Milford chronicle., 1885-11-27
LATEST NEWS NOTES.
Happenings of Interest to All,
At Home and Abroad
HORACE u. G NFLIN DEAD.
Stricken by ApoDlexy Dinner Party In
his FOrdhai

Horace Brigham Cahin, whose reputation
as one Of the greatest merchants Of New York
extended throughout the country and TO Eu-
rope died Of RpOplexy at 3 o'clock Saturday
afternoon, at his country honse at tordham-
Mr.. Clafin was in his 74th year. He was con-
scious a few moments before his death, and
whispered good-by TO his wife and children.
his death was painless.
Mr. Clafin was at his store at Worth and
Church streets all day Wednesday, and TOOK
one Of the late afternoon trains to tordham'
where he has passed the summer and fall Tor
number Of yeirs. Mr. Clatiin ana ms iSIluy
were to return to their PierrepOnt street nome
on Thursday, and thought it would be good
idea to give a little dinner party. During the
dinner he turned to Mrs. tairchild and SAID;
"Well. Mrs. FaWlady, how is Mr.. Fairman,
the gentleman on your left, getting along
He had hardly spoken when his head
drooped, and he lost the power OF speech
though he was somi-conscious. The dinner
party broke up in alarm. Mr.. Clanm was
assisted to his room and his physician was
sent for. Mr.. Clafn retained his conscious
ness, and heard the phys clan inform MRS;
Clafln and his children, who had gathered
about his bedside that he was suffering from
an apopleclic stroke.
He passed an easy night, and on Friday his
physician did not consider him in immediate
danger. He rested very well on Friday hight,
and not until o'clock Saturday morning were
serious symptoms noticed. He grew weaker
as the day advanced, and died at O'Clock.
The body will be brought to his late residence
in Brooklyn on Monday, and the funeral ser
vice will be held there at noon Tuesday.
Henry Ward Beecher, who is in Chicago was
telegraphCd to Saturday night and requested
to telegraph 10 Mrs. Clatiin at Fordham II ne
would be able to oficale at the funeral. The
burial will be in Greenwood.
Mr.. Claflin has been familiar hgure IN
Now York for ovar forty wears
Mr.. Cadn was born in Milford, Mass, on
Dec 18 1911. His father kept country store.
For wears liquor formed one Of the CHIEF rev
enues of his fathers store. rev montIs
after Horace and his brother Aaron were ad-
mittcd to partnership, Horace persuaded hls
father TO discontinue it's sale. at the age of
twenty-one Horace had accumulated little
money in his own name. With Aaron ne
opened a small dry goods and general store: IN
Worcester. Two years later the copartnership
was dissolved. Aaron retired, and Horace
with his brOther-in-laW, Samuel Daniels, con-
iinued the Worcester business. This business
was retained until July, 1S43, with consider
able success. Horace then decided to come to
New York and in July of that year ne estab-
lished the dry goods firm Of Buckley Claim,
in Cedar street, which was then the dry goods
district Of the city. A.
This firm met with success, but was dis
solved in July 1851, Mr.. BullEey retiring, ana
VIM. II. Mellen and two of MIR. Clahln S
brightest statesmen forming the firm Of Clahin,
Mellen & Co. ~,
In 1857, Edward E. Eames, who is still
partner, became associated with the firm;
On Jan. /, 1861 Mr.. Mellen retired from
the firm with a fortune, and the firm OF ID.
B. Clafin * Co. was started. There have
been many partners of the firm in the last
twenty yearss The present partners are John
Clatiin, son Of Horace B., Edward L. Eames,
Horace J. Falrchild, William S. Dunn, Dexter
N. Force and Daniel Robinson. The immense
store is in Worth street. It is notable for its
water supply and fire apparatus, which saved
the building in the great Worth street hre OF
a few years ago.
It is understood that Mr.. Clahin leaves a
fortune Of several millions. He was always
averse to display of any kind, and, although
! his two houses were very richly furnished ana
afforded opportunities for social gatherings,
he entertained but little. In politics he was
an old.lino Whig and Of late years supported
| faithfully the nominees of the Republican
party. He was never conspicuous IN mumcl-
pal affairs.
For twelve Years or more he has been con-
spicuOus member Of the Plymouth Church So
/ cietv. though not member of the church.
While he was in business at Worcester Mr.
| Clafu married Agnes, daughter OF Col CALVIN
| and Anna Sanger of Sherburne, Mass, whc
survives him. Mr.. Clahin was named after
the son of DIR. Isaac Brigham, and was god
| son Of the Rev. Amariah Frost. OF Milford.