Newspaper Clippings for
May, 1907
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Sun 1 May 1907
MOTHER WILL NOT ATTEND THE FUNERAL
James Henry (Silent) Smith's Obsequies
will not be Witnessed by her
RELATIVES WILL ATTEND READING OF WILL IN BODY.
Waukegan, Wadsworth and Milburn People Not Near Enough
Related to Enter Matter at All.
With the exception of Mrs. Beatrice Smith, his eighty year old
mother, and Mrs. Frederick P. Vose, a niece, all the Evanston
relatives of James H. ("Silent") Smith, the millionaire who died
suddenly in Japan, and who is related to Waukegan, Wadsworth and
Millburn people, will leave today for New York to attend the
funeral.
Then, when the latest will is opened and read, the alignment of
relatives in the threatened contest will be made. The advent of a
posthumous heir will complicate the situation.
The body of Mr. Smith is being brought from San Francisco in a
special car. The casket is covered with a heavy pall of orchids,
the most expensive floral piece ever made in San Francisco.
While in San Francisco Mrs. Smith kept to her room and refused to
see any persons except her daughter and the Duchess of
Manchester.
Mrs. Smith was scarcely able to walk to the train, and leaned
heavily on the arm of the Duke of Manchester. She was heavily
veiled. The Duchess of Manchester was also dressed in mourning
garb, as was Miss Anita Stewart, the daughter of Mrs. Smith.
Eugene J. Zimmerman father of the Duchess of Manchester,
accompanied the sorrowing party. The journey is being made in Mr.
Zimmerman's private car, attached to the eastbound fast mail.
Mrs. Smith's bill at the Palace Hotel for her party was $150. It
included the expenses of the Duke and Duchess of Manchester. The
orchid pall that was placed on the casket was purchased at
Siever's and cost $500.
Body Drawn on Dray
San Francisco, May 1.-A heavy dray drawn by two large horses
sufficed to carry the body of James H. Smith, seventy times a
millionaire, from the steamer Siberia to a handsome private car in
which it last night started on its journey to the east. The Duke
and Duchess of Manchester and other members of the bridal party,
who one short month ago were enjoying a luxurious tour on Smith's
private yacht, were conspicuous by their absence, and his
beautiful widow, who, it is said, was cut off with only $5,000,000
in her husband's will, was represented by a member of the
undertaking firm. The casket of the "Silent man of Wall street"
was just a plain box on which was painted in very large letters
"J. H. S., 871 Fifth avenue, New York."
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 2 May 1907
ROSSBACHS GO TO THE FUNERAL
Mr. and Mrs. Rossbach of Evanston,
Leave to Attend James Henry Smith's Funeral.
REMAINS ARE HAULED THRU STREET ON DRAY
San Francisco, May 1.-A heavy dray drawn by two large horses
sufficed to carry the body of James H. Smith, seventy times a
millionaire, from the steamer Siberia to a handsome private car in
which it last night started on its journey to the east. The Duke
and Duchess of Manchester and other members of the bridal party,
who one short month ago were enjoying a luxurious tour on Smith's
private yacht, were conspicuous by their absence, and his
beautiful widow, who, it is said, was cut off with only $5,000,000
in her husband's will, was represented by a member of the
undertaking firm. The casket of the "Silent man of Wall street"
was just a plain box on which was painted in very large letters
"J. H. S., 871 Fifth avenue, New York.
Evanston relatives of James Henry Smith left today for New York to
attend the funeral services over the millionaire's body when it
reaches there in charge of his widowed bride. They will be
present when the Smith will is read.
The aged mother of Silent Smith did not leave to attend the
funeral her age preventing her from taking the journey. Those who
left were Rev. and Mrs. John N. Mills, brother-in-law and sister;
Mr. and Mrs. V. A. Rossbach, brother-in-law and sister; and W. S.
Mason, nephew.
The Evanston relatives refused to discuss the will case or to say
what steps will be taken to protect their interests in the estate.
It is known, however, that they have consulted a lawyer and it is
believed that they are prepared for a hard legal battle, in case
they are not remembered in the terms of the document.
SMITH ESTATE INTACT
REPORT IS THAT NEPHEW, SON OF DEAD SISTER,
WILL GET THE BULK OF IT.
Will to be Read Monday, After Funeral,
and Serious Litigation May Follow.
New York, May 1.-Attorneys representing relatives of James Henry
Smith have been informed that he made a will distributing several
million dollars by different bequests, but holding the larger part
of the vast estate intact for the benefit of one of the sons of
his dead sister, Mrs. Mason.
Mr. Smith's body reached San Francisco on Sunday on the steamship
Siberia. It will be brought here for burial in Woodlawn cemetery,
and on the day of the funeral the will is to be read.
There are several lawyers already under retainer, and some of them
believe litigation is inevitable but they are unable to speak
definitely on the subject until they have seen the terms of the
will and learned how their clients fare. Information has been
obtained about the principal clauses of the will from one of the
few persons in a position to have positive knowledge on the
subject having seen the document at the time it was drawn.
Big Bequest to Sister.
With the exception of the residuary legacy to Mr. Mason, the
largest bequest in the will is said to be one of $3,000,000 to Mr.
Smith's sister, Lady Mary Cooper, who came to this country with
her husband, Sir George Cooper, immediately after Mr. Smith's
death. The will is said to give $2,000,000 to the widow.
All the other specific bequests are much smaller. Those who have
see the will express surprise that Mr. Smith did not give a
substantial fortune to his stepdaughter, Miss Anita Stewart.
Lawyers interested express the opinion that Mr. Smith's residuary
legatee will receive a larger sum than he himself inherited about
eight years ago --$55,000,000-as most securities have increased in
value.
There was one of Mr. Smith's nephews in this city to greet Sir
George and Lady Cooper when they reached here from Europe. He was
George G. Mason, of Aberdeen, S. D., a division superintendent of
the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad. Other relatives
directly interested in the will include Mr. Smith's mother, Mrs.
Beatrice Smith, who lives in Evanston, Ill., his brother, George
A. Smith, of Philadelphia, his two sisters, Mrs. Victor Rossbach,
and Mrs. J. N. Mills, both of Evanston and his nephew, William S.
Mason, vice president of the City National bank, of Evanston.
Funeral to be Monday.
While the time for the funeral service has not been definitely set
it will probably be either Saturday or on Monday. With the
reading of the will later in the same day, the lawyers say a man
hitherto in modest circumstances will be suddenly placed in the
ranks of the wealthest Americans, with possibly $70,000,000 at his
command and with an opportunity to compromise with malcontents if
he wishes to keep the estate out of the courts.
02 May 1907
Wm. Thom of Millburn moves to his new home at Libertyville this week.
Miss Clara Foot has returned from Wheaton.
Miss Lucy Trotter of Evanston is visiting friends here.
Leslie Bonner made a business trip to Evanston Saturday.
Mrs. Richard Pantall was a Chicago visitor on Wednesday last.
Mrs. Adams came on Tuesday for a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Pantall.
Miss Margaret White of Rochester, Wis., was home over Saturday and
Sunday.
Miss Alice Jamieson of Berwyn visited over Sunday with Mr. and Mrs.
George Jamieson.
Mabel and Bae Adams of Chicago came out Friday evening to spend
some time with Mrs. Pantall.
Miss Gladys Gail of Highland Park spent last week with her aunt
Mrs. C. E Denman at this place.
Mrs. Ralph Wheaton and little son returned to their home last
Friday accompanied by her aunt, Miss Foote.
Ed Martin left Tuesday for an extended trip through California and
Washington in company with the Knight Templars.
Mr. Palmer who has been confined to the house for some time with an
attack of rheumatism is much improved at the present writing.
The Millburn Mutual Insurance Company gave the Zion City fire
department $50. for its services at the Ferry fire, which was very
valuable.
3 May 1907
WAS ONLY SMITH'S SECOND COUSIN
Develops that Geo. Smith who left James Henry Smith Fifty
Millions of Dollars was not his uncle, not his first cousin,
but his father's cousin.
ALSO LEARNED THAT IT WAS GEORGE SMITH WHO MADE PROVISION IN
HIS WILL FOR EDUCATING DISTANT LAKE COUNTY RELATIVES
Most Interesting Facts Regarding the Early Life of the Lake County Boy
Who Inherited Fifty Millions and Became one of the Richest Men in the
World--People Who Knew Him, Tell of his Boyhood.
In connection with the great amount of "news" that has been printed
regarding the life, and following the death of James Henry Smith, the
former Lake County-boy it is now learned by the GAZETTE from persons in
position to know facts concerning the early doings of the family which
has been lost track of by the world at large, that the public has been
misled in regard to two very inportant things, namely:
FIRST--That not only was Geo. Smith not an uncle of James Henry Smith
but that he was not a cousin as had been generally believed since his
death, and the statement came out as a big revelation that the former
Chicago banker was farther removed in relationship from the former Lake
county boy, Instead, Geo. Smith was a cousin of James Henry Smith's
father and was therefore only the second cousin of the man to whom he
left fifty millions of dollars.
SECOND--That it was George Smith, the original owner of the vast
property who planned for the education of the relatives who were unable
to pay their own way, was not due to the generosity of James Henry Smith
as has been generally supposed but that it was the result of a provision
which George Smith made in his will and which James Henry was obliged to
carry out under that instrument; that that same instrument provides for
the continuation of the education of certain relatives even after James
Henry's death.
THIRD--That James Henry Smith did not acquire that "Silent" demeanor as
a result of a love affair but that he manifested the same
characteristics when he was a child living at Millburn, Lake county,
twelve miles northwest of Waukegan that he was always a sort of a
recluse among the children of the neighborhood and that he was not well
liked by the children for that express reason.
WAS ALWAYS MOROSE.
The residents of Millburn vicinity are just now talking much about the
farmer boy who grew to the age of thirteen in their midst and was then
suddenly called to the home of his second cousin George Smith, and later
became the heir to the greatest fortune ever left a young man.
They recall reminiscenses of his early life in the village when he and
his brothers and sisters were really in want of necessities of life as
compared to children of the neighbors. One man in speaking of James
Henry recalls how the little fellow came into the world, in most humble
and ordinary circumstances.
Saw Him Right After Birth.
The man in question is George Stephens, a resident of Millburn, and
former chairman of the Lake County board of supervisors. He said:
"I can remember just as plainly as if it were yesterday how I had been
sent to the Smith's by my mother, on an errand. I had just reached the
house when one of the neighbors came out of the bedroom where a baby had
been born. The child did not have a stitch of clothing upon it and they
carried it into the sun light and showed it to me. I was about nine
years of age and was naturally interested in the new born babe. I had
never seen a baby which had barely time to open its eyes and I ran and
told the neighbors about it. That baby was later the famous James Henry
Smith."
Says He Was "Silent"
Another neighbor, in speaking of the former Lake county boy, said:
"His 'silent' life was not caused by a love affair although the public
has generally believed this to be the case. From the time that 'Jimmy'
as we used to call him, started to play with the neighbors' children, he
was morose and silent, never talked to the other boys much and the
result was that none of them cared for him very much and he used to play
alone most of the time because of the other lads did not care to put up
with his sullen disposition.
"Thus, it is seen that it was just born him to be this way. It was
rather singular that it was so because the rest of the Smith children
were just the opposite--they were jolly and good nature and liked to
have fun. The other children all liked them and they showed their
feelings toward them by their treatment of James, whom they never asked
into their games or anything else.
"Jimmy grew quite fast and then one day, the first thing we knew was
that word had come from the east that George Smith, a cousin of Jimmy's
father, had made a request to have Jimmy and Mary come and live with
him. We were all surprised that he would take Jimmy because he was so
cross-like but he did, all right and he did not come back to Lake county
very often after reaching maturity. He did not show much concern over
his former young friends, for, after going away, few of them ever heard
much about him, that is from himself directly. So, you see, he
maintained the same feelings toward the neighborhood kids after leaving
Millburn that he had when he was there."
Same Toward Relatives.
Inquiry from Lake county and Evanston relatives of the late millionaire
also revealed the fact that he did not keep up social acquaintance
toward them, not because he did not like them but merely through the
fact that he was of that sort of the disposition and grew up with her
who is now Mary Cooper whereas he was separated from his other brothers
and sisters in early life and grew to remember them merely as he did the
neighbors' children, as playmates of a period in his life of which he
remembered little and cared to remember less. As a result of these
conditions and characteristics of Mr. Smith, Lake county relatives do
not expect a great deal from the Smith estate, but, if they do get any
thing of importance it will be due, they believe, to the provisions of
James Henry Smith's second cousin, George Smith, rather than of Mr.
Smith's provision and solicitude himself.
FUNERAL HELD TODAY?
While reports from New York are that the funeral of the late James Henry
Smith is to be held Monday, the obsequies were held very privately and
quietly today, according to Victor A. Rossvach, of Evanston, a brother-
in-law of Mr. Smith.
Mr. and Mrs. Rossbach were unable to go to the funeral altho they had
expected to. The reason for their change in plans was because of the
condition of Mrs. Smith, the aged mother of James Henry and Mrs.
Rossbach. Said Mr. Rossbach in speaking of the mother of the
multi-millionaire: "We are quite concerned for our parent because of
the shock her son's death and all the notoriety that has followed it,
has caused her. She was sick with pneumonia a short time ago and her
weakened condition was made the worse when she heard of her son's death,
for, while she did not see him very often, she thought a great deal of
him and he seemed to think lots of her although, as everybody knows he
did not remain in this section only just long enough to call upon her,
whenever he visited Chicago.
"While people are insisting that we know what the contents of the will
of Mr. Smith will be, I say in all sincerity that we do not. There is
only one person in the world who knows it and that is Sir George Cooper,
who has the will. We are not counting any on what the will is to
reveal--we are willing to take what is given us, and, if we are not
cared for, all right. I do not look for a contest of the will no matter
how the property is disposed of."
Mr. Rossbach is of the belief that Mr. Smith made an agreement with his
wife before their marriage by which he settled a certain amount upon her
and he feels that likely the remainder of the estate is to be tied up in
such a manner that only the income will be available for the heirs. In
other words, he believes it has been patterned somewhat after the
Marshall Field will.
Original Owner the Cause.
But, in this connection, it is said that, in case this is the method of
disposing of the property, it is not the plan of James Henry Smith but
the result of a provision which his relative, George Smith, made, when
he willed his vast property to Jas. Henry.
Therefore, according to Mr. Rossbach's belief, James Henry has followed
his relative's dictate in this regard.
3 May 1907
HEIR IN THE SOUTHLAND
RELATIVES LEARN OF A BROTHER STILL LIVING,
OF WHOM TRACE WAS LOST.
BROTHER-IN LAW OF ROBERT SMART OF WAUKEGAN
May Share Estate of Multi-millionaire,
Whose Body Will be in Chicago today.
Another heir to the millions left by James Henry Smith has been found in
South America. Whether there is likely to be a contest of will from
that source has not developed.
The newly revealed heir is a brother of Smith, of whose existence only
the relatives, a few close friends and the old neighbors in the Village
of Millburn, Lake county, Ill., were aware. For some reason, possibly
an oversight, his name was not included by Evanston relatives in the
list of possible legatees given out ten days ago.
John Yule Smith is the brother's name. He is several years older than
James Henry. He is now in Valparalso, Chili, trying to carve out a
fortune.
Twelve years ago, on Jan. 25, 1895, Mr. and Mrs. George S. Smith parents
of Silent Smith and of the South American son, celebrated the fiftieth
anniversary of their wedding at the family home in Evanston.
Mentioned in Family Poem.
At that celebration Hugh D. Hughes read a number of verses, called
"Neighborly Lines" in which he narrated much of the history of the
family. One of the stanzas follows:
First came Maggie, the picture of her mother;
Then George, to carry on his father's name;
Then John, broad-shouldered, strong and like no other;
Then Christian, soon an angel came.
Then followed James. Then Mary blessed the union;
Who _____ took back the blood to Scotland's shores.
To firmer bind our hearts in sweet communion
With those who walk old Scottie's notive floors.
The "Yule" in John's name comes from that of his mother, whose maiden
name was Beatrice Yule. They used to call him "Jack" around Millburn,
and he still is "Jack" Smith to the men who were once schoolmates of his
at Hickory. As Mr. Hughes says John Yule Smith was "like no other" of
the Smith family. He loved freedom of the world better than the old farm
and preferred the hard knocks of western ranch experience to the chance
of being educated in college.
Seeks a Fortune In Chili.
More than a quarter of a century ago "Jack" Smith married Louise Smart,
daughter of a farmer near Millburn, and a sister to Robert Smart of
Waukegan. He went to Nebraska, where he lived on a ranch for a time.
He eventually tired of that life and resolved to woo fortune in Chile.
He has one son.
It is not believed here that Jack Smith has any thought of contesting
the will of his brother, no matter what ___ provision may be. The
Illinois friends of the family do not know whether he is coming on to
New York to attend the funeral or whether he has held any communication
with members of the family in this country since his brother's sudden
death in Japan. John Yule Smith is described as a man who probably
would not care to be burdened with the responsibility of millions. He
is about 57 years old.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Sun 3 May 1907
FROM "SILENT"
Mrs. Rossbach to Get Annuity
So States A Story Printed in the
Chicago American of Yesterday
DETAILS ON HOW THE BIG FORTUNE GOES
Principal Beneficiaries are two Nephews
Who Were Kind to Dead Millionaire Years Ago.
Reliable information obtained yesterday from one of the men who
have read the will of James Henry "Silent" Smith indicates that
the greater part of the fortune of the famous clubman will go to
one of two nephews.
These two nephews, one of whom is destined to have millions of
dollars, are:
W. S. Mason, cashier of the City National Bank, Evanston
George G. Mason, Aberdeen, S. D., division superintendent of the
Milwaukee Road.
These men are brothers and both are in modest circumstances.
"The major part of the Smith fortune will go to a nephew, a son of
his dead sister, Mrs. Mason," was the statement of authority who
has seen the Smith will.
How Big Fortune is Divided.
This same source of information divides the will in this way:
To Mrs. Rhinlander Stewart Smith, widow - $2,000,000
To Lady Cooper, sister - 3,000,000
To Mrs. Beatrice Smith, mother, Evanston - Annuity
To Mrs. Victor Rossbach, sister, Evanston - Annuity
To Mrs. J. N. Mills, sister, Evanston - Annuity
To George A. Smith, brother Philadelphia - Annuity
To Charity - Small Bequests
To servants - Small Bequests
To one nephew - Annuity
To other nephew - Residue
To several distant relatives in Lake Forest - Small Bequests
Nothing for Stepdaughter
Those who have seen the will express surprise that Mr. Smith did
not give a substantial bequest to his stepdaughter, Miss Anita
Stuart. Lawyers interested express the opinion that Mr. Smith's
residuary legatee will receive a larger sum than he himself
inherited about eight years ago. $55,000,000, as most of his
securities have increased in value.
There was one of Mr. Smith's nephews in New York to greet Sir
George and Lady Cooper when they arrived there from Europe. He
was George G. Mason of Aberdeen, S. D. a division superintendent
of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad.
May Be Buried Saturday.
Other relatives directly interested in the will include Mr.
Smith's mother, Mrs. Beatrice Smith, who lives at 1220 Ridge
avenue, Evanston, Ill.; his brother, George A. Smith of
Philadelphia; his two sisters, Mrs. Victor Rossbach and Mrs. J. N.
Mills, both of Evanston, and his nephew, William S. Mason, vice-
president of the City National Bank of Evanston.
While the time for the funeral service has not been definitely set
it probably will be either on Saturday or Monday.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 4 May 1907
MRS. SMITH MAY GET FOUR MILLION
REPORTED FROM NEW YORK THAT WIDOW OF JAMES HENRY SMITH
WILL GET BIG SLICE.
LADY COOPER, BORN IN LAKE CO, TO GET $2,000,000.
Interesting Facts Coming Out
-Smith's Body Due in Chicago Today.
A special from New York says: Mrs. James Henry Smith will received
$4,000,000 under the will of her husband, according to persons who
have seen the will. The will provides it is understood for a
large number of small legacies of from $50,000 up.
It is believed that the Chicago hospital will come in for $500,000
and that at least $600,000 more will go to charity. There are
four trust funds established under the will for the benefit of the
relatives of Smith, but just what they amount to or who are to
benefit by them was not made public.
Practically all of the dozen or more distant relatives of Mr.
Smith will get such sums. The widow is left $4,000,000; Lady
Cooper, a sister, is to get $2,000,000, and the residue is to be
divided between the two sons of Mr. Smith's sister, George G.
Mason of Aberdeen, S. D., and William S. Mason, vice president of
the City National bank of Evanston, Ill. George G. Mason will
receive the larger part of this his share being put at
$10,000,000.
It is not believed likely that there will be any contest, every
possible heir having been well taken care of.
Silent Smith's Body en Route.
The body of James Henry Smith was due to arrive in Chicago from
the orient at 4 o'clock this morning. Santa Fe train No. 8, to
which Eugene Zimmerman's private car bearing the funeral party is
attached, was scheduled to reach Chicago at 8:47 o'clock last
evening, but was delayed. The car will continue to New York over
the Michigan Central and New York Central roads.
Arrangements have been made to hold the funeral in New York
Monday. None of the Evanston relatives, it is said, will attend.
6 May 1907
RECALLS SMITH'S TRIAL HERE
REPORTED LOCATION OF "JACK" SMITH IN CHILE RECALLS FACT
THAT HE WAS ONCE INDICTED BY LAKE COUNTY GRAND JURY
AND JUMPED HIS BONDS, NEVER APPEARING THEREAFTER.
INHERITANCE FROM JAMES HENRY SMITH MAY HAVE RESULT
OF HIM RETURNING TO LAKE COUNTY IN NEAR FUTURE
Smith is Said to Have Mulcted Lake County People and Was Arrested on
Charge of Forgery--Was Regarded Even More Highly Than James Henry Smith
--Went West From Here.
The death of James Henry Smith has brought out the fact that John Yule
Smith, an older brother of the dead millionaire, who has been a fugitive
from justice for nearly a quarter of a century, may return from Chile,
where he has been living. The fact that he is likely to get a big
inheritance from the estate has disclosed the hiding place of the "black
sheep" of the family.
The name of "Jack" Smith has been carefully excluded from the list of
heirs of the millionaire by the family and only for the fact that there
are yet living today those in Lake county whom it is alleged he
defrauded over twenty years ago there is reason to believe that his
existence would still be kept from the knowledge of the public.
Returns to Gain Wealth.
Former friends and acquaintances of the fugitive around Waukegan, are
responsible for the statement that Jack Smith will sooner or later
return to his native haunts, his rich inheritance being a means of
settling up scores that might otherwise prove a stumbling block to his
safe appearance on the scenes of his indiscretions.
Jack Smith was a few years older than his brother, James Henry, but
during their residence in Millburn, Lake county, he was always
considered the more promising and the most likely business man of the
two.
In the early '80's Jack Smith went west, locating at Big Bend, Neb. So
high was the esteem in which he was held that on his return to Millburn
Lake county, on periodical trips with offers to negotiate mortgages and
notes on farm land in Nebraska he found his Lake county friends and
acquaintances quite ready to take the papers he tendered them with the
assurances of big profits.
Confidence Soon Ended
The rate of interest in his home county at that time on money was only 8
per cent, compared with 10 and 12 per cent in Nebraska, and his
propositions met with general favor by those that had a little surplus
cash to invest. This confidence in Smith, however, was not to last long
it was so learned that while he had a few mortgages and notes that were
genuine securities the majority of them, according to allegations,
covered property that did not exist. The outcome of the deal was that
Isaac Lyon one of the wealthiest merchants in Waukegan and a victim of
Smith, swore out a warrant against the latter.
Smith in the meantime was in Iowa and was having some more trouble that
threatened to place him behind prison bars.
Escaped to Europe
Iowa and the country getting too hot for Smith, he left for England,
where he remained some time and later went to Canada, after a short stay
there he believed that his troubles had been forgotten, and he went to
Kansas and made arrangements to take a farm near Eureka Springs, and
there he moved his family. Word of his reappearance in this country
reached John W. Swanbrough, present chief of police of Waukegan and at
that time sheriff of the county. With the warrant issued by Lyon he
went to Kansas, located Smith, placed him under arrest and
brought him back to Lake county,
where he was incarcerated. Smith was indicted and place under
bonds.
Lyon and others who had placed their money in investments with
Smith appeared against the prisoner before the charge of forgery.
Smith was released on heavy bonds, which were signed by friends of
the family. It is said at the request of his brother, James Henry
Smith.
Smith's case was to come up in the circuit court a few weeks
later, but he failed to appear and his bonds were forfeited. It
was freely said around Waukegan at the time that his brother
reimbursed the sureties on the bond.
Later "Silent" Smith met Mr. Lyon in Chicago and settled with him
the losses sustained by the peculiar financial methods of his brother.
Other victims were reimbursed in the same way, so it is said but some of
them say they recovered only the principal without interest.
Disappears From Country.
From the time Smith left Waukegan, shortly after he was released on
bonds, he has never been seen in this country and his whereabouts have
been kept a secret. While the victims of his "high finance" methods
were satisfied so far as the money consideration was concerned, the
criminal charge still remained, and fear of arrest and a prison cell has
undoubtedly kept Smith away from the scene of his worries and, as it has
developed, from the United States.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Sun 6 May 1907
Mr. and Mrs. James Pollock spent Sunday and Monday in Waukegan.
Fred Gallagher, of Fox Lake, and Phillips Daniels, of Lake
Villa, spent Sunday with Jess Denman.
Mrs. Robt. Thorn, of Gurnee, was a Millburn caller last
Wednesday.
Mrs. Richard Pantall spent Wednesday in Chicago having her eyes
treated.
Ed Martin attended the meting of the Shriners in Chicago last
Friday
Mable and Bae Adams from Chicago Lawn came Friday to stay
several weeks with their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Pantall.
Victor Gillings is working for James Armour. Stanley Odum has
gone to Waukegan to work in the brass works.
Mrs. Martin and Irene Cunningham of Waukegan, spent Friday and
Saturday with their mother, Mrs. Cunningham.
Miss Gladys Gail, of Highland Park, visited several days with
her uncle C. E. Denman.
Mr. and Mrs. Ed wells spent Saturday and Sunday at Union Grove.
Lester Bonner transacted business in Evanston and Winnetka last
Saturday.
Mr. Lee, creamery inspector, visited the Millburn creamery this
week.
Miss Alice Jamison, of Berwyn, spent Saturday and Sunday with
her parents.
Miss Lenora Ames will spend this week with Mrs. Wm. Thom Sr.,
at Libertyville.
Messrs. John Bonner and Elmer Cannon attended the Masons at
Grayslake Saturday evening.
Mrs. Wheaton and son returned to Wheaton Friday accompanied by
her aunt, Miss Foote. Miss Foote returned home Saturday.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 8 May 1907
THE YULE FAMILY LEFT OUT
NOT ONE OF THE YULES,
FIRST COUSINS OF JAMES HENRY SMITH,
GETS BEQUEST IN WILL
SURPRISING BECAUSE OTHER COUSINS GOT BEQUESTS
Comes as Surprise Because of Interest
Shown in Past by Him in Their Welfare.
In connection with the filing of the will of James Henry Smith and
the fact that a number of former Lake county people were
remembered, the Gazette learns of a whole family of cousins of the
multi-millionaire who were not remembered to any extent, although
many other cousins, will get bequests.
The family in question is the Yule family, members of which live
here in Waukegan and also in other parts of the county.
Mrs. Yule, the mother of the children referred to, was the sister
of the mother of Mrs. Smith (James' Mother) hence James Henry and
the Yule family were first cousins.
Among the cousins in question, none of whom, according to reports,
were remembered by him in the least were the following:
1-Mrs. Frank Gerry, Center St., Waukegan.
2-Mrs. W. G. White, wife of undertaker White, of Millburn and the
mother of Lloyd White of Thacker and White, this city.
3-Mrs. Philip Dietmeyer of Wadsworth-Millburn vicinity.
4-Miss Alice Yule, who is a domestic, employed in the home of
mother of Lloyd White of Thackerdan Road.
5-Frank Yule, who lives west of Kenosha.
None of these cousins are likely to get a cent from their
relative's vast fortune although their other cousins shared well,
according to reports. The Yule children, however, have benefited
from the fortune in the past as it is said that James Henry spent
much money educating the various members of the family.
Surprise Generally
As a result of the interest shown in their education, the fact
comes as a surprise that he did not provide anything in the will.
It would seem that he would have done this if he was enough
interested in the family to provide for their education.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Sun 8 May 1907
$250,000 MRS. ROSSBACH'S LEGACY FROM SILENT SMITH
By the terms of the will of the late James Henry Smith, ("Silent"
Smith) read yesterday after his burial, his widow receives
$3,000,000, George Grant Mason of New York, his nephew receives
two-thirds of the residuary estate valued at $30,000,000.
Mrs. V. A. Rossback, formerly of this city, receives $250,000.
The total estate is estimated at $52,000,000.
All of the estate, of course, would have gone to "Silent" Smith's
children had he had any, but no heir is expected.
List of the Bequests
The will makes bequests, in all amounting to nearly $6,500,000 as
follows:
Annie Armstrong Smith, widow in lieu of dower, in cash or
securities, of $3,000,000.
Anita Stewart, daughter of Mrs. Smith by her former husband a life
interest in 500 Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway Company, 4
per cent bonds of $1,000 each, $500,000.
Lady Cooper, wife of Sir George Cooper, sister, a life interest in
1000 Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway Company, 4 percent
bonds of $1,000 each, the same to go to her children at her death,
$1,000,000.
Mrs. Victor Rossbach, sister, $250,000.
Mrs. John Mills, sister, $250,000.
George Alexander Smith, of Evanston, Ill., nephew, $500,000.
Mrs. William Ziokrell of Pheonix, Arizona, cousin, $50,000.
Thomas, Eddy, sons of Mrs. Margaret Eddy, a cousin, of Chicago,
Ill., $100,000 each.
Mrs. Lucy Mason Vose, niece, $250,000.
Mrs. Wm. Farr, of Kenosha, Wis., a cousin, $50,000.
James C. Keith, of Vancouver, a cousin, $100,000.
Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Downe, butler and housekeeper, $10,000
each.
John Piggott, valet, $5,000.
John Kehoe, coachman, $1,000.
William Davis, coachman, $1,000.
St. Luke's Hospital $100,000.
Orthopedic Hospital of New York, $100,000.
The will is dated September 13, 1906, and executed in Scotland
shortly after the marriage of Mr. Smith and Mrs. William
Rhinelander Stewart. It appoints his brother-in-law, Sir George
Cooper of Hursley Park, Winchester, baronet; William Smith Mason
of Evanston, Ill., George Grant Mason, of Aberdeen, S. D., and
George Simpson Eddy, of New York, and Herman S. LeRoy, of New
York, executors and trustees of his will.
Mrs. Victor Rossbach, who receives $250,000, was formerly Miss
Ruby Smith, sister to James Henry Smith. She lives at 1021 Lee
street, Evanston. Her husband is a life insurance agent. Both are
well known here where they resided for years.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 8 May 1907
MRS. ROSSBACH'S GETS BEQUEST OF $250,000.
Former Waukegan Woman Gets Quarter of Million of Dollars
From Her Brother James Henry Smith
Whose Will Was Opened in New York Monday.
TWO NEPHEWS GET THE BULK OF THE ESTATE OF $25,000,000;
"JACK" SMITH IS NOT REMEMBERED IN THE WILL.
By the terms of the will of the late James Henry Smith, read
Tuesday in New York, after his burial, his widow receives
$3,000,000, George Grant Mason of New York, his nephew receives
two-thirds of the residuary estate, valued at $30,000,000.
A second nephew, Wm. S. Mason, of Evanston, receives the other
third of the residuary estate.
The total estate is estimated at $52,000,000.
All of the estate, of course, would have gone to "Silent" Smith's
children had he had any, but no heir is expected.
Mrs. Victor Rossbach, formerly of Park avenue, Waukegan, a sister
of Smith, gets $250,000 and the other brothers and sisters, with
the exception of Jack Smith, the brother who disappeared many
years ago, get the same amount--$250,000. The name of Jack Smith
does not appear in the list of heirs hence it is evident that the
rich brother cut him off as a result of the trouble he got into in
this city many years ago, mentioned in the GAZETTE Monday.
List of the Bequests
The will makes bequests, in all amounting to nearly $6,500,000 as
follows:
Annie Armstrong Smith, widow in lieu of dower, in cash or
securities, of $3,000,000.
Anita Stewart, daughter of Mrs. Smith by her former husband, a
life interest in 500 Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway
company, 4 per cent bonds of $1,000 each, $500,000.
Lady Cooper, wife of Sir George Cooper, sister, a life interest in
1000 Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway company, 4 percent
bonds of $1,000 each, the same to go to her children at her death,
$1,000,000.
Mrs. Victor Rossbach, sister, $250,000.
Mrs. John Mills, sister, $250,000.
George Alexander Smith, of Evanston, Ill., nephew, $500,000.
Mrs. William Ziokrell of Phoenix, Arizona, cousin, $50,000.
George Simpson Eddy and Thomas Eddy, sons of Mrs. Margaret Eddy, a
cousin, of Chicago, Ill., $100,000 each. $200,000.
Mrs. Lucy Mason Vose, niece, $250,000.
Mrs. Wm. Farr, of Kenosha, Wis., a cousin, $50,000.
James C. Keith, of Vancouver, a cousin, $100,000.
Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Downe, butler and housekeeper, $10,000 each.
$20,000.
John Piggott, valet, $5,000.
John Kehoe, coachman, $1,000.
William Davis, coachman, $1,000.
St. Luke's Hospital $100,000.
Orthopedic Hospital of New York, $100,000.
The will is dated September 13, 1906, and executed in Scotland
shortly after the marriage of Mr. Smith and Mrs. William
Rhinelander Stewart. It appoints his brother-in-law, Sir George
Cooper of Hursley Park, Winchester, baronet; William Smith Mason
of Evanston, Ill., George Grant Mason, of Aberdeen, S. D., and
George Simpson Eddy of New York, and Herman S. LeRoy, of New York,
executors and trustees of his will.
Makes Him a Magnate.
George Grant Mason, who will get the bulk of the estate, is the
son of Margaret Smith Mason, eldest sister of James Henry Smith.
He is 38 years old and is division superintendent of the St. Paul
railroad at Aberdeen, S. D.
He has been connected with the St. Paul road ever since he
graduated from Stevens Institute, Hoboken, in 1889, working up
from an apprentice in the West Milwaukee shops. After servicing
as shop apprentice for four years he was made foreman of the
locmotive works at the same shops, then roundhouse foreman at
Green Bay, Wis., then chief draftsman, then trainmaster of the
Iowa and Dakota division of the road. He held this job for five
years and then was made superintendent of the James River
division, the place he now holds.
A large part of the property which will go to George Grant Mason
will consist of shares of the St. Paul road which the testator
held at the time of his death, 19,000.
More Millions for Evanston.
The will of Silent Smith adds many more millions to the wealth of
Evanstan people. William Smith Mason one of the residuary
legatees, who will come in for $10,000,000, was as "silent" last
night concerning the reasons for his being one of the chief
benefactors under the terms of the will as ever his uncle was when
he earned his title. He has declined on several occasions to give
even the names of his parents or his age.
At present he is the vice president of the City National Bank of
Evanston and engages in the real estate business with James R.
Smart under the firm name of Mason & Smart, 1580 Sherman avenue,
Evanston. He is married.
Orphan at Early Age.
William Smith Mason and his brother George were left orphans at an
early age, and the uncle bore the expense of their education. Mr.
Mason was graduated from Yale university in 1893, and went to
Evanston, where he entered the real estate firm of Smith, Morse &
Mason one of his partners being George A. Smith a brother of
"Silent" who removed to Philadelphia in 1905, when the Mason &
Smart partnership was former.
Mr. Mason is by nature a quiet man. It was desired last winter by
a large number of his friends that he should become the
independent candidate for mayor of Evanston, but he declined the
honor. He uses a bicycle in transacting his business errands, and
his one recreation apparently is that of playing golf, for which
object he retains a membership in two clubs, the Evanston and the
Exmoor clubs. He also belongs to the Evanston club.
Other Evanston Heirs.
George Simpson Eddy, named as trustee, and his brother Thomas
Eddy, both of whom received $100,000 were formerly of Chicago, but
now reside in New York.
Mrs. Lucy Mason Vose, who is to get $250,000 is a sister of George
W. and lives at 1114 Maple avenue. Her husband is Frederick P.
Vose, an attorney of Evanston.
Mrs. Victor Rossbach, who receives $250,000, was formerly Miss
Ruby Smith, sister to James Henry Smith. She lives at 1021 Lee
street, Evanston. Her husband is a life insurance agent.
Mrs. Mabel Mills, who receives $250,000, is a sister of James
Henry Smith, and lives at 1220 Ridge avenue, Evanston. Her
husband, the Rev. John Nelson Mills, formerly was pastor of the
Second Presbyterian church in Evanston, but resigned from the
Ministry in 1895, shortly after his marriage.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 8 May 1907
TAKES PART OF JACK SMITH
Waukegan Man Says He Does Not Believe Lake County Man
Was to Blame for Downfall-Believes James Henry Smith
Made Settlement With Him Before Death.
FIGURES OUT THAT REASON WHY BROTHERS AND SISTERS
GOT LESS THAN NEPHEWS WAS BECAUSE NEPHEWS DID WHAT
ORIGINAL SMITH WISHED.
The fact that James Henry Smith did not leave his brother Jack, or
his mother anything in his will and that he left his brothers and
sisters only small amounts as compared to the millions left his
nephews, gives rise to considerable speculation in Waukegan where
the family is well know.
Said one man in speaking of the matter today:
"I see he did not leave Jack Smith anything but if he did not,
Jack, is not the fellow to ask for any of it. He is too
independent. But, at the same time, I'll bet that Jas. Henry
provided for him in some manner even though he was not named in
the will.
The man in question did not think that Jack would start a contest
even if he did not get a cent but the general impression is that a
settlement was made with him before.
NOT HIS FAULT.
Another man in speaking of Jack Smith's trouble in Lake wherein he
faced the penitentiary, etc., the facts having been mentioned, in
Monday's
Gazette, said
"That was not Jack's fault. He got into business with a man named
Kendall, who was a corker. They conducted their business and it
appeared to be fair and all right. Then Kendall sold out to Smith
and went away and it was not until after he had gone that Smith
found out where matters stood and in what danger he was in. He
sought to settle matters and I believe he did. I think that Jack
was as square as a die and I lay all of his trouble to Kendall who
got out of it by selling out to Jack and clearing out.
REASONS FOR WILL
The fact that the two nephews obtain the greater part of the Smith
estate (noted in another column) is also explained away in a
manner satisfactory to people hereabouts by a man who knows the
family well.
He said: "I believe that James Henry Smith did not have much to
say regarding the giving away of his wealth, and had he it
entirely in his hands, I believe his brothers and sisters would
have got more and his nephews less.
You see, the original George Smith (who left James Henry His
fortune) always had a liking for the two nephews of James Henry
and they seemed to pick out the walks in life which he wished them
to follow. The others did not and therefore, according to what I
have been able to learn, the original Smith provided in his
bequest to James Henry, to give the bulk of the fortune to the men
mentioned instead of his own relatives in the case of his (James
Henry's) death.
"That is the way I figure out the fact that Smith's immediate
family did not get more than the will shows they will-it was not
his fault but that of the original Smith."
AS TO THE MOTHER.
As to the mother of James Henry not having been mentioned in the
will, a friend of the family said: "I believe she has been
provided for in a sumptuous manner, having been given a liberal
allowance monthly during his life and having received many large
bequests at various times."
09 May 1907
SMITH LEGACIES VAST
Fortune of $25,000,000 Distributed by
Will of Multimillionaire
WIDOW GETS $3,000,000.
Testator Enriches Evanston Relatives, Two Nephews,
St. Luke's Hospital and Faithful Servents.
A fortune of $25,000,000 is to be distributed to the heirs of James
Henry Smith, generally known as "Silent" Smith, formerly of Chicago,
who died in Kioto, Japan, March 26.
By terms of the will, which was made public Tuesday night, the members
of the immediate family of the deceased, several of whom live in
Evanston, will come into possession of the bulk of the estate.
St. Luke's hospital of Chicago, which a year ago was given $500,000
by Mr. Smith, also is remembered to the extent of $100,000.
The special bequests aggregate about $6,500,000 and the residue of the
estate in case there is no direct heir, will go to George Grant Mason,
of Aberdeen, S. D. and Wm. Smith Mason of Evanston.
The Aberdeen man will receive two thirds of the residue and Evanston
man, who is vice president of the city national bank of that place,
will receive the remaining one third.
This would mean that unless an heir is born to Mr. Smith's recent
union, that the two Mason brothers will get one about $12,000,000 and
the other about $6,000,000.
The following legacies are made: To his wife, Annie Armstrong Smith,
in lieu of dower the sum of $3,000,000 to be taken by her in either
money or securities.
To her daughter, Anita Stewart, a life interest in 500 Chicago,
Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway Company 4 per cent bonds of $1000
each.
To his sister, Lady Cooper, a life interest in 1,000 Chicago,
Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway Company at 4 percent bonds at $1,000
each, the same to go to her children at her death.
To his sister, Mrs. Victor Rossbach of Evanston, $250,000.
To his sister, Mrs. John Mills of Evanston $250,000.
In trust for the son of his brother, Geo. Alexander Smith, of
Evanston, $500,000.
To Mrs. Wm. Zickrell, a cousin, of Phoenix, Ar. $50,000.
To Geo. Simpson Eddy and Thos. Eddy, sons of Mrs. Margaret Eddy, a
cousin, of Chicago, $100,000 each.
To his niece, Mrs. Lucy Mason Vose of Evanston, $250,000.
To Mrs. William Farr of Kenosha, a cousin, $50,000.
To his cousin, James C. Keith of Vancouver, $100,000.
To his butler and housekeeper, Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Downe, $10,000
each.
To his valet, John Piggott, $5,000.
To his coachmen, John Kehoe and William Davis, each $1,000.
To the Orthopaedic hospital of New York $100,000.
The executors also are directed to hold all the residuary estate as
trustees in trust for children, who being sons or a son attain the age
of 21, or being daughters or a daughter attain that age or marry, and
if no child lives to attain a vested interest the testator gives one-
third thereof to his nephew, William Mason, and two-thirds to his
nephew, George Grant Mason, absolutely.
In case any child of the testator lives to attain a vested interest in
the residuary estate he gives $250,000 to William Smith Mason and
$500,000 to Geo. Grant Mason.
Be on the lookout for a social in the near future.
Clarence Bonner of Chicago visited at home Saturday and Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. A. K. Bain were business callers in Chicago last
Thursday.
Mr. and Mrs. Scott LeVoy of Wadsworth were callers here Thursday.
Leslie Cannon will entertain the business meeting on Friday
evening, May 10.
Miss Inez Pollock of Chicago visited Saturday and Sunday with Mrs.
Watson.
Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Strang visited in Rochester, Wis., last Tuesday
and Wednesday.
Mrs. Adams and children of Chicago Lawn are here assisting Mr.
Pantall in the store, in the absence of E. A. Martin.
Charles Ames was called to Warren the latter part of last week
where he assisted his brother with the farm duties, who has been sick
for a few days.
We regret very much the loss of Mr. and Mrs. William Thom, Sr., who
moved to Libertyville last Wednesday, but we wish them happiness in
their new home.
Those who served the supper at the Ladies Aid meeting at the church
last Thursday were: Mrs. Elmer Cannon, Mrs. John Crawford, Mrs. C. E.
Denman and Mrs. H. E. Jamieson. The dining room was prettily
decorated in green and white which attracted the attention of about
sixty-five persons who partook of a tempting menu.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 9 May 1907
MAY BE A CONTEST OF SMITH WILL
REPORTED THAT ANOTHER BROTHER OF PHILADELPHIA
IS MUCH UNSATISFIED.
AND WITH "JACK SMITH HE MAY START CONTEST
Angered Because He Did Not Get a Cent
While Step Daughter got a Million.
New York, May 9-The features of the will of James Henry Smith
caused great surprise here-today among the dead millionaire's
friends. These were that the instrument which gives millions to
nephews, nieces and cousins, totally ignores three of his nearest
relatives, his aged mother, who lives in Evanston, Ill., and two
brothers, George A. and John.
John Smith, said to have been the black sheep of the family, is
reported to be in Brazil. George A. Smith is living in
Philadelphia. The latter's son, George A. Smith, Jr., who resides
in Evanston, is given $500,000 by the will.
Silent Smith's Philadelphia brother is said to be amazed and
indignant that he was cut off without a penny in his brother's
will, while more distant relatives were given the bulk of the
$52,000,000 estate, and a daughter, of William Rhinelander Smith,
stepdaughter of the decedent, is to receive $500,000.
It is reported that George Smith's close friends in Philadelphia
assert he will contest the will and make a fight for a large share
in the estate. In this fight it is said he will be joined by the
expatriated brother, in Brazil.
By the terms of the will of Silent Smith read after his burial his
widow receives $3,000,000. George Grant Mason of Aberdeen, S. D.
his nephew, receives two-thirds of the residuary estate, valued at
$30,000,000.
A second nephew, William S. Mason, of Evanston, Ill., receives the
other third of the residuary estate.
The total is estimated at $52,000,000. All of the estate would
have gone to Silent Smith's children had he had any, but no heir
is expected.
Executed in Scotland.
The will is dated Sept. 13, 1906, and executed in Scotland shortly
after the marriage of Mr. Smith and Mrs. William Rhinelander
Stewart.
Smith gave away $27,000,000 to his relatives and to charity before
his death, according to a statement made by one of the executors
of the estate today.
According to the executor the money was used mainly for gifts to
Mr. Smith's relatives, hospitals and charitable enterprises in
England and America.
It is said that Mr. Smith did not intend to leave a gigantic
estate to be distributed after his death, but preferred to have
his relatives established in business and using his money. If he
had lived long enough, it is said, he would have disposed of all
of the vast estate bequeathed to him by his uncle except enough to
provide for his own requirements.
WHY MOTHER GOT NOTHING
The fact that Mrs. Beatrice Smith mother of the millionaire, was
not remembered in the will Mr. Mason accounted for as follows:
"Mrs. Smith is a very old lady and has already received from her
son a small fortune which will more than provide for her during
the remainder of her life.
WHY THEY WERE LEFT OUT OF WILL
WAUKEGAN MAN SAYS JAMES SMITH FEARED LEAVING
MOTHER LEGACY BECAUSE IT MIGHT TANGLE MATTERS.
IT WOULD FORCE JACK SMITH TO RETURN HERE
Before the Estate Could be Settled up
-Interesting-Explanation by Waukegan Man Today.
"You ask why it was that James Henry Smith did not remember the
mother in his will and also his brother, Jack?" said a man who
knows of the family in speaking to the GAZETTE today.
"I'll tell you" he continued.
"The reason he not leave his brother Jack anything by his will was
because he knew if he did, it would necessitate the locating of
his brother who lies under a cloud, which he has not been able to
clear away.
"Now then, in case he had left his mother a legacy as was
generally looked for, do you see what the result would have
been?
"She is quite advanced in age and has been sick for some time.
Her years are not very many on this earth and if she had been left
a legacy by James Henry (one of any extent), when her estate was
probated, it would necessitate the discovery of the son Jack
before her property could be divided among the other children.
Thus, you see, James Henry evidently foresaw these facts and he
avoided bringing about this condition by making a settlement with
them outside of the will, and therefore they were not mentioned in
the instrument.
"By making a settlement with the brother, "Jack" before making the
will would serve to keep the secret of his whereabouts, and by
excluding the mother from the will prevents the brother from
getting another slice of the money.
"This, I believe, is a very satisfactory explanation of the matter
which is causing general speculation-as to why neither the mother
nor brother were mentioned in the will."
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 10 May 1907
Mr. and Mrs. Le Voy and children of Wadsworth, were callers here
last week.
Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Cannon will entertain the C. E. business
meeting on Friday, May 10.
Miss Gladys Gail, who has been visiting with Mrs. Denman
returned to her home a week ago last Friday.
Mr. Robt. McDougall spent two days the fore part of last week
in Wisconsin.
E. A. Martin left Tuesday for the west, where he will visit
through California.
Clarence Bonner was home over Sunday.
Miss Pollock of Chicago has been here visiting, she returned
Sunday.
Miss Jameson of Berwin, visited last Saturday in Millburn.
Miss Lucie Trotter is back to Millburn again.
Mrs. Adams and children of Chicago, are here visiting with Mrs.
Pantall.
Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Strang were visiting in Rochester last
Wednesday and Thursday.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Sun 13 May 1907
Mr. and Mrs. A. K. Bain transacted business in Chicago last
Thursday.
F. Bairstow, of Waukegan, was a Millburn caller last week.
Arthur Simpson, County Supt. of schools, called on the Dodge
and Hockaday schools last week.
A reporter for one of the Chicago papers was out this way last
week to learn more of the particulars of Silent James Smith.
Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Strang left Thursday to attend a concert and
visit their son Leon at Rochester returning Friday.
Clarence Bonner, of Chicago, spent Sunday with his parents.
Miss Anne McCredie, of Deerfield visited her sister and brother
over Sunday.
Miss Inez Pollock of Chicago, spent Sunday with her mother.
Norman Adams visited Saturday and Sunday with Richard Pantall.
Rev. A. W. Safford went Monday to attend a conference and visit
at Wheaton returning Wednesday of this week.
Mrs. Josephine Mathews visited several days in Waukegan the
latter part of the week.
C. E. topic Lessons from the Patriarchs IV, Simeon Ames,
leader.
Miss Ethel Ames teacher of the Browe school was sick several
days last week but is better at present writing.
The C. E. business meeting will be held at the home of Elmer
Cannon, Friday evening, May 10. All C. E. workers come.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Sun 13 May 1907
LADY COOPER, SILENT SMITH'S SISTER, VISITS ROSSBACHS
Lady Cooper, sister of the late James Henry "Silent" Smith and her
husband, Sir George Cooper, arrived in Evanston at 10 o'clock
yesterday morning to visit Lady Cooper's mother, Mrs. Beatrice
Yule Smith and other relatives.
Their arrival in Evanston was unknown to the public. They came
unexpectedly and walked from the Dempster street station to Mrs.
Smith's residence, 1220 Ridge avenue, unattended. They will
remain in Evanston for three days and then return to New York and
later to England.
Sir George and Lady Cooper are traveling simply. They left their
valet and maid in New York and brought only one trunk. Lady
Cooper wore a plain gray traveling gown and Sir George a suit of
blue serge.
Neither would talk of their visit except to say that it was their
annual trip to see Lady Cooper's mother. They have made the visit
each year, but so quietly that no one has known of it.
In the afternoon, relatives called on them at Mrs. Smith's
residence. Among them were William Smith Mason, principal heir
to the Smith millions in Evanston and a nephew of "Silent" Smith;
Mrs. Lucy Mason Vose, a niece and her husband, Frederick E. Vose;
Mrs. Victor A. Rossbach, a sister of the late millionaire family
of this city, and Mrs. Thomas A. Eddy, a cousin.
Mrs. John N. Mills, a sister of Lady Cooper, who, with her
husband, lives with her mother, took Sir George and Lady Cooper
for an automobile ride up the lake shore in the afternoon.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 14 May 1907
NO VACANT CHAIR FOR SILENT SMITH
Lady Cooper and the $13,000,000 and $6,500,000 Heirs
to be There.
There will be no vacant chair in memory of the late James Henry
Smith at the annual dinner of the Smith family at Evanston this
evening.
It had been reported that a chair would mark the place at the
table which the late millionaire occupied a twelve month ago, but
this was denied last night.
George Grant Mason, of Aberdeen, S. D., who inherited $13,000,000
from Smith, who was his uncle, will arrive this morning from New
York and will be the guest of his brother, William Smith Mason,
who inherited $6,500,000.
Those present at the dinner will be Sir George Cooper of England,
and Lady Cooper, who was sister of "Silent" Smith; Mr. and Mrs.
Geo. Grant Mason, Mr. and Mrs. William Smith Mason, Mrs. Frederick
P. Vose sister of the Mason brothers, and Mr. Vose; Mrs. Victor A.
Rossbach and Mrs. John M. Mills, sisters of Silent Smith, with
their husbands, and Thomas A. Eddy.
Sir George and Lady Cooper will go to New York Friday and will
return from there to Europe. They will be accompanied east by Mr.
and Mrs. George Grant Mason.
16 May 1907
J. A. Strang was a Chicago visitor Monday.
Mr. McGuire and daughter Ethel visited in Zion City on Wednesday.
Mr. Adams of Chicago visited with Mr. Pantall from Friday till
Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel Oddett and children visited with Mrs. Gerrity
over Sunday.
Mr. Dippie of Chicago spent a few days last week with his daughter
Mrs. Gerrity, of this place.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 17 May 1907
SMITH HEIR QUITS WORK
GEO. G. MASON DOESN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH FORTUNE.
Resigns Position As Division Superintendent with
Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul and Goes to New York
to Look After His $12,000,000-Says he Got Money
Because He "Stuck to Railroading"
Which Was the "Silent" One's Wish.
After attending the reunion of the relatives of the Late James
Henry Smith, George Grant Mason, a nephew and chief heir of the
dead millionaire, left Evanston for New York last night, undecided
as to what he intends to do with the $12,000,000 left him by his
uncle.
Before leaving, Mr. Mason, who is a brother of William S. Mason,
1550 Oak avenue, Evanston, wired his resignation to offices of the
Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad at Aberdeen S. D., where
he has been division superintendent the last few years.
Stuck to Job; Got Fortune.
Mr. Mason said his uncle's reason for bequeathing him so large a
sum of the fortune was because he "stuck to railroading," as his
uncle wished him to do. The Evanston brother, who "didn't stick"
to railroading received only half as much as the chief heir.
"I don't know what I will do with the money." said the man from
South Dakota, " I expected a little, but was greatly surprised
when I was informed how much my uncle left me. It will take most
of my time taking care of the fortune, so I gave up my railroad
job.
"In 1882 at the request of my uncle, my brother and I went to
Yale. After finishing our studies he desired that we cast our
fortunes with the railroad which his `pet'.
Starts Work at Bottom.
"We did so. I worked in Milwaukee in the mechanical department of
the road, for five years, I was sent to Green Bay as roundhouse
foreman. It was at Green Bay that I met my wife, then Miss Marion
Peak. Later I returned to Milwaukee as chief draftsman, and then
to Mason City, Ia., where I was trainmaster five years. I was
promoted to division superintendent at Aberdeen, S. D. Meanwhile
my brother had left the railroad business and entered the real
estate field in Chicago."
SMITH EXECUTOR IN TOWN
George Mason, En Route to New York, to Qualify, Stops Here.
George Grant Mason, of Aberdeen S. D., who spent Wednesday night
and yesterday morning with relatives in Evanston, left Chicago
last evening for New York. Mr. Mason is one of the executors of
the will of the dead millionaire James Henry Smith and will remain
in New York, for some time to qualify himself as a resident of the
state so he can act as executor.
William S. Mason, of Evanston said last night that he would join
his brother in New York, tomorrow and that he, too, would probably
have to take up a temporary residence in that city to act as
executor of the will.
"I don't think my brother has severed his connections with the
Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad as yet and I don't think
he will for some time at least," Mr. Mason said last evening.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Sun 18 May 1907
Mrs. Geo. Gerrity has been entertaining her father, Mr. Dippie, of
Chicago, several days.
Norman Adams, of Chicago Lawn, came out Friday to visit Richard
Pantall's returning Sunday accompanied by his daughters Bae and
Mabel.
Several from here attended the funeral of the little baby of
Mr. and Mrs. Park Smith, Saturday at Gurnee.
Miss Ethel McGuire will entertain the C. E. Executive committee
Tuesday evening.
Miss C. E. Bater left Monday for Evanston for several days.
Mrs. John Bonner entertained her sister last Thursday.
Mrs. Charles Matthews and Mrs. Adams were Chicago visitors
Thursday.
Geo. Jamieson transacted business in Waukegan last Friday.
The C. E. topic May 19, "Little Faults that Spoil Our Lives,"
Jeppe Jepson, leader.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 23 May 1907
Clarence Bonner of Chicago visited Sunday with his parents.
Mr. and Mrs. John Bonner have gone on an extended visit to
Nebraska.
Mr. and Mrs. Wells entertained friends from Antioch on Saturday
last.
Miss Trotter of Evanston visited Saturday and Sunday with her
sister, Mrs. Bain.
Miss Margaret White, Miss Vera Worden and Mr. Garran of
Rochester spent Saturday and Sunday with Mrs. David White.
Mrs. Dodge of Rochester, Wis., is here staying at John Bonner's
while they are away.
Mr. and Mrs. William Thom and children and Mrs. Harris visited
in Libertyville last Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. William Thom, Sr.
The C. E. Society will give a shadow social at the church on
Tuesday May 28, Ladies' bring box lunch for two.
Mr. Patterson of Gurnee was seen on our streets Monday.
Mrs. Ellen Brauner of Washington state, who has been visiting
with her aunt, Mrs. John Eichinger has returned to her home.
Ed. Martin who has been away on an excursion through the west
returned the middle of the week.
H. D. Hughes was seen on our streets Saturday.
23 May 1907
Ethel Ames was home on Saturday.
E. A. Martin is expected home this week.
Clarence Bonner spent Sunday at home.
The Hockaday school will close on Wednesday, May 29.
Miss Margaret White of Rochester was home over Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Cannon were Chicago visitors Thursday afternoon.
Miss Mayme Trotter of Evanston has been visiting at Mrs. Bain's.
Mrs. Sarah Dodge of Rochester is here visiting with Mrs. Bonner.
Mr. and Mrs. David Young are contemplating a visit to Scotland
soon.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Doolittle of Waukegan were Millburn callers
Saturday.
Vera Worden of Rochester visited Saturday and Sunday with her aunt,
Mrs. David White.
Mr. and Mrs. B. Hoysrodt of Antioch spent Saturday with Mr. and
Mrs. Ed. Wells.
Mr. and Mrs. John Bonner started Monday afternoon for Fremont,
Neb., where they will visit with the latter's brother, Fred Murrie.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Sun 29 May 1907
SUDDEN DEATH OVERTAKES IN MILLBURN
Mrs. John Cunningham was found dead in her bed this morning at her
home in Millburn, a son and daughter making the discovery.
Mrs. Cunningham was about 60 years old, and her death was sudden
and shocking. Her daughter, Irene, attending school here, was
notified and returned home at once. Other daughters here are:
Mrs. Geo. Martin and Mrs. McGill. The funeral will probably be
held Friday.
The funeral of the late Mrs. Cunningham will take place with
interment at Mill Creek cemetery.
from the pages of the Waukegan Daily Gazette 29 May 1907
FOUND DEAD IN HER BED
Mrs. Cunningham, of Millburn Vicinity
Succumbs During the Night-Shock to Family.
When relatives of Mrs. J. Cunningham, who lived between Millburn
and Antioch, went to her room this morning, they found that she
had died during the night.
Her death was very unexpected as she had shown no signs of being
sick and therefore her death is quite a mystery although the
general feeling is that she had a sudden attack of heart
failure.
She was well known in the county having lived there many years.
She was the mother of Mrs. Guillidge of this city and also Mrs.
George Martin of Glen Flora avenue. Her name was McCann, before
her marriage.
Her daughter, Irene Cunningham, also lives here, attending school.
30 May 1907
FOUND DEAD IN BED
Mrs. John Cunningham, East of Loon Lake, Dies Very Suddenly
SEVERE SHOCK TO FAMILY
Retires in Her Usual Good Health Tuesday Night
and Found Dead by Son Wednesday morning.
Early Wednesday morning the community was surprised and shocked to
learn of the sudden and unexpected death of Mrs. John Cunningham, a
widely known and highly respected resident of this vicinity, who for
years has made her home on a farm a couple of miles east of Loon
Lake.
Her death was very sudden and unexpected and is a great blow to her
family who were in no way prepared for the shock, and occured some
time Tuesday night the exact time will never be known. She had been
enjoying her usual good health recently and had not complained of
feeling ill in any way. She had gone about her duties during the day
and had spent some time working about the yard and garden. Indeed so
much like herself did she seem that not even the most careful observer
could have noted anything amiss. On Tuesday evening she retired as
usual and little did her family then think that it was the last time
they would ever see her alive. When morning came and she did not make
her appearance at the usual rising hour her son Ed, fearing that his
mother was ill, went to her room to see what was the matter, and was
horrified and almost stunned when he discovered that his mother had
breathed her last some time during the night. Coroner Taylor was
immediately summoned but as we go to press we learn that the inquest
has not as yet been held and the exact cause of her death is not known
but it is generally supposed that it was due to some disease of the
heart.
Elizabeth McCann was born in Kenosha, Kenosha County, Wis., in the
year 1847, and died at her home near Antioch, Tuesday night May 28,
1907, in the sixtieth year of her age. She was united in marriage to
John Cunningham and to this union seven children were born, two of
whom preceeded the mother to the land of rest. She is survived by
five children, four daughters, Mrs. Lewis Gullidge, of Waukegan, Mrs.
George Martin, of Millburn, Miss Tessie Cunningham, and Miss Irene
Cunningham, and one son Ed who lived at home. All of whom sincerely
mourn the loss of a devoted mother. Besides her immediate family she
leaves many other relatives and a large circle of friends who will
sadly miss her in the time to come. The funeral is to be held on
Friday. Rev. Father Joyce of this place officiating. The remains
will be laid at rest in the Mill Creek cemetery. The News joins with
their many friends in extending sympathy to the bereaved family.
Miss Carrie Bater returned home Saturday.
Mrs. Adams returned to her home in Chicago last Wednesday.
The C. E. social was postponed on Tuesday night till a later date.
Miss North of Wisconsin has been visiting at Mrs. David White's.
Mrs. Sarah Dodge will return to her home in Rochester Friday.
Mr. and Mrs. Giles Harris entertained a friend from Chicago over
Sunday.
Mrs. Josephine Matthews visited in Waukegan a few days last week.
E. A. Martin returned last Tuesday, reporting having had a
delightful time.
Mr. William Low of Evanston spent Saturday with his cousin, Miss
Carrie Bater.
Mrs. Bater entertained on Sunday her brother, Mr. Taylor, and
nephew, James Low, of Taylorville. Mr. Taylor is on his way to
Scotland.
