When it comes to estate planning, most people focus on securing their loved ones’ futures, ensuring assets are distributed fairly, and minimising tax implications. However, history has given us some truly bizarre and eccentric wills, proving that some individuals use their final wishes to make a lasting (and often peculiar) impression.
Here are some of the most unusual wills ever recorded:
Jeremy Bentham’s Auto-Icon: A Philosopher’s Eternal Presence
Renowned philosopher and jurist Jeremy Bentham had an extraordinary stipulation in his will. He requested that his body be preserved, dressed in his favourite clothes, and seated in a chair for display. To this day, Bentham’s preserved body—complete with a wax head—remains at University College London, where it serves as an enduring reminder of his contributions to philosophy. His unique bequest ensured he remained at the centre of academic discussions long after his passing.
The Great Stork Derby: A Baby Boom Challenge
Canadian lawyer Charles Vance Millar turned his will into a citywide competition. He bequeathed his $500,000 estate to the Toronto woman who could give birth to the most children within ten years of his death. Dubbed the “Great Stork Derby,” this bizarre contest led to a flurry of marriages and babybooms as families vied for a share of the inheritance. After ten years, four families with nine children each received the payout, marking one of the most unusual ways to distribute wealth.
Napoleon Bonaparte’s Hair-Raising Request
Famed military leader Napoleon Bonaparte left an unusual directive in his will—he ordered that his hair be cut and distributed among his family and close friends. Locks of his hair became cherished keepsakes, with some even preserved in museums today. His unique bequest ensured that a piece of him lived on in the hands of those closest to him.
Harry Houdini’s Final Escape
Escape artist Harry Houdini was known for his mystery and deception, and even in death, he left behind a puzzle. Houdini provided his wife, Bess, with a secret code in his will, challenging her to communicate with him from the afterlife. Despite numerous seances, the code was never deciphered, adding an eerie layer to his legacy and ensuring the world remained captivated by his mystique.
Leona Helmsley’s Fortune Goes to the Dogs
Billionaire hotel magnate Leona Helmsley, often called the “Queen of Mean,” left a jaw-dropping $12 million to her beloved pet Maltese, Trouble. Meanwhile, some of her grandchildren received far less, leading to a legal dispute over her estate. While the fortune was later reduced, Trouble lived in luxury, proving that in Helmsley’s eyes, loyalty came on four legs.
The Ostrich Egg Will: Scrambled Intentions
In 1926, the London Probate Court was presented with a bizarre will written on an ostrich eggshell. Boat pilot John Barnes left a formal will distributing his estate between his second wife and children. However, after his death, his wife discovered an eggshell inscribed with the words: “Mag. Everything I possess. J. B.”
Although the handwriting matched Barnes’, the court ruled against recognising the eggshell as a legally binding will. This case remains one of the strangest estate disputes in history, highlighting the importance of proper documentation in estate planning.
The Tractor Will: A Farmer’s Last Words
In 1948, Saskatchewan farmer Cecil George Harris suffered a tragic accident when he became trapped under his tractor during a heavy storm. Realising he might not survive, he carved his will into the tractor’s fender with a pocketknife, stating that he wished to leave everything to his wife.
Though he was later rescued, Cecil succumbed to his injuries. His neighbours discovered the message, and after legal deliberation, the court accepted the carved words as a valid holographic will. The tractor fender was even removed and placed in a museum as a testament to one man’s final effort to secure his loved one’s future.
Lessons from Unusual Wills
While these stories may be amusing or extraordinary, they highlight the importance of proper estate planning. Having a legally sound and well-structured will ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes—without the need for courtroom battles or eyebrow-raising surprises.
If you want to ensure your legacy is protected (without the drama of an eggshell inscription or a pet inheritance dispute), consider working with experienced financial and estate planning professionals. Your will might not make history, but it will secure the future of those who matter most to you.
