Estate distribution schedules were produced to make an assessment of the worth of the Newberry estate and to divide the estate evenly between Walter Newberry's heirs and the new "free public library" (Newberry Library). A Cook County court decision determined that the estate would be assessed as of the death date (Dec. 9, 1885) of Newberry's widow, Julia Butler Newberry.

Includes printed and manuscript schedules in bound and unbound form, as well as notes and plat maps. The schedules itemize the worth of Newberry's personal estate (cash, bonds, loans, contracts, etc.) as well as real estate (land, building improvements, leases in Chicago, Cook County, and Wisconsin) as of December 9, 1885. Schedules prepared after that date are either mss. copies or annotated copies of the 1885 schedules. Plat maps and real estate valuations show the exact pieces of land owned by the estate, and the buildings and improvements made thereon. Also included are copious notes by trustees Bradley and Blatchford who determined the worth and the division of the estate.