Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1869-03-10
; a RAILROAD KING.

One of the most successful railroad men
of New York boarded at one OF our Prln-
cipal hotels. He was an unmarried man
His reputation and standing we're unques-
toned. He was connected with the
principal capitalists in the city, and was
one whom New York delighted to honor.
Here he lived part of his time, and
reared family, though the mother OF his
children was not his wife. Down town,
at his hotel, he passed by one name, up
town, in his house, he was known by
another. It would seem impossible that
a prominent business man, reputed to be
rich, brought into daily business contact
with princely merchants and bankers, the
head of large railroad interest, could re-
side in New York, and for a number OF
years lead the double life of a bachelor
and man of family be known by one
name down town, and another name up
town; yet so it was At his hotel and at
his office he was found at the usual hours.
To his uptown home he came late and
went early There he was seldom seen.
The landlord, the butcher, the grocer, and
the milkman, transacted all their business
with the lady, Bills we're promptly paid,
and no questions asked The little girls
became young ladies. They went to the
best boarding gschool in the land.
An unexpected crisis came. A clergy
man in good standing became acquainted
with one Of the daughters at her boarding
school, He regarded her with so much
interest, that he solicited her hand in
marriage. He was referred to the moth
er. The daughters had said that their
father was wealthy merchant of New
York; but his name did not appear IN tho
Directory, he was not known on change.
The lover only knew the name by which
the daughters were called. The mother
was afabe, but embarrassed. The gen.
tleman thought something was wrong, and
insisted on a personal interview with tho
father. The time was appointed for the
interview. The young man was greatly
astonished to discover in the father of tho
young lady one of the most eminent busi-
ness men of the city. He gave his con-
sent to the marriage, and promised TO do
we'll by the daughter, though he admitted
that the mother of the young lady was
not his wife. The clergyman was greatly
attached to the young woman, who was
really beautiful and accomplished. He
agreed to lead her to the alter, if, at the
same time, the merchant would make the
mother his wife This was agreed to,
and the double wedding was consummated
the same night. The father and mother
were first married, and then the father
gave away the daughter. The affair Gre
ated ten days sensation. The veil Of
secrecy was removed. The family took
the downtown name, which was the real
one-a name among the most honored III
the city An uptown fashionable man
sion was purchased, and fitted up in style.
Crowds filled the spacious parlors, for
there was just piquancy enough IN tho
case to make it attractive. Splendid
coaches of the fashionable filled the street;
a dashing company crowded the pavement,
and rushed up the steps to enjoy the
sights. The brilliant parties continued
but short time. The merchant was
rotten at heart al New York was as
founded one day at the. report that the
great railroad king had become gigantic
defaulter, and had absconded. His crash
carried down fortunes and families with.
his own. Commercial circles yet suffer
for his crimes. Tue courts are still fret
ted with suits between great corporations
and individuals growing out Of these tran
sactions Fashionable New York, which
could overlook twenty years of criminal
life, could not excuse poverty. 1t took
reprisals for bringing this family into So
cial position by hurting it back into an OBJ
scurity from which probably it will never
emerge Sunshine and Shado'o.