Correspondence (incoming): begging letters, K

in your kind and benevolent work, and that God will reward you for all your good deeds in assisting those who have been unfortunate, but are struggling for a higher and honorable life, I remain,

Respectfully, Miss Martha Keworthy c/o Hotel Buchtel, Akron, O.

Signed, Miss Martha Keworthy Stenographer

Erie, Pa. December 10 1901

Mrs. Stanford: Dear Madam.

I have read so much of your munificence to institutions of learning, and wondered if your kindness were confined to them, and venture to write, hoping to interest you in my behalf, and if you will pardon a little personal history, will explain, briefly as possible, why I do so.

I had a good home until my Father's death. I then went west, and taught in Des Moines, Iowa and Monticello Seminary, "The { ?} of the West," till called back to care for my Mother in her failing health, which I did faithfully, till she, too, was laid to rest.

her little home in Fredonia, Chautauqua Co. N.Y. she left to me, but owing to bad management of store in care of her business, her money was lost, and we were compelled to mortgage the property, for support during her long illness.

The payment became due, and as I could not meet it, I went there to save my home. I slipped on the icy pavement and was for three months in a hospital with a broken ankle. While there unable to prevent, my home was sold and for barely enough to meet the claims.

Having some furniture I was advised to come to Erie, ren[t] a home, and take lodgers, which [I] did, and will surely do well in time as I have promise of patronage, but just now, I am in great trouble, a[s] I had to borrow $150.00 on my goo[d]

to pay for mooring, rent and other expenses. The money was past due, and as I could not raise it, my goods were advertised for sale, and would have been lost to me, if the Pastor of the church I attend, had not "bid them in," and now holds them for me to redeem, but he is not a rich man and needs the money; if sold, I will lose my all, at the beginning of a bitter winter, and will have no resource but the alms-house, as I am alone, in the world, my only brother has just died in California, and I could not go to him.

If I were young and strong, I have both the ability and the will, to take care of myself, but I am over sixty, and lame.

Now dear Mrs. Stanford, will you not let your woman's heart speak for me, and assist me with a loan? (for with God's help, it will be paid, principal, and interest) a

loan sufficient to redeem my goods, and tide me over my present distress.

I can refer you to Dr John Leandero, Pastor of the church of which I was a member. The Hon. George Barker, ex Judge of Supreme Court of western N.Y. {haven hooker ?}. M.C. for western N.Y. Mr Ralph Hall, Pres 1st National Bank, all residing in Fredonia, N.Y., who would vouch for my veracity, although I would on no account have them know of my appeal, we have always been an independent family, tracing our ancestry to Plymouth Rock, and Revolutionary heroes, and nothing but dire need would induce me to make it.

It seems a great ways off where you live, but a kind hand can reach out a long distance, and ease a heart-ache. May I not hear soon, and favorably? I ask it "of His name," and the dear Christ, whose coming we are so soon to celebrate, will surely add another blessing, in answer to my grateful prayers, for kindness bestowed.

Respectfully, Miss {?} E. Kellogg General Del. Erie, Pa.