The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-12-25
THE MERRILL WILL.

THE TESTIMONY OF MR.. MOSES TAYLoR-wHAr
HE KNOWS ABOUT LADIES BoNSErs-MRs'
MERRrLLs LETTER TO DR.. BACON.
continuation of the proceedings in the contested
will Of Caroline A. Merrill unexpectedly
before Surrogate Calvin yesterday. The day had
been set down for the hearing. but inasmueh - IL
was understood from counsel that it would not DO
used. it was not placed on the calendar.
Mr. Parsons who appeared for Mr.. George Merrill.
of the contestants, made motion that the Amer
lean Consul at Bordeaux be appointed commits
sioner for the purpose OF taking testimony nom
Nine De Rean. Mr.. Mcclure and ex-Judge Porter.
who appeared for the proponents. objected on the
ground that they had not had sufficient notice. Nh
Parsons withdrew the motion.
Mr. Roswell q. Raston called by Mr.. Mcclure.
He said he was President of the Farmers Loan and
Trust Company; had known Mrs. Merrill for twenty
years; the will produced he first just after the
death OF Mrs. Merrill. at the Rossmore Hotel in the
presence Of Mr.. Taylor Mr. salter. Mr.. Glover and
several ladies'; the will found valise, he read
it and handed 1T to Mr. Glover he afterward took 10
to the surrogates office and filed it with the clerk.
WHAT TAYLOR KNOWS e.4ss
Mr.. Moses Taylor the next Witness He said he
President of the National City Bank; he made
the acquaintance of Mrs. Merrill about 1854 he kept
her accounts and had her papers in . chest In his
Office. s
Witness continued-T saw Mrs. Merrill the day
the win was executed; she consulted me about IL
and wanted to make me an executor and suggested
Mr.. Ralston as q man on whom she could rely; she
on visiting terms at my house; her MANNERS and
with her until the time she had paralysis. which
in the september Of the year she died; when ! saw
not make her understand me and she could not make
understand; / saw her once previous 70 that aud
she asked me about some papers, that was just prior
to her attack OF paralysis
Examined by Mr.. parsons-I was not acquainted
with the Mr.. Glover of whom speak; 1 do not know
by whom the paper speak OF as Mrs. Merrills will
was drawn; think my acquaintance with Mrs Mer-
rll began In 1854; never heard that there oc
currence that prevented Mrs. Merrill visiting ut my
house, Mrs. Taylor. know called to see Mrs. Mer-
rill twice; ! know they were in the same house at
Newport; Mrs. Merrill personally requested me to
send the papers to her; in the envelope, ON which
was inscribed 10 be opened after my death, think
there a letter addressed to Mr.. Bacon; I think
there was paper also ON which there was written
directions for making my will; did not take the
paper; had not the care Of It; there were large
much observer OF ladies' dress; so long ~ they
neat and tidy don't take any further notice;
80 frequently; Mrs Merrill eccentric lady;
from the beginning of my acquaintance with her I
and lady to take care Of her. saw the paper pro-
duced among other papers.
Mr. Parsons raised the question to the admission
The Court ruled that any evidence that tended to
show the mental capabity Of the testatrix was adj
missible down to the time OF her last nlnsss- Tho
document was admitted. 4Hs4& sss ssg W.T.
MRS. MERRILL's LAST WISHES.
brown envelope containing the following letter
was addressed % follows:- tsu ~
DEAR Mn. TAYLoR--Whcn you hear Of my death please
open this and post the enclosed You only depend
have confidence In everything. feel quite
that will carry out Wishes For all you have
been heart thanks you strongly than do
words From the very depths Of my soul thank you
Yours, with much regard. CAROLLNE A. MERRILL
Right Rev. D. d. BAcoN:-
RIGHT REVEREND AND DEAR BIsHoP-I have bequcathed
last will all the residue of estate which
will place in your hands an important amount.
know that the legal effect of bequest 10 TO vest the
personally and absolutely and such IT, In fact
my intention do wish TO quality in respect the
provisions Of my will.
am satisfied that without any request from me you will
apply for the Advancement OF religion especially In
diocese, and impose no restriction whatsoever upon
made this disposition OF estate with full deliberx
perfect knowledge of the OF and its
Others of my free viii good
pleasure without suggestion from quarter Your dut
full child in Christ. CAROLINE A. MERRlLL
NRw YoRK, Nov. 90 1871. Fifth Avenue Hotel
RIGHT REV. BIsHoP--Of you will complete the
education of tho young have been kindly
directing for me. O. A. NJ
This note was placed in another small white paper
envelope and addressed by Mrs. Merrill fright Rev.
D. d. Bacon, Bishop OF Portland. Maine"
When found this envelope inscribed THE
Bishop being dead. not mailed"
This closed the testimony, and the further heartuG
was adjourned until December a.