Jack is 17 years old. He has "no folks anywhere." (Santa Fe: Prologue) Jack Kelly, born Francis Sullivan, is a Manhattan newsie (newsboy), considered to be one of the best of his generation. Before the story begins, Jack was taken to the Refuge for stealing food and clothing. With a very strong New Yorker accent. 
an oprhaned dreamer and artist who yearns to get out of the crowded streets of New York and make a better life for himself out West. Most newsies like him don’t got any folks. Loyal