New Britain herald., 1916-01-06
CHURCH REQUESTS
 IN kERWIN'S WILL St. Mary'S Parish, Sisters and St.
 Agnes Home Benehciaries $1,000 FOR TOWN LIBRARY
NeWingtOn to Have Building Through Generosity of It's Hermit Farmer -Housekeeper Bequeathed $1,0OO Hartford Friends Get $5,OOO.

Hugh Kerwin, known as the ''her- init farmer" remembered a number of Catholic organizations in his will, which was filed today in the court of to the town of Newington for the con- struction and maintenance of public library building.
 The bequests follow:
 To the trustees of St. Mary's church to be used at their discretion, $1,500.
 To Rt. Rev. John J. Milan, bishop of the Roman Catholic diocese of Hartford, or his successor, to be used at his discretion for St. Agnes Home in West Hartford, $1,OOO.
 To the sisters of St. Joseph's con- vent in this city, $1,OOO.
 To the Little Sisters of the Poor, a corporation existing in New Haven, $500.
 To the town of Newington to be used towards the erection of a pub lie library building, $1,0OO.
 Friends in Hartford Get $5,OOO.
 In addition to these bequests, Mr. ANSA 'AAA ISA1ACA1ApSl Su several IoldIlVGS and friends. John B. Preston of Hartford will receive s4,O00 and his children, Sarah Preston and John Preston, will receive $500 each.
 Patrick Kerwin of Oregon, a brother of the testator, is bequeathed s1,ooo. Miss Ann Gilligan of Berlin Hartford, will receive s1OO each
  nephews, of Edinburgh, Scotland, are bequeathed $500 each
 Mrs. Mary Johnson of 33 Holmes avenue, this city, will receive s1,000.
 The remainder of the estate, after all just debts are paid, is bequeathed to Rev. John T. Winters, pastor of St the purpose of using the income for masses for the repose of the soul ot the testator and his family.
 The will was drawn on October IS, 1915, and was witnessed by E. Stan ley Welles and Walter L. Morgan of Newington and Harold Kiernan of this city. James M. Curtin is appointed executor of the will.
 Lived As Recluse.
 Hugh Kerwin did not enjoy a wide acquaintance but those who knew him were always happy to call him a friend. For years he owned a farm on the Turnpike in Newington and because he did not seek association with neigh bors and others with whom he might have come in contact he was known as a recluse. Over a year ago he sold his farm for cash and re- moved to 33 Holmes avenue this city where Mrs. Johnson, who is named in the will, was his housekeeper. Mr. Kerwin was of a religious nature and his charities were many although whenever he gave assistance to any organizations or individuals he was careful to conceal the fact and he summed publicity. Those with whom he was most intimate were aware that during the past year of his life has charita ble acts were many.
 Surprise for Newington.
 Citizens of Newington will be pleased to learn of the bequest of s1,000 for the library building. At present there is 6 small public library maintained in the town hall but if the terms of MT. Kerwin's will are carried out the town will soon boast a library building of it's own. MT. Kerwin realized the value of books and in providing for the library he sought offered advantages to the young people of the town that they do not now enjoy. Had the library building been constructed at the time of MT. Kerwin's death, he specified that the $1,0O0 and income was to be used for it's maintenance.
 MT. Kerwin prefxed his will with ''In the name of God, Amen"