Biographers describe Ingersoll’s overall Generosity:
Many a new-fledged attorney and many an aged, stranded one went from his presence with a gladder heart and a fuller pocket. A hundred dollar bill was a frequent gift from his open hand, to say not a word of the thousands scattered in larger and smaller sums. He gave his advice freely to hundreds – especially to the widow, the poor and defenseless, and (as a lawyer) he tried many a case to a happy conclusion, not only with no fee, but himself paying all costs and disbursements.
His assistants left witness that Ingersoll’s ledgers and account books were filled with uncollected accounts.
There are numerous stories of how dearly his wife and two daughters loved him. And even though he was known to leave plenty of cash in a drawer for them, for whatever expenses might come up, they were known to be women who were moderate, even frugal, in their spending.
