Good GouldOne day the rector of Jay Gould's church, planning to invest his life's savings (some $30,000), approached the famous financier for a word of advice.
Gould suggested, in strict confidence, that he buy Missouri Pacific. The rector did so - and was greatly dismayed to see his stock, following a brief rise, plummet shortly thereafter.
The rector later complained to Gould that he had lost his life savings - and was promptly presented with a cheque for $40,000. Guilt-stricken, he then confessed that he had, in fact, told several members of his congregation about the tip.
"Oh, I know," Gould replied. "They were the ones I was after!"
Gould, Jay (1836-1892) American financier, speculator and railroad magnate [noted for his takover (with James Fisk and Daniel Drew) of the Erie Railroad from Cornelius Vanderbilt; and for his attempt (with Fisk) to corner the gold market (a ruse which caused the financial panic of September 24, 1869)]
[Sources: Botkin, Treasury of American Anecdotes]More Jay Gould anecdotesRelated Anecdote Keywords:
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