The New York herald., 1879-03-29
OBITUARY.
ALFRED w. CRAvsN.


was employed by the Reading Railroad Company as
an expert and consulting engineer. 1t was while
acting in this capacity that he inaugurated many new
changes in the ordinary method of constructing rail-
ways. He enabled to carry out his ideas through
the facilities accorded him by managers of various
roads MIR. Craven lived to many of his improve
ments in successful operation In 1849 the deceased
became prominently identified with the Croton Aque-
duct. He had advocated the building of the works
for some time before and shortly after their
pletion was selected to take charge Of them. He
filled the position of engineer-inchef and after
ward chosen as commissioner. in which capacity he
superintendent all the operations Of his depart
ment. He subsequently occupied both posi-.
tions at once. and took complete charge Of
Boyds Corners. made surveys of the watershed al
the same place and constructed the reservoir in Cen
tral Park 1t was In his work in this connection
that Mr.. Craven first showed his great ability
managing and directing engineer. He also planned
operation in this city The work had been for some
time under the complete control Of the Common
Council. but shortly ter Mr. Craven assumed Office
It was turned over to him and ho completed it. He
was tho most active in the Croton Board super.
intended all the work committed to its charge and
took entire control over all public improvements.
In the year 1866 Mr.. Craven. with number of
other gentlemen appeared before the State Legisla
,"ss th T
this city. Mr.. Craven. being member of tho Cro-
ton Board opposed this system OF transit, on the
ground that great Inconvenience and damage would
be caused to the water SERVICE He gave his opinion
In favor OF the greater expediency of railroad
the ahS the
When the subject of sinking the Harlem Railroad
tracks was brought prominently forward Mr.. Craven
charge Of the work. Half the cost Of tho
this city and the other half by tho Van
derbilt interest Mr.. Craven not brought
into any great notorey in this connection. In 1868
his health began to be seriously impaired. He had
been in the service of the city for twenty years
and his doctors advised forcing trip He accordingly
travelled throughout the Holy Land and othor dis
tant countries returning he settled down into tho
quiet practice OF his profession, being engaged
Consulting engineer on many occasions. In April
last he went to Europe again. and had not since
turned. He leaves two daughtcrs-one married to
Lieutenant Palmer. and the other to Mr.. sidney dc
Kay. One of tho brothers of the deceased was an
admiral In the navy. Mr.. Craven q gentleman
Of tne presence and most genial and kind hearted
man. His remains will be conveyed to New York.
in charge Of his two daughters. who went abroad
with him.
coxMENDAToRE ANTONIO rANrARDrNI. scuLpToB.
Advices from Milan. Italy. Of the 10th inst. an.
nounce the DEATH the morning of the 7th. OF
Antonio Tantardini, ono of the most prominent
sculptors Of tho modern Italian school. He was
native of Milan. tho city in which he spent his life
and where he found appreciation and distinction.
and at the time Of his death but forty years OF
age. Commencing his early life as volunteer in
several Garibaldian campaigns, his many honora.
Bile wounds rendered him popular with those
whb were champions Of the cause OF United Italy.
and finally peace found him in the studio artently
devoted to the art which ho aterward graced by the
production Of works which have found their way
into numerous galleries of Europe. Many will re.
member this pleasant and genial gentleman. who.
as Juror from Italy ut the Centennial Exposition in
1876 by his amiability and never ceasng fund Of
good humor did 90 much to make the arduous labora
OF the Art Commission merry pastine. 10 his
indefatigsble efforts and his rare ability -
Just but severe critic was due the fne rep
resentation of Italy in the Memorial Building.
His works are numerous. His memorial Of tina
Arnaboldi famlyone of his late productions-is tho
delight and wonder OF constant stream Of sight
seers. "The Angel of the Resurrection" was con-
ceived in poetic strain as to wiring praises from
sternest critics and produce songs from several
Italian poets. His statue Of Italy on the Cavour
monument in Milan is universally known, while his
basrelief representing Biblical parable. in
the Cathedral, and his colossal Moses" intended
for the unfinished court of that wondrous building
won him decorations from the late King. His nude
VANITY" and "The Mirror" to be found in
"replicas' throughout Europe. and his group Of
Faust aud Marguerite became 50 popular that NO
less than twenty copies we're ordered in single
year. The press OF Milan aud other Italian cities
sounds notes Of heartfelt mourning. and hundreds
feel kcenly the loss of whose fame artist
secondary only to his rare charms a. merry and
whole souled companion.