Newspaper Clippings for
March, 1907
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Sun 4 March 1907
James Moffat, of Somonauk, has been visiting Wm. Thom, Jr., and
while here bought ten horses and had them shipped to his home.
Miss Annie McCreadie teacher of the Deerfield school visited
her brother and sister from Thursday until Sunday.
Clark Ford visited his sister, Mrs. Marshall Odett from
Thursday until Sunday.
Mrs. Wm. Thom, Sr., gave a dinner party last Wednesday.
Mrs. Dr. Jamieson is still in Libertyville attending the
doctor's father.
Mrs. Archibald McCreadie is very low with pneumonia. Mrs.
David White and Mrs. Bertha Miller, her daughters are attending
her. Her friends hope for a speedy recovery.
Leslie Cannon resumed his studies at the Gurnee school Monday
of this week.
Miss Vidi Jamieson accompanied her father to Libertyville
Wednesday.
Wm. Thom, Jr., was a Milwaukee visitor the fore part of last
week.
Miss C. E. Wendt, of Wadsworth, is sewing in Millburn.
Del Douglas, of Waukegan, visited Saturday and Sunday at Mr.
McCreadie's.
Mrs. John Murrie, of Grayslake, is staying a few days with her
mother, Mrs. A. McCreadie.
The Grub school basket social was well attended. Several from
here walked as the roads were so rough.
Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Bonner, A. H. Stewart, Mr. and Mrs. W. B.
Stewart and Mrs. R. L. Strang attended a dinner given by Mr. and
Mrs. George Stewart, of Waukegan, in honor of their niece, Miss
Edith Stewart, of Minneapolis, Minn., who is spending a short time
with her grandmother, Mrs. Hockaday also of Waukegan.
The Missionary society met with Mrs. Robt. Strang, Wednesday,
Feb. 27.
The Ladies Aid will hold their next meeting at the home of Mrs.
W. B. Stewart March 7. Don't forget the date.
07 March 1907
Mrs. McCredie is reported some better.
Miss Carrie Bater came home Thursday last.
Wm. Thom and family have all had the grippe.
Mrs. Hockaday of Waukegan, is reported quite sick again.
Mr. and Mrs. Ward Bain of Racine, are visiting relatives here.
Henry Wedge of Waukegan, was a Millburn caller last Thursday
Mr. Swartson of Antioch, is moving onto Mrs. Theo. VanAlstine's
farm.
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Pantall gave a dinner party last Saturday to a
number of friends.
Henry Edmonds moved last Wednesday to the Gerry farm and Dick
Edmonds of Gurnee is moving onto A. H. Stewart's farm.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 7 March 1907
Mrs. L. W. Wakefield of Gurnee visited last Thursday with
Mrs. Bater.
Mr. and Mrs. Bain of Racine were here Sunday visiting
with Mrs. Robert Strang.
Henry Edmunds moved last Wednesday from the A. H.
Stewart farm he was succeeded by his brother Richard
Edmunds of Gurnee.
Mrs. Bater has not been very well the past week.
The many friends of Mrs. A. McCredie will be please to
learn that she is on the gain.
Mrs. John Bonner visited Sunday and Monday with
relatives in Russell.
Mr. Sortson of Antioch is moving on to Mrs. Theo Van
Alstine's farm.
The C. E. business meeting will be at the home of the
Misses Nelson on Friday evening, March 8.
Miss Jennie Schryver has returned to her home in
Warren.
Mrs. Richard Pantall gave a dinner party last Saturday,
covers were laid for twelve.
Miss Carrie Bater returned home on Thursday last.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Sun 7 March 1907
Mrs. L. W. Wakefield of Gurnee visited last Thursday with Mrs.
Bater.
Mr. and Mrs. Bain of Racine were here Sunday visiting with Mrs.
Robert Strang.
Henry Edmunds moved last Wednesday from the A. H. Stewart farm
he was succeeded by his brother Richard Edmunds of Gurnee.
Mrs. Bater has not been very well the past week.
The many friends of Mrs. A. McCredie will be pleased to learn
that she is on the gain.
Mrs. John Bonner visited Sunday and Monday with relatives in
Russell.
Mr. Sortson of Antioch is moving on to Mrs. Theo Van Alstine's
farm.
The C. E. business meeting will be at the home of the Misses
Nelson on Friday evening, March 8.
Miss Jennie Schryver has returned to her home in Warren.
Mrs. Richard Pantall gave a dinner party last Saturday, covers
were laid for twelve.
Miss Carrie Bater returned home on Thursday last.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Sun 11 March 1907
Mrs. Bertha Cory, of New York, has been visiting this past week
with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Pollock.
Arthur Nelson was a Chicago visitor Tuesday.
Mrs. Ida Douglas, of Waukegan, has been spending a few days
with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Archibald McCreadie.
Mrs. Cremins has been sick for a few weeks but at present
writing is improving.
Mrs. John Bonner has been visiting several days with her
sisters at Russell.
Mrs. Geo. Strang is entertaining her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Geo.
Strang from Marshfield. Mrs. Strang has been sick since coming
here but is better.
Mr. and Mrs. Ward Bain, of Racine, spent Sunday with Mrs.
Bain's mother, Mrs. Robt. Strang.
Miss C. E. Bater has returned from Chicago and is going to
enjoy a ten days vacation.
Rev. Edward Harris, of Sheffield, Ill., visited Friday with his
mother and sister, Mrs. Wm. Thom, Jr.
Dr. Jamieson's father is still seriously ill at his home in
Libertyville. The doctor spent Sunday and Monday with him.
Mr. and Mrs. John Strang gave a progressive euchre party last
Wednesday, about 60 guests were present. A royal good time is
reported by all.
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Pantall gave a dinner party last Saturday.
A very pleasant afternoon was enjoyed by all.
The C. E. topic, "Lessons from the Patriarchs II Abraham, Lucy
Safford, leader.
Special notice, C. E. business meeting Friday evening, March 8,
at the home of the Misses Nelson. Be sure and come as there is a
special business that night.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 14 March 1907
Miss Foote was a Chicago visitor last Friday and Saturday.
Miss Annie McCredie of Deerfield spent last Saturday and Sunday
at home.
Mrs. Bater is still able to get out again.
Mrs. John Trotter and children and Mrs. A. K. Bain went to
Evanston last Friday to visit relatives.
Mrs. Andrew Thom and daughter Helen, of Waukegan, came out last
Friday to visit with Mr. and Mrs. Thom.
Mr. and Mrs. Dippie of Chicago, have been visiting Mr. Dippie's
daughter, Mrs. Geo.Gerrity.
Mrs. Safford visited with her daughter Mrs. Wheaton in Wheaton,
Ill. the latter part of last week.
There quite a little painting and papering is being done around
here.
Mrs. Yule of Somers, came Tuesday to visit relatives.
Mr. Burge of Avon Center has moved into George Miller's house.
Mr. and Mrs. Walker of Lake Villa visited Monday with Mrs. John
Eichinger.
Mrs. Bain visited in Gurnee Tuesday.
Miss Hazel Thain entertained a party of friends last Wednesday.
14 March 1907
On Tuesday night occurred the death of Dr. Jamieson's father, J. J.
Jamieson, at his home at Libertyville. He had been ill for some time,
his trouble being heart disease.
Miss Clara Foote visited Friday and Saturday in Chicago.
Mrs. Bater will soon be able to be out again after her illness.
Mrs. J. A. Thain and daughter Hazel were Chicago visitors last
Thursday.
Mrs. Strang of Marshfield, Wis., has been visiting with Mrs. George
Strang.
Messrs. Fred Stedman and Homer Ormsby of Gurnee, are papering in
this vicinity.
Mrs. A. K. Bain and John Trotter and children have been visiting in
Evanston.
Mrs. A. W. Spafford visited with her daughter in Wheaton Friday and
Saturday.
Lewayne Burge of Avon Center, has moved his family into the George
Miller house.
Hazel Thain entertained a few of her friends last Wednesday evening
at her home.
Mr. and Mrs. Dippie of Chicago, have been visiting with Mrs.
Gerrity since last Thursday.
Mrs. Andrew Thom of Waukegan, visited Friday and Saturday and Mrs.
Wm. Thom, Sr.
Miss Annie McCredie was home over Saturday, she has just recovered
from an attack of the mumps.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Sun 18 March 1907
Mrs. J. A. Thain and daughter Hazel spent Thursday in Chicago.
Messrs. Stedman and Ormsby are painting and papering in this
vicinity. They are papering at the parsonage this week. Mr.
Stedman has a beautiful line of wall paper samples.
Mrs. R. L. Strang gave a dinner party last Wednesday.
Mr. and Mrs. Dipple, of Chicago, are visiting their daughter,
Mrs. Geroge Gerrity.
Mr. and Mrs. Walker, of Lake Villa, visited Monday with Mr. and
Mrs. John Eichinger.
Mrs. Erma Strang spent Friday with her parents in Lake Villa.
Mr. Hughes, Mrs. Strang's father has been ill with the grippe.
Mrs. Adams and daughter Bae, of Chicago Lawn, have been
spending a few days with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Richard
Pantall.
J. H. Bonner is attending court in Waukegan on jury duty.
Mrs. Eugene Clark gave a dinner party last Wednesday.
Mrs. Cora Thom, of Waukegan, visited Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Thom.
Miss Hazel Thain entertained a few friends in honor of her 19th
birthday Wednesday, March 6.
Mrs. A. K. Bain and Mrs. John Trotter and two children went to
Evanston and Chicago last Friday to visit relatives returning
Monday evening.
C. E. society topic "What is Success?", Miss Mildred Minto,
leader.
Miss Safford and Miss Foote have been visiting a few days in
Chicago and Wheaton.
Mrs. C. E. Denman and daughter Minnetta, Mrs. VanAlstine and
Mrs. Cannon attended the Royal Neighbors anniversary at Gurnee
Saturday.
21 March 1907
Mrs. Spafford is visiting in Waukegan.
George Safford of Chicago, visited at home over Sunday.
Mrs. Wm. Mavor of Chicago, is visiting her mother, Mrs. Strang.
Rev. A. W. Safford attended the Sunday School convention last
Friday night at Libertyville.
Dr. Jamieson has returned home from Libertyville where he attended
the funeral of his father.
Mrs. Frank Yule of Somers, Wis., visited last week with relatives
here. She returned home Friday.
Miss Agnes Bonner was visiting from Tuesday till Saturday of last
week with relatives in Lake Forest.
Mr. and Mrs. Thom spent a few days last week in Libertyville. We
are sorry to hear they intend moving there next month.
Robert Bonner, Helen Safford, Mabel Bonner, Ruby, Pearl and Ole
Cleveland, Gladys Mead and Leon Strang are home from Rochester for a
week's vacation.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Sun 25 March 1907
Miss Hazel Thain visited a few days in Waukegan last week.
Mrs. Frank Yule, of Somers, visited several days last week with
her mother and also her daughter, Mrs. James Thom.
John Hughes and son Carl, of Libertyville, visited Guy Hughes
the past week.
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Thom, Sr., visited Mr. and Mrs. John Hughes,
of Libertyville, a few days recently.
Rev. Safford attended Sunday school Supt. Conference last
Friday at Libertyville.
Mrs. A. K. Bain visited Mrs. H. D. Hughes of Gurnee last
Tuesday.
Miss Agnes Bonner left Tuesday of last week to visited
relatives in Lake Forest returning home Saturday.
Lloyd White spent a short time with his parents, Mr. and Mrs.
W. J. White last week.
Geo. Safford, of Chicago, came Saturday and remained until
Monday with his parents.
Mrs. Robt. Strang is entertaining her daughter, Mrs. Mavor, of
Chicago, for a short time.
Wm. Thom, Jr. left Tuesday for Texas to look after business
interests he has there.
A. K. Bain attended the funeral of John Jamison last Thursday
as one of the pall bearers.
Word was received here last Tuesday of the death of Dr. H. E.
Jamison's father John Jamison of Libertyville.
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Thom, Sr. tell us they have bought a home in
Libertyville and will move their about May 1. Millburn's loss
will be Libertyville's gain. We regret very much to lose them.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 27 March 1907
JAMES SMITH DEAD
Known as "Silent Jim Smith of Wall Street"
and One of the Wealthiest Men in the World
INHERITED $50,000,000 FROM
HIS UNCLE "CHICAGO" SMITH
Special to the GAZETTE from New York states James Henry Smith the
multi-millionaire who was born in Lake county died yesterday at
Kioto, Japan.
A dispatch received in New York, Monday says that Mr. Smith was
critically ill at the time of his death. Mr. Smith was on his
wedding tour around the world, and his wife was the divorced wife
of William Stewart, of New York.
Mr. Smith was known as the silent man of Wall street, and he was
born at Millburn, Lake county, being a brother of Mrs. Victor
Rossback, of Evanston, formerly of this city. He also has many
relatives living near Millburn.
Mr. Smith has been educating a number of his Lake county relatives
during the past several years. Mr. Smith it is recalled,
inherited $50,000,000 from his uncle, George Smith, formerly a
pioneer banker of Chicago, who died in London, several years ago.
Mr. Smith was one of the wealthiest men of the country. His
mother now resides in Evanston with Mrs. Rossback.
28 March 1907
Victor Strang of Beloit, is home for his vacation.
Olin Cleveland returned to Rochester last Wednesday.
The Rochester students returned to Rochester Monday.
Mrs. William Mavor returned to her home in Chicago last Wednesday.
Miss Ethel Ames visited from Friday till Tuesday with friends in
Waukegan.
Miss Gladys Stewart of Gurnee, visited Sunday with her cousin,
Mabel Bonner.
Miss Inez Pollock of Chicago, visited Sunday with her grandmother,
Mrs. Watson.
The Misses Edith VanAlstine and Ethel Ames are enjoying a two
weeks' vacation at home.
Helen Safford returned Saturday from a visit with her sister, Mrs.
Wheaton, in Wheaton, Ill.
Mrs. Spafford returned home Tuesday from Waukegan where he had been
visiting her daughter.
There will be services at the church and Easter exercises by the
Sunday School beginning at 10:30 and an Easter song service at 7:30 in
the evening.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 28 March 1907
LAKE COUNTY MAY GAIN OR LOSE MUCH BY SMITH'S DEATH
THE GAZETTE EDITOR, LAST YEAR, WROTE TO MR. SMITH,
ASKING HIM IF HE DID NOT WISH TO DO
SOMETHING FOR LAKE COUNTY.
THIS PLACE OF HIS BIRTH-HIS REPLY SHOWED THAT HE
WOULD GIVE THE MATTER CONSIDERATION AND HE LIKELY DID SO.
BUT QUESTION IS, DID HE HAVE IT IN MIND TO DO SO AND
PLANNED ITS EXECUTION BUT DEATH INTERFERED;
OR DID HE PROVIDE FOR IT IN HIS WILL.
Multi-Millionaire's Death Deplored by Lake County
as Many of His Relatives Were Receiving Aid
Directly From Him-He paid for Educating a Dozen
or More of His Lake County Kin-Mrs. V. A. Rossback,
His Sister, a Former Resident of Waukegan,
Likely to get a Big Slice of the Millionaire's
Mammoth Fortune-His Mother Lives With
Mrs. Rossback at Evanston.
It is possible that Lake County may have been remembered in the
will of James Henry Smith, the multi-millionaire whose death
occurred Tuesday in Japan, noted in last evening's
GAZETTE
because the editor of the
GAZETTE had asked the former Lake
county man if he would not find it in his way to do something for
the county which gave him birth.
And, the fact that his reply to the request bore a certain ray of
hope makes it possible that he may have provided for such a
monument.
Again, it may be that he had it in mind to do something for Lake
County but, that his sudden death will prevent execution of plans
he expected to carry out in due time.
Because Mr. Smith was born at Millburn, Lake county and lived
there until his rich uncle took him into his home to make him his
heir it occurred to the
GAZETTE editor some time ago to
write to him and ask him if he felt disposed to erect some kind of
memorial in his memory in Lake county.
His reply showed that he felt kindly toward the suggestion and
intended giving the matter due consideration.
The answer from Mr. Smith was written by him personally in his own
handwriting on his private stationery and as the request was made
that the contents be not made public, nothing was said about the
matter at the time.
Now, however, with his sudden passing away, it is not believed it
will be out of place to print Mr. Smith's reply which shows that
he gave Lake county some consideration, although he did not visit
his old friends here very often.
The letter to and from Mr. Smith appear at the top of this page
and will be read with a great deal of interest.
Thus while the matter was formally presented to Mr. Smith, it
remains for developments to show whether he provided for it in his
will and, if he did not, Lake county people can always feel that
his sudden death prevented this county being recognized and
remembered by its wealthiest former resident, in a most fitting
manner.
For, it does not seem likely that a man worth from $50,000,000 to
$75,000,000 would neglect to remember his native county or village
in some manner or other, at some time or another in the course of
his career.
Many Relatives in County.
Mr. Smith has many relatives living in Lake county and his life,
although he lived away from here after becoming so wealthy, was
identified with the county more than people generally are
aware.
Mr. Smith, in his great wealth did not forget his less fortunate
relations back here in Lake county.
Upon getting his extensive financial affairs in shape after
inheriting the vast fortune left by his uncle, George Smith, James
Henry Smith at once had his agents take up the matter of
thoroughly educating his kin in Lake county who, while not in
uncomfortable circumstances, might feel unable to acquire the
higher branches of education.
As a result, a dozen or more relatives of Smith have been sent to
college and he has paid all of their expenses, his only condition
being that they apply themselves to the work and thereby openly
express appreciation of his solicitude for them.
Very Determined.
In the case of a couple of young men relatives to whom Smith made
the offer of education, it is said he showed his independence and
unwillingness to be fooled with.
The young men, when the offer was made, declined, saying they did
not care to avail themselves of the chance he tendered. Mr. smith
said nothing and let the matter drop.
Some time later, however, Mr. Smith received a request from the
young men who informed him they had reconsidered his offer and
would like to go to school at his expense.
Mr. Smith at once informed them that they had refused the offer
when he tendered it and he did not feel disposed to again take it
up with them, and he was determined in his stand, for, while he
took hold of cases of other relatives after that time, those two
young men were not in the list.
BROTHER OF MRS. ROSSBACH.
Mr. Smith was a brother to Mrs. Victor A. Rossbach, of Evanston,
who formerly lived in Waukegan, on Park avenue. Mr. Rossbach was
formerly agent for the St. Paul at Gurnee. He was, until lately,
head of a stove repair company in Chicago, but sold out the
business and recently identified himself with the Commercial Life
Ins. Co., with which Dr. Carter of this city is associated.
Mr. Smith has not visited in Waukegan in many years, not since the
Rossbachs moved from here.
His mother lives at the Rossbach home in Evanston and he always
visited here when he came to Chicago and he has always given her a
liberal allowance since inheriting the great fortune.
While there is nothing certain about it, the general feeling is
that Mr. Smith would likely remember his sister, Mrs. Rossbach, in
a most handsome manner, leaving her perhaps a few millions. His
aged mother will also likely get a big bequest. Another sister,
Lady Cooper, lives in England. Neither she nor Mrs. Rossbach
received much from their uncle George Smith, for he took the fancy
to James Henry and gave him practically all of his vast
wealth.
Up to the present time, contrary to what the public has always
concluded, the Rossbachs, although Mrs. Rossbach was just as close
to the uncle who left James Henry the fortune, as the fortunate
man himself, the Rossbachs have not profited any by the brother's
great wealth. They are in ordinary environments in Evanston,
quite without ostentation and few persons in their home city have
known that Mrs. Rossbach was a sister to the multimillionaire.
Mrs. Rossbach, like everybody else including her mother, was very
greatly shocked to hear of his sudden death because the last they
heard from him, he was in his customary health.
Mr. Rossbach was in Waukegan on Tuesday and spoke of his brother-
in-law being abroad on his wedding tour of the world. At the
time, the broker was dead but word had not reached his
relatives.
Mrs. Gary, of Seward street, Waukegan, is also a cousin to Mr.
Smith and Mrs. Rossbach.
Mrs. Smith, (the mother) often visits at Jas. Trestrail's on
Franklin street.
At the time of his death Mr. Smith was on a wedding tour around
the world and his bride was the divorced wife of Wm. Rhinelander
Stewart. They were married Sept. 13 of last year.
Mr. Smith's death occurred Tuesday at Kioto, Japan. A dispatch
received here Monday said that Mr. Smith was dangerously ill. In
the party with Mr. and Mrs. Smith were the duke and duchess of
Manchester.
Death Due to Heart Disease.
A cable message received at Mr. Smith's office in New York
Wednesday contained the information that the party which
accompanied Mr. Smith will leave Yokohoma for San Francisco April
10, bringing Mr. Smith's body. It will be met in San Francisco by
Eugene Zimmerman of Cincinnati, father of the duchess of
Manchester. It was stated at Mr. Smith's office, that his death
was due to heart disease.
Gave Lavish Entertainments.
A few years ago Mr. Smith inherited from his uncle, George Smith,
a fortune estimated at $50,000,000. Something more than two years
ago Mr. Smith bought the house at the corner of 57th street and 5th
avenue owned and occupied by the late Wm. C. Whitney. The lavish
entertainments given by him during his bachelorhood days were
among the most notable in New York fashionable circles. Prior to
coming into the estate of his uncle he conducted a brokerage
business and was known as "Silent" Smith.
Was Married in Scotland.
Mr. Smith and Mrs. W. Rhinelander Stewart of Baltimore were
married at Inverness, Scotland, on Sept. 13 last and shortly
afterward he started with his wife and several friends on a tour
around the world. Early in February, together with Mr. and Mrs.
Bourke Cochran and the duke and duchess of Manchester, they were
presented to the ameer of Afghanistan at Calcutta, where that
native potentate was being entertained by the viceroy of India.
The Smith party were touring on the Drexel yacht, Margarita, which
Mr. Smith had chartered.
Wedding Soon After Divorce.
Mrs. Smith was Miss Annie M. Armstrong of Baltimore and
Philadelphia. In 1879 she was married to W. Rhinelander Stewart,
from whom she obtained a divorce in South Dakota in August of last
year. A few days after the decree was granted she sailed with her
daughter, Miss Anita Stewart, for England and her marriage to Mr.
Smith occurred in the following month.
Career of George Smith
George Smith, the founder of the great fortune which fell to James
Henry Smith upon the old man's death, was one of the pioneer
bankers of Chicago and the northwest. He was a native of
Scotland, and came to America in 1833, when he was 26 years old.
From New York he drifted westward and finally locating in Chicago
just before the beginning of the boom period in that city,
invested his small savings in city property. The increase in
value was rapid and with his increased capital he returned to
Scotland and organized a land investment company. He remained in
Scotland only a short time, however, returning to Chicago with his
company and several partners prepared for business.
Prospered in the Northwest.
They prospered from the start, organized a bank and eventually
obtained large holdings in many of the enterprises of the rapidly
growing northwest. One of Mr. Smith's most profitable investments
probably was a purchase of a large amount of Argentine bonds which
he obtained at 20 and sold at par. The single investment is said
to have netted him more than $10,000,000 profit. Mr. Smith never
married and at his death the bulk of his great fortune went to his
nephew.
Lived on Small Income.
In 1861 he went to London, where he passed the rest of his life,
spending only $2,500 a year and watching his American investments
grow more and more valuable. He had no mercy on any man who owed
him anything he never renewed a note.
George Smith never married. His brother left three children,
James Henry Smith, Mrs. Victor A. Rosebach, and the wife of Sir
George Cooper, the latter of England. The nephew had for many
years been in charge of the uncle's American investments and the
old man used to say that James was a chip of the old block.
James Henry Smith's inheritance was estimated at $50,000,000, but
his fortune had increased steadily since it fell into his hands in
1899 and the estate now is estimated at between $60,000,000 and
$75,000,000.
Caught in Stock Panic.
Mr. Smith's death could not have occurred at a more unfortunate
period, so far as its effects upon his estate is concerned. The
recent depression in the stock market had caused a vast shrinkage
in the value of his holding.
"It will be found that the value of Mr. Smith's estate has
depreciated between $10,000,000 and $20,000,000," said one man who
spoke with authority.
In Wall street Mr. Smith was regarded as being in virtual control
of St. Paul. He did not own a majority of the stock, but his
block of shares was so large as to place him in the position of
having the balance of power. The stock could not be manipulated
without his aid. Not long ago he retired from the St. Paul board.
He was a director of the Hanover, National Bank, the Missouri
Pacific Railroad, the Equitable Trust Company, The Conried
Metropolitan Grand Opera Company, the Empire Trust Company and
numerous other corporations.
COPY OF LETTER MAILED TO JAMES HENRY SMITH,
MULTIMILLIONAIRE, BY EDITOR OF THE GAZETTE.
February 12, 1906
Mr. James Henry Smith
New York City, N. Y.
My Dear Sir-We observe that you have, as the Chicago papers say,
"just recognized Chicago's claim to some of your wealth, by a
munificent gift to the city" (He gave $500,000 of St. Luke's
hospital). "It occurred to us that possibly, in view of your
early residence in Lake county, with your relationship still here,
it might appeal to you if brought to your attention, as a reason
why you could see yourself clear to do something for Lake
county.
Has it ever occurred to you to remember Lake county in the way of
a county hospital, or something of this kind? For years there has
been an agitation for a county hospital at the poor farm but the
expense of such has prevented its execution.
We understand that many appeals of this kind are made to you but
it is on account of your early associations with Lake county that
we call your attention to it at this time. We are sure that the
people of Lake County would appreciate greatly a monument of this
sort to your name. Will you at all events kindly communicate with
as explaining how you feel in the matter.
Yours Very truly,
W. J. Smith
REPLY OF JAMES HENRY SMITH
TO THE GAZETTE EDITOR'S REQUEST
TO DO SOMETHING FOR LAKE COUNTY
IN VIEW OF HIS BIRTH HAVING TAKEN PLACE IN LAKE COUNTY,
NEAR MILLBURN:
Feb. 19, 1906
W. J. Smith, Esq.
Waukegan, Ill.
My Dear Sir-
I have yours of the 12th inst. and note contents.
My contribution to St. Luke's Hospital of Chicago will exhaust me
for a little while. When I get rested I will consider the claims
of Lake county.
Of course this letter it not for publication.
Yours Very truly.
JAMES HENRY SMITH.
UNWILLING TO DISCUSS THE MATTER
V. A. Rossbach, Brother in Law of
the Late Millionaire Smith was Here Today.
DECLINES TO DISCUSS PROSPECTS OF INHERITANCE
Victor A. Rossbach, brother in law of the late James Henry Smith,
the multimillionaire, was in town today for a short time.
Mr. Rossbach naturally does not wish to discuss the possibility of
his wife inheriting any particular amount of her brother's vast
estate and in fact, seeks to have their part of the matter kept as
quiet as possible.
Mr. Rossbach admits that the relation of his wife to the rich man
has already, in the past, caused them much annoyance through
requests for aid, etc., many people thinking that because the
brother was so rich they also had money to throw away.
Mrs. Rossbach is very much broken up by her brother's sudden death
and the mother is also deeply affected.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 30 March 1907
MEMBERS OF SMITH FAMILY
Waukegan Man Gives Names of Those
Who Will Be In Line For Inheritance.
There has been so much said about the family to which James Henry
Smith belonged that a Waukegan man today gave the names of all the
members of the immediate family.
He said that, instead of Smith having but one sister as the
dispatches from New York have indicated (as Mrs. Cooper of England
was the only one they mentioned), he has three sisters and two
brothers living all of whom were born in Lake county, near
Millburn.
The relatives of the late multimillionaire are:
Mrs. Rossbach, Evanston, sister.
Mrs. Mary Cooper, England, sister.
Mrs. Mabel Mills, Evanston, sister.
Geo. A. Smith, Evanston, brother.
J. W. Smith, of Texas (place of residence not certain); a
brother.
The latter, J. W. Smith, is a brother-in-law of Robert Smart of
this city, having married Mr. Smart's sister.
Thus, it is seen that there are several more immediate heirs to
the vast fortune that the public generally are aware of.
The same man states that the mother of the Smiths does not live
with Mrs. Rossbachs but that she lives in Evanston, near the
Rossbachs.
