Albert Harris
Auburn, Ind., Oct. 9th., 1892. Dear Sir: Having noticed an article in the Cincinnati Commercial Gazette of Oct. 8th., '92, calling M.D. Harter a hypocrite, or inferring as much, Is will write some of my experience with Mr. Harter which he no doubt has forgotten. I was a wild boy and ran away from home in the spring of 1877, and not being able to make a living in the winter, came back to Mansfield late in the fall, only to find that my people had moved about 400 miles away; so I was left homeless and almost naked. At that time Mr. Harter was connected with the well known firm of Aultman & Taylor, I went to him and asked him for a situation and he sent me to several of his foremen, but as it was the dull season I could not get anything to do. He told me to come back to him and let him know what success I had. I did so and he took me in his private office and reached into his pocket and hauled out a $5 bill and gave it to me. That enabled me to get home. Mr. Harter did not know I was a wild boy and I did not tell him so either. He simply said that if I ever became able to pay it back I could and if not it was all right, and he never wrote to my people about it either. Now I ask some of my old schoolmates whether or not that looks like a hypocrite. At that time he was not looking for an office either, or if he was he surely did not expect much from a ragged little boy. Now, hoping you will find room for this article and hoping my old schoolmates will put their shoulder to the wheel and give him a good lift in the November election. I remain respectfully, Albert Harris, Formerly of South Water Street, Mansfield, O., now at Auburn, Ind., at $20 per week the year round, work or play.
From the Richland Shield & Banner: October 22, 1892