Omaha daily bee., 1921-08-04
Value OF Estate
OfE.C Benedict
Set at S6,OOO,OOO
Wealth of Late Commodore of
Interest Because of His
Intimate Association
With Cleveland.
By HOLLAND.

Commodore F. c. Benedict accu-
mulated, according to the estimate
commonly held, about $lO0OO,00O.
This estimate, like others which have
been recently made, is somewhat out
OF the way. The executors and
trustees have reported to the probate
court at Greenwich, Conn, which
was Commodore BenedictS legal
residence, that they have invcntoried
the estate at nearly $6,000,0OO, or S4,-
100000 less than the estimate COM
monty held.
The wealth accumulated by Com
modore Benedict might not have
been OF more than local interest had
he not been identified with several
matters which brought to him motor
ie.y of an honorable kind. he was
perhaps the most intimate friend OF
that somewhat small number who
were close personal friends OF Presi-
dent Cleveland. The relation be-
tween Cleveland and the commodore
was probably as intimate as it is pos
sible for two men, whose careers dif.
ferred so widely, to be. 1t was based
upon congenial temperament and up
on their common love of the sea
and OF fishing in it. They were also
very fond of the game of cribbage.
sinister Reportss Unfounded
At one time sinister reports OF pecun-
larry favors shown to Cleveland by the
ali their close personal relations there
never appeared anything like business or
stock market suggestions. 1t was re-
ported at one time that Commodore Bene-
knowledge Of the communication Presi-
dent Cleveland was to make. which mas
become historic as "the Nenezula mes
sage" was able thereby TO t"ke advantage
of this Information and In hat way gain
large profits IN stock market transactions.
Not word Of truth was in this report. |
Commodore Benedict and also James X.
Keene realized as soon as the message was
published what the immediate effect OF 1t
would be in the market and sold stocks |
heavily. Others followed their example.
although very likely none OF them made !
as much money as did Keene and the
commodore.
Commod0re's Yacht. |
Cleveland, in all the years when his /
relations with Commodore Benedict were |
SO close, was more or less pecuniarily en- !
barrassed He was compelled to accept |
offers for articles to be contributed by |
relieved of his embarrassment until he !
was chosen arbitrator for some of the in |
surance companies at salary said to have |
been $4,000. Meanwhile Commodore |
Benedict was adding to the wealth which. |
in addition to the business carried on
by his banking house, was increased by |
speedy and profitable DEVELOPMENT of ma
tural gas properties in the middlewest He !
was gaining in wealth while his most |
intimate friend was lahoring in order to
secure reasonable income. That fact
alone Is sufficient to prove the perfectly
honorable and delicately handled intimacy !,
which characterized Cleveland and the
commodore
There was, however. one association be-
tween them which became a sensational |
topic throughout the United States For II |
Oneida, that the operation upon Clevelands I,
Jaw was performed. n delicate and almost
heroic operation. 1t was recently dis
cribed by DR.. w W. Keen of Philadelphia.
who performed the operation while the
Oneida was slowly floating back and fourth
upon a minor like far out OF sight of
land.
Valued at sI5s.0oo.
This pleasure yacht. the Oneida, made
many excursions. some as far south as
South America and up some of the riv-
ssrs OF Mat continent. Commodore Bene-
&ict always took congenial company
when making his periodic trips upon
thes Oneida. Some Of the experiences met
with were sensa 'tonal and were widely
reported, The Oneida is inventored by
the executor Of the Benedict estate at
SlF3 eco
Among the items in the inventory of
the conrmodores estate is the valuation
Of nearly sl,500,0o0 upon the building
and grounds at Indian Harbor, Green
wich. OF which the commodore was the
owner. This place is Gne OF the show
places along the north shore of Long
Island sound. 1t Is often referred to as
proof of the unusual judgment Of real
ctafA al, ot&n e,,a 81,
liam NJ Tweed He caused the plot of
ground to be purchased and a building
erected on It for the summer home
Of the Tammany society. He was very
fond Of the location, often saying that
it surpassed any other for beauty and
for vista OF the sea to be found any
where along the northern coast OF Long
Island sound. But it did not represent
an investment OF more than $500. .0o0
1t and some adjoining lands were bought
by Commodore Benedict 25 years ago
He spent good deal OF money In i'm
provements and in construction Of his