The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1891-02-20

lReproduoed from Chicago Evening Postl
chateaux in Spain. One man declared for
unlimited travel, another for suburban
home well stocked with books and all the
appurtenances of elegant leisure, third
developed social aspirations and a love for
the never ending excitements of a great
city, while a fourth shifted the breeze Of
anticipation like an old warrior, and spoke
glowinglY of what he could do with the
sum named as a champion of economic
reform. All were agreed on one point,
however-that a moiety Of the suppositi-
tious incomes should be devoted to the
alienation of misfortune and distress.
While these day dreamers canvassed the
alluring subject in its various phases the
world rolled on as usual; the struggling
and scheming for wealth never ceased,
and through the windows poured the
noises of the street, the rumble of the
wheels, the cries of the drivers, the distant
roar of factories the scream Of whistles
all active testimonials 20 the pauseless con
test, first for existence and then for riches.
They didn't know it at the moment, but
they afterward learned that while they
talked four scenes in the drama of fortune
were being played on different stages and
under strange conditions. In court room
lawyers were beginning an attempt to
break the will of a millionaire; in ceme-
terry an old man was hiding his cherished
coin; in jail miser was suffering pun
ishment for too vigorous attempts at col
lecting, and across the country a 1.-the
limbed and vigorous girl was pushing her
way on foot from the Golden Gate to New
York city that she might win prize of
large proportions.
When Daniel b. Fayerweather died some
weeks ago the public first became aware Of
his great wealth. All his business lie he
had been leather merchant in New York
city. Those who knew the man credited
him with possession Of a modest fort ne
His will showed that he had amasSel prop
erty to the value of s., CO., 900. By the terms
OF the Instrument comparatively small
sums were left to his widow and other
relatives. Colleges and hospitals were re-
mem bered to the extent of s, ~, 900, an e
residue, nearly S5O0),000, was TO remaia N
the absolute contr,i Of three executors for
no definitely sne~lied parpose At first
Mrs. FayerweaIner and the other heirs
consented to PROBATE, but afterward they
withdrew their sanction, claiming not 70
have understood the provision by which
\ large share of the fortune was alienat !,
or rather bestowed upon people in no de-
gree relatives of the deceased. This was
he first step in Il bitter legal battle 70
break the VIII and secure the distribution
of the estate under the general provisions
Of the law. When the struggle is to end,
or what portion of the deceased leather
makers millions will come into the hands
Of those Of his own blood, are matters ex-
tramplv Drob am grical
The romance Of NJ Fayerweather's life
was simply romance Of hard work, care
'ul saving and commercial sagacity. He
was born at Stepney, Conn, in 1921, and as
a lad worked on a farm. Then ne learned
the shoemaking trade, and on reaching his
majority had saved enough money 10 afford
a couple Of terms at school. After that
be peddled tinware through Virginia, and
often received payment for his goods in
hides He drifted TO New York city aud
got employment with leather house In
time he rose to partnership, and when the
civil war broke out laid the foundations
Of the firms fortunes. lie thus outlined his