John A. Joyce's Will in Verse

Two Stanzas Express Last Wishes of the Deceased Poet.

John A. Joyce's love of poetry was so great that he not only prepared his epitaph in verse, but has left his last will and testament in two stanzas. The document is said to be the first poetic will ever offered for probate here. The unusual will is in the handwriting of Washington's poet and is duly witnessed, as provided by the District law.

The paper is headed, “Last will and testament of John A. Joyce, Washington, D. C.,” and reads:

“To my daughters, Libbie and Florence,  In equal proportions to share, I give all my cash and property,  When my spirit is soaring in air,

“And appoint Mr. James J. Lampton  To execute this, my last will, When I rest 'neath the bloomy flowers  In Lot 444 on Oak Hill.

“In testimony whereof I have affixed my seal this the 16th day of December, 1909.”

Col. Joyce owned no real estate, according to the petition for the probate of his will, filed through Attorney Charles Poe. His estate comprised bonds of the Capital Traction Company valued at $2,500 and cash in bank.

The only heirs of the poet are his daughters, Miss Libbie Joyce of this city and Mrs. Florence Dunkerly of Pasadena, Cal.