Did L Frank Baum leave a will?

Answer 1

Author and Oz series originator Lyman Frank Baum [May 15, 1856-May 1919] was the son of wealthy oil field owner operator Benjamin Ward Baum. Throughout his life, Baum faced the precariousness of life due to a weak heart. In fact, he suffered a heart attack or nervous breakdown before he turned 18, and a heart attack shortly before he married. He was seriously ill the year before he died. Baum's wife, Maud Gage Baum [March 27, 1861-March 6, 1953], was the daughter of Matilda Electa Joslyn Gage [March 24, 1826-March 18, 1858], who was an early supporter of rights to slaves and to women. She was scheduled to take up pioneer law studies, for a pioneer law career, when she gave it all up to marry Baum. So given the general practicality of his wife, his socioeconomic status, and his precarious health, it's no surprise that The L. Frank Baum Family Trust exists. Mrs. Baum tried to leave out eldest son Frank Joslyn Baum [December 3, 1883-December 2, 1958]. But with her death, he managed to get back into the good graces of The Baum Trust.