Correspondence (incoming): begging letters, E

Pyrmont, Ohio Dec. 17, 1901

Mrs. Stanford, San Francisco, Cal.

Dear Madam: I noticed an account in the Cin Weekly Enquirer where you had given generously to an Institution. I am one of the Stewards of a little Methodist Church at Pyrmont of about thirty members all poor the wealthiest one has fourty [sic] acres of land. Our church needs repairing, so I took it upon my self to solicit the money, but have failed thus far to get the required amount (250) But farther about the repairing

above all it needed a new roof and painting. we papered it and built new chimneys and carpeted the front aroud [sic] the pulpit it needed much more but for the want of money we were obliged to quit. I solicited our own comunity [sic] and then the surrounding towns getting $206. Just yesterday I received $200 dollars in a letter from B. F Moore of Troy Ohio formerly a business man of our little village, I was so thankful for it. We have a debt of about $45.00 in round numbers Do you feel that you would like to help us? I would like to tell you about the circumstances of my working. I went last spring and gathered some

then I began again this summer with a little baby four weeks old. I did this with my house work. Now if you feel you do not want to help us any I hope you will pardon me for my boldness and if you do I have not the words to express my thank for it.

And as for reference I could give you a number. Bidleman & Deweese Dayton Ohio dry goods men. Farmers & Merchants Bank Brookville Ohio or Rev. Mitchell our Pastor Lewisburg, Ohio.

Yours truly, Mrs. U. E. Erbaugh Pyrmont, Ohio Montgomery Co.

Terre Hill, Pa Lanc[aster] Co. Sept 16, 1902

Esteemed Lady: AsI have often read the [that] you were such a kind a good hearted lady I thought I would write maybe you could send me some money also. I hope if it would be a large sum you would not mind it. Please do not refuse me. Please do not. I hope the Lord will be with you. I will continue on praying until I receive an answer over

from you. Please do not delay your answer. Please. O please do not send an answer without any money in it or you will make my heart ache Good wishes

Yours Truly, Hannah C. Eshelman

Davis City, Ia Dec 31th 1901

Mrs Jane L Standford [sic] Dear Sr Woman

Having read of your noble heartedness and kindly deeds I dare intrude upon your time as I am Oh so down hearted & depressed. Let me give my history of the { ?} past years and that I am truthful may God Judge. We came here from Ills about 25 years ago & established a home where we were comfortable & where our children were born and {over}