Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
2.3 Death of Harmer
Following the death of Harmer on 11 April 1923, the proceeds of his property were
left, after the payment of certain bequests and expenses, to his five children in
equal shares. Edith was given first choice of her father's furniture and personal
effects, paying a price settled by a valuer. Subject to her first choice, the four sons
were also able to purchase similar items on the same basis. Harmer bequeathed
£2,000 each to Edith, Sidney and William, his three children who had not become
his co-partners in the family business.
Harmer bequeathed his scientific collections to his son, Sidney. He also left a
modest annuity to his friend, Andrew Bell, for his help with the publication of
scientific work and the care and distribution of natural history collections and
scientific topics.
Sidney replied to a letter of sympathy from the eminent geologist, Arthur
Woodward, F.R.S.
30, Courtfield Gardens,
S.W. 5
April 18, 1923
My dear Woodward,
Will you accept my cordial thanks for your sympathetic letter. In his later years my father
had been cut off from his scientific friends, but it was always a satisfaction to him to know
that his work was appreciated. He had often been indebted to you (as we all have) for
assistance in bibliographical matters, and he often spoke to me of the help he obtained
from you when he wanted it. His work was practically completed, because although there
is still something to be published by the Palaeontographical Society he had passed for
press the Part which is to appear in due course, and he had completed the MSS, with one
Plate, of what he had intended to be actually the final instalment. His scientific work was a
great resource to him, and he was engaged with it almost to the end.
Yours very sincerely,
Sidney F. Harmer
References
Friends of the Ipswich Museums, 2013: Darwin's letter, at:
http://www.foim.org.uk/index
Norton, P.E.P., 2013: Personal Communication.
