January 25, 1887¹⁰¹²⁸

From Joseph N. Sherman Probate Papers:

Mr P Bennett Esq-

Dear sir yours of the 18 at hand the leter refered to I have but one leter which I will send you the others have been distroyed. I am sorry we have not the three leters refered to from J N Sherman as I think they would be of great help to ?. I have evidence to substantiate my ? leter the time Sherman was at my house that ? other parties that talked with him on the subject which will be in favor of the girl. Perhaps it would be of interest to you to know something of Fred's record, the supposed to be Joseph Nelson Sherman the boy that was born at the Poor House Dec the 24 1877 which was Dora's brother. His mother married him Joseph Nelson on or about May the 10 1878. Dora's mother went to Grand Rapids taking this boy Joseph with her. Joseph was kept with his mother until about eightteen monts old. While Dora's mother was in Grand Rapids she received a leter from J N Sherman making threats that he would have this boy when five years old if not before saying that the law would give hime the boy. I am told that josephs ? is ? in Grand Rapids. It appears that Sherman and his wife were bitter enemies from time of parting until her death.

It appears that in April or May in the year of 1879 that this boy Fred was left on J N Sherman's door steps. was left there by a woman. She had a veil over her face came ? a carriage and went away the same way. It can't be proven that she was recognized. Sherman cared for the child and named him Fred. J N Sherman had never seen this child until it was left there that day. There is no positive evidence that the boy left on the door step is the same boy that was born at the county house is a ? of J N Sherman estate the parties knowing the truth of the mater is dead leaving the mistry in the dark.

As it seems to appear that Dora's uncle and aunt disowns her as a neice and a ? to the property I feel more interested than perhaps I should of felt if they had of asked ? and ? in the matter. My wishes are that it can be settled up without any trouble for the interest of the two children. Mrs. Savage will find if it comes to test that the girl can show as good title as the boy. Will you please tell my in you next who the administrator is who was the appraisers. I learn that Mrs Savage has Shermans watch and fiddle and some household goods. If she has a wright its all wright.

Yours Respectfully

M B Lewis