colleges, but his attention being turned to the needed and successful
work done among the colored people of the South, his purpose was soon
formed to aid them. He said he knew them, and the disadvantages arising
out of their ignorance, their inability to keep accounts, to secure
their rights in making settlements, and consequently the hindrances
they encountered in their industries and in the acquisition of lands
and homes. As it was known that he had money and benevolent intentions
in regard to the use of it, many methods were suggested to him for that
purpose. Some of these he investigated with care, but he never saw
occasion to change the purpose which he formed more than ten years ago,
to make the colored people his beneficiaries through the American
Missionary Association, which he found was doing so large and
successful a work among the very people whom he wished to benefit, and
in methods in accordance with his own views. More than ten years ago he
had incorporated in his will a legacy of $100,000 for the Association.
It was suggested to him at that time that he should become his own
executor, but he felt that his securities were safe and productive, and
at last it became a cherished purpose with him to make the gift a
million of dollars as soon as he could do so with due regard to other
objects he had in view.
The consummation of this great purpose was finally closed by the
transfer (October 22nd) of the securities to the Association by the
Hon. Luzon B. Morris, who has been throughout his trusted and honored
legal and financial adviser. This gift enrolls Mr. Hand among the
honored names of wealthy men who have devoted their fortunes, not to
mere display or personal gratification, but to elevate and bless the
ignorant and needy.
Mr. Hand is a man of tall, commanding presence, and still at the age of
eighty-seven writes with a firm and bold hand, and expresses himself in
brief and vigorous language.
* * * * *
THE DEED OF TRUST.
The purposes and conditions of this great trust are as follows:
"The said Daniel Hand, desiring to establish a permanent fund, the
income of which shall be used for the purpose of educating needy and
indigent colored people of African descent, residing, or who may
hereafter reside in the recent slave States of the United States of
America, sometimes called the Southern States; meaning those States
wherein slavery was recognized by law in the yea
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