New-York tribune., 1896-07-07
A RON HEALY.
THE FUNERAL OF THE LEATHER~ NER-
CHANT AND ART COLLECTOR TO
ID TO Ii


Aaron iiealy. who died AT his summer home in Cold
Spring suddenly Sunday evening of the
foremost citizens Of Brooklyn. He born In Halo
we'll. Me. IN 1914. His mother diec when he
only six years old and from that time until he at
ta!ned his majority ne lived with a farmer named
Stephen Weston. Of Skowhegan, Me. His education
obtained in the common schools and nearby
academy OF sangune temperament sturdy
frame. courageous and ambitious. he went to New
York in 1885, with these qualities for capital. He
srst became a clerk with Gilman. Smu & Co., at
thlt time the most extensive leather dealers in the
:ity. After few years in their service. he became
their confidential clerk. and in that capacity made
teveral voyages 10 Africa.
In 1862 Mr.. Gilman retired. and the firm then be-
same Smull Iealy. Four years later he bought
,ut the interes. Of his partners and for many years
conducted the business alone. In 1873 the present
arm OF A. Heay & Sans. consisting Of Mr.. Healy
md his sons. A. Augustus and Frank, was formel.
In 1890 they bought the old property at Gold and
Ferry sts.. containing quaint Old building which
tor more than half century had been landmark
the Swamp" The Old building was demolished,
md in its place the present Healy Building was
erected which Is still the largest building in the
"Swamp"
In early manhood. long before Mr. Healy pos
sessed the means 10 crafty his artistic tastes. he
began to study pictures. and as the profits
pf his business warranted 1t he began to put money
IN pictures. not an investment but to crafty his
love Of AS his wealth and experience grew. he
refined and enlarged his collection OF pictures until
be owned one Of the bes; private collections OF
naintings IN this country His house at No. 19S
Columbia Heights literally vast picture
gallery. Every square inch Of space on the walls
was covered. and even the floors taken up with
saseh supporting gems OF art. Proof OF his rare
bis house would no longer accommodate more pict-
ures he made public sale Of his treasures, reaiz-
Ing $4,000 this being at least 50 per cent more than
the pictures him. Since that time he has made
few additions TO his collection.
He was Of the Oldest members OF Plymouth
Church, had been a trustee and deacon for many
years and through all Mr.. Beecher's troubles was
He was life member OF the Art Association. of the
Historical Society. OF the Brooklyn Library and the
Brooklyn Institute Of Arts and Sciences and also
OF the Society Of Old Brookynites. To all Of these
societies he contributed not only his advice and en-
couragement, bu also gave literally OF his wealth.
As O merchant and citizen he enjoyed the esteem
Of his acquantances most completely, and his TAX
the allotted three and ten will be felt by all
who were fortunate enough 20 know him.
Though in poor health for some time he had still
been able TO attend 10 his usual duties. and had
lately gone to his summer home for his annual va
ra flon His death due 10 a sudden hardening Of
ti1e arteries The funeral Will take place at p m. to-
lay at his nome No 1873 Columbia Heights. The Rev.
Albert H. Currier. formerly pastor OF the First Con
eregational Church OF Lynn. Mass. nov professor
81 Theology In Oberlin, Ohio will deliver the ad-
dress and he VIII be assisted by the Rey Charles
r. Ws!tzei, assistant pastor OF plymouth Church
MY Currier is q nephew Of Mr Heaiy ana deiyers
fhe address because OF the absence OF Dr. Abbott
in Europe Burial will be in Greenwood tomorrow
uoruing