Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1876-04-19
The Late A. Il. Stewart.

last, ana at trinity college Dublin,
where he graduated in 1922. He
came to this country about year.
after completing his studies, and com.
menced life In America as teacher of
classics at private school. In 1927,
however, having saved about So 900,
he went into business (dry goods
with which he was not at all familiar.
At the outset be, determined to have
but one price and to make that Price
as low as the cost Of the goods would
allow; to buy exclusively for scash; to
misrepresent nothing; and to deal
with all customers alike. He ad-
hered through life to these principles,
and 10 this fact, as well, perhaps as to
his natural ability and strict attention
to business, was due his almost un.
precedented success. He leaves
fortune which can scarcely be estima-
ted. In addition to the largest dry
goods establishment in the United
States, that ia New York, which
covers an area Of twenty-five acres, he
had braach houses in most of the
principal cities of the South and
West, besides large warehouses in the
more important cities OF Europe. His
annual sales were estimated at about
S75, 100000 and his net profits at
S4,OO0,000. He was also very
large owner of real estate, holding
some $25, 100000 worth in New
York City alone, to say nothing of his
possessions elsewhere, which were
immense. Some years ago he pur-
chased about half a township on
Hampstead Plains, Long Island, and
laid the foundations of city, building
railway to connect it with New
York. In 1869 President Grant in,
vlted Mr.. Stewart to take charge of
the Treasury Department. but the ap-
pointment was declined, Mr.. Stewards
relations with the Custom House be-
ing such that be could not accept
such position. Mr.. Stewart was of
an exceedingly benevolent disposition,
and unlike many wealthy men, did not
postpone the exercise of his benevo-
lence until after his death. In 1917,
the year of the famine in ireland. he
sent to bis suffering countrymen an
entire shipload of provisions, and in
1862 be contributed as freely to the
sufferers in Lancashire, England. At
the time of Chieago's misfortune, in
October, 1871, he Immediately sent
$50, 900 to the relief of the homeless,
Notwithstanding he had himself lost
heavily by the fire, and be followed
his first contribution by second
equally as large. Within a few years
he has built at cost of s5,OOO,OOO,
two hotels, one for working young
men and one for working women,
where they can obtain at bear cost the
most substantial comforts of home.
A recapitulation of all his acts of
charity would fill large volume. To
his death the country loses one of its
most public spirited men, and the
poor friend which can scarcely be
replaced.
NEW YORK, April 1.-THE will of
the late A. T. Stewart was filed in
tbe Surrogate's Office this afternoon
In it he bequeathes all his property
and real estate to his wife, Gorneha
NJ. Stewart, and her heirs forever,
and appoints Henry Hilton to act in
behalf OF the estate, and the managing
of its affairs. AS mark of regard
Mr.. Stewart bequeathed to Mr.. Hill
ton the sum OF one million dollars.
He appoints his wife, Judge Hilton
and VIM. Libby his executors. The
subscribing witnesses to the will are
VIM. Smith, VIM. II. White and E.
&. Marcy, M. D. The will bears
date of 9th of March, 1873. He d.
rects his executors to pay out the fol-
lowing gifts as legacies: To Geo. B.
Butler $4,000, and John. M. Hop
kins, $4,000.
Gifts of $1U0, 600 are distributed in
sums ranging from $4,000 to 500, 900,
to those who have long and faithfully
served him in bis business affairs.
He gives $l5,500 to his faithful SER
wants of his household. To Sarah
and Rebecca Morsow, friends Of his
early youth, and at whose fathers
house he says he enjoyed in youth a
hospitality and welcome which he
cannot forget or repay. he bestows an
annuity of $4,000 in quarterly in
stallments during their lives, and also
house and furniture. To the rela-
tions Of his wife. six in number, he
bequeaths $4,000 each, and to Ellen
B. Hilton, the wife of his friend, II.
Hilton, the sum Of $4,000.