New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-03-26
RICH PRIESTS ESTATES.
DISPOSING OF FORTUNES OF \ CLERGY
MAN WHO HAD FAST HORSES
AND ANOTHER WHO
RFGGED

Hearings are now being held before referee and
appraisers appointed by Surrogate Slkman for the
purpose Of. settling the estates Of the Rev Maruh
Bowling and the Rev. Joseph Albnger. two wealthy
priests of Westminster County. who died recently
Father Downing who for nearly fifty years
stationed in Port Chester. Is believed 10 have eit
from $4,000 10 $4,000. He is said to have taken
occasional puuges In Wall Street. and to have eX
arCised remarkably keen Judgment in dealing in
stocks. Father Albinger who for TWENTY-FIVE years
had a German congregation I'm Mount Vernon was
exceedingly saving He left a hoard of gold and
properties estimated in value at from S5o1V to
S75ooo,
With the exception Of a few thousand dollars left
70 relatives all Of Father Dowlings wealth, which
is in real estate. stock and bonds. will 90 10 the
Rev. James T. Barry. pastor Of the Church Of the
Resurrection. in Rye. who close personal
friend of the dead priest. Father Barry, it IS re-
ported, arranged it that there was no contest
the Will. The estate is now being inventoried
by the transfer tax appraisers. Among Father
Dowling's possessions is block of stock in the
New-York, New-Haven and Hartford Railroad.
which ne acquired cheap when that road was being
built through Port Chester fifty years ago.
After Father Bowling had been at the Port
Chester church forty years the authorities of the
diocese. It is reported, called him to build a
church This the priest declined TO do. giving
poor health excuse. When pressed he gave
up his pastorate and. falling back his canonica
rights, he compelled the congregation to pay him
his salary OF $500 year. He drew about $50" IN
this manner after he became rector emeritus. In
order that he might not forfeit his holy orders
through failure 10 celebrate mass on sundays and
holy days. he obtained permission from Rome 10
say in private. He then built chapel in
his home in the Boston Post Road, where he con-
tinued perform the prescribed ceremonies or the
church until his death. Just before talher DOW
ling died he called in Judge Bernard BdruCh, or
Rye. and had him draw up his will.
Father Bowling friend Of Father Albinger
Of Mount Vernon, and used to pay him frequent
visits Father Bowling kept stable Of fast horses
and lived in comfort. Father Albnger wandered
clothing in tatters. begging for money keep body
and soul together. His parishiOners thought that
he a very poor priest. In his slovenly old
reCtOry in Mount Vernon some one found a VIII in
which Father Albnger left almost his entire estate
Nicholas Lauer. a resident Of Greene Monroe
County y Y. Mr.. Lauer declared that Father
Albinger made the will in the Hotel ST. Denis
New-York. and named him chief beneficiary be
cause he had been altar boy for the dead priest
and lifelong friend The Will contested by
Father Albinger's sisters in Bonn. Germany, and
was thrown out, as the handwriting experts pro
nounced il forgery. Another will in favor Of Mr.
Lauer has since been produced and offered for
probate. 1t gives him $4,000 1t is understood tina
the sisters Will make contest of the second WILL
as they are averse to paying out any more money
in litigation II Is expected that the will will be
admitted to probate in d few days.
Margaret Fischer. the priests old hOusekeeper,
through her attorney. eX-Judge &. Appel. is suing
for $4,000. and interest amounting TO almost
much more salary due her. The old woman
says that she kept house for Father Albinger
thirty-siX years without salary, and in that time
gave him all of her savings from other work
which he deposited to his own account in the
bank. Her claim is now being heard before Henry
Z. Henderson, referee.