The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1896-02-29
MYS1 ERIOU.S MAN.
An Ola Clerk Turn. Out to BE the Son of a
Count and lie May h. Rich.

/ From the New Haven Register.
sudden paralytic stroke last week was
the result of bringing to light the unique
| career of one of the most interesting
Characters whose history has been mar
rated in this city for many years. To
small circle of acquaintance and a still
smaller number of friends the figure of
Romulus Gay has been a familiar one for
two years but the story of his remarkai
bic life has never been vouchsafed to
their ears. He has been known as simply
a clerk in the offices of the Consolidated
road. quietly taking his place in the
morning, silently doing his work by day.
and, with scarce a look nod, return
ing TO his Isolated boarding place by
night. Yet a mere passing glance at Mr..
Gay compelled a second look. He was
tall, distinguished looking, wore an air
of quiet dignity and his general appear
ance gave such an air of mystery that
even a stranger invariably turned the
second time to glance and wonder who
the gentleman might be.
This hermit-like life in the very midst
OF the city continued for over 10 years
and to hardly a person in New Haven
had a chapter on the old mans life been
revealed when last week he sank back in
his chair at his boarding place and his
landlay hurriedly called in help.
Mr. Cay has made his home for 10 years,
with the exception of a few months, when
he left the city, in the family of Mr.. and
Mrs. Nathaniel Leaver, of No. los George
street. They, however, knew very little
OF his story, and still Tess of his former
relatives and friends They knew that he
had nephew named Frank, who was a
physician in Waterbury a few years ago
and who had several times offered to
take charge of his uncle's affairs in case
the latter would let him, but in vain
Mrs. Leaver consulted Lawyer George e.
" lnA nalr Ia.
i've work in looking up the nephew. He
spent nearly two days in Waterbury, and
finally located his man as DIR. Francis
+. Esterly of Inwood-o Hudson DR.
Esterly was telegraphed for and arrived
at once. He has made every provision for
the comfort OF his uncle, and has related,
as the recluse career of his uncle, one
OF the most interesting stories told of a
New Havener in some time.
Romulus Gay was born in New Orleans
81 years ago. His father was a French
count and his mother a Philadelphia
Quakeress. The lad lived in New Orleans
for some little time. when he went TO
Philadelphia, where he resided for several
years. His next place of business was in
New York. The New York Sun was lust |
starting and he was one of the members |
OF It's hrst STAFF. He remained in New |
YORK only two or three years. He then |
went to Chicago, where he spent 30 years. |
- ~ - hS was IL clerk IN the Off1CeS of |
the illinois Central railroad, but later he |
purchased land on Washington Heights |
ana became very well-to-do. He was en-
tangled in the wild whrl of speculation
winch seized Chicago ar that time and
lost all his property save the title to a |
Few of his lots. He came East and Sc
cured a position in the treasury depart.
ment at Washington. Among his papers
has been found his certificate of election
70 TINS position, which he, however, found
dlstasteful and resigned. For some time
ne dr1fted about the country, completely
lsolating himself from his friends. till a |
1ozen years ago he went to Waterbury for
= snort time. o. Nj. Shepard of this city,
the present superintendent of the New |
] ork division, happened to meet him
look an interest in him and the old gem
leman was given clerkship in the Of |
noes OF the Consolidated road He was |
hethoulcal' very accurate and especially |
very quiet. He seemed to live in con-
slant fear of the younger men and eyed !
mem wit startled glance whenever they
alked about forcing OUT the old hands
" men the financial depression came a lit
lie over year ago Mr.. GAY was dis
missed TO temporarily cut down expenses.
he went to Falls Village and worked
here In the shops till a few months ago.
Fheh ne returned here, greatly emaciated
hrough a protracted attack of malarial
ever.
The discovery of the titles to the lots
Washington Heights, Chicago, has
made II possible that Mr. Gay has a large
ortune awaiting him i'm the West. An in
esugauon will be made at once into the
Xact condition of the titles to the land |
nd property i'm that city, and IL will he
laimed If II is found that the titles arc
lear. Mr.. Gay is cousin of Judge Lam
ert Tree of Chicago, formerly minister
o st. Petersburg. Judge Trees wealth is