Correspondence (incoming): begging letters, H

THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK CANTON, ILL. Canton Ill. Dec 10 '01

Mrs Jane L. Stanford, San Francisco, Cal.

Dear Madame, I sincerely hope you will not turn this aside, until you have read it carefully. It does not seem to me, that I am doing the proper thing in asking you for some incouragement [sic], however I am prompted to do so. I have

worked my way from a newsboy to my present position. My Father was a blacksmith & while I have worked hard, have had some hard rows to hoe, in 1897 I built me a home, & like every thing else it always costs more than you expect, so I found out to my sorrow. I have a mortgage of $1500.00 on it, & no body knows how I wish it were not [theirs?] I have tried for 4 years to reduce it but cannot, I honestly & sincerely believe that you, would willingly lighten the burden

for me, if you knew me personally & knew all. I have a wife & a dear little girl 2 1/2 years old, while it isnt a drop in a bucket to you, it is as big as a mountain to me, & I would be the happiest man in the little city of Canton, to have it lightened, kindly consider this as from a friend not a beggar for God only knows I am not, but am trying to get the ball started the other way so I can do good in this world as you are doing,

Thanking you for your kindness for I feel that even a word from you would add a new life & vigor. thanking you again

I remain Yours truly

[S?] [Estartes.?]

[illegible]

My [Dear?] unknown friend Dec 15 1908

I was reading in the Cincinnattia paper how much money you give to the Stanford University. I read it and thought how I wish you would give me enough to Educatane my little girl I want her to have a good Education as I know if I had and I would choose something to make money. I half to keep boarders and do something and my helth is not very good as I have