Macclesfield: Tytherington businessman shares more fascinating facts about wills
By Alex Greensmith
5th Feb 2024 | Advertisement Features
Every fortnight, Macclesfield willwriter Joseph Etherington writes a column for Macclesfield Nub News with intriguing anecdotes about willwriting.
One of two employees at Tytherington's Moneybox Wills and Trusts, Joe is keen to erase the stigma about wills, as well as do his bit for the community.
So sit back with a cuppa or snack, and take in these three fascinating facts about wills.
These facts are written in Joe's own voice, and you too can submit your news, comment and opinion pieces to Macclesfield Nub News by clicking HERE.
FACT 1: Turning Heads
Being a beneficiary to a Will is often bittersweet. Losing a oved one is clearly very difficult. On the other hand, studies are showing more and more families rely on inheritance to keep up with the rising cost of living.
When someone finds out they are the beneficiary of a will the tend to expect inherit something usual like property or money.
Sometimes jewellery or other collectables. This story is something a little different.
Caretaker Jerry Williams, of North Carolina became the beneficiary of a massive collection of Native American arrowheads.
Some dating back as far as 12,000 years old!
According to the story on Yahoo Finance, the collection was so impressive that even actor, John Wayne had tried to buy it.
Instead, Jerry made a deal to display the collection in a museum in return for $1 from each ticket sold for the rest of his life.
As of 2018 he had taken almost $400,000 from the deal!
Talk about a smart investment!
The person who made the will surely knew that Jerry would be the right person to leave them to and that the collection would be in good hands.
What would you have done with a box of old arrowheads?
FACT 2: Coins in California
The saying goes: "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned."
More than just a quote.... Words to mark well in my opinion.
Mrs Catherine E. Heckler of Oregon is a fine example of that.
Making her feelings and her reasons very clear, Catherine passed away in 1908.
In her Will she left her husband just one dollar - to be paid to him in four monthly instalments!
However Catherine did not refer to Mr Heckler as her "husband", rather;
"The individual who married me in 1905 in San Diego, Cal., and who got from me thousands of dollars and when he could get no more, deserted me."
Contrary to popular belief, we are not obliged to leave any portion of our estate to our spouse on death. We are expected to make "reasonable financial provision" however.
It seems like one dollar was more than reasonable in this case. Perhaps even generous!
FACT 3: King's Will
Ever been given something you didn't want but had to take??
Well I can imagine whatever it was, was better than this one……
In February 2016, The Mirror shared a story about a rather unusual inheritance.
According to the ONS, the average UK Inheritance is just £11,000.
Far less than I would have expected
King Abumbi the second, 11th King of Bafut in Cameroon received a lot more than mere money or chattels when his father passed away.
As is the tradition when a king dies, his successor inherits his fathers wives.
Yes, plural.
And then marries his own Queens!
When he passed away in 1968, Abumbi inherited his father's 72 wives!
And because that wasn't enough, his father also left him 500 children in bequest.
Thanks but no thanks!
Jokes aside, this is pretty fascinating.
How the traditions not only carry on now but how it genuinely seems to strengthen the culture of these communities.
There wives are a major part of carrying on the traditions, and passing down the learnings to the next generation.
Educated, well spoken and often fluent in many languages, the Queens were not mere property of the King but fundamental to their success.
Still, no thanks!
Read more about the story HERE.
This is a sequel to an article published last month, please click HERE for the original.
Moneybox Wills and Trusts are located at First Floor, Sycamore House, Tytherington Business Park, Suite 4, Macclesfield SK10 2XA.
The firm are rated five-stars on Google Reviews for what they describe as a 'friendly and professional service'.
Specialising in will writing, trusts and lasting power of attorney, all new enquiries receive a free 30 minutes, with a no obligation consultation.
Get in touch by calling 01625 573521 or email [email protected].
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See Also: Macclesfield willwriter raises record amount for charity
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