The evening times., 1898-07-19
TWO GREAT FORTUNES.

The Runor That Willian W. .Astor
anA Mrs. Goelet VIII BE Married.
New York, July l9.-It Is rumored here
and at Newport that William Waldorf
Astor and Mrs. Ogden Goelet have form
ed an engagement. That the widow Of
one of Americas. richest men may soon
marry one Of its weaIthiest and reside
abroad Is the one subject of conversa-
tion. among their friends, who, now that
their names are spoken Of together, find
all sorts Of things to say about the desi-
'rabjlity rof such marriage and how
admirably Mrs. Goelet and Mr.. Astor are
suited to one another. For one thing,
says the Journal, the match would unite
the two largest fortunes in real estate in
the city Of New York. The knowing ones
prophesy reign Of social splendor for
her in London undreamed Of by any 9TH
er American woman. for Mr.. Astor not
only has been admitted to the Prince Of
Wales.s set and entertained the future
King in his own home. but has renounced
his allegiance to the Stars and Stripes.
become a loyal subject Of Queen Victoria
and is eligible to the peerage.
1t Is little less than year since Ogden
Goeiet died on board the yacht in Eng
glish waters. Since then Mrs. Goelet has
spent most of her time in London. She is
at presen. at Warwick House. in Green
Park, which she has taken for the re-
mainder Of the season. Her mourning
has kept her from entering into the gay.
cites OF the fashionable world, but lately
she has begun to emerge from her Sc
clusion, and In her mitigated mourning
looks prettier than ever.
Mrs. Goelet Is the oldest daughter of
Richard T. Wilson, the banker, who is
many times a millionaire. Mr. Wilson
comes from Georgia. He married Miss
Johnson, who was descendant OF one
of the oldest families in the South. Mrs
Wilson is said to be one of the greatest
matchmakers in America. The record of
her children's alliances certainly bears
evidence that she is female Warwick Of
marriages.
Ogden Goelet died. on his yacht, the
Mayfiower. at Cowes, England, August
"a. 1897 He left a fortune estimated ct
about 100000 to his widow and children
Much Of this was invested in real estate,
which he held jointly with his brother
Robert. He and Robert were nephews of
Peter Goelet. the founder Of the family
fortune.
Mrs. Goelet received by the terms of
her husbands will the use for life of the
Newport mansion and the house on Fifth
avenue. an annuity of sl50,O00. besides
other property. There is also trust fund
of $500 900 for her benefit
Miss May Goelet will be one of the
richest girls in this country. Her fortune
will be about so. 900. 600. At one time 1t
was reported that she was engaged to be
married to the young Duke Of Manches-
ter.
William Waldorf Astor, eldest son Of
the late John Jacob Astor. is ne great
grandson of the founder Of their house.
He was born in 1S4s. and graduated at Co.
lumbia- He was elected 10 the assembly
In 1s0 and later was appointed minister
to Italy by President Arthur. In 1878 he
married Miss Mary Paul. of Philadelphia.
by whom he had three children.
After taking up his residence in Lon
don. Mr.. Astor bought the Pail Mall pc
riodicals. which have been very success
ful In his hands. He is a man of literary
taste. and fs the author OF an interesting
romance published while he was munster
to 'fais. Mfs.' Astor died in 1894
Since her death Mr.. Astor has been re-
ported several times as engaged to be
married At one time ii was said that ne
was seeking the hand of the Prince of
Wales daughter. Victoria Again rumor
selected Lady Randolph Churchill. who
was Miss Jennie Jerome, daughter of
Leonard W. Jerome. of New York
Mr.. Astor's fortune is estimated at
800 900. 600. and is principally invested in
real estate. 1t yields a net income of
something like 1900 600 year. He owns
the Waldorf Hotel