Martindale's UnClaimed Money, Lands and Estates Manual. CHAPTER IV. CURIOSITIES OF NEXT OF KIN. ************************************************************************** USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file contributed by Tina S. Vickery, *************************************************************************** Devoted to the Interests of all who are in search of Unclaimed Money, Lands or Estates---Next of Kin---Heirs at Law---Legatees, Etc. Etc. Etc. by J. B. Martindale Attorney and Counselor at Law. [Author of "Martindale's United States Law Directory," "The Commercial and Legal Gude," and late Editor of the "American Law Magazine."] Chicago: J. B. Martindale. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1884, by J. B. Martindale, in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington D. C. Press of Ottaway Printing Co., Chicago. pages 25-30 CHAPTER IV. CURIOSITIES OF NEXT OF KIN. While compiling his index to Next of Kin advertisements, it occurred to Mr. Edward Preston that a summary of such advertisements might not only be amusing, but might chance to convey unexpected good news to some who should read it. For the same reason, and to give ail idea of the character of such advertisements in general, we insert it in this MANUAL as it appeared in the London Times, with the comments of that paper upon it. When we consider that this summary is for only one year's advertisements in that one paper alone (the year 1876), we call form some idea of the magnitude 'of such advertising in the different newspapers of the whole civilized world, running through a hundred years or more: "Some twenty-six persons are shown to have died without relatives, as the Treasury Solicitor advertised for the Next of Kin (if any) to make out their relationship. The amount of money thus reverting to the Crown is rarely made public, but it has I 'oozed out' in the notable case of Mrs. Helen Blake, of Kensington, that the sum was not less than £140,000 personalty. In other cases large rewards were offered for marriage, baptismal, and burial certificates. A gentleman in distressed circumstances sought the representatives of a firm who carried oil business in Calcutta in 1816. A reward was offered for information of a lady who, when a girl, was taken from Canada to Australia. Next of Kin were sought for numerous persons who had left England and settled in the Colonies, the United States, or India. Unclaimed dividends of the Agriculturist Cattle Insurance Company awaited claimants. Good fortune awaited the family of a certain cab driver. A reverend gentleman, son of a Lincolnshire draper, was wanted for something to his advantage; and a gentleman who left England in 1854, was wanted to claim a certain residuary estate. Johann Bauer, born in 1820, and last heard of at Sydney, was "considered to be dead," without having left any Heir-at-Law, or by will, disposed of certain property; it, was therefore forfeited to the Next of Kin. A son was anxious for his mother's address; two persons, living in London in 1831, or their descendants, were entitled to share in certain moneys. It would be to the advantage of a traveling herbalist to write to his wife; and a miner in the North of England would find it to his advantage to make himself known. Numerous notices were issued by the Bank of England with reference to retransfers of Unclaimed Stock or Dividends, from the Commissioners, for the Reduction of the National Debt ; mid a reward of £C250 was offered for a clue to a marriage settlement by the relatives of a Testator, who, on his death-bed, could only utter the words "Lincoln's-Inn Fields." The descendants of two persons of the name of Braat, born 1778 and 1782, were wanted "for their own interests" ; a very old friend from abroad longed to meet J. B., of B-----; a person who went to sea many years ago, and had not since been heard of, was entitled to funds; and another who went to sea in 1859, was wanted for something "greatly" to his advantage -such notices as these are not uncommon. A niece was anxious to hear from her uncle ; "the friends she has left in England are all dead; she is now holding a good situation, and she only wants to hear from her uncle." H. B. was anxious to communicate with the individual who called on him "respecting property in Chancery" -- there are many callers of this sort and the relatives of a gentleman who went to New Zealand in 1862, desired much to know his whereabouts. E. C., late of Ipswich, "whose father was a miller aged 28," -- so states the advertisement-was wanted for something greatly to her advantage; and a Hull pauper inherited £30,000 left him by a Scotch nobleman. The descendants of one family were entitled to £12,000 ; those of another who, in 1798, were living in Bloomsbury, were anxiously sought; and tidings of a person reported to have been drowned in 1830, in the Merrimac River, would be liberally paid for. The Next of Kin of the Secretary of the late Earl Exmouth, were unknown; and the heirs of a person who emigrated to America as long ago as 1683, were wanted to claim $2,000,000. A father affectionately enquired for his daughter, who ran away from home. "She will learn with regret" -- so ran the sad notice "that her mother died recently"; a son who left his home in 1850, was informed that something "very greatly to his advantage" awaited him this advertisement was repeated many times in various newspapers. Something, good was notified for a person who went to New Jersey in 1823 -if dead, his Next of Kin were entitled; Winifred ---, not having heard from her husband for twelve years, would be glad of any information within three months; and a gentleman having left two legacies to charitable institutions, which appear to have had no existence, claimants were sought. Claimants to lands in Canada, and the relatives of two brothers who were drowned at Montreal, were also the subject of Next of Kin notifications. Inquiry was made as to the investments or property of one person, and an "expectant legatee" was willing to pay handsomely for a clue to some funds supposed to have been deposited in a Bank; a laborer was entitled to a legacy; and divers charitable institutions (including the Temporary Home for Lost or Starving Dogs), were invited to claim a share of a benevolent Testator's residuary estate. -- was requested to " write to Nephi Elsmore, Salt Lake City, Utah -it will be to his advantage" --some romance undoubtedly underlied this notice. Two sisters were informed of the sudden death of their brother at Melbourne; and the Heirs of Ninian F----- who was " a hind at Widdrington, in 1760," were unknown. The representatives of a certain merchant, who carried on business in the City of London, in 1820, were wanted for "something beneficial" ; like notices are very frequent, as Unexpected Assets often accrue. A son was anxious to hear from his "mother, sister, or brother"; and Dinah ----- sought for something, to her great advantage. The relatives of a captain, who died suddenly, were requested to communicate with the clergyman of the parish aid. the "Next of Kin of the author of "Sam Slick' will hear of something peculiarly interesting to them on applying to -----." Several domestic servants were entitled to legacies; a sister would hear of something to her advantage if she would make herself known to her brother; a gunner deserted Her Majesty's service in 1862, or, if dead, his Next of Kin, were interested in an Irish Probate case; the Heirs- at-Law of several persons of unsound mind, were inquired for Under the Lunacy Regulation Act; and a lady who seems to have enjoyed the luxury of being married four times, was entitled to a legacy left by her sister; the Heirs of a Spanish lady, an aged spinster of eighty-two, were inquired for by a Spanish Court -"all those who think they have a right to the inheritance are invited to apply"; this Advertisement opens up a wide field for claimants. The representatives of another lady who died in 1809, at the venerable age of ninety-four, were inquired for by the High Court of Justice. The following-is rare:--" A Prussian gentleman named ----, is supposed to have fallen overboard or leapt into the sea, while on board a vessel bound for Mexico; being an expert swimmer, he may have been picked up by a passing vessel; if alive, he is implored to make known his whereabouts." Such an announcement as this naturally gives rise to a world of conjecture, and relatives are perhaps even now ignorant as to whether the unfortunate Prussian is dead or alive. Solicitors were anxious to know if a certain lady "made a will of a more recent date than the one found at her death," and the Heirs of a Mr. Jones, Superintendent of a Lunatic Asylum, in 1826, were now for the first time inquired for. A niece was entreated to communicate with her uncle; and the representatives of the creditors of a person who died over forty years ago, are interested in a "windfall." A tailor would hear of something to his advantage, on applying at his old shop , and a, son, was informed of the death of his father at Charing Cross Hospital. An afflicted father was in search of his long-lost-sight-of- son; and tidings would be most thankfully received by the mother of a Queensland emigrant --- last heard of eleven years ago. The following contains a highly satisfactory announcement to a gentleman of the Jewish persuasion: --" Should this meet the eye of C. M. Moses, by applying to ---- he will find a legacy from his aunt." A Swiss paper had the following: -- 'T. Metzger (Heirs). All persons believing themselves to be heirs "of the above, formerly Governor of Breda and Lieutenant-General of the Dutch Cavalry, are requested to communicate with -----, who is in possession of all documents necessary for the recovery of the inheritance. "J. Mitchell, who disappeared from Oxford some years ago, was wanted to claim a legacy, and Elizabeth M------, who left England in 1850 for New Zealand, was wanted for a like purpose. Colonial newspaper notices are remarkable for their pithiness. The following is from the Sydney Morning Herald:--" Henry Ormerod.- Wanted, information; last heard of near Sydney; father dead. Write Mrs. Ormerod." Something advantageous awaited a hair-dresser, late of Romney, Hants, and a son, reside-at in Australia, informed his father, brother, cousin, or any of his friends, that they could communicate with him at ----. The Next of Kin of several soldiers of our Indian Army were wanted to claim various sums of money and effects. One of these soldiers had managed to save the sum of £308 19s. 11d. The unknown nephews and nieces were wanted of a gentleman who died at Lisbon; a person, last heard of in Queensland, was entitled to the residuary estate of his brother; two sons were wanted to claim an estate left them by their father; and the father of a child, left under the guardianship of a nurse, was informed that "his daughter died suddenly, to the great grief of the nurse." A person who left Wales in 1837 was entitled to one-third of two farms; a surplus awaited division among the owners of slaughter-houses shambles, etc., in the neighborhood of old Newgate Market; and Mary Ann R----- was informed that "she will receive £800, left her by her father's friends," if she would only make herself known. A Sailor Boy, who left his home early on ----- would hear of something to his advantage "by writing to Friend -----." Preparatory to receiving property due to him under his grandfather's will, F. J. S. was earnestly requested to communicate with his friends at once. The Next of Kin of a spinster, who died at Bath in 1795, were only now sought; and the address of a father and son wanted by Solicitors in the following curious notice:----"---- Stacey, aged between 9 and 10; last heard of in care of his father; believed to be tramping about the country with him." Janet Taylor, who left Stirlingshire about forty years ago, is interested in a Scotch Succession case; and certain shareholders of the Star and Garter Hotel Company were wanted to claim a good dividend. The Heirs of persons in all stations of life are occasionally sought through the medium of what is known as a Next of Kin Advertisement. The description of L. S. is a "sausage-skin dresser" -- an unsavory calling, but, doubtless, a profitable one, as the Heirs were inquired for. J. T., who left England some years ago, is entitled to a share of his father's estate, if he claims the same within two years." A gentleman for some years missing was requested to communicate with Solicitors "who hold money belonging to him, for which they desire to account," and the heirs of a J. B. Baron were stated to be entitled to no less than £800,000. Unexpected assets of a very large amount awaited the representatives of the creditors of it gentleman who died in 1740, and the Next of Kin of persons who held shares in the West New Jersey Society as long ago as 1692-3 were entitled to funds; a student was implored to communicate with his parents; and to J. B. the joyful intelligence is conveyed "that he bas been adjudicated bankrupt, and may return home without fear of molestation." A counsel's clerk is requested to "call at address given him by the lady whom be courageously rescued from drowning, in order to be thanked for his gallant conduct in risking his life on that occasion." Fortunes have occasionally been left for gallant conduct of a similar nature. Similar summaries to the foregoing for the years 1877-1882 have appeared in tile following, among other newspapers, namely, Standard, Morning Post, Daily News, Broad Arrow, and Law Journal. Space will not permit the reproduction of all these summaries, but the following are he more noticeable of the Kindred notices for 1882: A lady who left England as long ago as 1826, or her children (if any), are wanted to share a legacy of £3,500, and a veterinary surgeon of Russell Square, in 1830, is interested in a pedigree case pending in Chancery. A gentleman who went to New Zealand would like to hear from any relative or friend now living; "it is thirty-three years since he heard from home, so full accounts of family, cartes de visite, etc., would be gladly received." J. G., of Mexico in 1839., and D. G., at one time of Ohio, are entitled to shares in an estate; the descendants of R. B., who left England in 1810, are sought; and a large reward is offered for proof of the death of S. A., at one time a barmaid. The, creditors of a late noble lord are informed that a sum of £4,000 divisible among them; by the death of his aunt, a sailor is entitled to freeholds; and a soldier who deserted from the Uhlan Guard, at Berlin is among the missing ones wanted. J. D., of Bermuda in 1845, is believed to have been lost at sea; and J. W. H., "of the Rocky Mountains," is interested in his father's estate; L. H. is wanted to administer the estate of her late husband, a Canadian farmer; while J. M., missing for many years is presumed to be dead, and his wife is applying for letters of administration to his estate in Ireland. There were many similar applications to the Court of Session, under the Presumption of Life Limitation (Scotland) Act, by Next of Kin anxious to possess themselves of the estates of their missing relatives. News is sought of a baronet, last heard of in Sydney, believed to have gone to Fiji; also of F. W. C., who is supposed to have gone to Canada, A. H., born in Burmah in 1853, married in 1869, went to sea in 1870, is among the lucky ones wanted for something to their advantage; and J. O'C., an apprentice on board a merchant vessel, last beard of in 1865 from a sailors' home, is asked to claim his estate, otherwise his sister will take the initiative. E. P. died in Paris in 1871, and his Next of Kin are wanted to claim £591 Consols, with accumulated interest. H. K. N., first of Natal, then of the Australian gold-diggings, last heard of in New Zealand, is desired to make his whereabouts known; and Bridget R., who left Ireland for England thirty years ago, is entitled to share the estate of a brother who died in Australia. A commission has been issued to take evidence as to the Heirs in England of E. R., who died suddenly in Bombay, and the nephews and nieces sought of W. T., who died in Portugal; A. M., last heard of in New York, is wanted for his own benefit; and W . T., once of Queensland, is a residuary legatee; Rudolph K., formerly of Western Australia, and afterwards of Colombo, is anxiously inquired for; also the Next of Kin of Sir M. B. C., at one time of Jamaica, and afterwards of Scotland. A man known as "Charcoal Dick," who left the Ballarat diggings for England, is informed that; £4,000 or £ 5,000 lies in the Geelong Bank, and between 200 and 300 ounces of gold-dust in the Gold Treasury; and a reward is offered for proof of the death of J. E. S., who left Oxford twenty-five years ago. This individual seems to have had a chequered career. He is described as of "roving, habits, tall, fine- built, but -with club-foot, by trade a trunk-maker; believed to have exhibited a stuffed calf with two heads and seven legs; sometimes did a little business in booths in the art of self-defense." If W. C. S. does not come forward and prove that he was in this country at a given date, he will forfeit a share of his mother's estate; and the landlord of J. W. threatens to take possession of a house greatly injured by J. W.'s prolonged absence. In 1682, a lady of title devised certain lands; the heirs or assigns of such devises are now sought; also the Heir-male of T. R., of Oxford, in 1685. Merchants, shippers, consignees, captains, seamen, and others who may have sustained losses by the Confederate cruisers, are inquired for in connection with the Geneva Award. The Q. C. who is executor of a will bequeathing property of A. J. S., is desired to make himself known; and T. R., aged seventy, is entitled to a final dividend. About £ 5,000 is divisible in respect of certain tithe renewal funds; the creditors of one J. S. are entitled to £ 700; whilst another J. S. (a retired Sergeant-Major E. I. C. S.), is wanted for something to his benefit. Persons having private property or papers belonging to J. L. Y. (late of the Hussars), are sought; and the guardians of Mary E. D. M. (aged three years), are wanted, respecting matters of "great pecuniary importance." Fred J. B., a midshipman, of Brisbane, in 1866; and R. C., late engineer on a ship plying on the Shanghai River, are both wanted for something to their advantage; also the son of a clergyman last heard of in New Zealand. The representatives of R. C. (excise officer), who left this country for the United States thirty years ago, are wanted; and a notice headed "Bequest " inquires for W . G., formerly of Belfast and lately of New York. Valuable property has been left to G. C. ; and W. H., last beard of at the Diamond Fields, South Africa, is a missing Legatee. Information is desired as to the property of a deceased Major; also a clue to several large sums due to the estate of C. R. H. Sylvius L. or his representatives are interested in the estate of an Indian Judge who died in 1820; A. L. (nee F. de Celigny), or her Heirs are wanted; and Judy, Michael and Pat Donohoe sought by the Irish Court of Probate. J. McL. had an account with some banker unknown to his Next of Kin, and a clue is desired thereto. J. W. K. F. M., last heard of at Surrey Hills, Sidney; W. H. of Hobart Town, and the representatives of R. P., who died in 1848, are all sought in connection with property at Limehouse. J. M., who left England in the Lalla Rookh in 1848, informs his relatives that they can hear of him at Pretoria; the Heirs of M. M., who in 1844 owned lands in Ceylon, are wanted; and J. E. J. W., last heard of at Orange Free State, is entitled to a share of his aunt's estate. A Bombay firm. desire to know if a certain lieutenant is alive, as they hold a policy on his life; while S. D., formerly of Perth, in consequence of the death )f his brother is wanted for something greatly to his advantage. One result of the unfortunate "Palmer Expedition " is that persons having property of the deceased in their hands are inquired for; while in the case of the estate of Mr. Walter Powell, M. P. (lost at sea in a balloon), probate has been granted, death being assumed. In addition to these multifarious notices many claimants were sought by the Bank of England authorities as to unclaimed Stocks and Dividends; he Treasury Solicitor advertised for Next of Kin in some forty " Crown windfall " cases; and the Crown Agents for the Colonies gave London Gazette publicity to a long list of Cape Intestates, the Unknown Heirs being entitled to about £20,000.