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Out of the Darkness

The Story of Mary Ellen Wilson

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Out of the Darkness

By: Eric A. Shelman
Narrated by: Deb Thomas
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In New York City, in April of 1874, a most unusual event took place. A severely abused nine-year-old girl named Mary Ellen Wilson became the first child in America to be rescued from an abusive home. She had been beaten, burned, slashed with scissors, locked in a closet, and had never been outside of her tenement home in over 7 years. Thanks to the concern and dedication of a missionary named Etta Wheeler, the child was finally saved from her cruel captors. Henry Bergh's ASPCA - yes, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - was instrumental in securing her rescue. When no other agencies would become involved, the ASPCA used its power and influence to not only save Mary Ellen, but to charter the first organization of its kind to prevent cruelty to children, the NYSPCC - the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. This book remains the only book that tells the dramatic story of Mary Ellen's life and rescue.

©Print Version: 1999 Audiobook: 2014 Dolphin Moon Publishing (P)2014 Dolphin Moon Publishing
Abuse Americas Historical Personal Development Relationships Social Sciences New York Crime
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This was an eye opener and very informative book. Could not stop listening, ever spare second I was hooked.

Unfortunately/ Unbelievable

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How Mary Ellen was given to someone else to be cared by Francis left her when I thought she was the abuser halfway thru and nothing is making sense. Don’t buy

Completely confusing and lost

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