A Millionaire’s Unusual Will
In 1926, Toronto lawyer and financier Charles Vance Millar passed away, leaving behind a fortune. His will contained an unusual clause: a large portion of his estate would go to the Toronto woman who gave birth to the most children in the decade following his death.
A Citywide Baby Boom
The unusual contest, later known as The Great Stork Derby, encouraged many women to have as many children as possible between 1926 and 1936. As the deadline approached, several families came forward claiming the prize, with some mothers having nine or ten children within the timeframe.
Legal Battles and Public Debate
The case reached Ontario’s courts, as distant relatives of Millar tried to challenge the clause, arguing it was invalid. After lengthy legal disputes, the courts upheld Millar’s instructions, allowing the contest to proceed.
Winners Split the Fortune
In 1938, four women, each with nine children, were declared winners. They split Millar’s estate, receiving around $125,000 each (equivalent to millions today). The unusual contest made international headlines, cementing its place as one of the strangest legal cases in history.
In 1926, Toronto lawyer and financier Charles Vance Millar passed away, leaving behind a fortune. His will contained an unusual clause: a large portion of his estate would go to the Toronto woman who gave birth to the most children in the decade following his death.🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/DJwJedzYEg
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) February 3, 2025