The Bismarck tribune., 1928-11-30
W. H. EUSTIS, SO,
WHO0VERCAME
OBSTACLE, DIES
Min n e eapOlis Philanthr0pist
Brought Joy to Crippled
Children

Minneapolis, Minn., Nov. 3O.-tH)
His lifelong ambition to bring help
and happiness to crippled children
fulfilled, William Henry Eustis,
philanthropist. lawyer, and former
mayor of Minneapolis, died here yes
terday at the age of 83.
Mr.. Eustis had been q cripple
since he was Is years old, the result
Of an injury. Despite the handicap
he had made fortune during his AZ
years residence here, and he gave
virtually all of his wealth to promote
the welfare of unfortunate children.
His greatest gift, in this connec-
tion, was the deciding Of IS acres of
land to the city Of Minneapolis and
the University of Minnesota and the
building and endowment of the Min
nesota Hospital and Home for Grip
pied Children, valued at 81, SOC, 900.
Three brothers survive-Gardner
T. Eustis, Minneapolis, and John E.
Eustis and Anthony w. Eustis of
New York city.
Dream Comes True
It was in March, 1928, in his sew
enty-eighth year, that Mr.. Eustis
took his first actual step toward
the fulfillment of his plan. He
decided IS acres of beautiful wooded
property, central to Minneapolis and
st. Paul and overlooking the Missis-
sippi river, to the city and to the
University of Minnesota to provide
sites for the famous Bowling school
for the crippled and for the hospital
and home of his dreams.
Mr.. Eustis then pledged funds to
build and endow the hospital. total
ing $1,500, 0,O00-his entire fortune.
He stipulated that the trust should
not carry his name, "since the name
of the donor will, in a generation or
two at most, be forgotten" He sug-
gested the name. Minnesota Hospital
and Home for Crippled Children.
Born at Oxbow, N. Y, one of a
family of IL children, Eustis found
it necessary to help support the
household. His father was Wheel
wright and in addition to his shop
had a small farm. It was while
working on this farm at the age of
Is the youth met with an accident
which made him q cripple.
Had No Doctors
Medical aid was scarce, since the
Civil war was on and the north
needed its medical men to care for
its wounded at the battle front. For
five years he clung to his life with
an interest in his existence that
proved stronger than disease.
Finally, when able to leave his
bed, he managed to enter Gouverneur
Wesleyan seminary. He taught
school and sold life insurance to help
pay his way, and he studied law
continually.
In four years young Eustis COM
pleted seven years of schooling. in
addition to working in spare hours.
He fought for health until he was
able to discard his crutches.
Was Civic Leader
He came to Minneapolis q
stranger, but he took vital interest
in public affairs and became recog-
nized as " leader. He invested
wisely in real estate and with the
rapid growth Of the city his holdings
were increased to include some Of
the city's most desirable business
sites.
Mr.. Eustis was one Of the original
directors Of the Minneapolis, Sault
Ste. Marie + Atlantic railroad, and
he helped organize and became first
secretary Of the North American
Telegraph company.
In 1892 Mr.. Eustis was elected
mayor Of Minneapolis. His term Of
office was noted for the manner in
which he enforced the liquor
laws. To this end he enlisted CO.
operation Of the saloonmen, the po-
lice, and civic organizations. Thi,
was his only entry into politics, with
the exception Of his selection q.
delegate to the Republican national
c0nuenfion In 1909