“William Olmstead, an eccentric Cass County farmer, died last week, leaving a comfortable property. His will, which has just been probated, leaves the greater part of his estate to the Barnum and Bailey Circus. Mr. Olmstead was worth in the neighborhood of $15,000, and with the exception of the homestead of forty acres, which he leaves to his wife, it all goes to the circus. The cause of Mr. Olmstead making such a peculiar will is said to be family dissensions. Efforts will be made to break the will.”
– “A Circus His Principal Heir: Peculiar Will of William Olmstead, a Michigan Farmer.” in The New York Times, March 19, 1898
