Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1894-01-18
HEIR TOA QUARTER OF A MILLION

IL is Straight Case, and the Money is
Ready for Distribution Among the
Heirs Meanwhile Ledward win Com
tinue at His Work, at tho Old Ferry
Mills, Until the Time for Him to Go to
England and Receive His Money.
Thomas ledward, an iron worker en-
ployed at the Old Ferry rolling mills,
was until last Thursday poor man, re-
ceiving only sufficient compensation to
feed and clothe himself and family. To-
day his wealth is estimated at quarter
of Il million, and after years of faithful
toll he can now retire on an ample COM
potency. Ledward has fallen heir to a
portion of the estate of his grandfather,
which has been in the court of chancery
in England for over 30 years.
The wealthy ancestor was Thomas
Ledward, who died in England many
years ago, leaving an estate valued at
| 81 100000 to his three sons, Thomas,
John and William Ledward, and Mar
| garet, daughter living ut Stockton.
When the time came for settling there
were many additional heirs to the vast
estate and then began the struggle for
the millions which have been the sub.
ject of litigation for SO many years in
England. The original beneticaries
under the last will and testament of
Thomas Ledward, the three sons and
daughter of the testator, have long since
passed away, leaving as issue Thomas
Ledward, third, of Wilmington, Del,
Josiah Ledward of No. 541 East Tenth
street, Chester, Pa. Mrs. James Cadman
of London, and Miss Ann Ledward, a
maiden sister, living at Upton, England.
After delay in the courts for many
years the litigation over the estate has
at last been settled and under date OF
October 4th an advertisement was in
serted in the Stately Bridge Reporter,
newspaper published in Manchester,
England, inquiring the whereabouts of
the heirs of tie late Thomas Ledward.
The advertisement was noticed by the
two granddaughters in England, who
notified by letter the brothers on this
side of the water that the estate of their
grandfather had been settled. The ad-
vcrtisement conveyed the intelligence
that the money was ready for distribu-
tion among the lawful heirs of the de-
ceased, namely the grandchildren of
Thomas Ledward.
The firm of solicitors whose names
were signed to the advertisement. were
De Barnaby Brothers, No. 25 Bedford
Row, London, who have since written
Thomas Ledward of this city that his
portion of the estate will be forthcom.
ing as soon as his claim can be properly
made out and submitted to the courts,
together with the necessary data prov.
ing his kinship to the late Thomas Led
ward, the testator. Josiah Ledward of
Chester has received similar notification.
When Ledward was seen at his board
ing place ON Pine street between Fourth
and Fifth, last Monday, he had no hesi-
fancy in telling the story of his recent
windfall. He said the estate of his
grandfather was valued at one million
dollars, and with the accrued interest for
over 30 years the fortune has almost
doubled. 1t comprised 80 houses in
London, and $3.50, 900 invested in British
consols, which are the regular funded
government security Of Great Britain,
drawing per cent rate of interest, the
account of which is kept in the Bank of
England.
Ledward came to America in 1868,
having been born near Manchester,
England, 81 years ago. He attended a
college in the city of Manchester in his
early life, but after the death of his
parents left school and found employ
ment in the foundry. At the age Of 20
he embarked for the new world and
landed in Philadelphia. He subse.
quently found employment in the mills
at Manayunk, and also at the Pencoyd
iron works, across the Wissahicken.
Three years ago he came to Whining
ton and has been employed at the Old
Ferry mills ever since.
When the working force of the
foundry and iron works was reduced,
month or so ago, Ledward was affected
by The cutting down in expenses and
since that time has found employment
but three days week. He did not quit
work as soon as he received word of his
legacy in England, but will remain at his
post until the time comes for him to 90
to England to claim his fortune. lie told
the other men in the shops that while |
he had little doubt that he would re-
ceive the large fortune awaiting him |
across the sea, still he intended to re.
main at his work until all the necessary |
steps were taken by the London solicit |
tors to turn over to the heirs the money |
so long due them. When asked if he |
knew OF any living relatives in England,
besides the persons already named, |
Ledward stated that he had a cousin, |
DIR. Worthington Ledward, living in |
Liverpool, and another cousin, William
Ledwards commission merchant of |
Manchester.
Ledward's friends in this CITY are |
elated over his good fortune.
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