John Bowman’s Trust
Fall is here once again. The leaves are falling. The air is crisp. Pumpkin is the go-to ingredient… It’s time to sit back, sip a warm beverage, and prepare to indulge in a spooky tale of estate planning…
John Bowman was a prominent citizen during the Victorian period. Not only was he a Virginian and a millionaire, he was also a visionary of sorts.
In the late 1800’s, Bowman seemingly had it all; a beloved family, a prosperous estate worth millions, a will, trust, and a mausoleum.
Unfortunately for John, he out lived his beloved family which included a wife and two daughters. Yet, Bowman was quite decided that death was not the end, (especially for those with deep pockets and a deeper faith in reincarnation).
Bowman’s mausoleum became home to the lifeless bodies of his family. In 1891, John became its final resident.
However, before John Bowman died, he made his wishes known through estate planning, leaving behind a trust worth fifty thousand dollars. The purpose of the trust was to provide for the maintenance of his mansion and mausoleum.
John Bowman’s will stated that his staff was to prepare dinner every night in case the Bowmans returned from the dead. The will also stated that no one was allowed in the house overnight so as to not disturb the family.
John Bowman’s wishes were honored for nearly sixty years. However, in 1950 the money ran out, the trust dried up, and the Bowmans ran out of time.
By all accounts, neither John Bowman, nor any member of his family ever stepped foot out of the mausoleum. Of course, they haven’t hosted a visitor in 65 years. Perhaps all they are waiting for is a brave soul to bring them a midnight snack. … Consider it a challenge of sorts … if you dare.
