The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-06-21
ECCENTRIC MIR. HAvEMEYER.
A Wealthy Man Declared Incapable OF Taking
Care of His Property.
Na,r Vow II ,,Id
New York Herald.

1t took but a very short time yesterday for q
commission, previously appointed by Judge
Lawrence, to decide that Mr.. Henry Havemeyer.
son of eX. Mayor Havemeyer. was incapable of
taking care of his property, valued at something
like $400, 900. and that somebody must be APP
pointed by the court to take care for it in the
interest of his wife and children.
1t is rather a mournful story. The eccentric
tiles of the unfortunate man have continued for
a considerable time, and his condition of mind,
which resulted in yesterdays finding, has been
for a period of years overlooked by his relatives
in the hope that he would improve.
until it became plainly apparent that
a further indulgence of his peculi-
arities-to use a mild ~ result most
disastrously to himself and to those dependent
upon him. Hr. H~avemeyer and his ways have
been the subject of comment for some years past
in the circle in which he moved, and his ultra
c~onvivial disposition has been a matter of much
anxiety to his relatives and friends. The little
islet known as Havemeyers island, in the Great
South bay, on the ocean side of Long Island. a
short distance from Fire island, has been the
scene for a number of years of the most unique
festivities, to which Mr.. HaveIneyes invited his
acquaintance. The establishment that he set
up there was a sort of 'Open house" practically,
for all who cared to come, and the entertain
ments there have been lavish and most peculiar.
1t was his wont to greet with a discharge of ar
tillery the guests that he brought over from
Babylon in his elegant steam launch, and the
surprise that this mode of reception gave to new
corners was hardly over before there were other
startling demonstration on the part of their
host.
Whatever baggage they brought was pounced
upon by seeming custon-house officers, who went
through it, chalked it, seized it or quietly ac-
cepted fees for its unmolested passage in the
most natural and orthodox way. Then there
were parading s%entinels in army attire, and with
muskets upon their shoulders. to further aston
ish the guests that sought entrance to the palace
where king Harry" reigned. The elaborate
dinners that were served were brought in by
servants topped out in reGimentals, t~rappings
and decorations of military heroes or distin-
guished statesmen on the other side of the
ocean, and throughout the unaccustomed guest
nonsense vas over, however, there was
eatables and drinkables, and it took
a strong head to get safely through the odd eX-
perience. AS a rule it was stag parties" that
were thus entertained, and although among the
guests there were plenty of three and four bot
tie" men, the accomplishments of the host in
that direction are said to have thrown those of
his guests completely in the shade. OF course
this kind of life eventually left its mark, and
there came a time when even those who were
most kindly disposed toward Mr.. Havemeyer
could not blind themselves to the fact that I'M
less a decided change in his course of life took
place his case was hopeless. He would listen to
no appeals, however, and on the 9th of the
present month judicial action was invoked on
behalf of the wife and children, a commission
was appointed and a jury selected to decide what
was to be done.