New-York tribune., 1901-07-21

Mls. Wilton Merle Smith. were beside him. as
were his two sons -in-law.
Mr.. Van santvoord. who was in his eighty
third year. actively engaged in his business
affairs up to a few days ago. when he became
suddenly i'll from diabetes. The illness weak
ened his heart and in his advanced age he was
unable to withstand the attack.
Alfred Van santvoord came of Dutch ancestors.
the first OF whom, the Rev. DR.. Cornelius Van
Santvoord, America from Amsterdam In
lbs. and afterward became a we'll known preacher
among the French and Dutch settlers in Staten
Island. and later In Schenectady.
Abraham Van santvoord. Alfreds father. was
prominent in the political. social and commercial
circles of his day. II was at the time OF the War
OF 1872 that president of the village OF Utica he
welded great influence in that part OF the State.
Among the most cherished herlooms of the family
specimens of The fractional currency issued by
the Utica corporation which bear his signature
He also received at that time valuable contracts
from the government for the supply and trans
portation of munitions of war. subsequently he
became one the first to recognize the utility or
the Erie Canal and sent many OF his sailboats by
that route. Living for time at Rochester, he
came 10 New-York in 1921.
Through all these years OF his fathers prosperity
and public service Alfred WAS his right hand man.
Born In Utica January q. 1919. in his early boy
hood he thrown in contact with MS iather
nfe chow he ~sr especially adapted. His first real
connection with the shipping trade began when ne
became clerk In his fathers office. He advanced
through the different grades OF the business untii
gaining an interest in the firm. he became, at the
death OF his father. the head On assuming con-
troll he Immediately began TO enlarge the scope OF
the firms operations Assocatng himself with
Daniel Drew In the Peoples Line of steamers on
the Hudson. and with an independent line he fur
ther extended his interests by establishing the AL
bany Day Line In addition to these enterprises
he built and controlled the largest freight boats
the river It from him that the present own
ers bought the speedy Mary Powell.
In the Civil War the Federal government char
tered from him large number Of boats. Among
these was the River Queen. which Abraham
lincoln and Alexander H Stephens, Vice-Presi-
dent of the Confederacy, held their historic con-
Commodore Van santyoords n, interests along the the
HUDSON River increased steady after the Civil ~
the Hudson River Day Line. director in the Del
bSp5s aqd ba dasH moun he eh'
and Harlem and the Chicago Milwaukee and
New-Jersey. In addition to these he was also on
the directorate OF the Equitable Lie Assurance So
The commodore enthusiastic yachtsman.
OF his chief recreations being cruise on his
steam yeacht the Clerm9nt which he aPRroPr"6ey i
a member OF the Seawanhaka. Atlantic and New
yacht SS i in hs afe
Vanderbilt. with whose tastes and interests ne mad
He was also member OF the Union League,
Century, st. Nicholas and other clubs. but his
habits and disposition were -eminently domestic.
He great pleasure in the privacy OF his home
with its valuable library and many works OF
art. He was married TO Miss Anna Townsend. OF
Albany. who died some years ago: Since her death
and the death of an only Mr.. Van Santvoord
became much interested in the Coored Home and
Hospital. which he built and to which his wife
gave great attention
Three daughters Mrs E E. Ocott, whose hus-
band the general manager OF the Hudson River
Day Line: Mrs, Wilton Merle smith, wife OF the
pastor of the Central Presbyterian Church. and
Miss Anna T. Van Santvoord. survive him.