Democratic Sentinel, Volume 22, Number 38, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 October 1898 — Didn’t Recognize Gould. [ARTICLE]

Didn’t Recognize Gould.

Once when the late Jay Gould wen* to Margaretville, N. Y., with his physician and private car, he called on his old friend, George Decker, a retired merchant of the village, who was formerly a clerk with Gould in Roxbury. Every one who knows Mr. Decker well calls him “G,” and this was what Mr. Gould said to him: “Hello, ‘G,’ I guess you know me this time, don’t you?” A few years before Decker, while In New York on business one afternoon, was suddenly confronted on Broadway by a dapper, black-eyed little man, who grasped him by the hand, exclaiming: “How are you, Mr. Decker? lam glad to see you.” Mr. Decker looked the little man over from head to foot, and hurriedly answered: “Yes, so am I; but I don’t know you, sir. Good day.” “But, hold up,” said the other, “aren't you George Decker, of Margaretville?” “Oh, yes; that’s all right,” responded Decker, “but I am In too great a hurry to be Interviewed to-day, my friend ]STou have struck the wrosg man.” “Yes, perhaps,” said the little man, “but my name is Jay Gould; don’t yon know me?” “Jehosaphat!” exclaimed Decker, “I took you for a confidence man.”