Bulk of Large Estate Was Bequeathed to Found an Industrial School for Girls at Norwood.

Portrait of a bearded man in a dark suit, with wavy hair and a serious expression.
Henry O. Peabody ca. 1890
Image courtesy of Ms. Candice Perry, 3rd Great-Niece of Henry O. Peabody. Colorized by the Norwood Historical Society.


The contest over the will of Henry O. Peabody went to trial in the Supreme Court yesterday before Judge Braley and a jury. The testator left about $370,000, and in his will, after making certain provisions for the benefit of relatives, gave the bulk of the property for the founding of an industrial school for girls at Norwood. Undue influence and unsoundness of mind are the grounds the contestants set up in their effort to break the instrument. Jacob E. Peabody, Asa L. Peabody, Clara Bailey, and Mrs. Sawyer are the contestants. The testator was the inventor of the Peabody rifle.

(The Boston Globe-April 30, 1904)

On This Day In Norwood History

On This Day In Norwood History

georgenhs Jul 16, 2026 0 min read

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Norwood Hospital Expansion Likely to Target Civic Center Site-July 13, 1976

Norwood Hospital Expansion Likely to Target Civic Center Site-July 13, 1976

georgenhs Jul 12, 2026 2 min read

The expansion aims to address the critical need for increased bed capacity, support services, and advanced medical units, as outlined by consulting firm Medicus Planning, Inc.

Lithuanian Club Closed After Ceiling Collapses-July 12, 1977

Lithuanian Club Closed After Ceiling Collapses-July 12, 1977

georgenhs Jul 11, 2026 2 min read

Three men narrowly escaped injury when the ceiling of the historic 75-year-old building crashed to the floor, forcing an immediate safety closure.

High school baseball game with pitcher, batter, umpire, and cheering crowd

Norwood’s Resilience and Strong Comeback Bring Victory Over Westwood in Zone 6A American Legion Baseball-July 12, 1989

georgenhs Jul 11, 2026 2 min read

In a testament to their resilience and determination, Pete Wall’s Norwood team scores seven runs in the fourth inning to take a 10-3 victory over Westwood.

Norwood’s Second Annual “Tiot” Relay Race Raises Funds for Youth Recreation-July 12, 1976

Norwood’s Second Annual “Tiot” Relay Race Raises Funds for Youth Recreation-July 12, 1976

georgenhs Jul 11, 2026 3 min read

Sponsored by the Ponderosa Lounge, the successful community fundraiser combined athletic competition with a picnic to benefit local recreational projects.


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