Newspaper Clippings for
April, 1907
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Sun 1 April 1907
Mrs. Elizabeth Tower has been visiting for sometime in Antioch at
the home of Mr. Gullidge.
George Gerrity and Ed Martin were Chicago visitors the past
week.
Mr. and Mrs. James Pollock attended the funeral of Mr. Coudry,
of Ivanhoe, last Tuesday. Mr. Coudry was Mr. Pollock's sister's
husband.
Miss Inez Pollock, of Chicago, visited a short time with her
mother.
The monthly Missionary meeting will meet with Mrs. Robt. Strang
Wednesday of this week.
Miss Helen Safford left Thursday to visit her sister, Mrs.
Ralph Wheaton, of Wheaton, Ill., returning Saturday.
Richard Pantall visited several days in Chicago and also his
daughter, Mrs. Adams, of Chicago Lawn.
J. H. Bonner left Monday to go to the hospital to have a lump
removed from his neck. He expects to be home in a short time.
Victor Strang returned from Beloit college Friday for a ten
days vacation.
The students of Rochester academy returned Monday for about
three months.
Miss Hazel Thain gave a party in honor of the C. E. society
Saturday evening, March 23. The storm kept several at home.
Those who were there reported a good time. Ice cream and cake was
served.
There will be Easter service in the church next Sunday a
special program in the morning and also special song service in
the evening.
The Ladies Aid Society will hold their monthly meeting Thursday
April 4, in the church parlor. The B's will serve the supper.
Your turn will come be sure and come and learn how.
04 April 1907
Mrs. Rose of Waukegan, is reported some better.
Dr. Jamieson's mother and sister are here visiting.
Miss Clara Nelson is spending her week's vacation in Chicago.
Bertha White visited in Gurnee last Friday with Miss Ruby Hughes.
Mrs. H. E. Jamieson and her sister-in-law went to Libertyville
Monday.
A. H. Stewart is visiting with his children in Chicago and Lily
Lake.
Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Hughes of Chicago, visited over Easter with
relatives here.
Mrs. Niekirk of Chicago, is here visiting with her parents, Mr. and
Mrs. Wm. Thom, Sr.
Mr. and Mrs. Seevey of Silver Lake, Wis., have been here visiting
with the latter's mother, Mrs. Irving.
Mrs. Josephine Matthews returned last Tuesday from Waukegan where
she had been visiting with Mrs. John Rose.
Wm. Thom returned home Sunday from his visit in Texas. From there
he went to Oklahoma where he spent one night with each, Fred Ray and
Lew Cannon.
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Thom, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. James Thom, Mrs. Niekirk
and Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Thom, Sr., all attended the funeral of Edwin
Thom's little daughter in Bristol last week.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Sun 8 April 1907
Mrs. Mary Yule returned to her home Friday having spent the winter
with her daughter, Mrs. Gerry, of Waukegan.
Mrs. Josephine Mathews returned home last Tuesday from
Waukegan, she has been visiting Mrs. John Rose and reports Mrs.
Rose as very much better.
Mr. Starkweather, of Rockford, has been visiting here several
days.
Mrs. Neikirk and three children, of Norwood Park, are visiting
her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Thom, Sr.
Word reached here last Wednesday of the death of one of the
twins girls of Edwin Thom's, of Bristol. Funeral was Friday. Mr.
and Mrs. Wm. Thom, Sr., Mr. and Mrs. James Thom, Mrs. Wm. Thom Jr.
and Mrs. Neikirk attended the funeral
Miss Ethel Ames visited several days in Waukegan attending the
teacher's institute and visiting friends.
Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Hughes, of Chicago, spent Easter with the
home folks.
Wm. Thom, Jr., arrived home Sunday from Texas where he has
invested in a half section of land. Mr. Thom also visited in
Oklahoma.
A. K. Bain was a business caller to the city Tuesday.
M. Yule, of Somers, is building some for James Thom.
I. L. Holmes transacted business in Chicago recently.
Mr. Ford, of Pleasant Prairie, and his friend, Mr. Jensen, of
Somers, have been visiting several days at Marshall Odett's.
James Henry (Silent) Smith who died in Tokyo, Japan, was born
on a farm north of Millburn, Mr. Cremins owns the farm now.
There are several relatives here and in Lake county.
11 April 1907
Geo. Gerrity was a caller in Antioch last Thursday.
Curtis Wells of Waukegan, visited Sunday at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Cannon spent Saturday in Chicago.
Miss McDougall is visiting relatives in Highland Park.
C. E. Denman was a business caller in Libertyville last Wednesday.
Arthur Knox of Beloit, Wis., is here visiting with W. A. Bonner.
Fred Heddle of Somers, Wis., is here doing some building for Wm.
Thom, Jr.
Miss Vivien Bonner is enjoying a week's vacation from her duties as
school teacher.
Mrs. H. E. Jamieson and Mrs. Seevey returned from Libertyville last
Thursday night.
Edd Gillings of Waukegan was here Saturday and Sunday visiting with
relatives.
Mrs. Charles Taylor and Miss Yarlow of Hickory attended the Ladies
Aid of Thursday.
A. H. Stewart returned Saturday night from his visit with his
children in Chicago and Lily Lake.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 11 April 1907
Miss Carrie Bater is in Oak Park visiting with Mrs. Geo. Mitchell,
Arthur Knox, of Beloit is here visiting with his uncle W. A.
Bonner.
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Preston on Thursday, April 4, a daughter.
Mr. and Mrs. Cannon were visitors in Chicago last Friday and
Saturday.
Will Strang visited last Wednesday in Chicago.
Mr. James Thom has been visiting with her parents in Somers.
Wis.
A. H. Stewart returned from Chicago, last Saturday.
Mrs. Niekirk and children who have been visiting at William
Thom's Sr., returned last Wednesday to their home in Norwood Park.
Mr. Knox returned to his home in Dakota to stay with his
relatives.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 14 April 1907
RELATIVES TO CONTEST SMITH WILL?
Relatives of "Silent Smith" May Seek
to Secure Fortune of Millionaire.
Waukegan and Lake county people will watch with more than usual
interest the developments in the proposed contest of the will of
the late James Henry Smith, of New York, which is now being
threatened by relatives. There are hundreds of people in
different parts of the country, many of whom live in this county
and in Lake county, who could claim under the estate.
The Waukegan relatives of Mr. Smith are in no way connected with
the contest of the will but should the will be broken by eastern
contestants they would undoubtedly receive a share of the
property. Jas. Henry Smith has done much for his relatives
residing in this part of the country.
At the time he came into the vast fortune of fifty million dollars
by the death of his uncle he at once made arrangements for the
proper education of all his kin in the United States and during
the last ten years sixteen young men and women of this immediate
neighborhood who claimed relationship to the silent broker have
been educated at his expense.
It is stated by the attorneys of Mr. Smith that he had already set
aside a fund to provide for the continuation of this work. It is
possible that some Kenosha people will receive large sums in the
division of the property. The remains of Smith will reach New
York in about a month and it is expected that several Waukegan
people will attend the funeral.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Sun 16 April 1907
Fred Heddle, of Somers, is again in our midst.
Will Strang was a Chicago visitor last Wednesday.
Dr. Jamison's mother is staying with him for the present.
Miss C. E. Bater has gone to Oak Park for a ten days stay.
Mrs. Seavey, of Kansas, is visiting her brother, Dr. Jamison.
Miss Annie McCredie spent Saturday and Sunday with the home
folks.
Mrs. Blanche Thom returned with her father Saturday to his home
in Somers.
Miss C. E. Wendt, of Wadsworth, is dressmaking in Millburn
vicinity again.
Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Cannon spent Friday evening and Saturday in
Chicago.
Mrs. Niekirk and three children have returned to their home in
Norwood Park.
Henry and Wm. Wedge, of Waukegan, were calling on Millburn
friends last Wednesday.
C. E. topic Lessons from the Patriarchs IV Joseph, Simeon Ames,
leader.
C. E. Denman was in Libertyville last Wednesday on business;
also Mr. and Mrs. Jamison.
Mr. and Mrs. Preston on the Thain farm are rejoicing over the
arrival of a baby girl, April 4.
A. H. Stewart spent a week visiting his daughter at Lily Lake
and other relatives in Chicago.
18 April 1907
Mrs. Wm. Thom, Jr., was a Chicago visitor Monday.
Stedman and Ormsby of Gurnee were in this vicinity again last week.
George Gillings of North Dakota is here visiting with his sister,
Mrs. VanAlstine.
Mrs. Ellen Brauner of Washington is here visiting with her aunt,
Mrs. John Eichinger.
The C. E. business meeting will be held at the home of Mr. C. E.
Denman on Friday evening, April 19.
Mrs. I. L. Holmes, Mrs. A. W. Safford and her sister Miss Foote,
were Chicago visitors last Wednesday and Thursday.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 19 April 1907
SMITH'S BODY TO REACH CHICAGO
Remains of Late Multi-Millionaire
Due to Arrive in Chicago Tomorrow.
A special to the GAZETTE this afternoon from Chicago states that
the remains of the late James Henry Smith, born in Lake county,
who died in the Orient recently will arrive in Chicago tomorrow
morning, en route to New York where interment will be made.
The remains are accompanied by Mrs. Smith and friends who were
with her when Mr. Smith died. Relatives of Mr. Smith who live in
Evanston and perhaps other Lake county residents will meet the
body in Chicago.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Sun 20 April 1907
Miss Lucy Trotter returned to her home in Evanston Monday.
Mrs. Sheldon Harris has gone to Chicago for a week's visit.
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Thom left Monday for the city and Norwood Park
returning Tuesday.
Mr. and Mr. John Trotter were Chicago visitors Monday.
George Gillings returned from Dakota last week and visited
relatives in this vicinity several days.
Mrs. Ellen Sage Browning, of Washington state, is visiting her
cousin, Mary Eichenger.
Miss C. E. Bater attended the wedding of her friend, Miss
Whitcomb, of Oak Park, Tuesday, April 16.
Miss Jessie Jamison left Tuesday of this week for Fargo,
Dakota, to visit her sister.
Mrs. Safford and Miss Foote spent a couple of days in the city
and vicinity last week.
Mrs. I. L. Holmes took her little grandson home last Wednesday
returning Thursday.
C. E. topic, "Wise Ways to Read Wise Books," Ralph Miller,
leader.
Have you made garden yet? Better wait and see if spring is
coming.
C. E. business meeting will be held at the home of J. S.
Denman, Friday, April 19. Be sure and come and spend a pleasant
time.
School election Saturday, April 20, in the Hockaday school
house.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 20 April 1907
C. Bonner of Chicago visited at home over Sunday.
The C. E. Society will give a box shadow social on the church
lawn on Thursday evening, June 20. Ladies bring lunch for two.
Mrs. William Cleveland was a Waukegan visitor Tuesday.
Miss Ethel McGuire entertained a friend, Miss Grace Lee, of
Zion last Saturday.
Rev. A. W. Safford, attended the June meeting at Fox Lake last
Tuesday.
Mrs. Bashaw, of Lake Geneva and Mrs. Lowe of Elkhorn visited
with Mrs. H. G. Harris last Saturday and Sunday.
Mrs. Nelson and daughters gave a party last Saturday in honor
of Mrs. Nelson's niece, Lennie Cunningham who has been spending
some time here, her home being in Indiana.
The cemetery fence is getting a new coat of paint. Alin
Cleveland is doing the work.
Mr. and Mrs. I. L. Holmes are grandparents to a new
granddaughter born here.
Mr. Wentworth of Chicago, and his friend, Miss Cook, spent
Sunday with his parents.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 20 April 1907
SMITH FAMILY SAYS NO CONTEST
Evanston Relatives of Dead Multi-Millionaire
Deny That There Has Been Any Intention
to Attempt to Break Provisions of Document.
Possibilities of the birth of a posthumous heir to the vast
fortunes of James Henry "Silent" Smith may put an end to the talk
of a contest which has been reported to be under consideration by
relatives of the financier who died while on his wedding tour in
the Orient.
That such a complication may be expected is asserted by persons in
New York who claim to be in the confidence of Mrs. Smith.
Relatives of the dead man in Evanston yesterday declared that they
had no intention of contesting the will of Smith, no matter what
its provisions should be, although they have not yet seen the
document.
Child Would Disappoint Relatives.
If Smith died childless and without expectation of lawful issue
from his marriage with Mrs. W. Rhinelander Stewart, whom he
married after her divorce, there would be a likelihood that his
relatives could contest, with some chance of success, a will
leaving all his property to his bride-widow. In advent of a son
or daughter would change the situation vitally.
Mrs. Smith is accompanying her husband's body home from Japan.
Her late husband's relatives expect to meet the party at Chicago.
Details of Will Not Public.
No details as to Mr. Smith's will have yet been made public. It
has been generally supposed that he left a suitable provision for
his blood relatives, but that the bulk of the estate is left to
his widow. It is likely that on his marriage Mr. Smith was
advised by lawyers to devise a certain share to his wife, and the
bulk of the remainder to any children.
Mrs. Mary Cooper, Smith's sister, sailed today from England for
New York with her husband, Sir George Cooper. It is supposed that
the will of the financier has been sent to New York for
probate.
One of the first visits of Mrs. Cooper will be to her aged mother,
Mrs. Beatrice Smith, 1220 Ridge avenue, Evanston. She is over 80
years old, in good health, but bowed with grief over the sudden
death of her son.
Mother Knows Nothing of Will.
"I know nothing about the division of my son's fortune," she said.
"These are family affairs and do not concern the public. I have
always understood that everything was conducted fairly in previous
divisions of the family estates. If not, some of the younger
generation seem to know more about the affair than I do
myself."
The other Evanston relatives are Mrs. Victor Rosbach, Mrs. John
Nelson Mills, sisters; William S. Mason, vice president of the
city National bank of Evanston, a nephew, and Mrs. Frederic P.
Vose, a niece.
"You can say absolutely there will be no contest," said Attorney
Frederic P. Vose, husband of the niece. "Neither my wife nor any
of the other relatives in Evanston is contemplating any such
action. We do not know what disposition Mr. Smith made of his
estate, but what ever it is it was entirely his business."
Knows no Reason for Contest.
"The family is in perfect harmony," said Mr. Mason, "and there
certainly can be no ground for contesting a will we have not even
seen. The lawyers in New York may have reasons for intimating as
they do, that there will be a fight, but we out here know nothing
that would bear out their statements."
It was reported that some member of the family would go to New
York to investigate the matter, but Mr. Mason would give not
intimation as to who would make the trip.
Kept Close Track of Relatives.
In spite of his apparent oblivious to his relatives "Silent" Smith
was in close touch with them at all times. This fact is evidenced
by the interest he took in the welfare of the younger members of
the house forty of whom he educated in different schools and
colleges throughout the country. It is said that twelve of his
beneficiaries are now studying at Lake Forest, Oberlin, and
Illinois universities; the Art Institute, and Armour
Institute.
A regular method of distributing his wealth to his relatives is
said to have been followed for several years. None of them has
any idea that he has been forgotten them in his will and none
would think of opposing the judgment of the man who already had
assisted them so materially.
The body of Mr. Smith is now on its way from Japan to this
country, and it is expected to reach New York early next month.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 22 April 1907
SMITH'S MILLIONS MAY GO TO SISTER
BEQUEST WOULD MAKE LADY COOPER,
FORMER LAKE CO. WOMEN
RICHEST WOMAN IN THE WORLD
SAILS TO HEAR WILL READ
Titled Husband Accompanies her on Voyage
to This Country-Duchess to be Remembered.
New York, April 20.-A London dispatch says that Sir George
Alexander Cooper and Lady Cooper sailed yesterday on the steamer
Deutschland for the United States to aid in the settlement of the
estate of Jas. Henry (Silent) Smith, who died in Japan recently
while on a honeymoon trip around the world. Lady Cooper is a
sister of Mr. Smith and her English friends understand that the
greater part of his estate, which is reported to amount to over
$70,000,000 has been left her by his will.
Should Lady Cooper be thus remembered she would then be the
richest woman in the world. Her wealth already is estimated to be
$50,000,000. The countess, it is said, will stay in the United
States until July by which time it is hoped that the plans for the
settlement of the estate will have been completed.
Duchess May be Heiress.
According to the information obtained in London the duchess of
Manchester, daughter of Eugene Zimmerman of Cincinnati, who, with
her husband, the duke of Manchester, was on the trip with Mr.
Smith at the time of his death has been remembered in Mr. Smith's
will.
Husband a Country Barrister.
Sir George Cooper was a country barrister when his wife inherited
her millions. Before her marriage she was Miss Mary Emma Smith.
London, April 20-The Duchess of Manchester is to inherit a
substantial part of the $75,000,000 fortune of the late "Silent"
James Henry Smith.
Miss Effie Evans, whose sister is Mrs. Eugene Zimmerman, of
Cincinnati, O., is authority for the statement. The Duchess and
Duke were on the trip with Mr. Smith when he died, Miss Evans said
today.
"The Duchess of Manchester will inherit a substantial sum by the
will of Mr. Smith, but I cannot say exactly how much. The Duke
and Duchess are now in America or about to arrive there and before
they return to England they will meet the Coopers for a discussion
of the settlement of the estate."
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 22 April 1907
DROP IN SMITH MILLIONS
INQUIRY SHOWS "SILENT" SMITH MAY HAVE BUT $10,000,000
ORIGINAL ESTIMATE OF FORMER WEALTHIEST BACHELOR
SAID TO HAVE BEEN INACCURATE.
Was James Henry Smith, known as "the silent man of Wall Street,"
in reality a $50,000,000 Croesus, or was he worth merely a paltry
$10,000,000?
That was the question that yesterday agitated the minds of the
dozen or so possible heirs of the New Yorker who died a few weeks
ago and whose will is not to be read until after the body is
brought from Japan and is interred in New York. It is not
expected that the terms of his last testament will be known until
the first or second week in May; but all surmises as to the size
of the fortune to be divided were set at naught by advices from
London that the estimates of his original inheritance from his
father's cousin, Geo. Smith, were exaggerated.
Heir to Less Than $10,000,000.
It was stated upon good authority that the sum which came into his
hands in 1899 was less than $10,000,000, and with that as a basis
for calculation financial men figured that, with his lavish
expenditures both in this country and abroad, exhausting the
regular income of that amount, the limit of his wealth at the time
of his death is computed at close to that total. He was never
active in the stock exchange, and it is believed that he never met
with any great successes.
The mistake of calling "Silent" Smith, "the $5,000,000 bachelor" a
title which was given him until his marriage last September, arose
from an error in computing the size of the fortune of "Chicago"
Smith, his benefactory and in the belief that Silent Smith had
inherited nearly all of his wealth.
No Accurate Estimate Made.
George Smith Died October 7, 1899 and no accurate estimate could
be made of his wealth until the announcement the English
inheritance tax had amounted to $4,500,000. The usual rate of
this assessment was 8 percent, and upon that basis it was
calculated that he left a fortune of $55,000,000. It had been
stated generally in the American press that James Henry Smith was
practically the sole legatee, and the estimate of his inheritance
was placed at $50,000,000.
The whole matter was set at rest when, on March, 1900 the
following dispatch was sent to the American papers by the London
Chronicle:
"The death duties on the estate of George Smith, formerly of
Chicago amounted to $4,500,000 and led to the erroneous
supposition that his wealth was $55,000,000 as the duty rate is 8
per cent.
"The death duties upon all but a small portion of Smith's estate
were, however, at the rate of 18 per cent, and included the 10 per
cent legacy.
"The value of the whole estate, therefore, is not more than
$25,000,000, and the shares of the two residuary legatees are less
that $10,000,000 cash."
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Sun 22 April 1907
NEW HEIRS TO SMITH ESTATE IN WAUKEGAN
Dietmeyers of Wadsworth and Gerrys
of Waukegan are Distant Relatives.
WILL NOT BE BENEFICIARIES; WILL NOT ENTER CONTEST.
The Three Dietmeyer Children Were Educated
at Lake
Forest College by Late Millionaire.
New relatives to the late James Henry (Silent) Smith were Sunday
discovered by the SUN.
They are the Dietmeyers of Waukegan who are related to the late
multi-millionaire by marriage only, so that they will not be
beneficiaries, nor will they make any effort to enter into the
contest of the New Yorker's will.
A list of people who are cousins to Smith is as follows:
Mrs. Maggie Dietmeyer of Wadsworth.
Miss Alice Yule of Chicago.
Mrs. Horace Gerry of Waukegan.
Were Beneficiaries of Smith.
The children of at least one, Mrs. Philip Dietmeyer of Wadsworth,
have been beneficiaries of the late millionaire.
The children are Leo Dietmeyer, Belle Dietmeyer, Philip Dietmeyer,
Jr.
They came into touch with the late champion bachelor who married
Mrs. Rinelander Stewart of the New York Four Hundred earlier in
his life when he was a bachelor.
At the time he donated a building to Lake Forest college he
offered to educate the three children at the north shore school
and carried out his intentions faithfully, so that to him is due
in part the education of the three mentioned.
Later he lost sight of the family.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 24 April 1907
SMITH'S BODY REACHES HONOLULU
Remains Will be Hurried From San Francisco
to New York in Private Car.
DUKE OF MANCHESTER TELLS HOW SMITH DIED.
Honolulu, April 23,--Mrs. James Henry Smith and her daughter,
accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Manchester, arrived on the
steamer Siberla today with the remains of James Henry Smith en
route to New York. The widow was a recluse during the entire
voyage from Yokohama excepting late at night after passengers
retired, for occasional walks on the deck, making her only public
appearance in the morning for breakfast. The party will be met in
San Francisco by the Zimmerman private car for immediate
conveyance to New York. The duke of Manchester gave the following
account of the death of Smith:
"Smith died of septic pneumonia on the night of March 27 as a
result of Bright's disease. To the last he did not realize his
condition, and no one in the party, including Smith himself
expected death.
"After the consultation the case was pronounced a hopeless case of
Bright's disease. Everything possible was done for the patient.
He could not have received more careful attention in Europe or
America. Surgeons were loath to operate, but deemed it the only
possible hope. Dr. Ito performed the operation but Smith's
condition was not benefited."
25 April 1907
Mr. Wheaton returned home on Monday.
Fred Galiger of Fox Lake was at Millburn Sunday.
Miss Carrie Bater returned from Oak Park last Tuesday.
Mr. John McDougall and two sons called at Eugene Clarks Saturday.
Rev. George Mitchell of Oak Park was visiting here a few days last
week.
Mrs. Holmes of Chicago visited here over Sunday with Mr. and Mrs.
I. L. Holmes.
Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Wheaton of Wheaton, came on Saturday to visit
Rev. and Mrs. Safford.
The Ladies Aid society will be entertained at the church on May 2,
by four of the members. Visitors welcome.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 25 April 1907
Mrs. John Wedge who has been out west during the winter returned
to Millburn last Friday she is now visiting her son, Clarence.
J. H. Bonner returned from the hospital Monday, his friends
hope he will get well without any further delay.
Miss Edith Van Alstine spent Saturday and Sunday with her
friend, Miss Hanna Patch in Russell.
Mrs. Wheaton and little son are here spending a week with Mr.
and Mrs. A. W. Safford.
Miss Carrie Bater returned home last Wednesday from Oak Park
while there she attended the marriage of a friend Miss Whitcomb.
Mrs. Wentworth and grandson, Warren Brown visited from Friday
till Sunday in Chicago.
Mrs. H. B. Tower visited last Thursday in Waukegan.
Mr. Gallagher and his friend from Lake Villa were callers here
Sunday.
Miss Jessie Jamieson has gone to North Dakota where she will
visit for some time with her sister, Mrs. Geo. Duncan.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 26 April 1907
WILL OF SILENT SMITH IN AMERICA
Lady Cooper and Her Husband Reach New York
and Discuss Testament.
NOT SO RICH AS WAS GENERALLY BELIEVED
New York, April 25-Bringing with them the will of James H.
"Silent" Smith, Sir George Cooper and Lady Cooper, brother-in-law
and sister, respectively, of the dead millionaire, arrived here
tonight on the steamship Deutschland. With them was their
fifteen-year-old daughter. The whole party was in deep
mourning.
Lady Cooper, who had evidently suffered from the somewhat severe
weather encountered on the passage over, was reclining on a deck
chair when the Deutschland reached quarantine.
NOT AS RICH AS REPORTED.
"Was he as fabulously rich as reported?" was asked.
Sir George laughed in a manner indicating that the stories told of
the fortune left by Silent Smith had greatly exaggerated the
truth. As a matter of fact, it was learned that "Chicago" Smith,
whose wealth was inherited by "Silent" Smith did not possess more
than $50,000,000 at the time of his death. That sum was divided
equally between Mary Smith now Lady Cooper, and her brother,
"James H. "Silent" Smith. It will be found, therefore, it was
said on good authority tonight that when Mr. Smith's will is read
here the fortune will be nearer $30,000,000 than the $75,000,000
reported.
"Is Lady Cooper one of the beneficiaries under the will of her
brother?" was the next question.
"Well, she is his sister."
"Have you heard anything about the will being contested by Mr.
Smith's numerous relatives in the west?"
"I have not," said Sir George.
READ WILL AFTER FUNERAL.
"Not until after the funeral, and the date for that I cannot tell
you as yet, because I do not know when the funeral party will
arrive with the body in New York. I understand, however, they
cannot reach here until April 28 at the earliest."
Asked to explain why the existence of Mr. Smith's mother and other
relatives in this country had been kept such a secret during Mr.
Smith's lifetime, Sir George Cooper smiled again and said:
"Why, there was no secret at all about it. We all knew about
them."
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Sun 27 April 1907
SMITH'S WILL DISAPPOINTS HIS WIDOW
Under the terms of the London will of James Henry Smith, the main
features of which were made known yesterday, the widow, who was
Mrs. Rinelander Stewart, receives but $5,000,000 or an income from
that sum. Lady George Cooper, sister of the multi-millionaire,
inherits $20,000,000.
Others of his blood relatives get liberal bequests.
Friends of Mrs. Smith declare that she will not be satisfied with
the provisions made for her in this testament and will contest
it.
On the other hand fear is expressed by Lord Cooper that there is
another and later will made just after Mr. Smith's marriage, and
which is now in the keeping of Mrs. Smith. In this Mr. Smith is
believed to have made far more liberal provisions for his widow.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 27 April 1907
ASK SMITH FOR AID
William Smith Mason, of Evanston, made heir to $6,000,000 by James
Henry Smith, has received considerably over a thousand letters
from persons who announce that they would be pleased to help him
spend all or a part of his inheritance.
Many of those who address him are willing to do more for him than
he can do for them. They promise to make him an Andrew Carnegie,
a Peter Cooper, another Alexander the Great or a St. Francis di
Assisi, the last being the gentleman of an older time who gave his
clothes away.
For obvious reasons this mail is marked "23" and turned over to
Mr. Mason's private secretary, Miss Helen Stone, who is spending
most of her time sifting out the grain or two of merit from the
pile of chaff.
SECOND WILL IN EXISTENCE?
Reported From New York That Relatives
of James Henry Smith May Have Been Cut Off.
AND THAT WIFE GETS ALL THE MONSTER ESTATE
New York, April 27.--A later will of James Henry Smith, the New
York millionaire who died recently in Japan, than that bought by
Lady Cooper, sister of the deceased and her husband, Sir George,
on their arrival here today, is said to be in existence.
The last will, according to report, leaves practically the entire
estate to the widow, if it really exists. It was stated a contest
for the estate is certain to follow. Statements by Sir Henry
Cooper regarding the will he holds quieted the other relatives
until the report of the new will became general.
Sir George and Lady Cooper with their eldest daughter are at the
Hotel Gotham, to remain until Smith's body arrives. Lady Mary
denied herself to reporters and Sir George would talk but
little.
Smith's widow is already wealthy and is said to have had a large
amount settled upon her after the marriage. Should an heir be
born, as is expected, it is hard to conjecture what complications
may arise. That the duchess of Manchester will get a part of the
estate is the belief of her aunt, Miss Evans in London, who
confidently predicts that the American duchess will receive a
substantial share. It is in connection with Mrs. Smith that most
of the conjectures are based. It is said that on her way home
from Japan she has kept in the closest retirement, coming on deck
only late in the night and it is hinted that the arrival of a
direct heir is promised. Sir George and Lady Cooper with their
eldest daughter are at the Hotel Gotham, to remain until Smith's
body arrives.
RELATIVES GATHER FOR FIGHT.
Among the relatives who are here is George S. Mason, one of Silent
Smith's favorite nephews. He had a fine job on Chicago, Milwaukee
& St. Paul Railroad which he took at his uncle's request. He
came to New York expecting to get into something good in Wall
street and the new position would have been forthcoming had not
his uncle died. It is said he is named as one of the co-executors
of his uncle's will.
George A. Smith a brother of the silent one, who is now in
business in Philadelphia was also here today for a short visit
with his sister, Lady Mary Cooper.
PASTOR AIDS RELATIVES.
The Rev. J. N. Mills, a Presbyterian clergyman, is said to head
the Evanston, Ill., delegation of Silent Smith's relatives in this
city. His wife is a sister of Lady Mary Cooper and also of the
dead millionaire. For years, it is said, the Rev. Mr. Mills has
directed Silent Smith's benefactions to his Illinois
relatives.
The Evanston Smiths have largely made their own way in the world
but they received from time to time generous assistance from
Smith.
WHAT ESTATE COMPRISES.
Of various estimates of the estate of James Henry Smith the
following is said to be conservative in Wall street:
Real estate in New York $3,500,000.
Stocks and bonds, chiefly railroad, $70,000,000.
His capital was invested with an unusual skill and averages 5 1-2
per cent, which means an income of from $3,500,000 to $4,000,000.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 28 April 1907
WILL ACCEPT SMITH'S WILL
Evanston Relatives Plan No Contest of Millionaire's Bequests.
According to Rev. J. N. Mills, brother-in-law of silent Smith,
none of the Evanston relatives of the dead millionaire know how
many wills are in existence or the nature of their contents.
"When we do find out though regular channels," said Mr. Mills, "It
will be time enough to take any action when we believe right. I
will say now, however, that my wife has no idea of contesting her
brother's will, no matter how his money is left."
The second will, if such exists, is in the hands of "Silent"
Smith's widow. This will is reported to have made a much more
satisfactory provision for her than the first will, which is being
brought from London, but does not satisfy the relatives. The
first will is reported to have left $5,000,000 to his wife,
$20,000,00 to his sister, Lady Cooper, and the remainder after a
number of large annuities have been paid, to his other relatives,
seven of whom live in Chicago and Evanston.
J. H. SMITH'S WILL IS PROBATED
Estate Variously Estimated at From
$25,000,000 to $50,000,000.
Goshen, N. Y., May 28.-The will of James Henry Smith, the
multimillionaire who died in Japan while on a wedding tour around
the world, was admitted to probate here today. The value of Mr.
Smith's estate has been variously estimated at from $25,000,00 to
$50,000,000.
The provisions are the same as those already published. Letters
testamentary were granted to William Mason Smith of Evanston,
Ill., Geo. Grant Mason, of Aberdeen, S. D., and George Simpson
Eddy and Herman S. Leroy of New York, four of the executors and
trustees of the will.
Sir George Cooper of Hursley Park, Winchester, baronet, another
executor named in the will, did not apply for a certificate of
appointment in order to avoid any question of law concerning the
right as an alien to quality in such case. He reserved his right
to qualify, but before doing so must become a resident of the
state of New York.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Sun 29 April 1907
John Clark formerly of this place has returned from Michigan and
is going to run a hotel at Druce Lake this summer.
Miss Ethel McGuire has been staying with her grandmother, Mrs.
Wm. Esty, of Lambs Corners, for a few days who is quite sick.
Mrs. Neihauer has to the city for a few days.
Mr. and Mrs. R. Wheaton and little son, of Wheaton, are
visiting at the parsonage. Mrs. Wheaton and baby will stay a
week.
Mr. and Mrs. I. L. Holmes are entertaining their son and
family.
Mrs. Sheldon Harris returned Monday to her daughter's Mrs. Wm.
Thom Jr.
Mrs. W. F. Wentworth and grandson Warren went to Chicago Friday
to visit her daughter, Mrs. Brown returning Sunday.
Miss C. E. Bater returned home last week from Oak Park and
Evanston.
Miss Lucy Trotter returned Friday from Evanston.
Mrs. Wedge returned from Nebraska and visited in North Chicago
with her daughter for a short time.
Mrs. Sarah Tower spent Thursday and Friday in Waukegan and
attended the Eastern Star Thursday evening.
James Bonner and Dr. Jamison went to Chicago last Wednesday.
Mr. Bonner went to the hospital for treatment returning Monday.
Miss Edith VanAlstine visited from Friday till Sunday with Miss
Patch, of Russell.
The Masons gave a banquet last Friday and the Antioch and
Waukegan lodges were invited among the Waukeganites were Louis
Brockway, P. L. Persons and Lloyd White.
Dr. McDougall and two sons, of Antioch, were calling on
Millburn relatives Saturday.
C. E. topic Foreign Missions "Christ in the Continent of Asia,"
Vivien Bonner, leader.
The Ladies Aid society will meet Thursday, May 2 in the church
parlors. Supper will be served by the next four in the alphabet.
Be sure and come this invitation is extended to all who can come.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 30 April 1907
SMITH'S WILL MAY BE UPSET IS REPORT
Posthumus Child Hinted at in Case of Dead Millionaire.
NOT KNOW WHEN ACTION WILL BE INSTITUTED.
San Francisco. Cal., April 30.-Mrs. James Henry Smith, widow of
Silent Smith, who arrived here yesterday on the steamer Siberia,
accompanying her husband's body from the orient, refused to appear
in public while the newspaper men were waiting for her to land.
Other passengers on the vessel said there were private family
reasons why she did not care to appear. It is said that an heir
to the big estate left by Mr. Smith will soon appear and upset the
calculations of those who are relying on the will or wills to
direct the distribution of the wealth.
Just when this will take place is not known. The duke of
Manchester, who spoke for the widow, said today that the only will
which they had any knowledge was that made by Smith just after his
marriage in Scotland. If there is another, it must have been made
before this testament, as the widow would certainly have been
informed of any change in the disposition of the estate. The
appearance of a posthumous child would completely upset all
calculations, as it would be entitled to a share in the estate
regardless of any or all wills.
The Duchess of Manchester was met here by her father, Eugene
Zimmerman of Cincinnati. The body of Mr. Smith will be conveyed
to New York for burial.
