NEW ALBANY —
For more than a century, portions of the interest garnered from a trust started by Washington C. DePauw have been disbursed to charitable causes in Floyd County.
DePauw — once considered the richest man in Indiana and the financial backbone of what became DePauw University in Greencastle — owned land in New Albany and profited heavily from his glass works industrial ties.
From buildings and historic districts to streets and early education, DePauw and his family created a lasting legacy in New Albany.
He died in 1887, and started a trust with $25,000. Washington C. DePauw United Charities launched after his death to oversee the trust, and the amount donated to groups varied each year.
DePauw United Charities President Jane Godfrey said the organization funded a free public kindergarten in New Albany before such classes were offered by the school system.
Recent donation recipients have included the Carnegie Center for Art and History, the New Albany-Floyd County Public Library and Brandon’s House in New Albany, Godfrey said.
“According to Mr. DePauw’s wishes, we do give the money to children’s activities mostly in New Albany and Floyd County,” she said.
Steve Anshutz, local historian and antiques appraiser, recently spoke to the group during a meeting. He’s setup a display near the Indiana Room at the NA-FC library with items from DePauw’s life.
He said DePauw could be considered aggressive by some, as he appointed himself to several committees and was perceived as micro managing the university after giving money to Asbury College.
The college eventually became DePauw University, and while he may have taken a role in overseeing the school, he also gave considerably to the cause, Anshutz added.
“He was very philanthropic, and probably on par with [William] Culbertson,” when it came to giving, Anshutz said when comparing DePauw to another noted New Albany resident of the 19th Century.
The original bi-laws establishing the DePauw United Charities called for 21 gentile church ladies who live in Floyd County to meet and vote annually to distribute the money.
“But since then, we’ve amended the bi-laws to get rid of gentile and church so it’s just ladies now,” said Godfrey with a smile.
Some of the members have been part of DePauw United Charities for more than 50 years. Typically the members will find a replacement simply by asking friends once someone has died or resigned from the group, Godfrey said.
The group does receive donations to the trust sometimes, but the account has dwindled somewhat to about $45,000.
Godfrey said DePauw United Charities has really only sought attention when it comes to letting the organizations that received money know where it originated.
But Anshutz said he’s encouraged the group to seek more donations or hold fundraisers for the trust to keep it going. Godfrey said the trust is managed through the Southern Indiana Community Foundation, and that donations are accepted.
For more information on the group or for details about contributing to the trust, contact Godfrey by e-mail at cj.godfrey@sbcglobal.net.
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