The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1892-03-03

Members of the bar and all prominent citi-
zens have had such close relations with
Col. Van Slyck that the news came TO
them in the form OF a direct personal
affection.
Nicholas Van Slyck was born at Pine
Plains near Kinderhook, ". Y. the 2sth
of July, 1929, and was the eldest son of
Hugh and Orminta \. (Pulver) Van Slyck.
He studied in the public schools and the
academy at kinderhook aud at Williams
College, where he was graduated in ls4g
He was admitted TO the bar in 1850 and
practiced law in the city of New York
until 1855, when he removed To Providence
and formed n law partnership with the
late Hon. George III. Browne. which con-
tinued TO the death of that gentleman
At the commencement of the rebellion
he was in command OF the United Train
of Artillery, then called the Providence
Artillery company, from the membership
OF which was formed Co. b., of the first
regiment of Rhode Island detached
militia, with which he served ne captain
during the whole time of his term of SER
. vice. He was three years n member of
the General Assembly aud member of
the committee on judiciary.
For several years Col. Van Slyck was
member of the common council, and was
twice president of that body He was
elected TO the common council from Ward
in 1870, and served until August 10,
1874, when he was elected city solicitor
He was president Of the council from Jan
uary, 1873, until his retirement
Col. Van Slyck served long and faith
fully as n member of the school commit
tee from Ward 5-He was elected i'm 1875
from the Fifth Ward and was reelected
regularly until 1880 when he moved to
Young Orchard avenue on the East Side,
and was no longer eligible. He served
ably as president of the committee from
1877 until the time of his retirement, and
tn that long period there were many of the
leading men OF the city on the board with
whom his relations were always cordial.
IL was said by prominent member of
the bar to-day that he aid not believe Col.
Van Slyck had any enemy in the city. In
1874 he was chosen city solicitor, which
office he held to the date of mis- death.
Col Van Slyck Was married in 1854 TO
Elizabeth, daughter of Capt. Cyrus b. Man
chester of this city. Mrs. Van Slyck died
within n year previous to the death of her
husband His surviving children are
Col. Cyrus NJ. Van Slyck, who is assistant
city solicitor and a partner of his father;
Mrs. Charles {. Mumford and Miss Eliza
beth Van Slyck.
Col Van Slyck was one of theimost prom
inent masons In Rhode Island, and his loss
will be greatly mourned by his fellow
craftsmen. He became member of What
Cheer Lodge of Providence Oct. q, 1857.
From 1913 TO 1877 he was grand master of
priest of the grand chapter. In 1871 and
1872 he was grand commander of the
Grand Commandery of Massachusetts
and Rhode Island At the time of his
death he held an Office in the Grand Eu-
campmept of the United States.
As Free Mason no man was probably
so well known in the state rs Mr.. Van
Slyck, and during the past twenty-five
years he has held more Offices in the fra
lernity than any other man in Rhode
Island
In 1850 he was junior warden and the
next year senior warden, and the next
year senior warden of What Cheer Lodge
In 1861 he was worshpful master. and i'm
1864 was right worshipful grand master.
He was grand master from 1913 to 1876.
and during this term OF Office laid the
corner stones Of the City Hall and the
Providence County Court House.
In the Grand Royal Arch Chapter he
was Deputy High Priest in 1882 and 1883
and was Grand High Priest ia 1884
He was Grand Warden of the Grand En-
campmeut of Templars in 1883, Grand
Sword Bearer in 1856 and Grand Junior
Warden from 1889 To the time of his
death.
He was also an honorary member Of the
Supreme Council, " j. and A. rite; cle
waited TO the 33d degree, sept. 10, 1882. lie
was grand generalissimo of the Grand
Commaudery of Massachusetts, and Rhode
Island in 1863 and 1870, aud was grand
commander of Massachusetts, and Rhode
Island in 1871 and 1872
lie has been chairman OF all the leading
committees In the order during the past
twenty-five years aud at all baHquets or
social gatherings was always POSTMASTER.
lie was 33d degree Mason and his society
lie was confined wholly 20 Masonry.
lie was made an Inspector General,
sept 10. 1882, and at the tine OF his death
was an honorary member of the Supreme
Council for the Northern jurisdiction.
Col. Van Slyck's term In the General
Assembly, was from 1875 10 1871, inclu-
sive
He attended Grace Church with his
family and was prominent in all public
affairs.
Col Van Slyck was recognized as nc the
head or the bar In Rhode Island. lie has
been president of the Providence bar club
since the death of the late president
Thurston.
The city clerk sent out notices Of Col.
Van Slyck's death this afternoon.