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  • Out of the Darkness

  • The Story of Mary Ellen Wilson
  • Written by: Eric A. Shelman
  • Narrated by: Deb Thomas
  • Length: 11 hrs and 56 mins
  • 5.0 out of 5 stars (2 ratings)

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Out of the Darkness cover art

Out of the Darkness

Written by: Eric A. Shelman
Narrated by: Deb Thomas
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Publisher's Summary

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
Criminology Historical Americas Personal Development Abuse
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Profile Image for Elizabeth W.

Shocking physical abuse...

This book is about the story of an abandoned little girl who was purchased by a New York couple who used her as a slave and living punching-bag. I’m horrified that such abuse could go on for 7 years. The animals who were allowed to take the child should have been imprisoned for the rest of their lives, but who am I to judge. I thought my father was abusive. Whaaaaa! This is an account of evil that we rarely hear about, and I pray to God will never again occur. However, such accounts are still playing out under our noses and the perpetrators hide their evil doings very well and for far too long. Excellent reading of the actual court transcripts.

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