Helena weekly herald. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1867-1900, 1883-09-27
HORACE GREELEY'S FARM SOLD.
Nobody to Bid Against His Daughter,
Miss Gabrielle, Who Pays $4,000.
New York Su

! New YORK sun.
After the death of Horace Greeley it was
intended that his farm at Chappaqua should
be sold and the proceeds divided between
his daughters, Gabrielle and Ida the latter oi
whom was the wife OF Colonel Nicholas Smith
| For some reason this was not done, and
when Mrs. Smith died, more than year
ago, the farm was still unsold. Colonel
Smith, who had lived on the farm after Mr.
Greeleys death, removed to Shelbyville
KY, with his three children, and the farm
was rented in part
Miss Gabrielle NJ. Greeley recently brought
friendly suit for the sale of the farm, and
it was ordered to be sold. The time of the
sale was fixed for yesterday noon in front OF
the .Postoffice on Main street, Chipapqua
The Postoffice consists of little shed jut-
ting out on the end of piazza which runs
along the front Of a country feed store. 1t is
set with small glass panes bearing the num-
bers of the letter boxes, so that person
driving past can see if he has letters without
alighting.
At noon about twenty of the villagers
farmers, and storekeepers who CHANGED to be
in the neighborhood gathered on the stoop
and retailed old stories about Mr.. Greeley
A few hundred yards down the road could be
seen the gate of the Greeley farm, and i'm
mediately in front of the postoffice was the
swamp on which Mr.. Greeley expended so
much money in his efforts to convert it into
good land. Presently the auctioneer, Israel
A. Haight. He owns a pickle factory in the
town, and is an old resident. He is small
man, with forid complexion and stiff gray
mustache and hair. No one came up on the
train from the city except reporters.
Soon after IL o'clock Miss Greeley drove
up alone in top buggy, with spirited bay
horse. Miss Greeley was dressed in deep
mourning for her sister. Her brown hair
was brushed down plainly over her fore
head, and the healthful color in her cheeks
showed how well her stay for several months
past at Chappaqua had agreed with her. At
her feet was a large bunch of brightly
colored leaves. She reined up the horse op-
posite the auctioneer, and spoke to her law
yer, Mr.. Porter.
AuctiOneer Haight stood on the highest of
the three steps of the stoop and said the sale
would begin. A dozen urchins deserted
their play and stood near his feet. Mr.
Haight read the long legal description of the
property, which said that the farm consisted
of about seventy-seven acres, orchard,
meadow and woodland.
What am offered for the property?''
Miss Greeley leaned out of the side of the
buggy towards the auctioneer, and said in
clear, musical voice, $4,000"
Thank you," said Mr.. Haight.
That settles it," said dozen voices, mo
one will bid against her."
No one did bid The auctioneer pleaded
for $500 advance, $3.50, 500, $50, and S25,
but no one made a sign. He dialated on the
value of the farm. said it was going dirt
cheap, and called on the bystanders by name
to bid higher, but there was no response.
Then he took short recess, and again offered
the property.
Il will take $40 advance" he said. Who
will bid $1,000. Won't you DIR. -?'
The Doctor addressed examined his
pockets in spirit of humor, and declined to
bid.
Ten thousand dollars once; fair warning.
Ten thousand dollars twice. Ten thousand
dollars third time Gone. Sold to Gabrielle
M. Greeley for $4,000.
Miss Greeley smiled pleasantly, and said
she was glad, as she did not want the old
farm to 60 out Of the family. She had no
plans respecting it just at present. but would
put it in repair and probably move there next
year.
There are two houses on the farm, one |
near the gate and the other on the hill. The
latter is unoccupied.