The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1885-03-28
The Mighty Millionaire and Railroad
King.


King.
What is known as the Gould system OF
railways comprehends those roads in the
West and Southwest ON which thousand
men struck recently, rather than take
lower wages than they had been receiving
This event brings into even more than his
usual prominence the man whose name is
known throughout the world as that of a
shrewd financier at the head of the largest
system of railroads in the United States.
Jay Gould is one of the most interesting
men living. His power in business and in
politics is as subtle as it is real. He is a
man without presence or address; but the
silent expression of his intentions affects
the markets of the world.
This singular person was born at Rox-
bury, New York, in the year 1886. His
father kept store and titled small farm.
When Jay was six years old his mother
died, but his father not long afterward took
another mate. The boy received fair
education and acquired love of books
The story is told that when he was about
fifteen he invented mousetrap, of which
he was robbed on his first visit to New York
year after this amusing incident in his
career he was engaged as a clerk in coun-
try store. We hear of him while in this
place buying piece Of land in Albany,
acting upon advice which he had overheard
his shrewd employer give to another per
son. The famous "Jay Gould" map of
Delaware county, pahlished in Philadel-
phia in 1856, was from actual survey" by
that active young man. In his early man
hood. Mr.. Gould formed a partnership
with Colonel Zadock Pratt, in the tanning
business, at a place in Pennsylvania sub
sequently called after him, Gouldsboro. He
removed to New York city In 1853, and
began business as broker.
The time was we'll chosen for the expert
ment, and the man had that clear far
sighted judgement which enabled him to
SO Utilize the events preceding and during
the war that he was millionaire in few
years. Since then his operations in rail
roads, telegraphs and other property have
been SO far successful as to make him
unquestionably one of the richest men in
the world, and certainly one of the most
influential. The amount of his wealth is
not even approximately known. He is
said to own several newspapers with which,
among other means, he forwards his vast
financial schemes. His politics. according
to his own statement, vary with due re~
gard to the acquisition of wealth. Jay
Gould is, first of all, financier, but this
leading characteristic of the man is accom-
panied with amiable traits.
He Is free from the vices, great and
small, and always has been correct in his
moral department.. His tastes are domes-
tic, and whether in his New York mansion
or at his country seat, Lyndhurst- on-the
Hudson, his appreciation of the enjoyments
of hoae is remarkable. These include
literature, music, painting and sculpture,
and the raising of choice plants and how-
ers. He takes frequent rides on horseback.
Mrs. Gould, whose maiden name was
Miller, is the daughter of well-known !
merchant of New York. OF several chill
dren born to the couple, one is doing
business in the Empire City, as partner in
a firm of brokers.
Nheo, few years ago, some leading
men OF wealth subscribed fund for Cen
eral Grant, Mr.. Gould's share in the matter
was check for twenty-five thousand dol
lars. He is said to be liberal in his gifts
to worthy institutions and the deserving