The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1877-12-11
ABEL y. HEIITEL D'S DEITII.
One of vanderbiits Inriy As.ociates-IIis
Popularity In Elizabeth.

Abel s. Hctncld Of Elizabeth, N. j., died
yesterday morning in tho house in which he
resided all his lifc-sovcnty-six years-and in
winch both his fnthcr and his grandfather were
born and in which they died. Tho old weather.
beaten house and the farm, now reduced TO
about forty ncres. have been in the posscssion
OF the Hcincld family for over two hundred
years. II Is within the boundaries OF Elizabeth,
the house somewhat modernized. being on the
landing near the Elizabeth river, and in later
years known "a Paradise. 1t still bears the
marks Of British bullets Mr.. Hctfeld's father
was commissary officer in the Revolutionary
war. The Hctfcld family ia OF kin with the
Van Dusen and Vanderbilt families. Mr. Hct.
field had three brothers. all now dead and seven
sisters. One Of the sisters married Judge Spen-
Ger of Cincinnati. another is the widow OF Chan
cellor Halsted. one married Ichabod Barnes OF
newark and another was the wife Of an Eng
iishman. Mr. Blight Mr. Hctnsld and all of his
Drothtis were. Tor many years. engaged In the
river freighting business between New York
and Elizabeth and other New Jersey towns and
were ~ times Interested with Commodore Van
d"rbilt in his younger DAYS. Several years ago
he was made, by the influence OF Vanderbilt
COMPANY. He was. all his life u confidential
lriend oi The Commodore and never failed
iork. 70 Visit him once year.
Mr. Hctfleld retired from business about flf-
ii.cn years ago, with fortune that made him
IA Elizabeth. and was regarded with affection
10y ms tenants. He never held civil offlce cx-
cspt that of Freeholder for one or two terms
lie was captain Of an artillery company that
escorted Lafayette into Elizabeth in 1924
=, Mr.. Hetfelds disposition made him ono Of
inc most popular residents Of Elizabeth His
porty form. six feet IN height. ruddy features,
independ.nt lnien, and fcNdness for fun made
MIN one 81 the most noticeable figures in the
old city. He was outspoken in all OF his views
being somewhat skcptlcal on religion as well as
politics. In carly lie he was u strong Demo-
crat. but lost his faith in Andrew Jackson when
that strong headed President removed the de-
posts from the United States Bank. Although
1f strong prejudices. he was warm hearted and
benevolent A conspicuous accomplishment
was his familiarity with the Bible He read
that book through numberless times oven when
a boy ana IN later years his conversation was
thekly inierspersed with apt quotations from
the Scriptures.
Mr.. Heiilell was married in early life 10 n
daughter OF Foster Day. who for many years
sawed AT his mill in Elizabeth all Of the mahoe-
any logs into venoering that was used in the
New York manufactures. Mrs Hctficld died
i.ry years ago. without leaving children and
Mr.. Hetneld lived until his death "A widower
MS household consisted of ncphews and nieces
and negro servant. now seventy five years OF
aEr. who i the son OF "A slave woman owned By
Mr. Hetiicld was attacked by pneumonia on
Saturday, and died at o'clock Yesterday morn
INK. lie Is to be buried Tomorrow morning.