Obituary Notices.
June.
Edward B. Phillips, at Brattleboro, Vermont. He bequeathed to Harvard University $100,000. With a fortune which could have commanded worldly comforts without stint, Mr. Phillips, at the early age of twenty-three, was weary even of the liniited enjoyment in which he indulged, and was driven by ennuit to a state of insanity in which he became a self-murderer. He has left property to the value of nine hundred thousand dollars.
Source: The American Quarterly Register and Magazine, Vol. I, published by E.C. and J. Biddle, 1848; pg. 501
Add'l Info:
Two Will Cases, which, in respect of the amount of property involved, and peculiarity of the bequests, are very remarkable ones, have lately been before the Courts of Massachusetts and Pennsylvania for adjudication.
The first is a suit brought by the heirs at law of Edward B. Phillips, contesting the validity of his will, by which, among other legacies, $100,000 was left to Harvard University, to be applied to the support of the observatory attached to that institution. This suit originated from the following circumstances:
"Mr. Phillips, in 1837, became a resident of Lynn, living at Nahant, and in June, 1848, committed suicide at the Brattleboro' water cure establishment. The will bequeathed in usual form $100,000 to Charles Emory and Charles G. Loring, in trust, the interest of the same to be paid in quarterly instalments to Charles Beck and wife during their lives, and after their decease to Abby S. Beck and Theresa Phillips, his sisters; $100,000 to Harvard University, as a fund for one or more astronomical observers, or for the purchase of astronomical instruments, as may be thought desirable by the college corporation; $60,000 to Charles Emory and John H. Gray, or the survivor; the remainder of his property and all his personal effects to his cousin, William Phillips.
"The will was contested by the heirs at law upon the following grounds: 1st, that the will was made on the Lord's day, October 10, 1847; 2d, because E. B. Phillips was not of a sound mind at the time of making his will; 3d, that he was unduly influenced in the making and signing of said will; 4th, because said will is not attested by three competent witnesses, nor any competent witnesses; 5th, because the persons whose names are attested to said will are interested in the probate of the same; 6th, because the Court of Probate of Essex has not proper jurisdiction; 7th, because said will is not attested by the testator in the presence of three or more competent witnesses."
Source: The American Quarterly Register and Magazine, Vol. III, published by E.C. and J. Biddle, 1849; Pg. 73
