Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1911-11-09
The Divided Inheritance.

ic family Of Maryland, possessed a very
large family Bible that had been brought
from England in 1860 and had since de-
scended from father to son. When the
Revolution came Colonel Robert Archard
adhered to the cause of the king, influ-
encing two of his sons to do the same.
His youngest son, Carroll Archard, icin-
ed the "rebels" and was baniShed by his
father. Carroll married Martha Curtis,
the sister of brother officer in the Rev.
olutionary army. Carroll was killed at
the battle OF Monmouth, leaving his wife
TO struggle for the support OF their infant
son.
Not long after the colonies had achiev-
ed their independence Colonel Archard
died. He was strange man, and it was
expected that his will would contain some
singular provisions. The expectation
was fulfilled. He divided his property
into two parts Of about equal value, Civ
ing his oldest son, Robert, first choice;
his next son, James, second choice. A
third bequest was the family Bible, which
was left to the widow and little son OF
Carroll Archard in case neither of his sons
preferred to take the book, relinquiShing
his share TO Martha and little Carroll.
When the will was read Robert Arch
ard, after thoroughly investigating the
value of the two portions, selected that
which he considered most desirable.
"Robert Archard," said the family law
yer, who had drawn the will, "your faith
er charged me - ask you if you would
relinouish your share to Martha Archard
and her son, taking the family Bible in
stead"
al will not" said Robert.
The lawyer then told James Archard
that il was optional with him TO take the
remaining portion of the estate or the BIZ
Bile. James showed no greater disposition
| to give UP his inheritance than his BROTH
er had shown.
Before handing over the two portions
of the estate TO the brothers the attorney
addressed them 81 was in your fathers
confidence when he made this will. He
told me of the existence of Mrs. Archard
and her son and was undecided what TO
do for them in bequeathing his property,
He determined TO leave all to his two
sons; with request that they should find
Mrs. Archard and little Carroll and pro-
vide for them.
81 told my client that in my long ex-
perience in such matters | had never
known a legatee to part with any portion
of his inheritance through an instruction
which was not obligatory by the will. !
advised him that if he wished to provide
for his son Ca-roll's family to do so by
leaving portion of his property directly
to them. Colonel Archard declared that
he had perfect confidence in the generos-
ity of his sons and that they would carry
out any request he might make OF them.
Nevertheless he took the matter under
advisement. A few days later he sent
for me and instructed me to draw this
will, enjoining upon me the duty of max
ing his intentions perfectly plain to his
heirs. He desired TO leave either or both
of his sons free TO accept his inheritance
or to surrender it to his brothers. widow
and son."
"Our brother" said Robert, twas
traitor, and see no reason why should
give my property to his widow and son."
81 concur with Robert in this matter"
said James.
"Then sign the papers, receipting for
your PORTIONS" said the lawyer.
When the signatures were affixed the
lawyers handed the brothers the deeds
to their portions and locked the receipts
in his box. Then, turning to the widow,
he handed her the Bible.
81 am at least pleased" she said, THAT
my husbands father and my sons grand
father has shown kindly interest in us.
The family Bible, the most sacred treas
ure OF the household, will descend through
my boy, and am sure it will have its In
fluence upon him and troSe who follow
him. Take it, Carroll, and abide by its
precepts."
She handed the Bible to her boy.
Turn the leaves" said the lawyer.
The boy turned the leaves, presently
coming to a bank bill. 1t was for 81 ,OOO.
"Take it," said the lawyer. at be-
longs to you and your mother. Now
turn more leaves"
One hundred thousand dollars in bills
was taken from the Bible. The two
brothers, whose portions combined were
less valuable, stood watching the child
Withdraw the legacy, and when the bill
had been withdrawn Robert said fierce
ly:
"This is not simply Bible; it Is apor-
ton of our fathers fortune and belongs
to me and my brother. We will contest
the will"
"That would be inadvisable," said the
attorney, "since you have receipted Tor
your portions, and if the will is declared
void the widows and her sons portion
under the law would be third OF the
whole, or very nearly what they have re-
ceived."
The brothers retired discounted.
Mrs. Archard and her son lived COM
fortably on the income Of their portion
which in those days was handsome for-
tune. Carroll Arctard's education was
well cared for, and he was graduated from
college with honor. During the early
part of the nineteenth century ne repre-
sented his State in congress.
Doan's Repulets cure constipation With