The Neihart herald. [volume] (Neihart, Mont.) 1890-1901, 1892-09-24
PROFESSOR DWIGHT'S WILL,
A Few seconds Mere Might Have Changed
the Destination of 81, 600, 900,

A Few Seconds Mere Might Have Changed
the Destination of 81 ZOO, 900.
Since the death of Professor Theodore
w. Dwight there has been considerable
discussion in certain quarters as to the
provisions of his will, as it was assumed
that of curse such q shrewd lawyer and
careful business man must surely have
made a will.
When 1t was apparent that his illness
was approaching a fatal termination he
was reminded by his physician that it
would be the part of wisdom to attend
to the disposition of his temporal affairs
without further delay, and when Pro-
fessor Dwight expressed a desire to
make his will his old friend and neigh
Dor, Judge Seymour, was called in to
frame the document, which he did at
the dictation of Professor Dwight, whose
mind was evidently as clear as it ever
was. His niece, Miss Sophie Dwight,
and his physician, DR.. Peck, were pres
emf as attesting witnesses.
After the will had been framed it
was taken to an adjoining Don to be
copied before receiving the signature.
Although the work of copying occupied
but a few moments, the dying man was
seen to be failing very rapidly, and al
though a pen was placed in his hand and
assistance given, he was able to but
partially complete his signature when
he lapsed into a comatose state and died
within a few moments. When asked
the customary question, which is legally
required, if he acknowledged the paper
to be his last will and testament, his
lips moved slightly, but no %articulate
word could be distinguished, and a mo-
ment later he was pronounced dead.
Although SO nearly executed, and SO
evidently expressing his wishes, the will
is declared invalid, and it's provisions
can only be carried out by the acquies
cence of all the heirs.
The document IA very brief, as II
tie dying man fully realized that his
end was close at hand. Besides be-
queathing $4,000 to his daughter, Mrs
Partridge, and a smaller amount tc
her infant son when he should become
of age, the balance of the property, both
real and personal, was given to Mrs
Dwight. Mrs. Partridge, who resides
at Cornwall on the Hudson, is the only
suffering from prOstratiOn fol
nearly a wear. 1t is said that she doe:
not vet know Of her fathers death, as i
is feared tie shock might prove disas
trous. Until such time as her healtl
will admit it is understood that moth
inc can be done toward the settlement
of the estate, which is in the hands o.
Mrs. Dwight's brother, Dwight H. Ohm
stead, of New York.
The value of Professor Dwight's es
tate will probably never be publicl.
known. Even the family, it is said
nave no idea of the size of the property
as the deceased was very reticent abou
such matters in his home. Those wh'
appear to be in. a position where the,
should be capable of forming an opin
ion claim that Professor Dwights es
tate will not fall below 81 900, 900, ant
some put it largely in excess of tina
amount. Others who are close to tn,
family think it much less.
1t is known that for nearly twent.
years Professor Dwight's income from
his teaching and writings ranged from
s25 900 to $40, 900 a year. 1t afterwar'
dropped to $4,000 per year, and at til
time of his death his salary as emeritu
professor in Columbia college was S $500
All this was in addition to his lega
practice, from which he is said to hav
derived a large income, his fees in sin
gle cases, as referee or council, at time
amounting to as much as 500, 900, if W
are correctly informed. When Profess
or Dwight's style of living is consid
cred, it will readily be seen that it wa
quite possible for him to have amasse
a fortune.-Clinton On. " Courier.