Lafayette Stark Co. Ill  Jan 5th 1889

Uncle Paul Brandenburg    dear Sir  I received a letter today giving me your address  it is a long time cince I have seen you or hurd from you  I supposed you perhaps had passed over the river long ere this    I cares fondest with Uncle Joel when he resided near the Illinois Central R R but have not hurd from him for a long time    My name before mariage was Mary Ann Brandenburg  My fathers name was William Brandenburg  I have bin maried twice  My first husbands name was John Shore  by that mariage I have two Children living  My second husband name was Richard C Baker  by that mariage I have no Children   the last time I saw you you was at New Carlisle at my fathers   I would like verry much to see you or to hear from you

I have two perhaps three letters in regard to the Brandenburg Estate saying that I am with others heir to a large Sum of money w/part in baltemore & a large amount in Germany   One letter is from C D Bell Louisvill Ky   One from Wallice Smith Clide Ohio directing me to rite to you for information

I would like you to give me what information you can on the subject   I would like to know what there is on it & about it & what the prospects are in regard to getting it or a part of it & What is being done & by Whom & Who is footing the bill    All that has been ritten to me this far only informs me that I am heir to a large estate & that the heirs generaly are paying in about $10. to pay expenses  paying in to Whom that is the question    I would like something definite  I have a letter from Venice today giving your adress if you receive this pleas tell me what you know about the matter & obliege yours truly     Mary A Baker.

P S   Adress Mrs R C Baker
Lafayette Stark Co Ill Box 15