Ancient, Curious, and Famous WillsHarris, Virgil M. (Virgil McClure)
History
Ancient, Curious, and Famous Wills
Harris, Virgil M. (Virgil McClure)
Wills
The late Rufus Hatch, of New York, in his will gave this advice to his
children: “I do not wish my boys to go to college, but to receive a
commercial education. Should any of them, however, wish to become
lawyer, doctor or clergyman, then he may go to college. I most strongly
warn my children not to use tobacco in any shape, or form: nor to touch,
taste or use wine or liquor in any way. I earnestly desire that my
children shall not gamble in any way for money, as _their father has had
experience sufficient to serve for all posterity_.”
WILL OF EUGENE KELLEY
In the will of the late Eugene Kelley, of New York, is found this
beautiful sentiment: “I desire to record in this solemn instrument, the
expression of my respect and esteem of my friend, J. D., and the honor
in which for many years past I have held him. During our long
association, his upright and manly character has ever been the same, and
has so endeared him to me, that I could not rest satisfied to part from
him without giving utterance to this testimony. His ample fortune would
make it idle for me to attest my feeling toward him by a legacy, but I
trust he will receive from my wife some personal article of mine which
will remain to him a reminder of his friend’s affection.” With reference
to charitable bequests, he adds, “I make this expression of preference
in favor of Catholic and Hebrew institutions, solely because other
denominations are wealthier and better able to care for their poor.”
SAMUEL J. RANDALL DIED POOR
The late Samuel J. Randall, an American political leader, left an estate
valued at $789.74, which was not enough to pay the bills of the
physicians who attended him in his last illness. Of this amount, $589.74
was due by the government for salary, leaving the total value of his
property $200 at the time of his death. This is a remarkable showing for
a man who spent thirty years of his life in the most responsible
positions in the service of his country.
WILL OF JAMES SMITHSON
The Smithsonian Institution in Washington was founded by James Smithson,
an Englishman born in France. He was never in the United States, yet he
left his fortune of half a million dollars to found at Washington, under
the name of the Smithsonian Institution, “an establishment for the
increase and diffusion of knowledge among men,” provided a certain
nephew died without issue, legitimate or illegitimate. The disposition
of the fund was for ten years debated in Congress, but finally the trust
was accepted, and a board of regents was appointed. Our Weather Bureau
is one of the creations of the Institution.
SAILORS’ SNUG HARBOR
Robert Richard Randall, of New York, was the founder of the “Sailors’
Snug Harbor” for the purpose of maintaining and supporting aged,
decrepit and worn-out sailors. The will was attacked by the heirs, but
was held valid by the United States Supreme Court.
WHERE TO INVEST
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account