New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-01-06

CIaain died this evening at his home in waInut-st
Newtouville. Death followed an Illness of few
weeks incident to old age.
William Clahin was horn at Milford Mass
March 6, ISIS. his father being tanner in com
Portable circumstances. He first attended the dis
trtct school, and compelled errauds
and work hard out of school hours. After FIVE
six years of this rigid training he to the
Milford Academy. In his absence IN 1890 his father
tore out the watts Of his tannery and replaced them
with machinery for the purpose Of making boots
and shoes This the first boot and shoe factory
In Massachusetts. and. the future Governor worked
hard at the bench in his vacations and spare
hours. In 1885 he entered Brown University. On
his mothers death. a year later. his father per-
suaded the young man TO leave college, owing
III health. and put him work in the shop In
1857 the father rented for the son small shop IN
Ashland, Mass. Hard work there completely broke
down Mr. Claims health. After his recovery he
went to St Louis. establishing there boot and
shoe factory. and built up a big business.
In 1S41 he married Miss Harding, of Milford.
Mass. who died in 1872. One daughter was born to
them In 1916 he married Miss Davenport. Of
Hopkngton. Mass. and in 1916 the couple went to
Hopkngton to reside They have several children.
Mr.. Clafin was a strong ant-slavery man. At
one time. seeing young negro and his Vile and
daughter offered for SALE he and his partner
bought them and set them free at once, thus Civ
ing offence TO the Shareholders OF St Louis He
a member of the Free Soil party and his St
Louis factory was several times threatened by
mobs in the Kansas troubles On his return 10 his
native State Mr.. Clahin devoted himself to the
shoe business. establishing factories and tanneries
in many parts OF the country. He continued an
ardent advocate of the Free Soil and anti-slaVery
cause. working earnestly for it's success
In 1S49 ne elected d member of the Massa-
ehusetts House of Representatives,, serving until
1852 He member of the Massachusetts
Senate in 1860 and 1861. the latter year acting as
president Of that body. He chairman OF the
Republican State Central Committee for seven
years and a member of the Republican National
Committee and its chairman from 1859 to 1872. In
November 1866, he elected Lieutenant Gov
ernor of Massachusetts on the ticket with Alexar-
der H. Bullock and the ticket was reelected.
WhCn Governor Bullock retired Mr.. Claim was
elected succeed him. He filled the Governor $
chair during the years 1859 1910 and lSn with ds,
tincton and ability. II is believed that ne saved
the State millions Of dollars through the veto OF
the Boston, Hartford and Erie Railroad bills and
other State projects, Later he served as a
Representative in the 10Th and 4Ith Con
crosses. in the first of which he was on the Com
ittee of the District Of Columbia, which reported
substantially the present government Of the Dis
trict. He was one of the founders Of the MasSa-
chusetts Club organized In 1860. He was a prom
ineut member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
Two sons Arthur 3. and Adam D. ana daugh-
ter. Mrs. Emma c. Ellis survive him.