On December 2, 1905, Paul Laurence Dunbar in Dayton borrowed $50 from his friend Martha Wright Evans in Columbus, Ohio. Although he was a well-known author, Paul was deep in debt his entire adult life and often borrowed money. He had only two months left to live and his handwriting on the I. O. U. was poor.
I promise to pay to Mrs. Martha Wright Evans Fifty Dollars ($50.00) for value received, with interest at 6%.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Martha Wright Evans, December 2, 1905. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 2).
Three days later, Paul wrote an unusually large check to his life insurance company. Prior to 1905, his payments were typically less than $5, but this one was over $50.
Dayton, O. 12/5/1905
Winters National Bank
Pay to the order of Metropolitan Life Ins Co. $51.40
Fifty-One and 40/100 DollarsCheck to the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, December 5, 1905. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 2).
Paul died in February 1906 with his debt to Evans still outstanding. Written on the I. O. U. is the statement "Paid March 1st 1907." That's when Charles Higgins, the executor of Paul's estate, gave $50 to Evans, but not the 6% interest that Paul promised.
March 1st 1907
Received of Charles D. Higgins, Executor of the Estate of Paul Laurence Dunbar, Deceased, Fifty Dollars in payment of claim
Mrs. M. W. Evans
Inventory and Appraisement of the Estate of Paul Laurence Dunbar, Deceased. Probate Court Estate 34933, Document 27, Page 424. Montgomery County, Ohio, Records Center and Archives.
More than a year later, Higgins was reimbursed for his payment to Evans and the debt was finally retired.
Probate Court of Montgomery County, Ohio.
In the Matter of the Estate of Paul Laurence Dunbar, deceased.
First & Final Account of Charles D. Higgins, Executor.
Said Executor asks credit for payments made as follows:-
13. Mrs. M. W. Evans, Columbus, O. in full of note 50.00
Charles D. Higgins being duly sworn, says that the foregoing is a true, full and correct statement and account of all moneys coming into his hands as Executor of the last will of Paul Laurence Dunbar, deceased, and that the disbursements and distributions were made as therein shown.
Final account of Dunbar estate, August 1908. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 2).