Correspondence (incoming): begging letters, A

Toledo, O. Dec 10th 1901.

Mrs Jane L. Stanford San Francisco, Cal.

Dear Madam:- By accident I purchased a paper this evening and noticed in the same, that, you have donated an enormous amount to the Stanford University, this, of course, we talked over quite a bit, and the idea struck my mind, that if you were, so, very good hearted to the university, you would not hesitate to make one peson happy with your great wealth.

Now it is not my object to ask you for a large sum of money, but, as I noticed in the paper that you owned large rail road stock, you would help me to a better position, but, if you would not wish to do this, you may be willing to make me a present, for which I would be willing to do any thing, for you, to show my thankfullness.

It seems as if bad luck had followed me from childhood on. I lost my mother when but three years old, and when I was seven, I was set out in the world to take care of myself. I am clerking in W. H. Durand's grocery store at 821 Monroe St. I work from Six A.M. until Seven P.M. and am earning one and a half dollars a day. I am Twenty-four years old, and married. I do not drink, smoke, nor chew, and as to my habits and character can refer you to R.A. Bartley, whole sale grocer, Prof. M.H. Davis, Chas. F. Throme, Hardware man. Dr. P.M. Johnson Dr M. Vity on Medison St. and Rev Moeller 650 Hamilton St.

I trust you will not look at this letter as if I was demanding a present, but, will believe me, that, by you, making the great gift to the University, I was urged to send you this letter, as I thought you would not notice a small gift, and I

as a poor man would not appreciate it enough.

Trusting you will pardon me but hoping to hear from you. I am, Yours,

Henry Bender 369 Tecumseh St

Lucille Miss. Dec. 19th 1901 Mrs Jane L. Stanford San francisco, Cal. My Dear Mrs Stanford. A few days ago I read of your great and benevolent gift to the Institution of Learning which so famously bear your name. And thinking perhaps that your interest was so great for the education of the youth, that you would aid me in my struggle for an education - I do not ask for a gift - But for a lone [sic] of enough to finish my Professional course. By hard work and economy I spent three years in Millsaps College at Jackson Miss. Last winter I began the study of medicine and took one

course of lectures and am going to spend the ballance [sic] of what money I have attending lectures after Christmas. Hardly half enough to defray expences. If you will be so kind now to let me have enough to finish on, I will return same as soon as I shall have made it - And endeavor to aid some struggling youth or youths in their struggle for an education, and thus keep up the work of learning when you are dead and gone. $750.00 will carry me thru by being very frugal. I know that this is a very unbusiness like request. Would be a hazardous lone [sic] but I am honest and am in earnest in my endeavor, and seemingly unfair request to a "Benevolent Woman". But I know that you will pardon me for it, and