The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-09-06
Anecdotes of Stephon Girard.

A paper read by DR.. w. NJ. Connell at
the last meeting of the New England Historic
Genealogical Society in Boston gave the fol-
lowing interesting anecdotes Of Stephen Cir
arm:
Stephen Girard was the sole judge Of his
bcnefcence. Ifrigh,ly approached no would
give largely; but II dictated to or treated
rudely he would not give at oil. Samuel
Coates, one of the old Friends, knew how to
manage Girard, while many who sought aid
from him were unsuccessful. Mr.. Coates
was Of the pennsylvania Hospital which
was then much in want Of funds. He un-
dertook to get a donation from Mr.. Girard,
and meeting him in the street, stated his OBJ
ject. Mr.. Girard asked him to come to him
the next morning.
Mr.. Coates called and found Girard at
breakfast. lie asked him TO take some (which
Mr.. Coates did. After breakfast Mr.. Coates
said, well, Mr.. Girard, we will proceed to
business well, what have you come for,
Samuel?' said Mr.. Girard. 'Just what thee
plcascs, Stephen. replied Mr.. Coates. Cir.
ard drew check for $4,000, which Mr..
Coates put in his pocket without looking
at 1t. what you no look at the check
gave your said Mr.. Girard. No, beggars
must not bo choosers, Stephen said Mr..
Coates. 'IIand me back again the check |
gave you,' demanded Girard, mo, no,
Stephen-a bird in the hand is worth two in
the bush,' said Mr.. Coates. by George"
said Girard, you have caught me on the
right footing He then drew check for
$4,000, and presented II Mr.. Coates, OBJ
serving, 'Will you now look ut titT We'll,
to please thee, Stephen, I will, said Mr..
Coates, 'Now give me back the first check,
demanded Mr.. Girard-which was according
ly done.
The Rev. DR.. Stoughton, an eminent Bap-
tist minister Of Philadelphia, did not under
stand Mr.. Girard 80 well us Mr.. Coates did.
When they were about building their meet
ing.bouse in Samson street, DR.. Stogghton
called on Mr. Girard received him, az he
usually did beggsr, coolly but courtcously,
and gave him a check for $500. DIR Slough
ton received 1t with low bow but upon
examining it. expressed his astonishment,
adding, only $500! Surely, you will not
give us less than 81 l,0O0.' let me see the
check, Mr.. Stoughton,' said Girard; 'per-
haps have made one mistake The DR..
returned him the check. With the utmost
sang Jroid Girard tore Il into fragments, OBJ.
serving: well, Mr.. Stoughton, IL you will
not have what give, I will give nothing
The Doctor left him exceedingly mortified.
'Girard hadno preference for one sect more
than for another, and gave to build churches
merely to improve the city.
Tho Methodists wished to build church
in Tenth street, just north Of Chestnut
Thomas faskins. merchant, and neigh-
bor Of Girard, called ON him. and urged his
suit for aid in very modest terms. Girard
replied, Il approve Of your object. and Pre-
scntcd him check for $500. The Mctho-
dist society failed. and the house was bought
by the Episcopalians, who wished to altar IL
into the splendid Gothic house now calledSt.
Stcphens's church. A committee waited
upon Mr.. Girard, told him their plane. and
asked his aid. He gave them check for
$500, They were disappointed, and aid'
why,you gave tho Methodists $500 for their
little church, and we arc going to build .
more splendid edifce, and surely you will
give US something COMFORTING with the
grandeur ofour design. Have 700 not omit
tsd . cypber!' They returned tho check