Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-04-14
IBcath OF a. n. stewart.

The death of A. r. Stewart which was
announced Monday, was a surprise TO ev-
erybody, because knowledge of his ILL
ness had been kept from the public. lie
had expressed great unwilingness that
the particulars Of his condition should be
made known TO the public. The writer
learned, from all unquestionablo source,
that about month ago Mr.. Stewart took a
severe cold, which resulted in inflamma-
ton of the bladder. The malady was very
painful, but good caro- enabled him TO rail-
ly, and after three weeks of suffering he
was pronounced out of danger aud soon
became so far convalescent that he was
able 10 walk about his house. Last Thurs
day, by imprudent exposure, no took an
other cold, which resulted in peritonitis.
His attending physicians were DR.. Marcy
and White. 1t was positively announced
as their opinion this morning thst unless a
change took place during the day death
would ensue.
A consultation Of physicians was called
this morning for the purpose OF deciding
on the course of medical treatment ncces.
sary to save the life of the patient. The
sudden change in Mr.. Stewards condition
became generally known in mercantile
circles this morning and caused much ex-
element.
Half an hour before Mr.. Stewards death
he began 10 recover consciousness, and
when be breathed his last his mind was as
bright as usual, and he no longer suffered
pain. Drs. White aud Marcy were in at
tendance. Mrs. Stewart, her brother Mr..
Clinch, and other friends of hers aud Mr..
Stewart were at the bedside. Judge Hill
ton and Mr.. Libby, the business reprosen-
tatives, were telegraphed for OF half.past
one, but did not arrive until after Mr..
Stewart was dead. The first distinct warn
ing his friends had that the end was APP
preaching was the return of his conscious
ness without the return of his suffering.
At few minutes before three o'clock the
fact OF Mr.. Stewards death was officially
an nounced at the retail and wholesale
stores, TO the great surprise of the en-
ployes. Mr.. Libby was at Mr.. Stewards
resid once, but sent word 10 have the stores
closed. By three o'clock the shutters were
down and the men retired. All the bulle-
tin boards at tho newspaper offices were
surrounded by eager crowds, and when
the news was received at the Stock Ex-
change there was total suspension of bus
iness, and stocks and gold were forgotten.
Mr.. Stewart was glad 10 witness the en-
joyment of his art treasures by other peo-
pie. The rarest and most costly Of his pic
lures were freely and cheerfully loaned by
him 10 his favorite club, the Union League,
and formed the leading attractions of its
exhibitions. Only his last Meissonier, the
costliest of all modern pictures, he reserv-
ed for his own superb gallery. lie enter
tanned and matui ed doubtless wise plans
for insuring TO the public the use Of his
magnificent collection, the value OF which
cannot be mach less than million Of dol
lars. Ii is thought that the palace which
he lived in for a few years past will be ded-
icated TO some public use that will enable
the people hereafter TO sec his collection
under suitable restrictions. Whether ii
has been left as "School of Design for
Women" or as princely present TO the
Union League Club, remains TO be seen.
In either event it will stand for years an
indestructible and beautiful monument To
his memory. lie built so solidly and SO
extensively that even the mutations of
trade would not disturb it, and il is proof
against the elements.
His constitution was never a strong one,
and had been affected by two very severe
and threatening attacks Of Illness within
the past few years, from which he was
saved with great difficulty. Mr. Stewart
continued his personal attention 10 his vast
business Interests until the moment Of his
fatal seizure, literally dying in the harness,
Though so far advanced in years.
While yet young man Mr.. Stewart
male the boast that he would have a store
upon which there should be no sign. lie
kept his word. There was, however, this
one sign upon the doors of his establish
me mt, push" 1t was significant word.
Mr.. Stewards wholesale and retail estab-
lishm euts combined have sold as high rs
6ny million dollars in one year. At pres
ont they run in the neighborhood of thirty
three million dollars per annum. During
his business career of fifty years AIr. Stew
art was a constant buyer Of real estate
in this city, his holdings of real property
being only surpassed by those of the Aston
family.
Throughout his lifetime Mr.. Stewart had
evinced decided opposition 10 having his
likeness taken, and to many requests of
his friends always replied, 81 have not yet
had it taken" lie was also importuned TO
give sittings for his picture frequently, but
always declined. This evening the init
mate friends of the family called in Mr..
Bierstadt, artist and lie proceeded 10 make
a plaster of Paris cast of tho features of the
deceased merchant. The impression was
lfe-likc.
A. +. Stewards fortune is estimated at
from S25, 000, 900 TO $50, 600. The New
York Times and Sun tomorrow will put
the amount at the above mentioned ig-
ures.-Dispatch 70 Boston journal.