Trustees Under Oliver Smith
WHAT WE DO
Oliver Smith was a wealthy resident in Hatfield, Massachusetts, who died on December 22, 1845. His will directed his estate be used for the good of the citizens of nine designated towns in Hampshire and Franklin counties: Amherst, Deerfield, Easthampton, Greenfield, Hadley, Hatfield, Northampton, Whately, and Williamsburg.
Per the will's instructions, residents of each of the nine towns/cities separately choose electors who, in turn, select a board of trustees to administer the provisions of the will. The Electors Under Will of Oliver Smith are public officials elected to renewable terms of two years on the general election ballot. Smith Charities, established in 1848, annually provides gifts of $300 for widows with children under the age of 18; a one-time gift of $100 for brides; and $600 for tradespersons, nurses, and licensed practical nurses. Additional monies may be disbursed to the trade and nurse categories as determined by the trustees. Certain requirements such as residence and age apply.
The electors assemble annually in May and the citizens of any town or city whose elector fails to attend this assembly for two successive years are disqualified from the benefits of the will.
MEETING SCHEDULE
The Trustees Under Oliver Smith schedule for 2023 in not yet decided. Please check the calendar for scheduled meeting information.
Oliver Smith was a wealthy resident in Hatfield, Massachusetts, who died on December 22, 1845. His will directed his estate be used for the good of the citizens of nine designated towns in Hampshire and Franklin counties: Amherst, Deerfield, Easthampton, Greenfield, Hadley, Hatfield, Northampton, Whately, and Williamsburg.
Per the will's instructions, residents of each of the nine towns/cities separately choose electors who, in turn, select a board of trustees to administer the provisions of the will. The Electors Under Will of Oliver Smith are public officials elected to renewable terms of two years on the general election ballot. Smith Charities, established in 1848, annually provides gifts of $300 for widows with children under the age of 18; a one-time gift of $100 for brides; and $600 for tradespersons, nurses, and licensed practical nurses. Additional monies may be disbursed to the trade and nurse categories as determined by the trustees. Certain requirements such as residence and age apply.
The electors assemble annually in May and the citizens of any town or city whose elector fails to attend this assembly for two successive years are disqualified from the benefits of the will.
MEETING SCHEDULE
The Trustees Under Oliver Smith schedule for 2023 in not yet decided. Please check the calendar for scheduled meeting information.
| TRUSTEES UNDER OLIVER SMITH | |
| One seat (elected position) / Two-year term | |
| NAME | TERM ENDS |
| Donna Sarah Festinger | December 2023 |