Western sentinel. [volume] (Winston [i.e. Winston-Salem], N.C.) 1856-1886, 1885-01-29
POOR RICH MEN.
MANNED SOLDIERS OF THE BAT
TIE FOR WEALTH.


Waning Life-Struggles in which Mill
ionaires were Destitute of Some
Things which the Poorest Country
man Always Possesses.
BY EDWARD PAYsoN HALL.
For the Sentinel
The rapidity with which immense
fortunes are being accumulated by the
Jay Goulds and Vanderbilts of to-day
recall some noted instances of the de-
plorable results of the unremitting eff
fort to acquire wealth upon the clos
ing lives of sundry eccentric charac-
ters whom I have seen and heard of
in my time-a few decades in the past.
The morbid acquisitiveness of these
men was developed to a wonderful and
irrational extent There was old @
JACOB sTRAWM,
very extensive cattle-dealer and
landholder of Jacksonville, Illinois.
It is my impression that he was re-
puted to be probably the wealthiest
citizen of his State, in those earlier
days. He was the owner of some
forty thousand acres of land in the
bounds of that Common wealth, and
his agricultural and other business
transactions had been of a scope and
Importance corresponding with his
landed possessions. By the most un-
remitted exertions he had amassed
princely fortune. But he was more
extensively known for his eccentrici-
ties of character than for his great
wealth. For days and nights in sue
cession he had been known to pursue
his business without intermissien, new
er sleeping, unless whilst riding in his
saddle. He chose his wife as he would
farm or lot of cattle, by mere. in
spection Of her person, selecting her
fl ON among her sisters, who we're call
ed to the door at his request; and
married her without any more cere-
mony than was necessary to complete
moneyed saction, and conform
to the laws of the State. Everything
was with him matter of money and
business, pursuing these at the sacri-
flee Of all else; indeed, attaching no
value to aught which could not be
measured by a pecuniary standard.
Or the 18th of january, 1851, Mr..
Strawm was brought down the Illinois
river maniac, in charge of some of
his friends, who were trying to convey
him to the Lunatic Asylum at Col
umbus, Ohio. His insanity was brought
on by the terrible tasks to which ev-
cry energy of his mind and body had
been subjected for years in the pur-
suit of the almighty dollar" In or
der to induce him to travel in the di-
rection of Columbus without violence,
it became necessary to deceive him by
the promise of great rewards for ac-
companying his protectors. Even In
this his all-absorbing passion was pre-
dominant. Bonds to large amount,
with large penalties in case of breach
of contract, were regularly executed,
to secure him the compensation agreed
upon. Even before leaving the steam
boat, and with the appearance of q
correct regard to business, he had the
agreement read-re-read it himself
and caild the attention of the bystand-
ers to see that everything was correct
ly and explicitly understood. And
this was the value of wealth! Life
health, great energy, everything de,
voted to the utmost stretch to secure
immense possessions md enjoy moth
ing! Truly, after all, there were
greater slaves than those who used tc
come and go, and labor at the bidding
of another. There have been men who
were even poorer than they-who were
fed by the Slow and~unwilling hand O.
charity; and there are none more tx
be pitied, at any time, than those who
bow down in adoration of their count
less thousands, knowing neigher com
fort, pleasure, recreation nor intellect
ual enjoyment in aught besides theil
treasures.
NICHOLAS sPRAGUE.
of Valle Crucis, Miss, had accumulated
large fortune from small beginnings, and
just as he passed middle age, imagined him
self to be in abject poverty. He called o,
the County Commissioners and asked relief
Approaching the state of mind in whicl
the well known applicant then was
their presiding officer replied. Certainly
Mr.. Sprague, call tomorrow, and you shall
have it." Satisfied, the applicant retired
and one of the Commissioners hastened t
tho gentleman's son, stated the case, AM
|
to be given. "Give it," the son replied, an
we'll return your money" Accordingly
this wealthy planter received relief, and 70
many months regularly applied for five dol
lars per month; until at last the hallucins
J tion vanished, and his mind was completed
.. restored This statement of facts may pei
haps contain a hint of some value for tn
treatment of monemaniacs.
a few years ago, map OF very eccentri
II n
Chartres street, New Orleans, at the adyant
cd age of 80. His name WAS
/. ERNEST CRoGHAN,
and he had fancy for always appearin
: about the strectg in the garb of bsggaI
] | He was to my certain knowledge, mos
successful stock-broker In his day, and by
careful and industrious co,iTse, had realize
more than hsif Z million of dollars. An
i | yet he cut such miserable figure In tll
streets, that many time have people drol
3 ped aims in little bag which 1t was his Gu
$ tom to carry. lie never appeared to be o
: Tended at IL mistakes thus made by con
7 passionate donors bat he invariably returl
: ed the money with smile and the word
aNo, no-thank you.n His old habits
. business were exemplifed in ais buyin
small articles from the shops and seilir
, them again, with perhaps the philosophics
!, idea of keeping. up the show OF habits
9 business and consequent healthful excit
! ment. He attended the cathedral regular
: the poorest parishioners, but freqoentiy pi
: upon the plate as much as would pay for
: suit of the best clothes, and there WAS not
: charity in the ward to which be WAS not
n | principal contributor.
! ut. Traos, n. G, Jan. 255th,