Correspondence (incoming): begging letters, A

Penn Yan, N. Y. Dec 13 1901 Mrs. Stanford - Madam _ Owing to so much sickness I have had in my family I am compelled to write you this letter, and I hope that you will kindly befriend me, for the condition we are in, it would be a God send, and would put me in such a way as to make plenty of money. My wife has been sick for 11 months, and on the 29th of Oct last was the first time she was able to set up in 11 months and 2 weeks, she is slowly recovering. It's the first commencement of her illness I was working in Rochester, and 7 months ago the plant burnt down, and I have not succeeded in finding a job since, and I wish to get out on the road, for there is money in what I wish to do. I am a married man 40 years old, in good health, a few years ago I lost my left hand while working at my trade as a machinest, and it deprives me a great deal in finding employment. I am a straight & sober, honest man and above all things I am no bum. I hate to see my wife in want, not saying anything about myself. I have come to the conclusion that one of Edison's Projecting Kinetoscope and Stereopticon combined, with first-class moving pictures, and give entertainments, would bring in enough money to take care of my family, and to pay you back the

sum that I wish to hire. I have a list of 248 views, everyone is a moving picture - not remain stationary - the total length of all these views is 22305 feet, costing $3,395.45 and the Edison Projecting Kinetoscope $250.00, total $3,645.45. I dont want you to give me this amount, I wish to hire from you $4,000 on 2 years time, with interest. On account of my left hand being off, I hope that you will kindly befriend me, and give me a start in life. As to my character and reputation I will refer you to any one in this town. Please consider this and let me hear from you when convenient. Respectfully Yours, Win H V Berry 14 Chestnut Street Penn Yan, N. Y.

Mrs. M.E. Beer Callensburg Clarion Co., Pa.

Callensburg, Pa. Dec 20/ [01 ?]

Dear Mrs Stanford, - I write to enlist your Sympathy and help in a matter that is very dear to me. I have a son who seems talent -ed in music and loves the studies of electricity and Astronomy but his health has been so poor for a number of years and our means so limited that now he is better we find ourselves unable to help him in anyway. he is now 20 years of age and teaching public school at $32 per mo. his board and clothing out of that leaves little to save for education or experiments. He hopes to go to a normal school in the

spring. Now I have always had a desire to educate him and his brother who is 15 in January at the Leland Stanford University, but on account of sickness our business affairs are in such shape that my husband is duty bound to stay and give his strength, time, all for better conditions, untill that is acomplished our trip to California is not to be thought of. But it looks so hopeless as another year is about to slip away, that I write you with the hope that out of the fullness of your heart you may be able to help us in some way. I feel ashamed to write a begging letter but my desire to do something and the hopelessness of our condition make me feel that it is not wrong trusting I may hear from you soon

I am, Yours Respectfully Mrs M.E. Beer Clarion Co Pa Callensburg

Gardens Creek dec 22nd 1901

Mrs Jane L. Stanford Dear Madam

I saw in the family hearld [sic] and weekly star that you were helping the poor. I am poor and not able to work and I am writing this leter to ask for a few dollars to keep me off the poor. please let me hear from you. I remain hopping [sic] to hear from you

Yours sincerly [sic]

George Beckwith Gardens Creek St John Co N. B Can