The following account of a rather peculiar incident will interest our readers. It is taken from one of last Saturday’s Detroit dailies:
Ann Arbor, Mich., Oct. 12.–A letter received by a student from Denver, Col., states that the late Robert C. Greiner made a curious bequest to the U. of M. Greiner is a native of Jackson, Mich., and was killed two months ago in the boiler explosion at the Gumry hotel. His wife died with him.
The will was written by Greiner himself. He gives everything to his wife, with reversion to his or her parents, should they survive, the final legatee being the sisters of mercy, who are to use the estate for orphans and poor children.
But the last clause concerns the U. of M. It directs that, after his death, his right foot shall be amputated above the ankle and presented to the Ann Arbor medical school. It is to be mounted as a skeleton prepattion [sic] and labeled: “Bob’s game foot.”
Mr. Greiner had a peculiarly deformed ankle and dislocated toe, which had been a great source of trouble to him, but such a puzzle to physicians that he came to take great pride in it. Hence his desire to perpetuate the abnormality.
As the will is not witnessed, it is void and cannot be carried out, except in the disposal of his personal property. If the dead body is personal property, the toes go to Ann Arbor. If not, the U. of M. cannot receive her bequest.
His wife’s heirs, who live in Jackson, Mich., have begun suit, claiming that he died first, so that his estate vested in her, and on her death in them. His heirs, who also live in Jackson, contest this; and as the estate, realty and all is probably worth much more than $100,000, there will be an interesting litigation.
University authorities have heard nothing of the peculiar bequest, and it is not known whether he ever was treated here for any of the difficulties arising from his deformity.
According to a Rocky Mountain News article of August 19, 1895, Greiner was:
the assistant superintendent of the State Capitol and Mrs. Greiner held the position of day clerk at the hotel. Mr. Greiner was well known as a builder, and had been a resident of the city for many years.
The explosion, fire and subsequent collapse of the building killed 22 people.
Unfortunately, I’m not able to find out anything more about Mr. Greiner’s foot, but given the description of his demise, I’m not sure I’d want to.
It’s interesting to me that a tragic occurrence such as this one led to such a light-hearted headline, but perhaps three months time is enough for the shock to dissipate.