Rensselaer Republican, Volume 21, Number 24, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 February 1889 — $100,000, FOR UNCLE SAM. [ARTICLE]

$100,000, FOR UNCLE SAM.

The Queer Bequest «>f * M"H Who Was Very Much for Blaloe. A New Yorx dispatch of the 7th says: Surrogate Tuthill has issued a citation for the probate of the wid of W. M.,, Mferriam, the eccentric Suffolk County schoolmaster, who willed his property in bulk to the United States Government. Theexecutor, C. B. Ackerly, in searching fqr the assets, found sßl,Obo in Merriam's room at North port. It was tucked awar in old letters, books and corners of old trunks and valises. It is thought that when his money is all got together it Will amount to more than SIO’,WO. He has a sister, who, it is said, is worth $500,000. One reason he gave for willing his money to the Government, was that it. was rich and. Could afford to fight his sister if she attempted to contest the will. His sister, it was said, will not contest the will, as there are some unpleasant familv affairs which would necces arily come’ to light in the controversy. Merriam was a zealous Blaine man. He refused to vote the Republican ticket last fall because his favorite was not at the head of it When the success of the Republican party became known be at once named Blaine as ips choice for Secretary of State. He said if Blaine was not appointed he would change his will and cut off the Government. He fell dead in his schoolroom at 'Springs last Wednesday. He was sixty-five years old. ■