JAY GOULD ORDERS HIS COFFIN AND BUILDS HIS TOMB.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2546, 3 November 1888, Page 2 (Supplement)

JAY GOULD ORDERS HIS COFFIN AND BUILDS HIS TOMB.

Jay Gould, whoso fortune is next in amouut to that of the Vanderbilts, has wholly retired from business. He is greatly troubled with sleeplessness, and health appears to be in a very precarious condition. He is now drinking the waters at Saratogo. Five years ago the fact of his being seriously ill would have had a great effect upon the Stock Market ; but now his death would make but a small ripple of excitement in Wall-street. One of the amusements ofthe retired financier (says a correspondent of the Telegragh) is the study of plans for a mausoleum for himself and wife, He proposes to complete all the details of his last restingplace, if possible, during his life. It will be very elaborate, richly ornamented, and guarded by ingenious mechanical contrivances against burglars. This tomb will be 100 ft. in height and will cover half an acre of ground. It will be adorned with handsome pieces of sculpture, and the walls will be of granite 3ft. in thickness. The doors will be guarded by ingenious mcchanical devices, which will ensure destruction to any rash individual not knowing the way to open them. The coffins for the great financier and his wife are already being manufactured by a Boston firm. They are to be of solid mahogany of 7in. in thickness, elaborately carved and ornamented from designs by Elihu Vedder. They will cost 1,000 guineas each. Mr Gould simply follows the example of Mr. Vanderbilt, who planned and built the tomb in which his body now lies.