Who bequeathed his fortune to a cat? - briefly
Charles Fortescue, an English aristocrat, left his entire fortune to his cat, Tom Massie, in his will. This unusual bequest occurred in 1870.
Who bequeathed his fortune to a cat? - in detail
The story of a person bequeathing their fortune to a cat is both intriguing and unusual. One of the most famous examples of this occurs in the life of American businessman and philanthropist, Karl Lagerfeld, the renowned fashion designer. However, Lagerfeld was not the first to do so. The most notable case involves American millionaire Harry H. Dorsey.
Harry H. Dorsey, a wealthy businessman from Tennessee, made headlines in the 1920s when he passed away and left a significant portion of his fortune to his beloved cat, named Jennie. Dorsey's will stipulated that Jennie was to receive a trust fund worth $11 million, which at the time was a substantial amount of money. This decision sparked considerable public interest and debate, as it raised questions about the ethics and legality of leaving such a large inheritance to an animal.
Dorsey's actions were not driven by eccentricity alone. He was deeply devoted to Jennie and saw her as a cherished companion. His will specified that the funds were to be used for Jennie's care and well-being. However, the practicalities of managing such a large sum for an animal's benefit were challenging. The trust was managed by a board of trustees who were tasked with ensuring that Jennie's needs were met. The funds were used for Jennie's upkeep, including food, medical care, and a comfortable living environment.
The case of Harry H. Dorsey and Jennie highlights several important points. Firstly, it underscores the deep emotional bonds that can form between humans and their pets. Dorsey's decision to leave such a substantial inheritance to Jennie reflects his affection and commitment to her welfare. Secondly, it raises legal and ethical considerations regarding the inheritance of wealth by animals. In many jurisdictions, animals are considered property and cannot legally own assets. Therefore, trusts and other legal mechanisms are often used to manage funds intended for an animal's benefit.
In addition to Dorsey, there have been other instances where individuals have left significant portions of their estates to pets. For example, Gail Posner, a socialite from Florida, left a $3 million trust fund to her Maltese dog, Apricot. The funds were to be used for Apricot's care and the maintenance of a memorial for Posner's husband. Similarly, Leona Helmsley, a wealthy American businesswoman, left $12 million to her Maltese dog, Trouble. These cases, like Dorsey's, have sparked discussions about the appropriateness of such bequests and the responsibility of trustees in managing the funds.
The legacy of individuals who bequeath their fortunes to pets continues to be a topic of interest and debate. While such actions may seem unconventional, they often stem from a genuine desire to ensure the well-being of beloved companions. The legal and ethical implications of these bequests are complex and require careful consideration. Trusts and other legal instruments are essential in managing the funds intended for the care of these animals, ensuring that their needs are met and that the intentions of the benefactors are honored.