The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1874-06-15
A Remarkable History.

The Baroness de Pontalba, or Mad.
ame de Pontalba, rs she was generally
called in New Orleans, who recently
died in Paris, was woman who had n
remarkable history. Her father, Don
Andres Almonaster, was IN Andalusian
who emigrated to Louisiana when it
was Spanish colony, where he accu-
mulated great estate, and at the time
Of his death in 1908 he was by far the
richest man in the colony. His only
daughter, Michnela, rs soon as she had
completed her education, was married
to the son Of m old ex.oflicer Of the
Spanish army, who was also very rich,
OF the name Of Pontalba, The young
couple established themselves in Paris,
whittier the elder Pontalba shortly fol-
lowed them, taking up his residence in
chateau near the city. After some
years dissensions arose between the
husband and wife which led to a sepa.
ration, Madame do Pontalba retaining
the custody OF their children under the
condition that she should consult their
grandfather in the direction Of their
education. The old gentleman was ex-
tremely mortified and Indignant at the
separation Of his daughter.in.law from
her husband, attributing the blame en-
tirely To the wife, and startling trag-
edy was the result Of his chagrin. On
one occasion Madame Pontalba, visit.
ing the old Baron at his chateau to
consult with him about the welfare OF
her children, was invited into his cabi.
net. Very soen an angry alteration
was indistinctly heard by the servants,
followed by two reports Of pistol and
tile wild shrek OF q woman's voice. The
door was burst open and tho bodies Of
the two were found lying on the floor
bleeding profusely. The Baron was
dead; Madame de Pontalba had re.
ceiyed fearful wound in her breast,
the ball having passed through her
hand, seyerlng one Of her fingers In its
course. ..-.-
What passed between Madame and
the Baron previous TO the shooting was
never revealed. Tho lady after a long
illness recovered and resumed her place
in society, purchasing square in the
most aristoCratic iaubourg in Paris,
where she erected one OF the most cost.
" and magnificent mansions to be
found in that city, entertaining with
great liberality. Her daughter married
q Louisiana gentleman, and when the
revolution OF 1913 occurred, deeming II
prudent to leave Paris, Nine. de Pom.
talba visited New Orleans, where she
remained until Louis Napoleon came
into power, when she returned to the
gay capital in which she spent the most
Of her life. She was exceedingly
shrewd and capable in business affairs,
and at the time OF her death, in addi-
ton to q vast property in France, was
the proprietor OF larger area OF ground
in New Orleans than any other single
individual. She had two sets OF politi-
cal opinions, one for Europe and the
other for America. In France she was
| decided Legitimist 7; in New Orleans
Democrat Of the Jackson school. The
New Orleans Times says that the ascot
10 life led by tho famous millionaire
John McDonogh was the result OF his
rejection by Mile. Almonaster, with
whom he was desperately in love In his
younger days. He was then gay and
dashing young man, profuse in his ex.
penditures Of money. To his proposal
Of marriage IL is said the answer was
returned by the family Of tho young
lady that he was not rich enough TO
marry tho hciress OF Don Andres Almo.
master, Then in his bitter anger Nc.
Donogh vowed that he would live and
work until he was richer than all the
Almonasters and Pontalbas put togeth-
er. From that hour the mans nature
and habits changed. He began his Gu
reer OF money getting, in which he
eventually became absorbed and was so
successful. The story Of his solitary,
miserly life, his death, the bequest Of
his vast possessions to charitable pur-
poses, and the litigation which fol-
lowed. has been often told.