Fogson, The Scranton Poorhouse and An Exciting Contest.

Mrs. Fogson and Squire Dixon talk about how often the paupers get butter, once a week, and meat, every other day. Asked about the boy Jed, Mrs. Fogson answers spitefully that he is an impudent young jackanapes. Mr. Barry says he will write Jed a note to Mr. Claflin, and that, knowing something of phrenology, he reads in Jed's head honesty, integrity, enterprise and fidelity. Jed says he was left at the age of two years at the Scranton poorhouse by a girl who disappeared the next morning. Jed says that when his good friends the Averys were turned out, Mr. and Mrs. Fogson succeeded them, and he concluded to leave.

About the author

Horatio Alger

Horatio Alger Jr. was an American author who wrote young adult novels about impoverished boys and their rise from humble backgrounds to middle-class security and comfort through good works. His writings were characterized by the "rags-to-riches" narrative, which had a formative effect on the United States from 1868 through to his death in 1899.