The Morning herald., 1876-02-28
an INTERESTING RETROsPECr

An Obituary and some Rhetorical Reupiu.
tsce'sces-Bsi'sO the Life and DEATH
ofan Eccentric Gentleman Iooether
tCsth some Rambling Scraps of Old Cos.
sip.
There will be found in our advertisement
columns to-'lay, the announcement of the
death of one Of our oldest citizens, as well
as one Of the most remarkable and cccen.
trio characters in the history of our city
William Heath Naff has been one of the
Old landmarks Of our city's history, for so
long period that there Is scarcely a
chlld VINO runs the streets, not more or less
acquainted with the old gentleman, his pe
eullarlties, land more particularly than all his
mysterious old auction rooms on Fourth at.
Mr.. Naff, was born in this city, in the year
l799, consequently being at the time OF his
death, over eighty-two years of age. He
came of old revolutionary stock, his father
having fought in our war for independ-
ence, possible in the Delaware militia
tie learned the business OF book binder in
this city, and worked at his trade for some
years. subsequently he became an auc
tloneer and conveyancer, which business he
followed for forty years, being up to the
time oil his death the oldest auctionecr
IN Wilmington, as W III as in the State.
After having succeeded in amassine large
competency, he gave up the business and
for many years had occupied the old
building on Fourth street, below Market as
furniture and general supply establish
ment. His family was of Swedish descent,
which accounts for his economical and care
full habits of business and life. The old
gentleman has been accused of niserly
habits; but this is probably mistake, as
he has been known as friend of the poor,
and he once stated to Mr.. Vincent, of this
city, that If any one needed help never to
hesitate to come to him, and Mr.. Vincent
states that lie always gave. He was a
strong temperance man, and was greatly
opposed to theatricals, having refused to
make valuable donations to the Historical
Society because their meetings were held in
the Opera House. Possessing taste for
historical, literature, he was something of
counoisseure in books of that character,
and possessed at the time of hfs death, a
valuable collection of that kind of litera-
ture.
Mr.. Naff was originally a strong Whig,
and afterwards became an ardent Republi-
can, but meddled little actively in politics.
A few days previous to his sudden death,
he had will drawn up, signed and proper
ly attested. He is said to have left consid-
cradle property, including valuable real
estate on Front street, and considerable on
Broom street. He was never married, but
leaves brother, Henry Naff, formely edi-
tor OF the "Whig Journal" and who is now
quite lila sister and several nephews and
nieces. He was kind relation and though
an eccentric, genienal and kind hearted
gentleman.
But of all the interesting features of his
interesting life, the old furniture store
room in bis building on Fourth street, is the
strangest and most curious. II is a Gu
riousity shop, which woald put Dickens
Imagination to the blush. To most it has been
veritable terra incognita, full of strange,
wonders. Among the many relics
of historical character, which
are hidden amid it's dusty shelves in
its old store-rooms. is the library of the
late Rev. Solomon Prettyman, who was the
founder of the Wesleyan Female College of
our city; The Wing "Banner," of 1910,
which the old politicians now living in this
city will recollect, and the sword of An
thony Wayne, which was presented to Mr..
Naff by the late Cunning Bedford. The old
rookery is filled with interesting curiosities
and relics Of similar character. which
when the sale of his property occurs will be
brought from their musty repositories. The
old building like its owner possesses history
tnll of intereet of local character. Origt
nally it was known as the Temperance Hall
and was used as place for public meetings,
and travelling shows, and at one time was the
meeting place of the Odd Fellows of this
city. The old Garrick Dramatic Club,
which at one time was en- institution OF
this city held its meetings and gave its per-
formances in the old hall.
There is, we believe, but one member Of
that old club living, Mr.. Ellis Cloud Of the
"CommerciaI. There is story current,
which there is every reason to believe, that
now prominent business man of this city,
being infatuated by one of the members of
the company, who was supposed to be a
lady, taking such character, and paid fee
of IS to become member of the company,
in order to obtain an introduction. He was
presented duly, the lady being endishibiIle,
but was somewhat chagrined to discover
that his fair Juliet was only man after
all. This was not the company, as is gen
orally supposed, in which the late Jas. A.
Oates, made his debut 1t was years al
forwards, that Mr.. Oates went upon the
stage, his appearance being made in the old
building which first stood where now is the
Saville Building at 9th, and Market. Mr..
Oates, who was a printer, In the old
"Blue Hens Chicken" office, during the
was lieutenant. but resigned
and went into the theatrical
business in the South where he met the
present Mrs. Oates then girl, and brought
her out. They were subsequently married.
All these old "reminiscences are SO vividly
recalled by the death Of Mr.. Naff that 1t
seems very proper to present them, know
ing that much of the matter is quite new to
the present generation. In the old gentle
mans death we lose one more link which
connects the old Wilmington of the past
century, with her strong and vigorous child
oftho nresent Mr. NafT,s fIlneral will