Читать книгу: «The Will of Samuel Appleton, with Remarks by One of the Executors», страница 2

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.

N.I.B.

WILL OF SAMUEL APPLETON. THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF SAMUEL APPLETON

Be it remembered, That I, Samuel Appleton, of Boston, in the County of Suffolk and State of Massachusetts, merchant, being of sound disposing mind and memory, and in good health, but aware of the uncertainty of life, and desirous of making a disposition of such property as I may leave at the time of my decease, do make, publish, and declare this my last Will and Testament, in manner and form following, to wit: —

To his wife, $122,000.

I give and bequeath to my beloved wife, Mary Appleton, one hundred and thirty thousand dollars, in the manner following, to wit: —

Viz. $100,000.

1st. The sum of one hundred thousand dollars in cash, to be paid to her by my executors.

House, 53, Beacon-street, at $14,000;

2d. My land and house in Beacon-street, Boston, numbered fifty-three, now occupied by Mrs. Goodwin, and valued by me at fourteen thousand dollars, to hold to her and her heirs.

And $6000 to put said House in order.

3d. The sum of six thousand dollars in cash to be paid to her by my executors for the purpose of putting said house in good order and condition.

Or the $20,000 in cash, if she prefers.

If, however, my wife do elect to accept the sum of twenty thousand dollars in cash, instead of said land and house in Beacon-street, and said six thousand dollars, then and in that case it is my will that the sum of twenty thousand dollars in cash be paid to her by my executors.

A clause revoked by the Codicil.

[4th. Any of the plate and furniture belonging to me at the time of my decease, at the appraised value thereof, to the amount of eight thousand dollars.]