“I bequeath to the Theatrical Woman’s League $500.00.
“I bequeath to the Actors’ Fund $500.00.
“To my old friend, William Winter, Sr. the sum of $500.00 and one of my pictures painted by myself.
“To my friend, Honorable Grover Cleveland, my best Kentucky reel.
“My fishing and sporting tackle to be divided between my five sons.
“To my friend, Earnest Gittings of Baltimore, one of my own paintings to be selected by my wife.
“J. Jefferson.”
Will of Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, and the third President of the United States, died on July 4, 1826, the same day that his predecessor in office, John Adams, passed away.
His will is dated the 16th day of March, 1826, and on the following day a codicil of equal length was added. Both the will and the codicil will be found attractive and entertaining, and are here fully transcribed.