The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1907-09-22
HOUSE PICKED FOR NAPOLEON.
The wilder Mansion in Bolton. Mass, Was
to Have sheltered Him.


OF the great country estates Of Massa-
chusetts there is none more famed in his
torical connection han the Wilder man.
sion on Wattoquottoc hill, in the township
of Bolton. 1t was here that Napoleon was
to have sought refuge had he decided to
attempt to escape to this country; IL was
In the mansion house OF this estate that
Lafayette at one time made his head
quarters. and years later the spot was
selected as the future residence of Prcsi-
lent Mckinley, but never 30 occupied. 1t
has been the abode Of several millionaires
and the scene of innumerable festivities of
varied natures.
Another new chapter in the long history
of the old place is soon to be opened. with
the entrance of new occupants of wealth
and position. Ii is admitted that within
the last few days the estate has been placed
in the hands of prominent Boston brokers
for disposal, and it 4 is understood that sew
eral prominent bidders have appeared in
contest for the title to the property.
A little more than ten years Ago. says the
Boston Herald. the Wilder mansion became
in a day the most talked of residence in
New England. II was reported with many
facts to substantiate the tale that Presi-
dent Mckinley would become a resident Of
Bolton and that he would occupy the
Wilder mansion. At the time negotiations
were completed to the. extent OF trans
ferring the property. To the name of j..
Wyman Jones, a brother-in-law OF the late
Marcus A. Hanna. MIR. Jones admitted that
he was acting in the interest OF President
Mckinley. Az in the earlier history OF the
famous estate, there was subsequently a
change of plan. which robbed Massachu-
sets OF the chance to acquire another world
famous resident.
The Wilder mansion is a quaint old
structure, built over one hundred years
ago and several times ~remodelled. IL
stands on the west side of the hill road Lead
ing from Lancaster old common to Bolton
Centre, almost at the crown Of the highest
rise, although this road does not scale Wat
toquottoc's extreme height.
Sampson yryling Stoddard Wilder. the
founder of the Wilder mansion, was born
In Lancaster, May 20, 1880, and his family
tree sprang from the Puritan stock which
from England and came TO Boston in 1889.
About the year 1900 Mr.. Wilder, having
met Talleyrand in Boston, and being sent
to France to look after certain business
interests, obtained through his friendship
special privileges from the French Govern
ment. He made the acquaintance OF many
prominent men OF the day, and preserved
among his mementos are many personal
letters which were written by them to him.
He represented the United States on the
occasion OF the marriage OF Emperor Ma
poleon, then in the height OF his glory,
TO the Archduchess Marie Louise.
In 1923 Mr.. Wilder returned to Bolton
to settle down. The following year was
made memorable by the coming OF La
fayette to America, and the reception given
the latter by Mr.. Wilder at the Bolton man
sion was the event of the century for that
community. The programme was arranged
by the host and the then Mayor OF Boston,
the Hon. Josiah Quincy. tho elder.
IL In a well established tradition that
the Wilder mansion was selected n an
asylum for Napoleon after his defeat at
Waterloo. Napoleon delayed in taking adj
vantage OF the offer until too late. Passage
had been engaged for him on a vessel that
was TO bring him 10 America, but he waited
In q desire 3 provide for his faithful friends
until be was compelled to give himself up
q . prisoner Of war.