Smyrna times., 1892-08-03
Prof. Dwight s Will.
A FEW SECONDS MORE OF LIFE MIGHT
HAVE CHANGED THE DEsTINA-
TIoN OF $1,0O0,OOO.

Since the death of Prof. Theodore
w. Dwight there has been considerable
discussion in certain quarters as to the
provisions of his will as it was assumed
that of course such a shrewd lawyer
and careful business man must surely
have made a will.
When it was apparent that his i'll
ness was approaching a fatal termina-
tiOn he was reminded by his physician
that it would be the part of wisdom to
attend to the disposition of his tenn
poral affairs without further delay,
and when Prof Dwight expressed a
desire to make his will, his old friend
and neighbOr, Judge Seymour, was
called in to frame the document, which
he did at the dictatiOn of Prof. Dwight
whose mind was evidently as clear as
it ever was. His niece, Miss Sophie
Dwight, and his physician, DIR. Peck,
were present as attesting witnesses.
After the will had been framed it
was taken to an adjoining room to be
copied before receiving the signature.
Although the work of copying occupied
but few moments, the dying man
was seen to be failing very rapidly.
and although 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 ac-
knOwledged the paper to be his last
will and testament his lips moved
slightly but no articulated word could
be distinguished, and a moment later
he was pronounced dead. Although
so nearly executed, and so evidently
expressing his wishes, the will is de-
clared invalid, and its provisions can
only be carried out by the acquies
cence of all the heirs.
The document was very brief, as if
the dying man fully realized that his
end was close at hand. Besides he
queathing $4,000 to his daughter. Mrs.
DR.. Partridge, and a smaller amount
to her infant son when he should he.
come of age, the balance of the proD.
erty, both real and personal was
given to Mrs. Dwight. Mrs. Partridge
who resides at COrnwall-on-the-H -Hud.
son, is the only child, and has been a
helpless invalid, suffering from ner.
Vous prostration for nearly year. It
Is said that she does not yet know of
her fathers death, as it is feared the
shock might prove disastrous. Until
such time as her health will admit. it
Is understood that nothing can be done
toward the settlement of the estate.
which is in the hands of Mrs. Dwigbt's
brother, Dwight H Olmstead of New
York.
The value of Prof. Dwight's estate
Will probably never be publicly known
Even the family, it is said, have no
Idla OF the size of the property, as the
deceased was very reticent about such
matters in his home. Those who an.
pear to be in a position where thew
should be capable of forming an onin.
on, claim that Prof Dwight's estate
will not fall below 81 900, 900, and some
put 1t largely in excess of that amount.
Nthers who are close to the family
.hink it much less.
1t IS known that for nearly twenty
years Prof. Dwight's income from his
and writings ranged from
$4,000 to $4,000 per year. It
'tterward dropped to $4,000 per year.
md at the time of his death his salary
Is emeritas professor in Columbia Col.
ege was $500 All this was in add.
ION to his legal practice, from which
le is said to have derived a large in.
'ome' his fees in single cases, as referee
n counsel, at times amounting 10 &c
much as 100000, if we are correctly
informed. When Prof. Dwight's stvle
Il iiVlng Is considered, it will readily
'e seen that it was quite possible for
I'm 10 nave amassed a fortune.