Name/Title
AU Lambert, William Otterbein - 1921-06-20 letter to the Home CircleEntry/Object ID
1990.1.493Context
Westerville, Ohio.
June 20th 1921
Dear Ones of the Home Circle:
The home circle is broken and Father and Mother have gone to their reward: Besides the beautiful heritage of their lives, their blessings and their ideals they have left us some earthly heritage as well. It becomes my duty according to the will to administer this estate. The will provides; 1st that the debts be paid, 2nd that $100 go to the Woman's Missionary Board of the U.B. Church as a memorial to Elsie. 3rd that the balance be divided equally among the children, (Eva's children to receive her share each one fifth.)
It does not provide for a suitable monument for them in the cemetery, but the law allows me to provide that before disbursal, and this I shall do. I am sending a copy of this letter to each one interested so that you may each give me any direction that you wish observed in the settlement. I think the debts will not total over $350. This will practically all be cleared up by this years rentals.
Now as to the assets, about as follows:
( 1 ) The farm in Southern Ohio worth from $2000 to $2500.
( 2 ) The Westerville property worth from $3500 to $5000.
1st Question, What are you willing for me to sell each of these places for?
2nd Shall I force them to public sale or shall I try throughout the year to sell at private sale? I shall follow the wishes of a majority as nearly as I can.
( 3 ) About $200, in notes plus Interest to date.
( 4 ) Personal belongings. A few of the household goods were sold after Father's death and the money used to pay debts as Mother directed. The following remain: Five beds, parlor table, bureau, green rocking chair, little sewing rocker, large rocker given Father at Hamden, clock, three cane bottomed chairs, four Windsor chairs, two feather beds, four pillows, two sheets, comforts and quilts, the crazy quilt, two old red blankets. Morris chair, Oak dresser with glass, and oak bed chest, Father's desk and book case and books, papers etc, gas stove a few dishes, old knives and forks, 1 dozen napkins, table cloth and Jar.
I have just spent a part of the afternoon going over these with Hannah and Bertha. We have decided that each should send your bids for the article that you want and we will do likewise. Then whatever is not taken we will sell at auction among our friends. The girls have arranged a keepsake for each member of the family as Mother wished them to. A set of silver spoon will be divided that way. Write what you wish. Of course where two want the same article or articles we will decide as fairly as we can.
I shall do all within my power to do this work with satisfaction to all. Please do not be to [sic] harsh in censure if I cannot do all that you wish done.
Lovingly,
