Henry Failing will and estate assessment

Collection

Identifier: Coll872

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of a typescript copy of Henry Failing's will as of April 12, 1879, and a typed inventory and assessment of his estate. The will was signed in the presence of Matthew Deady and Roswell H. Lamson. There are numerous pencil annotations on the estate assessment.

Dates

1879; circa 1899

Creator

Failing, Henry, 1834-1898 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

The Oregon Historical Society owns the materials in the Research Library and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. The Society does not necessarily hold copyright to all materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use may require seeking additional authorization from copyright owners.

Biographical Note

Henry Failing was born in New York City, New York, in 1834. In 1851, he came to Portland, Oregon, with his father, Josiah Failing (1806-1877), and younger brother John W. Failing (1837-1893). In Portland, the three opened a mercantile store, and in 1854 Henry Failing became the store's majority owner. In 1869, Failing, his father Josiah, and his brother-in-law Henry W. Corbett (1827-1903) purchased a controlling interest in the First National Bank of Portland, and Failing served as the bank's president for the rest of his life. In 1871, Failing and his relatives formed the firm of Corbett, Failing & Company. Failing also served as mayor of Portland from 1864 to 1866 and from 1873 to 1875.

Failing married Emily Phelps Corbett (1836-1870) in 1858. The couple had four daughters: Henrietta, Mary, Emily, and Martha. Henry Failing died in November 1898.

Extent

0.1 Cubic Feet (1 folder in shared box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Typescript copy of Henry Failing's April 1879 will, and a typed assessment of his estate with pencil annotations. Henry Failing (1834-1898) was a businessman, politician, and early resident of Portland, Oregon.