Ella Griffith trust continues Washington woman’s legacy

WASHINGTON — Born before the Civil War, Ella Griffith died May 7, 1931, according to her obituary in the Evening Journal the following day. She had no offspring, and instead chose to establish a trust in her will, which would "benefit distressed aged citizens of the city of Washington.“

The assets of her estate included three farm properties around Washington. For the last 91 years, revenue from those properties has distributed among every applicant who qualifies for the aid.

“As trustee, we manage the farms, lease them out to farmers that pay rent, and that rental income we accumulate in the trust,” said Larry Fishback, Senior Trust Officer of Washington State Bank, which has managed the trust since 1997. “We divide the moneys that are available, and cut checks about this time of year. It’s a tremendous trust to work with, it certainly benefits the community.”

The applicants are evaluated by a panel of three community leaders named in the will: the Washington County Auditor, the City of Washington’s Mayor, and the minister of the local Methodist Church.

There are strict rules for who does and does not qualify. County Auditor Dan Widmer said eligibility was limited to those who are at least 55 years old, and whose household income falls within 150% of federal poverty guidelines for the year, and who are citizens of the city of Washington.

Griffith spelled out her wishes, albeit less precisely, in her will.

“I have from time to time observed worthy-aged men and women in the City of Washington, Iowa, who, by reason of old age or infirmities, and the lack of earning capacity … are reduced to and live in actual want,” the document reads. “It is my desire and intent that the provisions of this trust … assist in the alleviation of the distresses of such worthy-aged, self respecting needy citizens.”

In recent years, the math has worked out to $40-$50,000 split between all recipients, according to Widmer. He said there were no stipulations about how the money is used by them.

“We leave that up to the individual,” he said. “Whether it’s on themselves, or someone else, or they want to use it to repair their car or repair their roof … it’s not up to us to judge, ‘Is that a good way to spend the money?’”

Washington Mayor Jaron Rosien said the group sat down to process the applications shortly after the Dec. 2 deadline to submit them. That process comes after extensive work to spread the word through networking, knocking on doors and local media.

“I think it’s important to get the word out so people that can use this aren’t missed,” Rosien said. “I don’t want anybody that is in need and can use these moneys to miss out on the opportunity to receive them.”

Washington United Methodist Church Pastor Anthony DeVaughn is participating in the trust for the first time this year. He said it was an exciting opportunity.

“Any type of outreach or ministry of the church is always important if it’s going to help people,” he said. “That’s what Jesus did when he walked, he went and dealt with those that were the unloved … It’s pretty amazing that this was started several years ago and continues to have an impact today.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com