Correspondence (incoming): Stanford, Helen (Mrs. Josiah Stanford), 1892-1895

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ALS personal and family news, Joe building hay barn and fermenting cellar, etc. July 27, 1892 death of Anna Aug 7, 1892 ALS inquires after Leland's health, Joe's been sick May 7, 1893 ALS praises Jane's work with University, details her own financial difficulties Sep 13, 1893 ALS regarding efforts on behalf of Mrs. Bigelow November 26, [1893] ALS worried for Jane's health Dec 12, 1893 ALS, explains why she couldn't come to Menlo June 19, 1895 sympathy for little Jennie undated 1893?



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Helen Stanford (Mrs. Josiah Stanford) Warm Springs, Cal. 1892-93-

Josiah Stanford's 2nd wife. He died, May 14, 1890 at Oakland "Joe" in letters is their son, Josiah Winslow Stanford, later of Piedmont.

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"Gertie" or "Gertrude" is Josiah W's wife, Alice Gertrude Goodwin, whom he married in June, 1890.

Leland Stanford bought Warm Springs ranch in 1869 or 1870. Josiah Stanford lived there from 1870 to 1890, and operated the farm and winery, though he kept a house in Oakland. Leland Stanford gave Warm Springs to him by grant, 1886.

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every time we go to the city. When we can do no good by calling, It is a great consolation to know that she is so carefully and tenderly nursed -that everything that can be thought of for her comfort - and relief is speedily at-hand. I went to the moun -tains in June with my sick boy. The day before I left, I saw Mrs. Robinson and from all that she said was en -couraged to believe that Anna's restoration to health was almost certian as Doct. Helmuth had been there and after giving her case a critical examination - pronounced most favorably - I have since heard that he was mistaken in his diagnosis. Gertrude called last week hoping to see Anna if but just a moment. Anna was unable to see her. She is so universally beloved. Every one thinks of her and enquires for her with loving interest. I wish I could write to you

that I have seen her and perceived some gain.

My dear Joe is gaining in health since we went to Soda Springs. He had been quite ill - threatened with Typhoid - and for a while I had much anxiety - but happily he escaped that dread disease - and I feel that we cannot be grateful enough for all our mercies. He is now able to attend to his affairs - is building a hay barn and an addition to the Fermenting Cellar - also a little cottage for the Foreman who is soon to be married - he has been twelve years on the place. These are small matters to you and Uncle Leland but to us they have given much talk - planning and managing. It is touching to me to see Joe trying to follow his blessed Father's ways. We stay here with him and let the China boy take care of our home in Oakland for the present. Joe has great love for flowers and has the fountain filled with water lilies of many kinds - and has also a small pond of Egyptian Lotus plants all in bloom. I am consoled to see him get some satisfaction daily in watching the buds and blossoms

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[right page] Warm Springs July 27th 1892.

Dearest Jennie.-

It seems as if I must write to you to-day. I know not where you are nor how it is with you and Uncle Leland. Occasionally - the newspapers make some mention - and I rely so little upon the truth of newspaper items - but we did read with joy and glad -ness that "Senator Stanford's health was greatly improved - he had recovered his hearing- and would not hasten back." I was sorry to hear yesterday that Mr. Nash was ill and not able to be with you. Which I know must give you pain. Dear Anna I have not seen since you left. I know you must hear by cable of her condition oftener than I do at this place - indirectly I hear often but do not like to trouble Mrs. Robinson

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With all your cares and anxieties I hope you and Uncle Leland are rejoicing over his improved health in which the many who love and care for you join, with prayers for the blessing of our Heavenly Father on all your pathway. Gertrude has gone to the city. Were she here she would send loving message [sic] to Uncle Leland and Aunt Jennie. Tell Uncle Leland that I received a letter from Thomas some time ago in which he said, "I have had printed and distributed a thousand copies of the Senator's speech to members of Parliament and the prominent business men of Melbourne - hoping that a little [leaven?] will work among these conservative people". I cannot express to you how much "The Way the Truth and the Life" is to me. Gertrude sent East for a copy to give to a friend.

With our dearest love - ever your aff. sister

Helen M. Stanford

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all come forth to greet and welcome her to their Heavenly Mansions. Gertrude and I have been here all this month. Wednesday morning Gertie came to my room and told me her dream. She saw Anna walk very feebly into a room where we were. As she entered she said, "This is the final time I have gone out and I have come to see you and your Mother. Gertie, keep pleasant memories of Anna Maria". At four forty-five that day her spirit took its flight. Sweet memories will always linger with us who so truly loved her. All loved her and all speak your name with heartfelt sympathy.

They tell me that Mr. Hewes is much broken down. He must have been devotedly attached to "Dear Anna" as he always called her. My heart aches for little Jennie - bereft of her second Mother - more self sacrificing and loving than most own mothers. Your dear sister looked lovely in death. I feared I should see traces of suffering - but her face was very peaceful and serene and even rounded. The services were most appropriate. Doct. Mackenzie spoke with much feeling. Doct. Abbott I could not hear. The music was touchingly sweet. When Mrs. Campbell sang "We shall meet again" Gertie was much overcome. My dear Joe was there with us. I feared he would be unable to be present

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