At a stated quarterly meeting of the Trustees of the Massachusetts
General Hospital, held on the same day, the following preamble and
votes, as proposed by the Chairman, were unanimously adopted, viz.:--
"The funeral of the late Hon. Samuel Appleton takes place this
afternoon; and the bells of the city are now tolling as a
public expression of respect for one of its worthiest sons and
its noblest benefactors, who, at the advanced age of
eighty-seven years, has died universally beloved and regretted.
"Formerly a Trustee of this Institution, and ever cherishing a
lively interest in its welfare, we are happy to acknowledge our
indebtedness to him, alike for his valuable personal services,
and for a large share of that bounty which he has always so
wisely and so liberally bestowed.
"This Board would present to the widow of the deceased, by whose
affectionate attentions and devoted care his life has been for
so many years prolonged and rendered happy, the assurances of
their profound sympathy, now that she has lost a companion and
friend by whom she was most tenderly beloved.
"_Voted_, That this Board do now adjourn to attend the funeral
of the deceased."
Mr. Appleton left a Will and Codicil, of which a few copies are
printed for the use of his executors and legatees.
These documents were opened and read in the presence of the widow and
some of the relatives, on Saturday, July 16; and the following
anecdote was then related by one of the Executors:--
The late Isaac Appleton Jewett was a favorite nephew of the deceased,
and, as such, had a bequest of $30,000, and was eventually to receive
besides one-tenth part of the residuary property. He died in January
last, leaving as his heir-at-law a half-sister, who, by the terms of
the will, became entitled to these bequests. There was no
blood-relationship between her and the Testator. _A comparative
stranger would thus be a larger legatee than any one of his own
kindred._ The Executor called Mr. Appleton's attention to this fact.
His reply was: "I am much obliged for the suggestion: it was a proper
one for you to make. I will consider, and let you know my decision
to-morrow." The next day he said: "I have been thinking of what you
mentioned to me; and if, in the other world, there is any knowledge of
what is done in this, I should not like to have my nephew, whom I so
loved and trusted, find that my first act, on learning his death, is
the revocation or curtailment of a bequest made in his favor, and
which, if he had survived me, would have eventually benefited her who
was nearest and dearest to him. _The will must stand as it is._" This
confirmation of a private bequest is no less honorable to the memory
of Mr. Appleton, than are those other two provisions of his will by
which he so bountifully remembers the servants of his household, and
appropriates to public uses so large a part of his princely fortune.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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