Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1889-03-14
~. wInI1Amsox DEAD.


ttiOn Hnd tsrcnt Wealth-IBis Lib
erai Cbnrities--An Unsigned VIII
Cuts the industrial school Out OF
Nearly S2,0G0,000.
PHILADELPHIA, Pa, March 7.--Isaiah
V. Williamson, the venerable millionaire
philsnthropist, died at o'clock this
morning. Mr.. williamson was, perhaps,
the richest bachelor in the United States.
He was born at Penn's Manor, Bucks
county, Pa, 81 years ago. de was the
son of poor farmer, and had many early
privationB. Reaching the eRe of 10 years
he secured position in q country store.
BE remained in the store until he was
about 20 years old, when he concluded to
come to Philadelphia to seek his fortune.
After varied commercial experience he
became member OF the firm OF william.
son, Burrough 4 90, who carried on the
dry goods business on Market street
above Second. He was very successful
In business, and retired from active
work many years ago with an immense
fortune agRregating millions. From the
dry goods business MIR. Williamson went
on Third street, and became an active
figure in financial circles. He bought
stocks and bonds OF all descriptions but
not for immediate speculation. Every
thing be acquired he held and II it was
not dividend paying stock at the time
he kept 1t until it became such. be
studied the reports OF RAILROAD com.
panies and became thoroughly informed
as to their earning powers and made very
few mistakes in his Investments. The
fortune he had when he retired from the
dry goods business grow rapidly nuder
his ju1icious investments. aud OF the
time OF his death he was regarded as the
richest man in Philadelphia.
Mr.. williamson never married, appear.
ing IN his younger days to bs too busy
for love affairs. lie occupied nearly all
bis time making money. It is said, how
ever, that no was very fond of dancing
and was always on the floor at the sum.
nleT balls and hops OF Saratoga for many
yeara. He was known there as the ''rich
bachelor from Philadelphia" and was
consequently never at loss for partner.
His economical habits acquired in early
youth stuck to him in later years and as
he grew older he appeared to have sn in
creasiug aversion TO spending money
upon himself. gentleman who knew
him well said that it was easier for him
TO give away $40 600 than TO purchase
suit of clothes for himself He carried
one umbrella for over I5 years and
was always seen wearing clothes Of
ancient cut aad faded and thread bare an.
pearance. Notwithstanding his dsiucling.
tion however to spend money upon him
self MIR. Williamson was charitable man
all his life and has given literally to all
worthy objects. He has however been
Rverse to publicity aud, has enioined
secrecy as to the give upon many
institutions that have been bene-
fitted by him. The House OF
Refuge received 800, 900 from him
end the University OK Pennsylvania Hos.
pital and the jefferson College Hospital
$4,000 each. He gave 100000 to
the Board OF Trade fund for the assist
ance of merchants who have sustained
feverses and are without means for max.
ing livelihood. Whenever he has aent
contribution TO any ohjset he has simply
signed his Initials and row persons know
how muoh he has given away anony-
mousiy. The browning act of Mr.. Will
liamsoD's philanthropic life was the gilt
Of $4,000, 600 for the founding of the
Williamson Free School of Mechanical
Trades which is TO be built as soon as a
''eeHti21 ig aec'a = rpe- TIKI sfErs;;rss'
the project aru row in the hsnda OF a
Eow3 Of trustees selected BY Mr.. VIII
hanson.
Although he has given away much
money in this and other ways, Mr.. Will
Hanson has, it is said, provided well for
his relatives. The nearest OF these are a
sister and brother living in Bucks county
and brother living in Kentucky. His
younger brother, who died some time
ago, left four daughters, two married aud
two single.
Mr.. williamson has always led life o.
the greatest eeclusion and has kept him
self ss much Rs possible out OF the public
eye. He formerly resided with cousin
OF No. S04 Pine street, but OF late years
he has had apartments at No. 1929 Chest.
nut street.
The Philadelphia papers this morning
state that Mr.. Wiliiamsonis last will by
which no had set aside upwards OF
81, 900 900 addition for the williamson
free school is unsigned, consequently the
institution will be deprived OF that much
support he made a will 20 years ago
and this was duly executed and must
stand. Il mikes no provision for The
school. Mr.. Williamsoa's death, however,
does not affect the deed of trust giving
the school the magnificent grant Of
81 500, 900. Mr.. Williamson TO friend
stated scme time Fgo that as hoon as the
site fo- the school was Sxed upon he
wonld sign the will byquesthingi it a large
sum Of money.--ED. G. d j.
-. q