Spoke from Experience
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.