The times., 1898-07-20
TWO GREAT FORTUNES.
The Rumor That william w. Astor
and Mrs. GoeIet .yViIi He Married.

and Mrs. GOeIet VIII He Married.
New York, July 19-It is rumored here
and at Newport that William Waldorf
Astor and Mrs. Ogden Goeiet have form
ed an engagement That the widow of
one of Americas richest men may soon
marry one of its wealthiest and reside
abroad is the one subject of conversa-
ton among their friends who, now that
their nam IS are spoken OF together, find
all sorts of things to say about the desi-
rability 0: such a, marriage and how
admirably Mrs. Goelet and Mr.. Astor are
suited to one another. For one thing,
the two largest fortunes in real estate in
the city Of New York. The knowing ones
prophesy a reign of social splendor for
her in LondonnndEeamed of by any 9TH
er American woman. for Mr. Astor not
only has been admitted TO the Prince OF
Waiess 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.
II Is little less than a year since ogden
Coelet died or board the yacht in Eng
Giish waters. Sinc. 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 init gated mourning
looks prettier than ever
Mrs. Saioelet is the oldest daughter of
Richard T. Wilson, the banker, who is
many times a millionaire. Mr.. Wilson
comes from Georgia. He married a Miss
Johnson, who was a descendant of one
of the oldest families in the South. Mrs.
Wilson is said 10 be one of the greatest
matchmakers in America. The record of
her children's alliances certainly bears
evidence that she Is a female Warwick OF
marriages
Ogden Goelet died on his yacht. the
Mayfiower at Cowes England. August
q, 1897. He left fortune estimated at
about s45 900. 900 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 oi
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 si50,eG0. beside:
other property. There is also a trust func
| OF 100000 for her benefit.
Miss May Goelet- will be one of the
richest girls in this country. Her fortune
will be about go. 900. 600 At one time il
was reported that she was engaged TO 5t
married to the young Duke of Manches
ter.
William Waldorf Astor eldest son of
the late John Jacob Aston is he great
grandson of the founder OF their house.
He was born In 1873. and graduated at Co.
lumbia. He was elected TO the assembly
in 1877 and later was appointed minister
10 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
riodfcals. which have been very success
full In his hands, He is a man of literary
taste. and is the author of an interesting :
romance published while he was minister
| 10 faly. Mrs. Astor died in 1894
Since her death Dir. Astor has been re-
| ported several times as engaged 10 be
| married. AT one time IL was said that he
| was seeking the hand of the Prince OF
| Wales daughter, Victoria Again rumoI
| selected Lady Randolph Churchill. who
| was Miss Jennie Jerome, daughter OF
| Leonard w. Jerome. of New York.
| Mr.. Astor's fortune Is estimated al
| Sl00. 900 900, and is principally invested in
| real estate. 1t yields a net income OF
| something like 50. 600 900 year. He owns
| the Waldorf Hotel.