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Of A. T. m The Wealthiest Merchant in America Gone To His Rest. SKETCH OF HIS EVENTFUL LIFE. A Remarkable and Successful Business Career. INTERESTING PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Colossal and World-Wide Commercial Relations. 15 ESTATE OF MiRLT OXR HUNDRED MILLIONS. Mr. Alexander T. Stewart, the great merchant and mllliounalre, died at bin marble mansion, corner Fifth annuo and Thirty-fourth street at half-past one o'olook yesterday afternoon. Mr. fctewarl's com plaint was Inflammation of the bowels, and he had beou seriously 111 lor nearly three weeks. For more than a week his sickness had been considered critical by bis physicians, lira White and Marcy. To avoid attracting troublesome Inquiry, however, the knowledge of his eoudition was kept from the public during tbo progress of his fatal malady. Not until Sunday was his com- i pluiut considered really daugerous. A change for j the better was looked for in the afternoon, and It did not come. So closely was the secret of his approaching dissolution guarded that the announce ment of his death was a general surprise. It need icarcely bo added that It una. as well, a shock to tbo commercial world, through which his immenso bust- 1 seas Intorcsts had such extensive ruiuillcatious. It would be difficult at Ibis moment to estimate tho probable effect of such a death. It will doubtless ! uev.cssitute a radical change In tho great Ural in which ! bis masterly intellect, now extinguished, had been so | long tbo ruling power. The luluro ulouo holds the j secret ol that change. As to his churities their perpetuation is no doubt provided for In ' bis Will. To inherit Mr. Stewart's great wealth, which was probably equal to that of the late Mr. Astor, he loaves no blood relations In this country. His wife and a number of her relations gathered about his bed side during his last hours. For two days prior to bis demise Mr. Stewart had been in a soini-uncotiscioua itato, chunglug as his eoudition altered for better or for worse. Ho was altogether insensible for tho two hours preceding his death, and he pugsci^away without h struggle. The news of his doccase spread throughout the city with great rapidity. In his own stores con siderable excitement prevailed on its reception, and they were immediately closed. The news was tele, graphed to his mills and establishments abroad, and work iu these was also suspended. in the tiuunclul world of Wull street Mr. Stewart's death, T? Is thought, will have no Immediate upprecl able effect, lie was In no svusu it speculator, as that lerui is understood on the street, Tho arrangements lor the luucral are not completed. The body is to be Interred in his lanilly vault iu St. Murk's church, on Siuyvcsaul square, where the remaius ot his mother sud other members of the lamily lie. Thursday Is tho day appointed for the burial The services will be held iu the church, which ho has attended since his tpurnago. Ho was brought up a Quaker, hut at lits marriage became, with his wife, a member of the Prot rstant Episcopal Church. SCKJ1KB AT TUK DKATHDKD. Drs. White and Marcy, Mr. Stewart's family phy ?loans, slate that ? week ago they entertained but little hope of their distinguished pulieul's recovery. The malady from which Mr. Stewart was suffering prostrated him very much lrom the tlrst, and, although all Hat patient care and medical skill could accomplish was done for him. he sank rapidly. For the last throe years his health had been hotter Ibau for a long ypte previous, and those who kcew him well prophesied f?5r hltu a long lease of Hie despite tho fact that he was nearly acventy-four years of age. Three veurs ago this spring ho was very seriously 111, and he then asked his physicians what his prospects were for living auy length ol time. He was informed that tliey were not very assuring, whereupon ho set about arranging hm business affairs. Fo thoroughly did he perform the task of settling his affairs that the other members of the firm say tho husiuess will not suffer auv interruption whatevor, but will be carried on as before. As ha.- been said beloro, Mr. 8tewart's condition was past ulI human remedy u week ago. lie was informed o.' this fact, but to the last persistently relused to permit the public to bo made awnre ol IL hast Suuduv uiorniug be was so low that bta demise was moment arily looked for, but still he hold out, and, to the sur* prise ul his medical advisers, survived the night. TIIC bKATil HCK.Vg. tiuu of his physicians, his luuitly and his faithful but ler, William Smith, remained constantly by his side. During the forenoon yesterday he grew very feeble and gavo unmistakable evidences of rapidly approaching dissolution. He had not been wholly conscious for the past forty eight hours, although at times he usked for ?umc little thing he wished. About twelve o'clock ho i|>oke to his physician and askeu for toino nourish tuent, but after this he seemed wholly uuconscious, ind, at iD.irty minutes past one o'clock, he passed peacefully away. From the Oral he did nut stem to suffer any great paiu, and, although tniormed several days ago that he could not live, ho bore up with all that fortitude aud patience that had ever characterised tls character. At the moment of death there were present In tho room Mrs. Stewart, her brother, Mr. Clinch, and her two sisters, the Misses Clinch; Mrs. Judgo Smith, a it ecc of Mrs. Stewart, and Mrs butler, a grand uloce; Mrs. Judge Hilton sod her daughter, bra. While slU Marcy and William Smith, the butler. the noox ix wuicn lis ?isi>. The room In which Mr. Stewart died is what Is known in the house as the "lace room." Ills au ob long apartment, fifteen by twenty feet, and is situated Iu the southwest corner of tho building, on the second floor. There are throe windows opening Trom the room, two on the Tbirty-lourth street front and one on the west end, overlooking the yard and arcaway between the boas# and that of Dr. White next door. Two doors open into the room from a hallway which rune through the centre of the building, and another door leads from the room to a dressing room situated Immediately over the main eutrance in Thirty-fourth Street. The bed on which Mr. Stewart died la of the most elegant description, built of solid rosewood and Inlaid with gold. It aat In the centre of the room, be tween the two doorways, with the head facing the north. Resides the furniture usually found in an apartment of this kind, and which is of the most ele gant description, uphoitu-red In blue and buff, there was a rosewood wardrobe Blending at the loot ol the bed, between the windows opening on Thirty-fourth Street, and a sola sitting in the southeast corner. sketch or uis urn Alexander T. Stewart was horn in the county of Antrim, Ireland, at a homestead distant a few miles from Belfast, December 12, 1800. H is ancestry was of Protestant, Saxon stock, which had long before settled In the Nerth of Ireland, where his father was an extensive landowner. Young Stewart wot an lufant only three days old when his father died, and it is to hia early training and ilicexrellent example of bis mother that he owed many of those proinineut traits of char acter which distinguished him throughout hie long career. The hoy was of quick parts, apt to learn and fond of study. As ha advanced toward maturity ha displayed great proficiency at school, evincing a strong 5-r<- for classical studies, and Ibis caused his grand lather to take a great interest in the lad and scud him to the beet schools which could be obtained. Having finished hie preparatory aludiee at an academical insti tution In Belfast, ba entered Trinity College, Dublin, with the intention of fitting himself tor the ministry; but at the expiration af his second term hia grand fataer died. Thia bad the effect of uiserrang'ng all hie plana, bin withdrawal from college being the I mated late ?Mali ai hut aranillatbere Ueata. liv was not taurine without means, however; bat, as be afterward ex pressed it, be felt "cribbed, cabined and oouflned" in tbe old lund, and so he determined to emigrate Irom the Old World to tbe New. At the tline he was about six teen years of age, well educated, active and healthy. ill RIVAL IX S*W Tons AXO KAKLY Lin HERE. Mr. Stewart bad fewer biographers than most men as successful as he, but nearly all these begun tbelr sketches or his career with this event In his history. In a work called "Great Fortuoes and Uow They Wcro Made," be Is landed on our shores in the following grandiloquent style:?"In the year 1818 an European vessel anchored in the harbor ot New York after a long and weary voyage from the Old World. She brought many passengurs to the young metropolis, the majority of whom came with the intention of seeking fortunes in this land of promise. Among them was a young irishman, who bad left his home in his nativo land to seek in America the means of bettering his con dition. This was Alexander T. Stewart." This climax Is very deftly reached, and in view of the great fortune which Mr. Stewart afterward amassed It may be re garded as a matter for regret that It is not true; but the truth is tbe boy came here with no such Intention, lie catue to America without any distinctive purpose, aud at tbe time a scho.arly ambition was his only aim. lie was in comfortable circumstances, and for several years he led an easy, desultory life, bis only occupa tion being with his books. He suflercd no early priva tious, was ucvor compelled to struggle lor bread, and did not go about with Inquisitive gaze looking for some opening path to fortune. "Altar trying In vain for some time to socure employment in a business house," suys ono of his chance biographers, "ho obtained a position in a commercial school. This ho soon ; resigned for a similar place In a more celebrated I school. His salary here wus $300, which was con . entered ample compensation In those days." Another biographer adds that Mr. Stowort wus able to save I some money out of his meagre salary. The only foun i dullon for this story is the tacl that during bis years of easy pleasure aud study in this city bo took charge ? temporarily and without compensation of a school at No. 7 Hoosevelt street on account of the illness of the teacher. As the latter died Mr. Stewart continued to hit the place tor some mouths, but ho never accepted , any compensation for his work. HIS PATSIMOXY A.NO UOW UK INVESTED IT. When Mr. Stewart reached his majority he deter mined to roturn to Ireland to receive his patrimony, upoo the interest of which be had liocn living In New York. Before starting on his return ho spoke of the object of his cuuU'iuphilod visit to Irelund to Mr. Chambers, theu well known as a buyor at auctions lor several business bouses in this city. "How much Is your patrimony*" asked Mr. Cham bers. "About $10,000, I suppose," answered Mr. Stewart. "A tu ig little sum. What do you Intend doing with it*" "Invest It here and live on the incoma' "You can do better." "Howl" "Go into trade." "Nousense. 1 know nothing about trade. I can't even buy a hat or a pair of gloves without gotllug some one else to pick thorn out for mo." "Stuir," ejaculated Mr. Chambers. "Do as I tell you. Go to Belfast and buy Insertions and scallop trlm mlugs. Spend all your fortune in tnern and you will double your money." Arriving in Ireland. Mr. Stewart round that his pat rimony had been diinlulshod to $5,000 by bad specula tiousor htsguardlun. This clrcumstauco led hint to adopt the advice of Mr. Chambers, and when here turned to New \ork his entire patrimony was invested iu insertions and scallop trimmings. The two rriends determined to go Into business logothor, Stewart act ing as salesman while Chambers made the outside purchases. The Orst difficulty wus In finding a store room suited to their purpose. They looked through 1'carl and Hudson streets, the centres or the tetaU traae at that time, but round tho rents too high for them. Finally, No. 283 Broadway was advertised ' to let," iho rent demanded being $375. This was consid ered too high also, but It was determined to take the place, and this Is the way A. T. Stewart began his groat career and laid the foundations ol bis trade. MR. STEWART'S VraST STOREROOM. No. 283 Broadway, whero Mr. Stewart began busi ness, was iu an old wooden tenement directly opposite the downtown establishment ot A. T. Stewart & Co. The room was about 22 feet wide and 20 deep. It was next door to the celebrated Bonuruntl, whoso splendid stock and harmonious poetry made him a great favor Ite with the fashionable dames or New York. A fan or opera gloves, a card case, pockctbook, purse or eye glasses must be purchased or Bonafantl. As Stewart kept hosiery, laces, silvs, gloves, ribbons and the cost ler fabrics only, his storo not being largo enough to permit him to doal in the great staples, this contiguity to the fashionable business place or the city proved very fortunate lor him. and is perhaps one ot the secrets or his suocesr. Mr. Stewart's pur- 1 chases were mostly mndo at auction, and he soon acquired the reputation not only of boing the best Judge or laces In Now York, hut or selling the best goods at the lowest prices. At the auctions he always bought the "sample lots," or what were called "tum. bled lots. ? The name arose faom the tact that at a great "shcir sale" samples were flung upon the table before the auctioneer, which the buyers stretched, pulled and handled until they were often soiled and torn. It was Mr. Stewart's custom to staud near to the aoc tioneer, and as be Invariably purchased the sample lot, which seldom went for more than hair price, be took all tne care ot them, especially tho laces which It was in his power to give. it was such pur chases as these which ho conveyed to his little store, and as h? was very ex pert in redressing .up gloves, laces, hosiery k e., he would soon make bis snmpfa i?,g equal to the original goods. Then followed the triumph or the patient tradosman. Ho could undersell anybody In that trade, ol course, and ladies ot fashion were not long In finding out that fact. In this modest way ho worked along, slowly but surely, and being regarded on all bands as an honorable, atlouilve and Industrious beginner, be soon secured not only a profitable but a fashionable trade. Tho Misses Mason, Jones, Prime Jay, Hones, Oracle, Crosby, Stuyvesaut and others of' their sot were his constant patrons, and his fame In creased with bis business and the quality ol his cus lomcrs with his fama MR. STKWart's othxr storerooms. During these years Mr. Stewart occupied a number of storeroom., but all of then, were in tho immediate vicin ity of bis place or begluning. His first removal was alter he had been three years in business, when he wont to No. 262 Broadway, three new stores having been erected beiwcen Warren and Chambers streets. Bcnujack Wcems moved into tho corner store Fountain k Co. moved next and Stewart into the third. His was only thirty fact deep. Tho rest wero their present dopth, and all only three stories high, but occupied above by families. In this store Stewart continued until 1832, when he moved down to a two story atoro between Murray and Warren streets, at No. 267 Broadway. His business increased so rapidly that be bad to enlarge his store by deepening it an additional twenty feet and raising it to three stories. In the course of Ave years he was obliged to deepen It thirty feet moro and put on two moro stories, making it live stories fa height. Here he continued until tho building at Broadway and Cham bera street, bow known as the wholesale house was ready for occupancy. ran ?owwrow* STORK. Tho downtown atore of A. T. Stewart A Co. was first occupied in 1MA& The site fa a historic ono. Washing ton Hall, which will be remembered by old New Yorkers aa a fashionable resort some forty years ago where tbe young bloode of tbe day uaod to meet, drink, talk, smoke, dine and wiao, and which In fact served all the purposes or a club bo fore those useiul institutions came la vogue here, Mood on this block, sad It was ihta wbich Mr. Stewart purchased of young John Coster for $?o,ooo tor bis new paiacst Ho also secured two adjoining lot. and tbe cost of both tho ground and the building waa less than $300,000. His retail business was continued at this pfac, (or fourteen years, tbe magnificent atructuro.i Broadway .Bd Tenth street not being occupied till jM2. Tb# Ulur ostaMtshmeat, which completely fill, tbo block, .a valued at $3,000 000 r,:T,b.?1p;ope,rty< farm and la held under Sailor's Soug Harbor Itasca. tbb tkktb strut stork Stewart's Tenth street store is tbe largest estahti.it m-ni ol the Mo<l in the world. There I* noth.ng o. the sort in l.oadon and Paris tth.ch at all ap|iro,Pb? There a., e.gl.l Hoots- two below nbov, ^ each covering oa ares of two end onc-qumrter acros-1 thus making a total of e'ghieen acies, devoted to retail Oil goods purposes It rcuulres 5gu horse power to [ beat the building, ran the elevator* and wurk the hewing machines, which are all placed In a row ou the fourth floor. There are about 2,000 employes under pay. The disbursements for running ex pen tea are over 11,000,000 per aunutn. The wholesale and retail eatabllshiuenta combined have aold ne hljh aa (79,000,000 in one year. At present they probably run In the neighborhood of $33,000,000 per annum. ix tkx faxio or 1837. In 1833 Mr. Slewar. was already worth f1,500,000, ao that few of our merchant* were ao well able to stand the panic of 1837, when all was gloom and confualon in the commercial world. Everybody waa breaking, but "Stewart," aaya a livoly writer, "waa aa lively In the cmsh of commercial elemcnta aa a stormy petrel In a hurricane." Hia action In that crisis was characteristic of the man. Re re ducod his stock to cost, and sold for those prices, Ginghams and such stuffs, that he had been re tailing at thirty-one cents per yard, he sold at twenty cents; calicoes In the same proportion. What was the consequence? Old women who bad "stockinged" their gold and silver marched to Stewart's to take advantage of the sacrifices that merchant was making, and though they did not want the goods, yet, liko Mrs. Toodlcs, they might "want'em one of these days." Stewart was overrun with cash. He took the same 1 money received for goods aold at cost, went into the | market and bought the same style of goods, calicoes, : 4c., that bo bsd sold tor lorty per rent less than he ! had obtained 1 In one purchase bo bought $60,000 j worth of silks, half cash and half sixty days, for sixty | per cent less than the coat of the silks to Import. On this one transaction he realized $20,000. During all that disastrous panic Stewart retailed every day over 1 $6,000 worth of goods. Xtt. SI K WART DL'RIXO TITS WAR. Mr. Stewart's business Increased so rapidly after tno : ' panic of 1S37 that In 1600 his wealth was estimated si : $20,000,000. Whea the rebellion broke out many per- ! sons thought that ho would suffer heavily by the loss of ' ' his Southern trade, which formed a very important 1 I part of his business; but the shrewd mlUtonnaire was ' equal to the emergency. He foresaw the demand I which would ar so for all materials of war, and he pro j cccded to engage frotu nearly all of the manufacturers | their entire productions for eevefsl months In advance. 1 When, therefore, the United States government came j Into the market ho was almost the only man with whom they could contract for uniforms, blankets and other materials. Although from theso contracts be la said to havo made many millions of dollars it Is un doubtedly true that his terms with the United States ; ware mors liberal than thoso of other contractors. MR. STKWART IX POLITICAL LIFE. During his earlier yours Mr. Stewart took littlo In terest In politics, but throughout tho war he was an unflinching friend of the Union and a great admirer of General ClrauL It was not supposed, bowover, that he had any political aspirations nor uny political prospects. Hut upon General Grunt's accession to office In 18(18 the President numod Mr. Stewart for Secretary of the Treasury, and the veteran merchant was (tilling to ac cept tho position, hut ho was prevented by section 41 of the act of 1789, which Is as follows:? No person appointed to any office Instituted by this aet shall, directly or Indirectly, be concerned or Interested In carrying on the business ot trade or commerce, or be owner in whole or In part of any sea vessel, or purchase by himself, or another in trust for him, any publio lands or other public property, or be conceruod In the purchase or disposal of auy public securities of any State or of the United States, or take or apply to his own tiso anv emolument or gain for negotiat ing or transacting any busluess in the said department other than what shall he allowed by law; ?uJ If *">' person shall offend against auy of the prohibitions of this act he shall be deemed guilty of a high misdemeanor and forfeit to the United States the penalty of $3,<)UU, and shall, upon convic tion, be removed from office auil forever therealter be Inca pable of holding any office under the Uuited States; provided that if auy other peraon than a public prosecutor shall give information of any such offence, upon which a prosecution and conviction shall bo had, oue-half of the aforesaid pen alty of $3,(JuO, when recovered, shall be for the uso of the person giving such information. When the matter was brought to the attention of General Grant, our correspondence of the time Informs us that tbe President took It very coolly, and said It could be Used up without troublo. It was one of those unforeseen little obstacles, he said, which spring up occasionally, but ho would brush it away without de lay. Uo said that he would send in a message to Con gress next day, recommending the repeal ot the ob noxious section Immediately, and had no doubt Con gress would act upou his recommendation promptly. Hut Congress refused to accommodate the President in the matter, and so it was impossible for Mr. Stewart to accept tbe place. The meeting called in. this city to nominate President Grant was held tnoro through Mr. Stewart's exertions than thoso of any other man, and the only time he consontcd to accept the sulTragoa 01 the people waa in 1868, when ho waa on tbo republican ticket for Presidential elector. UIS REAI. ESTATE. Mr. Stewart waa probably one of the largost real es tate ownera on this continent, but It U Impossible to give it at present In schedule form or to correctly cstl. mate its value. The following list, however, will give some idea of the Immense amount of capital invested in tbut class of property, and although not by any means complete, represents in itself many fortunes. He owned tho marble structuro running from Broad way to Reads street, now used as a wholesale estab lishment; the retail store, occupying a complste block bounded by Ninth and Tenth streets, Broadway and Fourth avenue; tho Metropolitan and St. NlcUolas hotels; the Globe Theatre, ? on Broadway; Niblo'a Garden; his mansion on Fifth avenue, corner ol Thirty-fourth stroel; almost all of the buildtugs extending from Broadway on Bleecker stieet to Dcpau row; the Amity street Baptist church, the Grand street Presbyterian church, several dwelling houses on Fifth avenue, %000 acres of land on lletnpstead Plains, now known as Garden City, with tho villas, Ac., variously csiimalud at being worth from $3,000,000 to $5,000,000; an Immense smoaot of null property at Glenham, near Fish kill Landing; the Union hotel at Saratoga, tbe most gigantic boaielry In tho wurld; the Hotel for Workingwomon on Fourth avonue and Tblrty-acnond street, besides almost Innumerable houses in this city and tracts of suburban property as well. mk. Stewart's pkrsoxal upk. Mr. Stewart was married Ufij -oue years ago to Mlaa Cornelia Clinch, of this city, who survives blue 8bo was tho daughter of Jacob Clinch, of tbo ilrm of Jones A Clinch, at that tunc ship chandlers in Wall street. ! They had two children, a son and a daughter, but both ? died in infancy. Socially he was amoug the most agreeable of incn, and from his magnificent mansion in Fifth avenue ha dispensed an olegant hospitality. In tbe later years of his lite Mr. Stewart often wont back ' to his early studies and he took great pleasure In tur ' rounding himself with paintings and works ot art. Hit ' picture gallery la one of the tiucst In tne city. His ' latest acquisition is the fnmons new painting by , Melssonier, called tbe '*Cbarg? Ues Cuirassiers," rep . resenting a body of cavalry charging past Napoleon | and bis stair, who recognize the involuntary burst of 1 enthusiasm from the men. The painting is the largost that has beoa sent from tho studio or tnts | artist, being eight feet across by four and a fialf lect in hoight, and a human figure In the foreground Is 1 eighteen inches high. It cost In Franco $60,U00, gold, and with duties, expenses, gold premium, Ac., Ao., cost Mr. Stewart $75,000. Meissonler looks upon this I picture?"1807," as he stylos It?as his cntf d'eeuvr*. | In a charming letter to Mr. Stewart, dated BolsSy, < January 27, 1876, the distinguished artist says:?'"I | hare faith in my work. Timo will consolidate and ' strengthen It more and more, and I am also certain your enlightened love of art will protect It in case thers should be need." S1XGC1.AR CHARACTERISTIC OT TUB MAS. Perhaps the moat singular characteristic of Mr. Stewart was bis alleged superstition or bellsf In luck and lucky persons Bearing upon this subject many Morions stories are told of him, some of which will I bear repetition. When he kept his store on Broadway, between Murray and Warren streets, there tat oa the | sidewalk before it, oa an orange box, an old woman, whoeoastenslbleoocnpaitoa was the selling of applea I Tats business was, however, merely a pretence, tho main object being beggary. As years rolled oa Mr. Stewart became impressed with tbo Idea that the old damo waa his guardian angel of good lock, and this Impression took so Arm n hold upon his mind that when ho removed to Chambers street he. In person, took ap tho old woman's bos and removed her to tbe front of bla new eetabllnnment. In further illustration of Mr. Stewart's faith In the Iriah traditional boltol la "lneky" and "unlneky" parsons It may be mentioned that alls* the completion of the St Nicholas Hotel in this elty, an undertaking In whleh he waa largely interested, and when tbe building was Jo*t about to be opened tor i the reeeulion of guests, tbo mllltiginelm standing in the drawing room, ajacnlaled, "It la now finished; t hope III irat visitors inav be lucky people." A seu llsniun preseui, who bad board o( Mr. Stewart's care tor Ibo aged apple Tender, remarked, "I preauine, air, yon do not In reality care about lucky or .unlucky per sona," to whicb be immediately replied, "Indeed I do, There are persona w bo are unluoky. 1 sometimes open a case of goods and sell the drat (torn it to some person who la unlucky and lose on It to the end. 1 frequently see persons to whom 1 would not sell If 1 could avoid it." HIS CHAUITIBa. Mr. Stewart practised unostentatiously, many acta of charity which the world knew nothing of. During the period of tbo famine In Ireland he aent over to that country a cargo of provisions amounting to $30,000, and invited, free of charge, as many young pooplo as could be accommodated comfortably, to a passage on the returning vessel One hundred and thirty-ntuo availed themselves of this generous offer, among them Ally young females. In a few days alter their arriva^ Mr. Stowart procured them all situations and made them comlortable and happy. He also aided many charitable enterprises and was ever anxious to benefit the every day lite of the working members ot the In dustrial population of Now York. THB WILL. By the provisions of hie will, drawn somo time since by his personal friend and legal adviser, Judge Henry Hilton, the great merchant prince of America dIrectod the future course of the house be had founded and to which the best energies of bis life had been devoted. It provides that the man who accompanied blm on hla trips to Europe, who was his confidential adviser in all business affairs, the one above all otbers who can direct tho future business of the bousa of A. T. Stewart & Co., shall conduct the buslnoss of that Qrm under the same name. That man is Judge Hilton. He is associated with Mr. William Llbbey, bis only sur viving partner. Mr. Ltbboy came Into too employ ol Messrs. A. T. Siewart & Co. be tween twelve ? and fllteen years ugo as business managor of the New York wholesale bouse at Broadway, Chambers and Reade streets. A low years after bis admission Mr. William Llbbey waa admitted as a partner of the house and placed in charge of tbe down town store. At that time tbe merchant prince baa extended bis buslnoss to every portion of tbs world. Tbo firm directed by that master mind waa composed of tbe principal, Alexander T. Stewart, of New York; Mr. Worden, of Paris, France; Mr. Fox, of Manchester, England, end Mr. Llbbey, of New York. Tna bouses controlled by tbe llrm were located at Boston, Mass.; 1'htludclpbla, Pa.; Paris, France; Lyons, Francs; Manchester, Eng land; Bradford, England;Nottingham, EnglandjBeliast, Ireland; U asgow, Scotland; Berlin, Prussia; Cbemnits, India; and New York. It was a peculiar leature ol A. T. Stewart k Co., that they considered iholr houses to ? be so well known to tbe people ot tbe world, tbat no j signs or Indications or tbe firm numo were never al- j lowed to appear In tho tront of their places of business, j THl'RLOW WKkU'B KKCOLLBCTIOXS. j A reporter visited tho venerable Mr. Weed, a Ufa- I long friend and associate of Mr. Stewart. He met tbe j reporter In hla study sod gave the following Interesting : reminiscences ol their social intercourse:? "My acquaintance with Mr. Stewart," said Mr. Weed, | "commenced in 1837, at the Astor House, where, lor ! fifteen or twenty years, he dined regularly six days In j tho week. His store was then In Broadway, near the 1 corner of Murray stroet. Tbe acquaintance soon grew Into an Intimacy, which continued for more thka j thirty years. Out of his stora his manner and con- | versatlon wero gonial and particularly interesting, for, I besides being a thorough buaineeB man, be j was cultivated and roflnod. It was evident : even then tbat be waa to become a men of i murk. In hla store be was wholly absorbod I with business. Ont of It ne was an agreeable gentla- | man. Ha foresaw clearly tbat hla habits of industry , and enterprise, aided by Inluitioaa which made blm i master of the situation, would lead to results which have been more than realized. I frequently listened j with admiring interest to bis modes and methods of j business. I remember that be regardod as among tbe most important mercantile principles that of bar ing as little dead stock as possible on band. To avoid tho loss of capital in tbis respect bis habit was, toward tbe close of tbe season, to "mark down" prices so low as to Insure tbe sale of articles which most merchants ! find on their bands. He was, 1 believe, among the j first to establish tbe one price principle. Another. I secret of his success was In his wonderful executive ability. Ho kept himself personally acquainted with the coot and varying value ol every article In his sioro "As early as lSMThis success bod been so great that he began to be anxious aoont tbe disposal ol his for tune. Having no children and but few relatives, be was anxious so to dispose of bis money as to beuellt tbe Industrious olasses, or, in other words, to help thoso who, while they endeavored to help themselves, bad not been fortunate In tbe battle of lire. But ha was too much absorbed In boutness to mature any plans. After my return Irom Europe in 1853 I Informed Mr. Stewart of the manner in wlncn George Peabody had determined to dlsoose ol bis fortune. In this be was much' Interested, and tbe first time bo visited London sltorward ho conferred with Mr. Peabody. and alter 1860 gavo bis thoughts anxiously to the ques tion as to what be should do with bis large estate. The large business in which Mr. Stewart was engagod claimed so much of his time and attention tbat Sunday was bis only day at home. For more tban fifteen years while be resided in one of a block of buildings that be owned in Bleecker street I was, whenever in New YorK, a guest at bis Sunday dinner table. On those occasions alwaya three or four intimate friends, with Mrs. Sic wart, were sealed at a table abundauily supplied with every delicacy ol the season, sorved quisily but In good taste. Hero Mr. Stewnrt appeared at Ills best. His conversa tion upon social and literary subjects evinced rich and varied information. I an'icipated those diuners with much pleasure, and rcuicmoer tbem with much Interest. I bad several occasions, during my intimacy with Mr. Stewart, to present appeals for the relief of tho unfortunate or In aid of meritorious objects, to which bo always responded. I was careful, however, lo pre sent only suoh cases as I was quite sure would com mend themselves favorably to his judgment. Wo made an annual New Year's application lo Mr. Stewart for "remnants," Ac., Ac., tor the poor, and he re sponded abundantly and cheerfully. When I went to Paris In 1801 with my daughter. Mr. Stewart gave us a letter to bis partner, Mr. Wordcn. with wlioin wo be came pleasantly acquainted, and from whom wo re ceivod attentions which, if 1 felt at liberty to explain them, would show bow largo fortunes are made. "During our residence in London Sir James Emerson Teannant, whom 1 was dining, learning that I whs acquainted with Mr. Alexander T. Stewart, said that they woro natives of the same village of the North of Ireland aud were educatod at tho saino school, that Mr. Stewart's family was a highly respectable one, that bis early associations were in the best classos and that he received a liberal education. He root kind messages lo Mr. Stewart, and expressed the hope that whan Mr. Stewart aeain visitca England their early friendship might be renewed. "Mr. Stewart, though largely concerned with the South In bis business arrangements, became an early, efficient and tearless sspporter of tbe government and the Union from the moment that Fort Sumter was fired upon. He was outspoken in tbe expreseion of bis opinions and liberal in his contributions from the beginning to the end of the war. In a dark period or tbe rebellion 1 was summoned to Washington by telo graph by the Secretary of 8tate, who, on my arrival, informed me that tbe President desfreo to see me Im mediately. Mr. Lincoln, whom 1 summoned from bts bresaisst table, Informed me tbat f 16,000 was required lor purposes essential to the public welfare, but which could not be lawlully taken from an appropriation under tho control either of tbe President or I bo beeds of departments, and Inquired wbetber I could Immedlaioly procure tbo money from psi rlotle friends. Not dooming my sbiiity to meet this emergency, 1 took iho tirst tijdn to New York, Mr. Lincoln banding me before 1 left the White House a brief note. On my hrrlval In New York I celled upon Mr. Stewart, In consultation with whom fifteen gentlemen were named from each of whom It was believed |1,000 would be contributed. The reenlt, as will be seen by tbe following, JustlUes our expecta tions. Each or tho fifteen gentlemen named cbeerfolly contributed their $1,000. "Bssovtivb Massiox, fuswgws, Feb. 10,1803. "Mr. T. Wksdi ?l?**a Sir?Tbe matters I spoke-to you about art Impor tant, and 1 hop* you will not uetteci ?nom; ^Yo iM.^.a^y, On the lower portion and back of tho not# were tho signatures of Alexander T. Stewart, Charles Knapp, of Erf*. Pa,; Marshall O. Roberta, Isaac Ball, William H. Asptnwall, C. Yanderbilt, James Mitchell, H. B. Crom well, Novelty Iron Works, Horatio Allen, President; Jamaa T. San ford. Spofford, Tlleston k Co.; J. F. Wins* low, Rwtr k Co., T. S. F6ftw, WirtH Stargea nl Henry W. Hubbell, each with f 1.000 marked opposite. For the pant seven years, in consequence of impaired health, ay intercourse with Mr. Stewart has not been so ircquent as formerly, and consequently I am not able to recall Incidents connected with the later years of his life. 1 may mention as a circumstance that to-day 1 went out to make three or lour calls with my daughter, and one was to huve been on Mr. Stewart. I was awaro 'that ho had been ill lor some time, bat It was only when I arrived at his house that I learned be was dead. I can form no clear estimate of bis wealth now. Formerly I was familiar with all of his pnva'e affairs, but his wealth Is Tsriously estimated at Irotn $40,000,000 to $100,000,000, and I would not be able to strlko a happy medium." rsraa coofkr's opixiom op tuk dsxo jikrchant. A Herald reporter called upon Mr. Peter Cooper and found the venerable philanthropist engaged In dl?trib uting little sums ol money among a host of penniless applicants lor assistance, who, it seems, daily inlest bis residence "Mr. Cooper," said the reporter, "the opinion of a man who has been ss long engaged in business enterprises in the city as yourself, touching tne qualities of Mr. Stewart, must be of considerable value, and the public would like to hear it" "I have jast beard of Mr. Stewart's death/' said Mr. Cooper, "and I sincerely deplore it. I think that be waa essentially the business man of his lieuo and (bat in all the parts that make up a successful merchant be was gilted beyond comparison, lie did not, like many people who have accumulated large fortunes, relax his energy and fi-om past achievements draw auguries of successes in the luture. Ho assured them by giving them as constant attention at he bad bestowed op those preceding them. Diligence and enterprise were qualities which characterised bis career through lile, and abided with him to tho moment of lits death. His mind and habits, trained In a certain groove, be came so attuned to tho pursuit ol business that it allbrded him the enjoyment other incn nnght seek in recreation. 1 think that, beyond most mon, Mr. Stewart fias been in strumental in making our city a great emporium and In Introducing proper rnolhod into llio mercantile habits of its people. By abolishing tho custom of unstated rates and establishing a gtvnu price lor a given article he put an end to a system ol petty impositions which had been long in progress, and he saved purchasers from tho aunoyanco to which they wero formerly subjected. 1 think that his actioux in this matter tended to eatablish a regular rate In all retail transactions, and so did away with cnafforing and all tho harrowing grievances that attended bargaining. Mr. Stewart benefited the eity also In his immense in dustrial enterprises, which gave employment to thou sands, and which kept the channels ol trade Iree when they were impeded elsewhere." "To what do you principally attribute his businets success?" asaod the reporter, "To diligence, first of all," Mr. Cooper answered. "To strict attention to all tho details ol his business and his foresight In providing for contingencies that might ariso. But most of all is ho tndubied lor success to bis principle of baying and soiling for cash. That principle kept him always ou a safe basis ol operation and afforded him tho powor of directing the bulk of his great resources to any object he sought to attain. Speculations sod un safe dealings he generally escbewod, and, never incur ring debta himself, lie framed his business system on the strictest principles. In that way ho never ven tured beyond his depth, and was, consequently, always secure. ' Mr. Cooper then went on to speak of Mr. Stewart's system in his establishments, ana the strict discipline be exacted of his employes. "Once," said he, "I met Mr. Stewart In his uptown store, and while convers ing with htm about tho magnitude of his business ho took mo by the arm, and, pointing at the great array of salesmen, cash boys and portors, be asked me If they did not display an evidence of thor ough training and an Intelligent acquaintance with the peculiarities of human nature." I, ot course, nssentcd. '?And yet," said he, "not ono of them has discretion. They aro simply machines, working in a system which aetormtnes all their actions." And so Mr. Stewart managed all his business affairs Method and regularity were tho first considerations ho gave his attention to." In relation to the effect of Mr. Stewart's death on business the philanthropist said that he fancied It could In no way affect It. The merchant prince woe very far seeing, and no doubt bod antici- ! pated and provided for all contingencies that might j arise in case of hie demise. When questioned j about Mr. Stewart's philanthropic schemes Mr. I Cooper said that he thought hltn a man who cherished ' the best intentions with regard to the good of the poo- j plo, but who perhaps had deferred carrying ! on some of them out of a doubt of thoir j being practical He Insfanced tho Workingwoinon's j Hotel In Fourth avenue, which he thought 1 was not carried to complotion, on account of tho scheme's lack of feasibility. Hut he had beard that 1 Mr. Stewart bad In progress the establishment of varl. ! ous industries which woaid supply profitable work for j hundrods, and this was an object greatly to bo sought." | MR. OR18WOLD OX MR. STEWART'S PLAX3. Mr. Griswold, ol tho Fifth Avenue Hotel, in an inter view with a reporter, stated that ho has for a long time enjoyed the acquaintance of Mr. Stewart, and bo thinks that no man has contributed so much to pro mote the commercial activity of New York, and no one has succeeded lu drawing to tho city to much trade and ao much money. Ho said that the business sys tem of Mr. Stewart was ndmtrab'o. Tho strictest method was always established and rigorously carried out. Only men of sterling value were placod In charge of departments, and over ttiesc Mr. Stewart maintained a personal supervision until their grade of capacity whs determined. Mr. Orlswold thon referred to ilio Harden City project, which hau resulted most satisfactorily, and stated that Mr. Stewart had intended to establish factories there, which would supply further means of competency to the residents. Large manufactories, too, were In course of construction up tho Hudsou, which when completed would, no doubt, tend to dlmiuisli pauperism In and about New York, and raise a barrier against the destitution which threatened so many unemployed families. Tho Working women's Hotel scheme, he said, bad not been abandoned, as was reported. Mr. Stewart always cherished a hope of making it a reality, and bud arranged to moot Judge Hiilou to tako measures for pu-liiug it forward up to the very hour aud day when he died. Mr. Griswold said that the raid ing ol the will o( no American has ever been looked foi ward to with as much interest as that of Mr Stew art, aud lie hinted that people will be surprised when they learn what a real and substantial sympathy the great business man had for deserving charities. AT MR STEWART'S PLACES OF Bl'SIXRMS, As soon as the sad Intelligence of the death of Mr. Stowirt reached his two stores all business was In- ; stanlly suspended, and in a lew minutes tho windows aud doors were closed and the curtains drawn. Mr. | Libby, one of the members of the firm, was at tho down town or wholesale establishment when the news arrived, and was quito prostrated by the shock, notwithstanding ho had neon for tho past twenty-lour hours momentarily cxpeotlng to hear of his chief's demise. Outs.do tho building a largo crowd soon gathered, and asked all maonor of questions of whoever rhancsd to emerge. Having read in the Herald during tho morning that Mr. Stewart's condition was critical In the extreme the pedestrians on Droadway wore but little surprised when tbev saw the shutters ot tho wholesale bouse being lowered and the doors closed. Of course they knew death bad at last claimed Its victim, and yet hundreds wore constrained to stop belore the building and make inquiries. About hnlf-pau two a largo flag was run up at half-mast on tho Broadway bmldlng, anu this, together with the dosoncd aud solemn as pect ol tho entire edifice, was sufliciont information for any reasonable pcreoh, but did not safTlcs fo the idlo curiosity-seekers, wtio blocked the sidewalk even after the evening papers annonnoing the death wars being so.d on every corner Tho retail houso at Broadway, Ninth and Tenth streets was closed soon after tho wholesale department had suspended operations. soon the army of clsrka, both mule and female, came trooping out and were quickly lost sight of In tho great mass of hurrying hu manity which over througs this portion of Broadway ol a line day. 1'ntil late in tho afternoon carriages freighted with fair shoppers continued to nrrlvo st the various en trances only to bo turned away hy information of tho melancholy eveut that had (or tho llmo being brought the iminonae business of the greatest commorclal house or this continent to a complete atandstilL AT m RKSIDBKCR IX TH1RTT FOCBTR 8TBKET. la a marvellously abort aaoo of time tho fact of Mr. 1 ir J,? Stewart's death been** Know* la the ImmeJlele neighborhood of bin residence, and In a little while half a hundred Idle people congregated nn the oppoeitt side of Thirty-fourth itreet, and alood the livelon| afternoon aurtng vacantly at the house. Carriage after carriage drove up, the occu.muu being, as I general thing, personal friends of the family, whs alighted and entered the house very quietly. In leas than nn hour after the death of the proprietor this magnillcent marble palace an enterprising pbolograpbei brought bis camera to bear upon it, aud soon bore oil In triumph half a dozen negative*; two artists, repre sentatives of rival illustrated papers, were sketching the bou?e and its surroundings, and a score of news* (taper representatives were plying the family phy sician, who lives qext door, with quest loci concerning th'j lust hours or the great merchant. About live o'clock the undertaker arrived and placed a heavy piece of crape on the door boll. THE OKCKASUD'B CHARITIES. Mr. Stewart's practical charities, such as the hotel lor women, are not particularly provided lor la the wilL Tne carrying out ol these projects la left to the united core aud Judgment of his widow and Judge Hilton. Indeed, lo'a business sense, the Judge may be said to step right into the place vacated by the death of Mr. Stewart, whose long time friond and faitbtul counsellor he has been. Tbo will is to be offered soon lor probate, but utttll then its provisions are to remain secret TIIK UOl'SS IS FUTl as. Immediately after the death of Mr. Stewart cabin dcspuiciies were seal to all iho agents of Mtssrs. A. T. Stewart A Co. throughout the world, ktutlng, graphic ally, "The business ol tho Qriu w ill contiuue as usual Immediately after the obsequies all tho mahu actoriel will resume work." , MR. STEWART'S LAST Bl'SISKSS OAT. The last time Mr. Stewart left hiz house was on Sat urday, the 18th of March. On that day be rode froa his residence to the wholesale house, and ou his waj uptown lu the afternoon stopped at tho retail eatah lUhincut aud lookod over tho books. TUB CXI O.N' LKAUUS CI.I'M. By order of Mr. Joseph H. Cboate, the president, I mooting of the Union League Club will be hold at th? club house this evening, to tako appropriate action la regard to the death of Mr. StewarL TUB OBSKqt'lES. Tho funeral services will tako place at St. Mark's church, Socond aveuua aud Tenth street, at elovea o'clock, on Thursday morning next Bishop Hotter is to uMoiaio at the obsequies and ar rangements are being rnudo to suitably docorate the church and provide accommodations tor the namon ous attendance which is anticipated. Tb< body of the dead merchant pr.nce will then be laid ia tbo lainlly vault. AT RABATOOA. Saratoga, X. Y., April 10, 1870. A flag was displayed at half-mast on theUrand Union Hotel on tho announcement of the death of A. T. Stewart. lie owns properly here valued at fl,600,000. OBITUARY. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN VOOBHEES. A cable telegram from Loudon, under date of tha 10th lust., brluga the following announcement:?? despatch Irom Kio Janeiro anuouncea tbe doath In that city of Benjamin Franklin Voorbeoi, formerly secre tary to Commodore Uirriaou. Mr. Voorbeea was a victim of tbe yollow fever, which is raging in KIO with uuusual violence. His wife was with til in ?' //wttnu of bit death. JOHN P. TREAD WELL. John P. Treadwell, who di?<? ni < Men Mllford, Conn., was for many years one ftTr u oest known and most popular men in this eity. He Aral came Into pablie notice as an attentive and intelligent clerk at the Franklin House, at tlio comer of Broad way and Bey street. He soon became a partner in that then favorite hotel, the firm name being Hayes ft Treadwell, and so continued until 1853, when, on tbe erection of tku St. Nicholas, being Joined by Mr. Ackers, of Albany, ho became senior partner in tbe Arm ol Treadwell, Ackers, ft Co., and opened that house. Here no continued lor ton yeurs, during which nine he made thousands or friends, and never forgot the faoo or name of a guesi. In 18(13 h? retired with nu ample competence, going to New Milford, wbore his residence was the most elogant in the village. He was sixty-five years old. . In early manhood be married a Mix* Lock wood, of Connecticut, who, with two daughtera and a aon, survive blm. Out of rospect to bis memory tho Uaas at the St. Nicholas Hotel were displayed at ball-mast yesterday. The loners! will take place to-day. JAMES K. LAUDEKAN. The Kentucky Live Stock Record, Lexington, Ky.v April 8, contains tbe following:?Wo rogret to an, nonncs tho death of lb Is youag gentleman, whlcfe occurred on Wednesday, tho 8th ir.sk, at the resident* of his father, on East Main street, in this city. H< had Just entered his twenty-Arst year, and had em dcured himself to a host of friends by his kindness a( disposition and his amiable manners. He was we| known to tbe turfmen all over the country, having been employed for the past four or Avo years as ticket writer witn the principal poolaellcra In tho United Stales, all or whom can attest to his nprlght and honorable dealings with them. He had been con A n?4 to hl? bed for the past two months, with consumption, of which disease ho died. THE LAST SCENE. William H. Whalley, tho popular actor, was burlo4 yesterday afternoon from St FranoU'. Hospital, in Fifth strcot. betwoou avenues C and D. A solemn mass of requiem was oelobrated by the Rev. Fatboi Fluharris. The funeral services were largely attended by the friends of ifte deceased, among them beiiur n number of the members of the theatrical profession. Tlio remains were taken to Calvary Cemetery for In terment. Mr. Whalley was forty years of age at tho timo of bis doath. Tue lost ougagement he played In this city was with Lucille Western. FUNERAL OF DR. GARDNER. Tlio last ceromonles over tbe remains of Dr. Augustus Kinsley Osrdntr took place at All Souls' cuurch yesterday, Dr. Bellows olBciatlng. At ten o'clock A. M. the church was Ailed with warm friends and admirers of the late Doctor. Dr. Bellows made t very touching nnd eloquent address, rootling tho man) genial and brilliant qualities of Dr. Gardner, rooonab tug the many lives lie has saved during his active pro Ic.-uionai career, and his worth as a citizen, scholar and mail. At the cOuclusiou ol hie address tbe Irieads were permitted to vtow the roinains, and then ensued mo sud spectacle of womou wuosc lives ho had saved from the porils of childbirth weeping at hia facet The fcrviics were solemn and impressive. Mr. Frank Leslie. Dr. Carnochan, Dr. flolcombe, Dr. Hoamerand Dr. Muriin wore among the pall-boarcrs. The remains were interred la Urecawood. The floral decorations were costly and superb? the chiel one, Irom Mr. Leslie, bearing those knightly words, "Valiant, courte ous, loyal." OVERDOSE OF LAUDANUM. Mrs. Morgan, sister of General John Morgan, of Tennessee, and niece of P. T. Barnum, died yesterday morning at twenty minutes past two o'clock from the effects of an overdose of landannm. It appears thai Mrs Morgan has been suffering lor soma time from a severe attack ol neuralgia and other nervous diseases, Icr which she had been under the care of several doc tors. She had been In the habit of taking chloral and other anodines for temporary relief from her soflbring* On Saturday evening last she Joined la a game ol casino with several acquaintances at her residence. No. 88 West Twelfth street. Hbo complained of a headache and leu tlio room. Roturntag in a short time she recom menced i he game, feeling much relieved by a doso of laudanum whisk one said abe hail just taken. She must, however, have miscalculated tho strength of the dose, lor in a short time she oecsmo drowsy and had to be assisted to oed by ono ol the |>ariy. She then fell into a stupor from wntch it was impossible to awaken her, although the best medical attendance was procured. This stupor lermlnaiol in her death, as already related. Coroner Kickboff held an inquest yesterday aiirrnnon, and the Jury brought in a verdict of death from an overdose ui kmdanutn sel,-admin istered jor reiier Irom neuralgia. The deceased lady was thirty-tour years ol agei IRVINGS MEMORY. Toe ladles of the Washington Irving Monument Funk Association assembled at the Windsor Hotel yesterday afternoon. Mrs. Ann 3. Stephens, tbe President, was In tho chair. The minutes of the last meeting were read and ap proved, and letters Irom several prominent person! were ordered to be spread upon the minutes. Mrs. Winchester aud Mrs. Leeds were appointed n committee in make arrangement* for an exnimiioo of natMlug* of Mr. McCord on subjects roiiim -tnoratiVe of Washington Irving. Notice ot the opening Of the ex hibition will be given herenuer. tin the 24lb m this month an entertainment will bo given at the house ol Mrs V. W. Hard lor .ths beneub ol tho fund. Too entertainment will inoludo I lions sad musical selections, fto.