Unusual Will Provisions in a Multimillion Dollar Estate

Wellington R. Burt made millions off Michigan’s lumber industry and Minnesota’s iron mines. At one point, Burt ranked among the eight wealthiest men in America. He died on March 2, 1919, leaving an estate estimated, at the time, at $40 million to $90 million. For some his death marked the beginning of a long wait.

Burt left a handwritten Will signed in August 1917. The Will stated that the majority of his wealth would pass to future generations he would never meet. His Will stipulated that his “golden egg,” as he called his wealth, would pass to family members 21 years after the death of his last grandchild alive during Burt’s life. That grandchild was Marion Stone Burt Lansill who died on November 21, 1989.  Her death started the 21-year clock which expired last November.

Burt left behind six children, seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren, none of whom were eligible for his vast wealth. Burt did leave his children small annual allowances, between $1,000 and $5,000 annually, with the one exception being a favorite son who received $30,000 annually. These gifts matched the bequests Burt left to his employees: a secretary, cook, housekeeper, coachman and chauffeur who also received between $1,000 and $4,000 annually.

Now, 92 years after Burt’s death, his estate, currently valued between $100 million and $110 million will be paid out among 12 heirs, including three great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren and two great-great-great-grandchildren. The youngest heir is 19; the oldest is 94. The share each will receive depends on his or her location on the family tree; the smallest share is 2.65% (between $2.6 million and $2.9 million); the largest share is 14.58% (between $14.5 million and $16 million). A court order states that the estate must be distributed in a matter of days, on May 31.

Justin L. Engel of The Saginaw News is tracking this story, including a 4 part series exploring Burt’s life, the possible family feuds explaining the Will and other intricacies of this unique story.

Photo:  Wikipedia