New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-02-01

1890 when he rallied somewhat, until o'clock
From that time re slowly sank uatll ':P' "heh ne
breathed his last ia the presence of those most
dear him
Gathered around his bedside were his VIE MS
son and daughter and his brother, the Rev Francis
Marion McAlis,er. OF Elizabeth Mr. McAlhster
suffered little during his short Illness, and the
md came peacefully and painessly.
Mason H. Partridge, sexton OF Grace cnurcn'
took charge OF the body TO prepare 1t for burial
Mr. McAllister's death was 80 entirely unexpected
that few OF his friends many OF whom were at
tending the Charity Ball knew OF 1t until early THIS
morning.
Everybody knows that Ward McAllIster became
prominent by n phrase. The phrase VIII propa'y
survive him a good many years. "New-forhs -Four
Hundred" will perhaps be a synonyme FOR the upper
crust OF society when generation when
never heard OF Mr.. McAlster occupies the place oil
the present one.
Mr. McAl.lster was born in Savannah Ca, about
sixty years ago. His paterral grandfather was
prominent business man OF that city. His father was
a lawyer and was the Mayor OF Savannah for sew
eral terms His mother was Of French extraction
one of Mr. McAllisters brothers was graduated at
West Point. served in the Mexican War and died
comparatively young Hall McAster. another
brother went 70 California in the Os and became
Judge and acquired big fortune. Another brother
IS Protestant Episcopal minister in Elizabeth
" J.
Mr. McAlliser came 10 this city when about
twenty years Old. and lived with a maiden aunt
She died soon afterward. and instead of leaving any
Of her money him. as II has been said was eX-
pected she left il to charity. He then returned 10
savannah. and was admitted TO the bar in THAI
place In 1850 he went 10 San Francisco with MS
IA Their and remained the Pacific Coast two years
Returning to New-York in 1852. he married Miss
Gibbons the wealthy daughter OF Thomas Gobons
II Savannah She was related T. some Of the prom-
nent families OF the 'Oli South.
From this time until his death. Mr. McAlllster
seems to have given his entire attention TO socia
functions His hobby getting up and managing
h,is md dinners. Even early a. the time OF MS
Visit f. Can.fornla as he tells In his book 50
cety As Have Found IT," he gave dinner mi
which he took great pride He organized the series
NJ dances known as The Patriarchs." in 1872 1t
WAS al this time that he became prominent nsufe
in New-York society. The summers he spent at
N,wport and WAS active there in the same lire that
characterized his lie In this city. lie introduced
what were known az Dutch treats otheI"'se
called subscription picnics. Occasionally ne Nou'
ls,, the bahamas In the winter, and then his ener-
,ias continued In the line OF getting up dinners
and balls. - eco.
Nr McAluster's chief delight from 1872 until I'M
centred around the Patriarchs' balls H' was Inc
recognized chief Of these affairs. He looked arter
,b. ,ryi,ati,us managed the dinner and planned
the decorations.
This was an extremely exclusive circle at hrst
m. .m,S nos somewhat enlarged and then there
uere dlssensons At last the 'oCtilion' ana the
Assembly" balls were started In opposition IN a
r.,.x..s THO socal war was some
way 10 th' i"'''"'" 49,, -. -. a.. ho,o,,
wha, heated for Il time When It was at its heght
r,,,,.o ron,r,ar had an interview with Mr. Nc
i'l"""' 'iV' r. -. H. ,bts irterview
Allister on the su"J'N'' - 49, " = -, or
,ha, no made the remark which made nm more OF
'' -, =, ,,o, equally, famous There are
only about 400 people in NewYork society. ne
said and the reporter printed the interview
rh. rerark attracted no attention for some time
Inc re"''' "'''"e''' 49,. ,.,ol a., oli,or,,l
Finally an afternoon newspaper PRIME" "'' ~
with This remark the subject In week IL was
-, 49,, ~ ,,.or tho country and within two weeks
'ane" "p "' wv -, , ,,A,, Va t,ni-
II had been repeated IN faTis anu i-o'uo'" w "i
cal song was complete without some reference TO IT,
~. ~ ,r,s,er hecamc a pubic character. and he
~, IS mentioned as the leader Of the -Four
III ,art,v onnears 10 have been pleased by IN
,,,tiI.,," ,,I,cb, the chance remark gave him. He
bean 10 write for the newspapers. and IN thesH
ar[ciss he ,od about the dongs OF the people whom
a.. moi socially This caused me feeling aaanst
him and in the last years ~ his NE he was not 50
strong socially Ms he several years ago men
w. wrote book: Society as Have Found II.
l