Kansas Memory

Graham Patterson, President and Publisher

Geo. H. Sandison, Vice-President and Managing Editor

The Christian Herald

Bible House, New York City

October 10, 1919

Mrs. Charles M. Sheldon

Topeka, Kansas.

Dear Mrs. Sheldon:

Enclosed find our check in payment of your article entitled “Romance in Home Life”, which appeared in our issue of September 6.

Very Truly Yours,

Enclosure

Check for $10.00

[Page 2]

Graham Patterson, President and Publisher

Geo. H. Sandison, Vice-President and Managing Editor

Bible House, New York City

October 31, 1919

Topeka, Kansas.

Dear Mrs. Sheldon:

Enclosed find our checks in payment of the following articles “Mother Has a Way” ($14.) “First Aid in the Kitchen” ($3.) “The Real Friend” ($5.00) all of which we hope to use shortly. At present we are handicapped in publishing our paper owing to the printer’s strike in this city, but we hope things will readjust themselves shortly.

Thanking you for your kindly interest, we remain,

Very Truly Yours,

The Christian Herald.

Enclosures

Checks for $14.00 and $8.00

[Page 3]

Santa Fe

The Ranger

Jan. 8. 1939

Chicago. 9-10 A.M.

Dearie. Just in on time A perfect day. Not a cloud. Too warm for overcoat. Had good sleep and early Breakfast.

1. Coffee

1. Toast

1. Prunes

Anticipate fine evening. Leave for Bloomington soon from the Alton Station.

I love you more than you know.

Your Charl.

[Page 4]

Santa Fe

The Ranger

Chicago

10:30 PM

1621 College Avenue

Topeka. Kansas.

[Page 5]

Ca. Aug. 7, 1943

1621 College Avenue

Topeka, Kansas

Dear Old Friend,

Such a [XXXX] greeting from you to [XX] Sheldon

He sits up part of the day now after three months illness

They have been such long, many, anxious months and now it’s hot, [XXX]

[Page 6]

good was there to gain strength in

I hope he will be well again, but he is eighty-six and sometimes it looks impossible

I am so glad to hear of what you are doing and know you are always doing for others

I shall never forget

[Page 7]

how you helped me move to College Ave.

[XXXX] son is now eighteen and his daughter sixteen.

Most lovingly

Chas. and Mary Sheldon

Aug-7-43-

[Page 8]

Topeka

Mrs. May L. Flickenger

604 Walnut St

Newtonville

[Page 9]

1621 College Avenue

Topeka, Kansas

[Page 10]

Leonard Wood Memorial

(American Leprosy Foundation)

One Madison Avenue

New York 10, N.Y.

Trustees

Henry L. Stimson

Chairman

Perry Burgess

President

General Samuel McRoberts

Treasurer

H.D. Campbell

Dwight F. Davis

General Frank R. McCoy

Francis F. Randolph

John C. Traphagen

Dorothy Paul Wade

Dr. Ray Lyman Wilbur

Owen D. Young

Medical Advisory Board

Dr. Malcolm H. Soule

Chairman

Dr. Howard T. Karsner

Secretary

Dr. F.A. Johansen

Dr. Esmond R. Long

Dr. Thomas Parran

Maj. Gen. James S. Simmons

Dr. H. Windsor Wade

H.L. Elias

Secretary

Febrary 22, 1945

Mrs. Charles M. Sheldon,

1621 College Ave.,

Topeka, Kansas

Dear Mrs. Sheldon:

Your letter of the 15th has been received.

As requested, we have today mailed your daughter an autographed copy of WHO WALK ALONE. We are pleased that you thought so highly of the book and want to assure you that your generosity and cooperation are appreciated.

Sincerely Yours,

H.L. Elias

[Page 11]

No date

One Madison Avenue

New York 10, N.Y.

Trustees

Henry L. Stimson

Chairman

Perry Burgess

President

General Samuel McRoberts

Treasurer

H.D. Campbell

Dwight F. Davis

General Frank R. McCoy

Francis F. Randolph

John C. Traphagen

Dorothy Paul Wade

Dr. Ray Lyman Wilbur

Owen D. Young

Medical Advisory Board

Dr. Malcolm H. Soule

Chairman

Dr. Howard T. Karsner

Secretary

Dr. F.A. Johansen

Dr. Esmond R. Long

Dr. Thomas Parran

Maj. Gen. James S. Simmons

Dr. H. Windsor Wade

H.L. Elias

Secretary

Dear Mrs. Sheldon:

I trust that you and your friends found the autographed copy of WHO WALK ALONE which I sent you interesting and educational.

Occasionally a reader of my book writes expressing pleasure in learning that the victims of Hansen’s disease are not as unfortunate as he had thought, but Culion is one of the very limited number of places where medical treatment is available for those stricken with this illness.

Is is an appalling fact that of the estimated three to five million lepers in the world less than two percent receive any kind of care. The Leonard Wood Memorial devotes its entire energies to the effort to discover the cure and prevention of leprosy, as the only possibility of finding relief for these uncared-for millions is through medical science. The enclosed story is only one of the experiences of this character which I have had in many places throughout the world.

We are very desirous of knowing who have read WHO WALK ALONE in order that we may send to them from time to time similar stories and further information about this great health problem. We would deeply appreciate it if, on the enclosed form, you would give us the names and addresses of those friends of yours who have read the book.

With sincere appreciation of your cooperation in this important work, I am

Sincerely yours,

Perry Burgess

[Page 12]

Elmer Thomas, Okla., Chairman

Burton K. Wheeler, Mont.

John H. Bankhead, Ala.

Theodore G. Bilbo, Miss.

Allen J. Ellender, La.

Scott W. Lucas, Ill.

Tom Stewart, Tenn.

Richard B. Russell, Ga.

Tom Connally, Tex.

Sheridan Downey, Calif.

Clyde R. Hoey, N.C.

Arthur Capper, Kans.

Henrik Shipstead, Minn.

Raymond E. Willis, Ind.

George D. Aiken, Vt.

Harlan J. Bushfield, S. Dak.

George A. Wilson, Iowa

Hugh Butler, Nebr.

Milton R. Young, N. Dak.

William F. Knowland, Calif.

M.E. Pool, Clerk

Joycette Jones, Asst. Clerk

United States Senate

Committee on Agriculture and Forestry

March 20, 1946

1621 College

Topeka, Kansas

Dear Friend:

I thought you would be interested in the enclosed sheets from the Congressional Record of March 19. I believe Dr. Howard is going to have some reprints made, and if you desire a small quantity of them when they are available, I will be glad to see that some copies are mailed to you.

With kind regards, I am

Sincerely yours,

Arthur Capper

[Page 13]

Season’s Greetings

[Page 14]

I send warmest greetings for the Holiday Season.

In a world striving for the true peace carried in the Christmas message, it is well to pause for friendship and reflection.

Arthur Capper

Dec. 25, 1947.

[Page 15]

Erie Vista

Geneva on the Lake

July 25, 1949

Dear Mrs. Sheldon:

An official receipt has been sent to you for your recent contribution to the Leonard Wood Memorial. However, I wish personally to express my gratification for the aid that you have given during the last five years.

It is such practical cooperation which makes it possible for us to carry on this important work aimed at solving one of the world’s oldest diseases.

Sincerely yours,

Perry Burgess

President

[Page 16]

No date

My Dear Lonnie

I am writing you a little Christmas note to tell you of my love for you who have so much and kind to me all these years.

I hope you have a happy Christmas and many blessings all your life.

Lovingly

Mary M. Sheldon

[Page 17]

Associated Alumni of Brown University

Providence 12, Rhode Island

February 25, 1946

1621 College Avenue

Topeka, Kansas

Dear Mrs. Sheldon:

The news of the death of your husband was received with sadness here on the campus, and I wish to extend to you the sincere sympathy of all of us in alumni ranks.

Dr. Sheldon had a host of friends at Brown, not only among his college contemporaries, but throughout the entire company of Brown men. We shall miss his loyal interest.

Sincerely yours,

Chesley Worthington

W. Chesley Worthington

Director of Alumni Relations

Professor Manning showed me only yesterday a fine recent letter from his classmate.

[Page 18]

George L. Carpenter

General

Lt. Col. V. Lundgren

Divisional Commander

Lt. Com. John J. Allan

Territorial Commander

Major Norman Peterson

Officer in Charge

The Salvation Army

William Booth, Founder

Phone 4058

200 E. Fifth Street

Topeka, Kansas

February 26, 1946.

Mrs. Charles M. Sheldon,

1621 College,

Topeka, Kansas.

My dear Mrs. Sheldon:-

Sympathy for those who sorrow has always been part of the Salvationist’s creed, and in your hour of grief, we especially remember you in the loss of your loving husband.

The word of God warns us not to sorrow as those who have no hope, but to believe He doeth all things well and for a purpose. His grace can sustain you and we trust you will allow him to continue proving it.

May His presence guide you until the day of your summons.

Yours in sympathy,

N. Peterson,

[Page 19]

Albert M. Cole

1st Dist. Kans.

Ralph A. Patterson

Secretary

Committees:

Claims

Census

Congress of the United States

House of Representatives

Washington, D.C.

27 February 1946

Mrs. C.M. Sheldon

1621 College

Topeka, Kansas

My dear Mrs. Sheldon:

I pause in this busy place to pay my respects to your late husband and to offer you any sympathy that I might be able to convey to you by this means.

I felt that I knew the Doctor quite well, having read his thoughts as he wrote them, having read about his many actions for the betterment of mankind and listened to counselings. I know the great respect that all fellow-Rotarians had for him. Although he has passed from this earth, he lives and will continue to live through his writings. And, may you find consolation in the fact that you were a great contributor towards his being such a benefactor to all.

In sympathy and respect,

Albert M. Cole, M.C.

[Page 20]

Office of the President

Metropolitan Tower

New York 10, N.Y.

March eigth

Dear Mrs. Sheldon:

I was stunned, as is everyone who sees the war ravaged Philippines, but the tragedy which befell the defenseless lepers was, in some respects, the worst of all. At the large and world famous Culion, for instance, almost half the patients died or were killed and hundreds fled in small boats in search of food; knowing that wherever they went they would be feared and shunned- if the Japs caught them they would be shot. Those who remained were the adults too sick to flee, -not sick enough to die…and the little children- the streets were deserted except for them.

And yet the unfathomable wistfulness in the faces was much the same as I had seen before- have seen in the faces of homesick mothers, children, wives and husbands in similar institutions the world over. If such a thing is possible, they suffered a little more in war times- grew hungrier…felt more forsaken…more of them died.

It is not just enough to put these unfortunate human beings in colonies, just as we do with criminals…we must do more! We must do everything possible to find a cure so that it will no longer be necessary to take little children and old men to a faraway place and imprison them for life.

We must train more scientists, undertake new studies; in short do every thing that modern methods of medical research warrant to lift this yoke from humanity’s shoulders. If you could see them, all ages, all races, including our own, you would understand that I must plead with kindly disposed and generous people to aid this work done on their behalf.

You have helped us, please continue that help. If those who find it possible will increase their gifts or interest a friend to contribute it will permit us to expand our research.

With great appreciation of your cooperation, I am

Sincerely yours,

Perry Burgess

[Page 21]

Office of the Dean

Andover Newton Theological School

Newton Centre, Massachusetts

March 10. 1946

Dear Mrs. Sheldon,

It was with deep sorrow and a sense of personal loss that learned of the death of your beloved husband. As you know, he was one of the greatest living alumni of old Andover Seminary at the time of his death. His name is listed in the class of 1886.

I will recall in some my trips to Topeka, in connection with a visit to Washburn College, that I always received a royal welcome from Mr. Sheldon. On some occasions he would [XXXX] with a group of prospective seminary students and tell us of old Andover. On other occasions, I would be privileged to see you both in your hospitable house. I am very sorry that

[Page 22]

in the past few years I have not been often in Topeka.

Accept my sincere sympathy and [XXX] of the seminary in this your time of sorrow. Certainly the precious memories of a gallant, cheerful, consecrated and devoted minister, as well as a dear husband and father, will sustain you.

I always recall the vitality and robust mental outlook of Dr. Sheldon, even in his later years. He was spared to a ripe old age, and his example will inspire us all to follow in the steps of the Master whom he so faithfully served.

With [XXXX] assurance for you and your son of my sympathy and love. I am,

Sincerely yours

[XXX] [XXX] [XXXX]

[Page 23]

Office of the President

Yankton College

Yankton, South Dakota

11 March, 1946

Topeka

Kansas

Dear Mrs. Sheldon:

One of the most dearly cherished names at Yankton College is that of Charles M. Sheldon. Somehow something of his beautiful Christian spirit and idealism has ever been alive here as an incentive towards realization of our own Christian educational purpose. You understand, then, our very real sense of loss when we heard of Dr. Sheldon’s passing. Our warmest sympathies are with you and the family, Mrs. Sheldon.

In token of our feeling, and as an official expression from Yankton College, a resolution was passed by the board of trustees at the mid-winter meeting, a copy of which I am enclosing.

Yours most sincerely,

J. Clark Graham

President

[Page 24]

Trust Department

John E. Kirk

Vice President and Trust Officer

National Bank of Topeka

Founded 1865

Topeka, Kansas

March 23, 1946.

1621 College Avenue

Topeka, Kansas

Dear Mrs. Sheldon:

Enclosed find copies of Resolution passed at the last meeting of our Fortnightly Club.

Sincerely yours,

John E. Kirk, Secretary

Fortnightly Club

JEK:WF

[Page 25]

Christian Herald Association

419 Fourth Ave.

New York 16, N.Y.

April 4, 1946

Dear Mrs. Sheldon:

I have purposely avoided bothering you because I felt sure you would be inundated with letters and callers, but hardly a day goes by without a thought for you in your loneliness and a thankful heart that I had dear Dr. Sheldon’s prayers throughout my trouble. How thoughtful he was of others and forgetful of himself!

You will be pleased with Dr. Poling’s editorial in the May issue. It is now on the press but when it is released, I’ll send you some copies. He paid him such beautiful tributes; all very much deserved as he knew him so well.

I don’t know whether you plan to keep a Scrap book, but I enclose a few newspaper clippings you may wish to add to your collection.

May God give you strength to bear the separation and with best wishes for your health, I am

Sincerely yours

Mrs. Charles Sheldon

1621 College Avenue

Topeka, Kansas

P.S. On second thoughts, decided to send you a proof of the Editorial and the issues will come later.

[Page 26]

Elmer Thomas, Okla., Chairman

Burton K. Wheeler, Mont.

John H. Bankhead, Ala.

Theodore G. Bilbo, Miss.

Allen J. Ellender, La.

Scott W. Lucas, Ill.

Tom Stewart, Tenn.

Richard B. Russell, Ga.

Tom Connally, Tex.

Sheridan Downey, Calif.

Clyde R. Hoey, N.C.

Arthur Capper, Kans.

Henrik Shipstead, Minn.

Raymond E. Willis, Ind.

George D. Aiken, Vt.

Harlan J. Bushfield, S. Dak.

George A. Wilson, Iowa

Hugh Butler, Nebr.

Milton R. Young, N. Dak.

William F. Knowland, Calif.

M.E. Pool, Clerk

Joycette Jones, Asst. Clerk

United States Senate

Committee on Agriculture and Forestry

April 9, 1946

1621 College

Topeka, Kansas

Dear Mrs. Sheldon:

I have received your letter of April 7 and glad to comply with your request by enclosing a small quantity of Congressional reprints of the article about Dr. Sheldon.

Recently, you will be interested in knowing, we sent a goodly supply of these reprints to Central Church office there in Topeka.

I am sorry, indeed, to learn of your illness. I trust you are improving and will soon enjoy your usual good health.

Dr. Sheldon was one of my best friends. I loved him sincerely.

Very truly yours,

Arthur Capper

[Page 27]

Dear Mrs. Sheldon-

The Trustees of the Congregational Summer Assembly have asked me to express to you their deep sympathy in the passing of your husband.

He has been so beloved by all of us. There is no

[Page 28]

member of our summer family who will be so greatly missed-and I hope there may be a little comfort for you in the knowledge that we shall hold him always in our hearts in loving remembrance.

Very sincerely

Abby H. Zugelbrach

[Page 29]

A Christmas Wish

[Page 30]

Dear Mrs. Glenn-

I want to have a wee bit in helping in the Sheldon Memorial Fund.

My father & “our” Jennie & the children & I had our membership there as long as we lived in Topeka & it is very dear to my heart. My memories of Central Church & friends I have there I’ll cherish as long as I live.

I only wish I could do much more than the check I am enclosing.

My mother and grandmother were members & I in S.S. down at First Church (7th & Harrison) & I remember when Dr. Sheldon came to Topeka & Central was organized. Later in Washburn I went to Central & was one of young group that heard him read chapt. by chapt. “In His Steps.” Dr. Sheldon & his life influenced & blest me & I thank God for it. Hope you can come next June to New Haven, Conn. to General Council meeting. & if ever in Nashua, let us know.

May your Christmas be joyful and your New Year happy.

With sincere wishes & remembrance to your family.

May Little Hickinger

[Page 31]

Copyright Series 54-T

No. 451

Made in U.S.A.

Kansas Memory

Kansas Historical Society

Mary M. Sheldon correspondence

Bookbag

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