Relief Fund Example 6 Example: A man lost his wife on the Eastland. He has five surviving children (three under 7 years of age, one 15 years of age, and one 18 years of age). The man, now a widower, owns a piece of property valued at $3,000, upon which there is a $1,500 mortgage. He received $500 in death benefits from the Western Electric Company and insurance. The scale is applied in the following manner.
ALLOWANCES AMOUNT Adult dead (wife) $200 Widower $375 Three children under 7 years of age $1,125 One child 15 years of age $75 Total allowances $1,775
DEDUCTIONS AMOUNT Real estate equity in excess of $1,000 $37 Insurance and savings $75 One child over 15 years of age $75 Total deductions $187 Upon the scale, the widower would receive $1,588. But if the 18 year-old child was tuberculous or unable to work or if the widow was ill, an additional sum, according to the nature of the incapacity, would be voted. On the other hand, if the widower's property brought him good income, or if the 18 year-old child was earning unusually good wages, or if there were well-to-do relatives who were liable under the laws of the State of Illinois for support, a deduction would be made. These additions or deductions, as stated, were made by a committee of twelve people representing the various nationalities and the public and private agencies after considering complete reports of the circumstances of each family.
Source: Final Report, Eastland Disaster Relief Committee, Chicago Chapter, American Red Cross, 1918.
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