title: They Died Crawling: And Other Tales of Cleveland Woe
author: John Bellamy II
description: Despite its grim theme, this is the years most entertaining book on Cleveland. (<i>The Plain Dealer</i> 1995-12-31)<br /><br />A rollicking, no-holds-barred account of the facts (and continued speculation) about some of the darkest events and weirdest people in Clevelands history. (<i>Youngstown Vindicator</i> 1995-11-30)<br /><br />Blood and tears drip from the pages. (<i>Akron Beacon Journal</i> 1995-11-30)<br /><br />Bellamys wit is in evidence . . . The tales are told with clarity, compassion and a frankness of style. (<i>Medina County Gazette</i> 1995-11-30)
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  The Fate of Humphrey Snell  
    
  
  
  This page copyright © 2001 Blackmask Online.
  
  
  
  
  
  http://www.blackmask.com
  
  
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  # The Fate of Humphrey Snell
  
  
  ### George Gissing
  
  
  
  
  
  This page copyright © 2001 Blackmask Online.
  
  
  
  
  
  http://www.blackmask.com  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  At seven years old Humphrey Snell was brought from his village home to live in
  London. The part of Essex to which the family belonged was falling into
  desolation. Thomas Snell, by trade a wheelwright, could hardly keep the wolf
  from the door; he had three boys to bring up, and, like his neighbours, he saw
  no hope but in the roaring city of refuge. Father, mother, and children housed
  themselves in three small rooms, somewhere near Caledonian Road.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  The step was not so rash as in many similar cases. Snell had useful
  acquaintances, and found work. In time the two elder boys began to help with
  their earnings; James, the hope of the family, advanced himself at a la