The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-12-24
WHAT'S IN THE WILL?
Gossip About II. L. Yesler's Dis
position of His Property.
PROBABLE eEQuEsTToT THE CITY
His Late Residence and Other Lots May
Go to Seattle-Tne viii Probably
in Judge Lewis Hands.

One OF the most fruitful sources OF specula-
ton at the present time is the will OF the late
Henry l. Yesier. 1t is generally understood
among those who have any knowledge of his
affairs that he left a will, and the question is
where it is and what there Is in it.
Mr.. Yesler's friends think will dated about
two years ago will he found among his effects or
is in the possession of the attorney who drew it
up He frequently talked OF making his will,
aud declared that it should be so drafted that it
could Withstand any attacks that lawyers might
make upon it. He also said to some OF his init
mates that he would be examined by two
more physicians as to his sanity, SO that no plea
of insanity should hold good in case any person
should try to break 1t. 1t is believed that it was
drawn mp by Judge j. r. Lewis and that it is
now either in the custody of that gentleman,
who is now in California. or is in a safe de-
posit box in this city. of which he holds the key.
The question of most interest to the public is
what requests he made TO the city and for other
charitable and public objects He frequen thy
declared his intention Of oequeathing part of his
property to the city in which he had grown rich
and for whose advancement he did 50 much.
After the unhappy controversy in regard to the
Front street cutoff was settled the indignation
which prompted him To destroy the will leaving
the block occupied by his late residence to the
city passed away, aud it is not unlikely that the
will which he probably made subsequently re-
news this bequest. Although he had frequent
opportunities to sell some of the triangular lots
at the inter section of the streets running north
and south with Yeser avenue. he always de-
clined them, intimsting his intention to leave
them to the city. 1t is certain that he left moth
ing to any church or other religious institu-
ton. for, though he believed in a Dsity, he did
not believe in Christianity. and in donating the
lot bounded by Yesler avenue, Jefferson and
Third streets to the city for a library. he pro-
vided that no sectarian books should be put in
it. Mrs Yesler will certainly be we'll provided
for. and there will be number OF requests to
other relatives and friends.
Nothing has been heard from Judge Lewis in
regard to the will since Mr.. Yesler's death and
it is likely that, if he has the document in his
possession, he will: come up from California: If
he has placed it in safe-keeping here. he may
appoint another lawyer to act in his place in the
matter. The only letter received here referring
to Mr.. Yesler is the following, dated December
t. the Gay of his old friends death, and ad-
dressed to J. D. Lowman:
1 was panied to learn of the death of Mr.. Yes
Ter, of which you advised me. aud write to
extend to you and the friends my earnest SYM
pathles. Seattle has lost the best friend she ever
had--a man who has done more to build up and
maintain and defend the city than any man who
has ever lived In the csty. In the death OF Mr..
Yesier have lost q most valuable aud kind
friend. During all my business relations with
him while on the bench aud at the bar and as a
private citizen, l always found him ready to do
what was just and right between man and man,
ever ready to do battle for the right, and quick
to act in the defense OF his city.