Correspondence (incoming): begging letters, Bit-Bu

1st Delphos Kansas

Feb 16th 1901

Mrs Leland Stanford Allow a stranger to address you on an important matter We have a Society here organised and chartered to the State known as the first State Spiritualist Society of Delphos Kansas. It is 23 years old, out here on the borders of civilisation. We have a Children's Progressive Lyceum and a 17 dayes [sic] camp Meeting in August of each year. it is Self Supporting, but we owe about one thousand Dollars, this is a draw back. we are doing all we can for the Children, we hane never allowed an open Saloon in Delphos and

have done our part to make Kansas a prohibition state I have been interested in the history of your family and grately [sic] pleased with the sucess you have made in your grate [sic] work and I was impressed (underlined) to write you and ask if after giving 50 millions for the University you could spare something for the benefit of the Kansas Children. We once had a donation of 2000.00 and again of 22000.00 and in both cases the parties died before the legal papers were executed. We are nearley [sic] all farmers and no capitolists, a membership of 185 {135?} grately [sic]scattered. I know of nothing that would be more useful than to pay off our mortgage. we owne [sic] 11 1/2 ackers [sic] of nice oak grove 1/2 mile from Post Office in vilage [sic], have Hotel Rostrum and necessary buildings

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with the 1000.00 we can make a grand success for the missing generation. I hope you will be interested and at least write to me, I will give all particulars if asked. We will name our camp for you if we get the aid yours truly Joy N. Blanchard ex President and general Agent First State Spiritualist Society Delphos Kansas

P.S. was your husband a relative of the Stanfords in Rowe Mass one of them (John Stanford) is my Brother in Law

J.N.B.

Mrs. Leland Stanford founder of Leland Stanford Jr University

Palo Alto California

I am her only support as she has been an invalid for over five years which has necessitated my going out to work very young; and the salary I get is barely enough to support us seeing that God has blessed you with a bountiful supply I venture to ask you out of your good heart to bestow on us some help which I leave I leave it to you to give.

Trusting that these few lines will meet with your kind consideration and awaiting your answer I am dear Madam

Yours Confidentially Lizzie Bowes

address Miss Bowes c/o Caledonian House Port of Spain Trinidad B.W.I.