Hook Family
Kentucky Post, Thursday, 1 January 1903, page 3
A terrible case of destitution right in the heart of the city of Newport, was reported to the officials Wednesday afternoon and a hurried rush was made to relieve the stricken family and clothe them. A report was made to Overseer of Poor Theo Marz Wednesday afternoon, that the family of Mrs. J Hook, of Saratoga street, between Eighth and Ninth, was starving and had no coal and hardly any clothing.
When Marz called at the place he witnessed a sight that brought tears to his eyes. He could not get back to the courthouse quick enough to report it. The mother and five children, ranging from 1 to 10 years in age were all about the stove. Each child was eagerly watching a pan of water, on which was being softened a loaf of bread, the only food in the house. The children were scantily clothed and three of them were in bare feet. The mother told a story of starvation and said she did not know where to apply for relief.
The officer reported the case to Auditor Silva, who quickly dispatched money for food, an order for coal and money for shoes for the children. The little daughter, 10 years old, is to start in the first day of the New Year pulling bastings in a dressmakers establishment. It was a happy New Year for the entire family when the food and shoes arrived at the little room where all the six members of the family were cuddled together.
The husband of Mrs. Hook died about a year ago and left the family penniless. She refused to let the children go to the Orphans Home.
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Kentucky Post, Saturday, 3 January 1903, page 5
The story of the terrible destitution of the family of Mrs. J Hook which was reported to the Newport authorities New Years Day, and in which the city officials rendered assistance is a strange one. The officials Friday afternoon were very much surprised when a man walked in the offices giving his name as J Hug, claiming to be the husband of the woman. He stated that he could pay for the wants of the wife and children and desired to pay back any amounts given her.
He stated that he was of the opinion that his wife was flighty at times and was not entirely responsible. As stated Thursday the wife told Overseer of the Poor Theo Marz her husband was dead. He lives on Third street in Dayton and claimed his wife left him with five children. Hug and Sergt. Benke called on the family and proved his story. He pleaded with his wife to return with him but she refused.
Hug said there were 10 children altogether, five in Newport, the offspring of his present wife, and two of a former wife and three that she had by a former husband. He will try to get the children if she does not live with him.