The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1886-08-06
A Millionaire's peculiarities.
HE GROWS TIMBER FOR his OWN COFFIN
AND THOSE or MS FRIENDS.


Mr.. Joseph Richardson. of Bridge
port is probably the wcalthiest man in
Connecticut Mr.. Richardson seems
to haye possessed the happy faculty of
turning everything he touched into
money, and what in the way of trans
portatioD failed him he has made good
by accumulation through patient wait.
ing. His residence in North Bridge
port is at the corner of a large farm
which for fertility has no equal in the
country. Forty years ago he sent to
England for an elm sapling. 1t reach
ed him in March, and in the following
month he planted it with care near his
dwelling. 1t grew and developed to
mighty tree. During the thirty three
years it was growing Mr.. Richardson
often called the attention of his friends
TO the fact that in his native land,
among the educated classes, it was the
custom for men, by way of showing
special regard for their personal friend,
to present them with elm timber for
their cofiins, and that this tree had
been planted and fostered with that
end in view in his case. He often
talked about the tree, and would never
allow the pruning axe to be applied.
Mr. Richardson's great wealth has
brought him into association with the
best people in the country, and only
among those who failed to be honored
with his intimate acquaintance rs he
looked upon and pronounced penurious.
Some six or seven years ago Mr..
Richardson took final view of his elm
aud resolved to put in form the resolu-
ton he had adopted respecting the tree
more than generation preceding.
The tree was felled, the best part of
the trunk taken to a mill and sawed
into planks. From these sufficient
material was selected for three coffins.
To make his own coffin he engaged
the services of Mr.. Judd, of Bridge
port, who was instructed to practice
economy. This artisan dovetailed the
ends OF the planks, thereby rendering
the employment of iron screws un-
necessary. When the coffin was de-
livered Mr.. Richardson pronounced it
perfect in every part and had it packed
away in his garret to await the owners
final call for its use. In reply to a
friends question he said "No, there
will be no engraved plate 1t costs
too much, and is not essential. have
had my old brand iron and will use
that.
But the peculiar feature of this tim
Der matter follows. Long ago Mr.
Richardson made the acquaintance of
Rev. Dix, ID. d., rector of Trinity
Church, New Yolk, and there grew
up between them a warm friendship.
Mr. Richardson ad dressed to his friend
the following note:
DEAR BROTHER l send you material
enough to make a coffin. Please ac-
cept.
Yours, j. RICHARDSON.
DIR. Dix acknowledged the receipt of
the gift and expressed thanks. He at
once proceeded to have coffin made,
but, instead of following Mr.. Richard
sons suggestion of supplying dovetails
for economys sake, he had it made up
in modern style, brass fastened at the
corners, adorned and strengthened.
When the giver was apprised of DR.,
Dixs expensive ideas he protested, and
felt sure the pomps and vanities of this
world were destined to take precedence
over the plain and substantial matter
OF fact. Remaining planks from the
tree were presented by Mr.. Richard
son to his only brother in New York,
who likewise was thankful, but could
not bring himself to appreciate the
economy measures in coffin construct
ion followed by the giver.