The testator then states that the foregoing suggestion as to consultation is subject to a contract with Albert Bigelow Paine for the publication of his letters and in full recognition thereof, and also subject to a contract with Albert Bigelow Paine and Harper Brothers with reference to his biography.
The testator’s daughters are the sole beneficiaries under the will.
Will of Grover Cleveland
Ex-President Grover Cleveland died June 24, 1908. The following is an abstract of the copy of his will, dated at Princeton, New Jersey, February 21, 1906, which is on file in the Office of the Register of Wills, Washington, D.C.
He directs that after the payment of all debts and funeral expenses, an appropriate monument with brief inscription, and only moderately expensive, be erected at his grave and paid for out of his estate. “I desire to be buried wherever I may reside at the time of my death, and that my body shall always remain where it shall be at first buried—subject to its removal only if it shall be absolutely necessary in order that it shall repose by the side of my wife and in accordance with her desire.”
He gives to his niece Mary Hastings, daughter of his sister Anna Hastings, the sum of three thousand dollars to be paid to her as soon as practicable after his death; and to each of the four daughters of his nephew Richard Hastings, then or lately living with his sister Anna Hastings, the sum of two thousand dollars each.
“Third. I give to my friend Richard Watson Gilder, the watch given to me in 1893 by the said Gilder and E. C. Benedict and J. J. Sinclair—and also the chain attached to the same when last worn by me.”
“Fifth. I give to Frank S. Hastings, my good friend and Executor of this will, as the most personal memento I can leave to him, the seal ring I have worn for many years, which was given to me by my dear wife, and with whose hearty concurrence this gift is made.”
To his two daughters Esther and Marion, and his two sons, Richard F. and Francis G., he bequeaths the sum of two thousand dollars each, to be paid to them respectively as they each arrive at the age of twenty-one years, and until these legacies are paid, or shall lapse, they shall be kept invested, and the income derived therefrom shall be paid to his wife, and the aggregate of said income, shall be applied by her to the support, maintenance and education of the said children in such manner and in such proportions as she shall deem best, without any liability to any of said children on account thereof. If any of the said daughters, shall before her legacy becomes payable, cease for any reason to reside with her mother, then and from that time, the income arising from the investment of her legacy, shall be paid to said daughter. In case any of the said children shall die before his or her legacy shall be actually paid, leaving a child or children, then said legacy shall be paid to said child or children, but otherwise the said legacy shall lapse and become a part of the residuary estate disposed of by the instrument.
All the rest and residue of his estate and property he gives to his dear wife Frances F. Cleveland and to her heirs and assigns forever; and he appoints her guardian of all his children during their minority.