This is the story of Jo Davidson, who was 26 at the time of this article but had already climbed out of poverty to become a successful sculptor. Davidson went on to win several prestigious honors, had various exhibits and retrospectives, and ultimately became the subject of this Wikipedia entry were you can learn more about him and see some of his work.

EAST SIDE MESSENGER BOY WINS FAME AS A SCULPTOR: Undismayed by Poverty Joseph Davidson Fitted Himself for a Notable Career in Art – Unusual Successes Here and Abroad. (PDF)

From December 25, 1910