Correspondence (incoming): begging letters, A

greatly hope that you will grant it. And I shall ever remember you as my benefactress. Hoping you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year, I am Very truly and Sincerely James Bennett P.S. I give you a few names for refferance. [sic] Dr. WB Murrah Jackson Miss Mr. A. Loeb Meridian Miss Mr. WG Costell " " Dr. MJ Lowy " "

Kennedy Dec 14 1901 Mrs Leland Stanford Dear Madam and Friend pleas be so kind as to read this letter through. I am trying to find some one that God has blest with suficient means so that the amount kneaded would not be missed by them. and that have a heart that is in symphathy with those that are in sore need. In 1879 I entered the Erie anual conference of the M E Church preached for 20 years. my health failed organic heart trouble by the advice of my phecision's went on to a farm and entered upon agriculture work. A few years before this one daughter was taken with lung trouble she suffered for 14 months and died. the same spring another daughter was taken with the same disease. She has been sick for over 12 years and the Doctor says she is the poorest person he ever saw and live. 5 years ago my only son was taken with

hemorage of the lungs and he is nearly an invalid. during these years we have lost by misfortune over $4,000 and it has reduced us so that we have been obliged to place a morgage on everything we have in doors and out. it is $4550 and it is all due and one morgage has been put in the hands of an atorney for colection. while the property is worth more than twice that amount if it is to be sold under morgage there would not be anything for us left, if we could get help to the amount of $2500 we could a new morgage on longer time at lower rate of interest and thereby save our home. my health and Mrs Bennetts are both giving away and the heavy burden that has start upon us so long, and we are over 60 years old and does seem unimbearable to be left with anything or where to lay our head and a sick family to care for. I have solicited a good deal money for other purposes but it vay hard to ask for myself but we must have help vay soon or all is gone

I am a superanuate in the Erie conference and got at the last session of the conference $75. if you should feel kindly towards us in our trouble I believe God's blessing would rest upon you. if you wish to inform yourself in regard to me and what I have wrote I refer you to Mr B D Phillips leashire of the Chautauqua County Trust Co Jamestown N Y formerly Chautauqua County National Bank. I began to work out when 12 years old. my Father having died when I was eight months old. I have allways worked vary hard lived strictly a temperate life never used tobacco in any form or strong drink. have voted the Prohibition ticket for 18 or 19 years, now my dear friend if you see fit to aid us in any way to any amount we will feel vary greatful to you may God help you in your decision. hoping to hear from you soon I am Yours sincerely L J Bennett Kennedy Chautauqua Co. Route no 1

Vera Garland Bernstein c/o San Francisco Tele. Office #200 Sutter St. San Francisco Sept. 3rd 1893 Mrs. Jane L. Stanford: Honored Madam Do not think ill of me for the liberty I take in addressing you. To you, I am a purfect stranger, yet, I have my last hopes, I might say, placed in the answer you may see fit to send me. You will pardon me for going so far, as to expect an answer, but I beg of you not to throw it aside before granting me at least a hearing. It is true I would ask of your aid, not financially; but you can do what many others cannot, as you have influence, and that with the rail-road. I do beseech of you to