Codicil number four contains legacies to Tufts College, the Barnum Museum of Natural History, Bridgeport Scientific Society, and other institutions, including the “Boys’ Club” and “Girls’ Club” of Bridgeport.
Codicil number five gives to the city of Bridgeport $1000 for the erection of a statue of Henry Bergh, the founder of the society for the prevention of cruelty to animals. To his wife, Nancy, he gives, absolutely, $100,000 and $40,000 a year during her natural life, these in lieu of the legacies and annuities given her by the will and former codicils.
Codicil number six directs that Thomas Ball, a sculptor, of Florence, Italy, be consulted with reference to a piece of ornamental statuary to be placed on the testator’s burial lot, not to exceed in cost $8000.
Codicil number seven gives $500 to his family physician, as a mark of gratitude.
Codicil number eight mentions the erection of a building in Bridgeport, to be known as “The Barnum Institute of Science and History.”
Will of Henry Ward Beecher
Henry Ward Beecher died March 8, 1887. His will is as follows:
“In the Name of God, Amen.
“I, Henry Ward Beecher, of the City of Brooklyn, and State of New York, hereby revoking all, other and former Wills by me heretofore made, do make, publish and declare this to be my last Will and Testament.
“I. I hereby authorize and direct my Executors, or such of them as shall qualify, upon my death to collect and receive the amount of my life insurance, to invest the same, and to pay the proceeds of such investment to my wife during her life, in equal quarter yearly payments.