Correspondence (incoming): begging letters, C

my husband soon followed. and I was alone in the world with my two beautiful little boys. With a brave and hopeful spirit and asking God's help I started out into the cold world alone to seek independence. Was fortunate in securing a good position as head bookkeeper in a prominent Cincinati firm, which I held for several years. But overtaxation of my nerves & eyes forced me to resign. Receiving excellent unsolicited recommendations from the firm, which I now hold. Being fortunate in ability to turn my hand to anything almost, I took up dressmaking & ladies tailoring in which I am considered an adept and expert fitter. In this, I again overtaxed my eyes, and my oculist positively forbade farther engagement in the act, or surely loss of sight would follow. So said the noted Oculist Dr Geo McDermott of Cin. Then I taught music for a time, but the same sad affliction intruded and I was forced to give it up. But thanks to the Heavenly Father, I was enabled to raise and educate my sons, so they

were capable of filling good positions in Washington City, where our Congressman the late Wm S. {Holman?} was responsible for placing them. He & his family being my intimate friends and members of same church at home, knew my struggles and what we deserved. But sad to tell, God saw fit to take my dear sons and I was again without loved ones, and their assistance. I was induced to come here 2 years ago, where I have served others without recompense, or gratitude. I being a stranger here, altogether makes my life so sad that I find it is fast making inroads upon my health. I am very ambitious and capable and I must use my talents and have occupancy of mind to make life worth living. I am 39 years of age, well appearing and always highly appreciated among my equals. Many say to me here, "Why do you remain here you are certainly out of your sphere". What can one do without means to help themselves? This being a small, very old hamlet, entirely without business and away from { ?} advantages. While reading "The Buffalo News" today, I noticed an account of your

December { ?} 1901

Mrs J. L. Stanford San Francisco, Cal.

Dear Lady

Hoping for your pardon for this seeming boldness in addressing you, I will venture to give some of my reasons for so doing.

Please do not think by this that it may be a deception only to gain an undeserved favor, for it is the first time I have ever attempted anything so painful and humiliating as this is to me. I will aim to be brief. I was born and raised in Cincinnati O where I was accustomed to the best of advantages and society. Married young to a schoolmate, a graduate of Yale College, who was wealthy and prominent. After a few years of happiness misfortune in business overtook us and we were made penniless and our beautiful home lost by a mortgage. Then the loss of my

grand gifts for the good of the people. It caused the thought to come to my mind. Perhaps this noble good lady might be willing to loan a striving one like myself a helping hand, and all day long, I have been praying and struggling for the will to ask this favor. If I can get away from here and get a foot hold once more in the business world. I can succeed if any one can, but I must undertake something which will not tax my eyes too much. Oh death rather than blindness. My discouragement in spite of my will, causes a flow of bitter tears, and many many sleepless nights, all being hurtful to my eyes. If I could get started in some business on a small beginning I could succeed. Now I beg your kind consideration when I say if you feel you could possibly allow me a small loan you will never have cause to regret it. and it shall be a profound secret so that it will not cause you annoyance. I can give the highest reference as to character, family standing, disposition, honor & truthfulness. Altho' it would be painful embarrassment to have my friends of my palmy days know that my condition is so terrible as this. My brother-in-law

is one of the leading lawyers of Minneapolis my classmates. The Rev M. L. Haines & wife of Indianapolis, In. you will remember preached the funeral sermons of Ex Pres't Harrison & his first wife. Mr Haines would find pleasure in recommending me, & giving my desired information of me. Besides many others, as prominent I could mention. But I will not encroach upon your time and patience further, but will hope & pray for your forgiveness & kindness. Oh dear woman, if I could only make you know what a great kindness this would be, & what a changed human it would make of me. & how different my life is to what it once was it would make your kind heart rejoice with pleasure to know how much good you had done for one poor soul. Life cannot be long for me as it is & neither do I desire it to be. Hoping I may hear from you, and

how hopefully I shall watch for the coming of word from you. and even if you cannot feel it consistent with your views to favor me, I shall often remember you in my petition to Our Father, as I know you are a grand good woman, doing much good in the world. Let me add. If you feel like I have imposed upon you, or asked too much, please charge it to this agonizing thought that "blindness will be my awful fate" unless I can find some way to spare the sight I have remaining. My trouble is with the optic nerve, which you know is alarming.

May God abundantly bless you with a long life, and sweet health, is the prayer of

Your humble servant (confidentially) K.A.C.

Please address as enclosed. anyone here could tell my sad story if desired

address Mrs Kate A Chapman Clear Creek, New York Chautauqua Co

my brotherinlaw of Minneapolis is Hon C. S. Jelley

my cousins Hon S. {?} Benson of Stanberry Mo Prosecuting Atty

A. {?} Enoch, Ottumwa Iowa Pros Atty