Spencer Heath Archive

Item 2903

Four typed letters from Washington, D.C., two from high school in 1893 and 1894, and one from an employer in 1897, all recommending young Heath for his good performance, and a personal letter of recommendation to a Charles W. Silver in Illinois in 1898 where Heath was going “to seek his fortune.”

1893, 1897, 1898

 

Washington, D.C.

July 1, 1893

This shall certify that W.S. Heath has received instruction in manual work connected with the Public Schools for five years as fol­lows:-  Two years in bench work, and one year each in wood-turning forging and machine-work, together with the drafting incidental to each branch. In the wood-turning forging and machine-work he has been where I have had personal knowledge of him, and I can say that he has shown more than average interest and ability in his shop practice and has therefore gained a greater knowledge and experience, especially in machine work, than is usual with our pupils. Personally he has al­ways shown himself a quiet earnest and gentlemanly student.

(Signed).  J.A. Chamberlain,

Director.

______________________________

Washington, D.C.

July 5, 1893

It gives me pleasure to recommend Mr. W.S. Heath for his excellent work in the Manual Training Department of the Central High School of Washington D.C. His course included wood-turning, blacksmithing, machine shop practice, and drafting, and in each branch his work was highly commendable. In the machine shop he was one of four out of thirty whose exercises were selected for special exhibition at the Franklin Building general exhibit of school work. Mr. Heath has been industrious and successful in whatever he has undertaken in our department, and in every way has merited our highest approval.

Very Respectfully,

(Signed).  A.I. Gardner.

Johnson & Morris

Steam and Hot Water Heating

509 Eleventh Street N.W.

Washington, D.C.

August 5^th, 1897

 

William S. Heath having been in our employ for a period of about fifteen months, and having proved his high integrity and uniform good character, as well as his ability as a draftsman, it gives us pleasure to certify to the same.

 

 /s/ Thomas Eagan

     Manager

 

___________________________________

 

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Washington, D.C.

February 7, 1898

Chas. W. Silver, Esq.,

Englewood, Illinois,

My Dear Friend:—

This will introduce to you my friend, William S. Heath, who goes to Chicago to seek his fortune. His aim is to get employment of some kind, and if you can assist him in any way, you will be helping a worthy young man and extend a favor to me. Mr. Heath belongs to the People’s Church in this city. You will find him agreeable and intelligent. In fact, I might say that he is unusually bright. He is well educated and is possessed of unusual mechanical ability. This is the young man I told you about who helped me when I fixed up my mind reading apparatus and also the Galitea illusion. I am glad to introduce Mr. Heath to you and your family, for I think the acquaintance will be mutually agreeable and last­ing.

Very truly yours,

/s/ E.R. Magie