Out of the Darkness

The Story of Mary Ellen Wilson: 150th Anniversary Edition

By: Eric A. Shelman, Stephen Lazoritz M.D.

Narrated by: Eric A. Shelman

PLEASE NOTE: THIS VERSION OF OUT OF THE DARKNESS IS THE SAME BOOK (other than the foreword) AS THE ONE READ BY DEB THOMAS. THE AUDIBLE VERSION IS AN HOUR SHORTER STRICTLY DUE TO ERIC A. SHELMAN'S FASTER READING SPEED.

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.

It's now been over 150 years since ASPCA agents, at the direction of founder Henry Bergh, rescued little Mary Ellen Wilson from her abusive New York tenement home back in 1874. This book is the only one about the little girl's case. Now, they introduced a celebratory foreword written by Eric A. Shelman, and have included some additional photographs and drawings in this book.

They hope you find it worth your time. Eric taking over the narration for this special anniversary release adds another reason to celebrate. Enjoy this special edition.

©2025 Dolphin Moon Publishing, Eric A. Shelman, Stephen Lazoritz, M.D. (P)2025 Dolphin Moon Publishing, Eric A. Shelman, Stephen Lazoritz, M.D.