The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1850-11-26
The Misar Millionaire.

We are politely furnished by gentleman
formerly resident of New Orleans, and
who was well acquainted with the late john
McDonnough the Mscr Millionaire, who
lately died in the latter city,wilh some inter
estng "reminiscences Of him.
He resided, for many years of the latter
pant of his life, in Alters, a village on the
opposite side of the Mississippi to New Or
leans where he cultivated and maintained
the striclcst habits of industry and economy.
His custom was to visit the city daily, and,
to avoid tho expense of The ferry boat, the
usual mode of crossing, he kept a small skih,
in which ho made his house servants row
him over.
The foundation of his fortune was laid by
the transfer Of Louisiana to the United
States when large tract where New Or
leans is now located, was acquired by him.
The increase in value of this, in itself con-
silutes, ,at this day, large fortune. The in
come of his possession, he ddiously, and
with much good judgment, invested in i'm
proved property in the city; and so pattic
ular was he in the collection of rents, that
he made out with the most perfect exactness,
himself, every Lill-and though he had IL
colecto. employed he would never suffer
him to append his name to receipt. He
was never known to have friend cal upon
him him except on business, which he would
compel him to despatch with all convenient
speed lest his time wou'd be occupied with
something which would not result in his pc
cuniary advagtage.
The old gentleman, whom he employed
to collect his rents, &C., was not even allow
ed to have MS brother call on him, lest, as
Ne McDonnough alleged it would cost lin an
extra meal. His apparel, when in the city,
was neat and clean, but bore the unmisiak-
able evidence of being very ancient. So
particular was he to save his clothes from
the usual wear that be has been known fire.
quently 10 take off his linen on his return
from The city, and replace it with tha, which
was of less value The umbrella, which he
invariably carried with him, was said 10 have
been found by him during his service in
Gen. Jackson's campaign against the Indian
tribes. When he put on new coat, it was
noticed and made the subject of familiar con-
versation among business men throughout
the CITY, as Il matter of astonishment.
A few years ago, a nephew visited him,
and was told he need not repeat his visit
rs it was expensive, and he subsequently
died in the Charity Hospital, his uncle con-
iributng nothing towards his funeral expen
ses. On one occasion he applied 20 the
Legislature for the passage of an act ap-
pointing himself executor to his own estate,
by which he intended TO save the regular fec
Of two and halt per cent, to the Probate
Court. In answer TO his petition the Legis-
lature replied, that if he would make an at-
idayit that he was dead, they would act ia
yoraby upon his petition.
Much is said about his liberaIing his
slaycss and I'm erroneous impression has gone
abroad in relation to it. When he purchas
ed one, he at once opened an account with
him, charging his cost, expenses of clothing,
&c and credting with the money received
for his wages and when the slave had paid
him his first cost, expenses and interest OF
money, with a fair consideration for risks,
Sc, he gave him his freedom, provided the
Colonization Society would take charge OF
him.