Charles Vance Millar | The Canadian Encyclopedia

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Charles Vance Millar

Charles Vance Millar, lawyer (born 28 June 1854 in Aylmer, Ontario; died 31 October 1926 in Toronto, Ontario). A lawyer, sportsman and practical joker, Millar is best known as creator of the Stork Derby.

Charles Vance Millar
A lawyer, sportsman and practical joker, Charles Vance Millar is best known as creator of the Stork Derby.

Charles Vance Millar, lawyer (born 28 June 1854 in Aylmer, Ontario; died 31 October 1926 in Toronto, Ontario). A lawyer, sportsman and practical joker, Millar is best known as creator of the Stork Derby. In his will, Millar, a bachelor, left the bulk of his estate to the mother who, in the 10 years following his death, gave birth in Toronto to the largest number of children. The ensuing contest inspired worldwide interest and much litigation before the validity of the bequest was upheld by the Supreme Court of Canada and the money distributed among four winning mothers. The question of whether Millar intended his will to take effect or merely to amuse his lawyer friends remains in doubt.

The Stork Derby was the subject of a 2002 movie of the same name, starring Megan Follows.