In 1895, “The News” of Providence made an appeal. Hannah Munt, 75, was “feeble and friendless” and unable to care for herself. Unfortunately, she did not possess the $150 necessary to secure a room at Providence’s Home for Aged Women.

Born in Cranston on April 15, 1820, the daughter of Annie and Jeremiah King, Hannah had been married to and widowed by a Mr. Franklin before moving into the home of widower Lorenzo Percival Munt to serve as a housekeeper for him and his two children. Lorenzo was a native of England and a professional stucco worker. On May 11, 1891, he and Hannah were married in Providence. Ten months later, Lorenzo died from the effects of pneumonia and exhaustion. Hannah tried to take care of herself and her home but it eventually became clear that she could no longer live alone.

During the winter of 1894, Hannah was taken into the Manton home of William King and his family. A plea for help was made the following summer, on her behalf, as the elderly woman was destitute and desperate for a place to call home and someone to assist her with physical needs.

After “The News” published a call for dimes and dollars to raise the $150 placement fee, several people sent in contributions which were passed along to Juliette (Paine) Comstock, who served on the Board of Managers at the Home for Aged Women. John Goldberg, a German minister residing in Providence, donated one dollar. Dr. Martha Harris Mowry, 76, donated two dollars. Miss E.L. Howard gave three dollars, while Mr. H.L Green mailed five. Many donated anonymously, and some added notes with their contributions.

Mrs. T. Waterman’s donation was accompanied by a letter reading, “I hand you $2 for fund for Miss Hannah Munt. I trust our people who enjoy home comforts themselves will listen to this appeal.”

Mrs. S. Robinson, much surprised that the financial goal had not been reached within two weeks, sent a note along with her coins which read, “Enclosed find 50 cents for Miss Hannah Munt to secure a home. This is the Widow’s Mite and may God bless her who has been waiting the last two weeks to find friends who will help raise so small a sum as $150. I don’t understand how those who have been so abundantly blessed can fail to see this appeal before them day after day and not respond. I am sure I hope they never will be in Miss Munt’s place. This is from one who has suffered and is a cheerful giver.”

A contributor identified only as M.N.B. sent a note reading, “Enclosed please find ten cents. It is all that I have to spare today. I intend to save some car fares to help this worthy cause. How different the financial outlook of the country would be if people were not so selfish.”

As the fundraiser continued, more people sent in their hard-earned money. Members of the religious organizations Persevering Ten, King’s Daughters, and the Ladies Social Circle of Pilgrim Congregational Church each sent in a collection of five dollars. A single quarter was sent in by G.W. Collier, F.H. Avery and S.N. Rackett, as well as by “Little Charlie Ballou” and “Little Alice Hart.” Mrs. Isaac Goff donated two dollars, and 14-year-old Alice Kate Freeman – the daughter of school committee member Lester Freeman – contributed a dollar.

By June 3, the fundraiser had been running for nearly two months and the amount needed had still not been raised, despite dozens of Rhode Island residents giving what they could. The fund remained short of nine dollars. Soon after the update on the fundraiser was announced, the editor of “The News” received a message from 42-year-old Lepriletes Sweet, the owner of L. Sweet & Company in Providence, which sold roofing and masonry materials, lumber, paint and wallboard.  The message read, “Sir, You may close the subscription list for Miss Hannah Munt by drawing on us for the amount needed to make the desired sum.”

The incredibly thoughtful offer was not accepted, however, as the needed funds had just arrived. The local Solo Club had quickly come to donate four dollars while the Circle of the King’s Daughters brought five. Despite the goal being met, the editor accepted an additional two dollars brought in by Edith and Alberta Goff and added it to the collection, for a total of $152.

The person identified as M.N.B. publicly acknowledged the funds raised with the announcement, “I wish to express heartfelt thanks, not only myself, but Mrs. Munt, who is sitting by my side with face beaming with happiness. Mrs. Munt will enter the Old Ladies Home Wednesday afternoon of this week.”

Hannah did indeed move into her new room at the Home for Aged Women on Tockwotten Street that week. She remained in the care of the facility until her death — due to old age — 14 years later, on July 9, 1909.