Interesting information Michele!
Since I'm a big nerd at heart, I did the calculation based on some consumer price index historical data available on the web
Assuming my source for the inflation rates is correct:
$2000 in 1896 => $41,512 in 2002
$3000 in 1896 => $62,268 in 2002
$4000 in 1896 => $83,024 in 2002
I don't know the inflation rate of the last year, so they're in 2002 dollars.
I'm mildly surprised - would've expected the numbers to be even higher!