Children of Elizabeth and Anthony Clapham

ON SALE,

A Quantity of SULPHATE of LIME, or GYPSUM, TO BE SOLD on the most reasonable Terms. It is well adapted for Farmers.

Apply, for Price and Samples, to ANTHONY CLAPHAM, 43, Sandhill, or at the Chemical Works, Friars Goose.

FREEMASONRY.—Yesterday, the brethren of Newcastle-upon-Tyne Lodge, No. 24, assembled at the Freemasons' Hall, Blackett Street, for the purpose of installing the Worshipful Master Elect, Brother Thomas Roberts, into the chair. The ceremony of installation was very impressively performed by Brother Anthony Clapham, P.M.

DEATH OF MR J. F. CLAPHAM.

Last Saturday, John Foster Clapham, of Darlington, died at Gainford, in his 55th year. He was born in Newcastle-on-Tyne in the year 1820, and was the son of the owner of a large chemical works on the Tyne. He was educated in Kendal, at a school under the direction of Mr Samuel Marshall. After leaving school, he returned to his father at Newcastle, where he abode for some time, in the chemical business. About the year 1817, Mr Clapham came to Darlington, and entered Mr Backhouse's Bank, where he remained till two years before his decease. His manly straightforwardness in business was well-known by almost every one in the town; but he did not confine his energies to commercial pursuits. Together with Mr W. C. Parker, he was one of the first of the Society of Friends that began Sunday School teaching. He was connected with the Debating Club for many years, and ever manifested the greatest interest in its proceedings. He also took a prominent part in connection with the Temperance Society; but Mr Clapham was best known for his work on behalf of the Mechanics' Institute of this town. He was one of the most active members of the committee, and laboured indefatigably in order to secure the success of that institution. He was also honourably connected with the establishment of the British Schools, in Skinnergate. Mr Clapham ever evinced great interest in the welfare of young men, and endeavoured to lead them from frivolous pursuits to studious habits, to employ their time in enriching their minds. Mr Clapham's conversational powers are known to all with whom he came into contact. He had a kind and ready word for everyone he met, and there was hardly anyone in the town better known or better liked. He seemed to have a heart to sympathise with everyone, and to have something to say to them whenever he saw them. Two years before his death, he was compelled by ill-health to leave his position in Backhouse and Co.'s Bank. He was attacked with paralysis about twelve months ago, and it completely prostrated him, confining him to his house and bed. He never rallied again, and his spirit was at last freed from its earthly encumbrance last Saturday. On Wednesday, his mortal remains were removed from Gainford, and interred in the Friends' burial ground at Darlington. A large number of the members of the Mechanics' Institute and of the Temperance Society met the funeral cortege at some distance from the town, and followed the corpse to its last resting-place. At the burial ground, Mr J. H. Hodgkin alluded to the straightforward character of the deceased, the reality and sincerity of his life, and exhorted his hearers to follow the example set before them. Mr Samuel Hare spoke from Heb. iv. 12, and said they were apt on such occasions to feel the presence of the Supreme Being. They were always, however, under His notice, and should act as in the continual presence of God. Mr Clapham was universally respected by all who knew him, and his loss is mourned by a large circle of friends.

Last year they were sorry to hear of the state of Mr Clapham's health, and they had now to regret the removal of one who for many years had taken a great interest in the Institute, but it was pleasant to know that interest had taken a practical turn in his leaving £50 for the benefit of the Institute. Mr Clapham was one who always took a great interest in the character of the books selected for the library, and they would not be surprised to know that he had made a special stipulation that the books which should be selected would be of sterling merit. (Hear, hear.)

On Thursday evening last, Mr R.C. Clapham, chemist to Messrs S. Mease and Co., Lake Chemical Works, Jarrow, delivered a highly interesting and instructive lecture "On the Nature and Properties of Heat," to the members of the Jarrow Mutual Improvement Society. The lecture was illustrated by numerous experiments, and the attendance very good.

NEW CHEMICAL WORKS.

Another very important addition to the trade of this locality will be created by the New Chemical Works, at Ardeer, for the manufacture of Soda, Alkali, &c. They were commenced at the end of last month, on that space of ground immediately behind the Ardeer Iron Works, and when finished will cover an area of nearly four acres. When in operation the gases will all be consumed, and the acids used for the manufacture of Chloride of Lime, and a variety of other articles, so that the inhabitants of the district need be under no apprehension of any evil effects arising from the escape of noxious gases. The contract for the mason work has been given to Mr Thomas Haldane; the joiner and slater work to Mr Robert Drape, Ardrossan; and the building of the stalk, which is to be about 200 fee thigh, to Messrs. Allan and Mann, Glasgow. The whole of the works are expected to be in full operation by the end of the year, and will be placed under the management of R.C. Clapham, Esq., of Newcastle, who is at present superintending the erections, which are being pushed forward with great vigour. The district is indebted to the enterprise of Messrs. Merry and Cuninghame for this new addition to its trade.

New Patent.—From Johnson's list we observe that our townsman, R.C. Clapham, Esq., of the Ardeer Chemical Works, has applied for a patent for improvements in the manufacture or production of the salts of baryta, and of artificial iron pyrites, and in the application thereof in the manufacture or production of salts of soda, or other alkaline salts.

WALKER MECHANICS' INSTITUTE.—On Wednesday evening a lecture in connection with this institution was delivered in the School Room, Walker Iron Works, by Mr. Robert Calvert Clapham, on "A few well-known Facts in Geology." The lecturer gave numerous illustrations and specimens of the various formations of the earth's surface, and made several interesting experiments, more especially with regard to the materials employed in the various works of this locality, such as chalk, limestone, coal, ironstone, sulphur, pyrites, &c. The audience, by repeated plaudits, testified the pleasure the lecture and experiments afforded them. The Rev. C. Thompson presided, to whom, with Mr. Clapham, the cordial thanks of the meeting were tendered.

SUDDEN DEATH OF MR R.C. CLAPHAM.—We regret to announce the death of Mr Robert Calvert Clapham, of Newcastle and Earsdon, which took place suddenly yesterday at St. Leonard's, where he had lately been staying with Mrs Clapham, for the benefit of her health. Mr Clapham was connected principally with the chemical trade of the North of England; and he was also a director of Messrs Abbot and Co.'s Ironworks, Gateshead; and secretary of the Walker and Wallsend Glass Company. He took great interest in literature and science; and has been for many years one of the secretaries of the Literary and Philosophical Society. His death was totally unexpected, and he was only 56 years of age.

Your committee have, in common with all members, deeply to deplore the loss which the society has sustained in the recent sudden and unlooked-for death of the senior secretary, Mr Robert Calvert Clapham. Mr Clapham became a member of the society in the year 1845. He was elected secretary upon Dr Humble's resignation in the year 1861, and has since devoted himself to the best interests of the society with a zeal, an energy, and an intelligence, which are beyond praise. It will be no easy task to supply his place.

DINNER.—On Monday evening Mr. James Clapham, draughtsman to the Beverley Iron and Waggon Company, entertained the foremen employed at the works with a first class dinner at the White Horse Inn. The usual toasts were proposed and responded to, and a very pleasant evening was spent.

DETENTION OF A PARTY OF ENGLISHMEN BY THE RUSSIANS.—By reference to our news from the seat of war, it will be seen that three young gentlemen were entrapped and seized as prisoners of war on the Russian frontier, near Memel. One of the young gentlemen is a native of this town, and son of the late Anthony Clapham, Esq., but, since then, a communication has been received in this town by Mr Clapham's friends, from which it will be seen that he was expected at Memel on Tuesday, or at the latest at the end of the week. The following account has been kindly furnished us, from which it will appear that it entirely corroborates the report of the transaction given by the Times correspondent:—

"On Sunday se'nnight, Mr Henry Clapham, of Newcastle, accompanied by Mr Stewart, of Leigh, and Mr Macdonald, of Dundee, left the town of Memel for a country drive. Near Garden, or Gardensk, they alighted, and proceeded towards a toll-gate on the frontier line, for the purpose of obtaining a nearer view of some beautiful grounds there. Keeping on the safe side, two of the party (who were able to speak Russian) engaged in conversation  with the guard in attendance, and, while so occupied, a superior emerged from the guard-house, who was attracted, it is said, by the sound of some English conversation among the three gentlemen. The officer then politely invited them to come through for a more perfect view of the country, and never suspecting or dreaming of foul play, his invitation was accepted. Immediately they were requested to show their passports, and being of course unprovided with them, they were made prisoners. Another party, consisting of two ladies and two gentlemen, were served in the same way, and the whole of the captives were transmitted to Wilno. Mr Clapham's portmanteau, which was forwarded by is friends from Memel, was detained, and he, as well as the rest, (ladies included,) were denied even a change of linen. On the news reaching Memel, the matter was at once laid before the Russian consul, who expressed himself as extremely indignant at the manner in which our countrymen were entrapped, and has exerted himself, in conjunction with other friends of the parties, to procure their release. This, it is gratifying to learn, has been happily effected, as by a letter received in this town on Wednesday, the friends of Mr Clapham are informed that he was expected in Memel on Tuesday, or at the latest the end of the week."

The plaintiff, Mr. Henry Clapham, is a ship broker, at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and sued the defendant, Mr. Charles Langton, a broker and underwriter, at Liverpool, upon a policy of insurance effected with the defendant upon an iron steam vessel, the Kniaz Boratinsky. The defence was that the vessel was unseaworthy.

verdict entered for the plaintiff

FOR SYDNEY DIRECT.—A New Iron Steamer, 700 Tons Burthen, will be Despatched from Newcastle early in Paril.

Freight Moderate.

Apply to HENRY CLAPHAM, 29, Quayside, Newcastle.

Mr Henry Clapham, examined by Mr Littler: I am a merchant and steamship owner of Newcastle, chairman of the Newcastle Exchange, vice-chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, an insurance broker, and I import largely from Spain into the Tyne. [detailed evidence continues at some length]

Mr Clapham, being fully impressed with the importance of the subject, has, by great personal exertion, succeeded in enlisting the sympathies of the steel manufacturer, the shipbuilder, and Lloyd's Committee of Classification regarding steel as a proper material for shipbuilding wherever a combination of strength and lightness becomes of special importance. Messrs H. Clapham and Co. are largely engaged in the Bilbao iron ore trade, one of the elements of which is the shallowness of the water over the bar, and every inch that can be saved on a vessel's draught of water is of much consequence.

SHIPPING DISASTER.

NEWCASTLE STEAMER ASHORE AT ABERDEEN.

After darkness had set in on Friday night the steamer Luxor, of Newcastle, 1400 tons, belonging to Mr Henry Clapham, which had been discharging a portion of her cargo of esparto grass at Aberdeen, attempted to leave the harbour without the assistance of a tug to turn her at Pocra Pier. The strong current of the Dee bore her out of the course, and before she could again pick up mid-channel she grounded heavily on the south side where the bottom is very rough with rock. The Luxor immediately stuck fast, and all attempts to back her off were unsuccessful. During the night she swung round with the ebb tide, and on Saturday she lay right athwart the fair way of the channel. The Luxor is over 300 feet in length, and she almost effectually blocks the way for other shipping entering or leaving the harbour. She is heavily laden with lead, topped with a large quantity of esparto, the former consigned to Newcastle, the latter to Leith. [report continues]

. . . he devoted himself to commercial pursuits, carrying on a large merchant's and shipowner's business, was chairman of Newcastle Exchange, treasurer and vice-president of the Chamber of Commerce. He always took a warm interest in the work of the Society of Friends, and was for many years Superintendent of the Sabbath School at the Manors. He was also an Overseer of Newcastle Meeting, and took a special interest in the work of the Home Mission, and was one of the promoters of the Eldon Mission

He was identified with several philanthropic and social movements, amongst which might be mentioned the Ragged and Industrial Schools, the Shipwrecked Mariners' Windows and Orphans' Society, Model Dwellings for the Poor, Soup Kitchen, Young Men's and Young Women's Christian Associations. He was the main instrument, through the generosity of Mr. R.S. Donkin, in getting All Saints' churchyard laid out as a public garden, which was a great boon to the poor of that neighbourhood. His last act in connection with philanthropic work was the formation of a Home for Young Women engaged in business. He was closely associated with the public life of the district, being one of the representatives of Elswick Ward for many years in the City Council. He was also a representative of the Dues Payers on the River Tyne Commission, a Justice of the Peace, and was appointed Sheriff of Newcastle in November, 1882, being probably the first Quaker in the city to hold the office. He died during his Shrievalty . . . .

The Sheriff of Newcastle, Mr Henry Clapham, who was seized with paralysis on Sunday, died yesterday. The deceased gentleman has been ailing since his sudden illness during the counting of the votes at the recent Newcastle election. He was a large shipowner and broker, a member of the Newcastle and Gateshead Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Newcastle Town Council, and a River Tyne Commissioner.

DEATH OF THE SHERIFF OF NEWCASTLE.—Shortly before midnight on Monday, Mr Henry Clapham, Sheriff of Newcastle, died at his residence, Jesmond Cottage, Newcastle, from paralysis. The deceased gentleman was returning officer at the bye-election for the city which followed the upon [sic] resignation of the late Mr Ashton W. Dilke as junior member in February last, and at the counting of the votes, on the evening of the 24th of February, he fainted and had to be removed. His health since that time has caused uneasiness to his friends, but he attended at this office on the Quayside as recently as Friday last. The deceased gentleman was one of the most extensive steamship owners in the North of England, was a justice of the peace for Newcastle, a member of the Town Council and of the Tyne Commission, and he was a warm supporter of charitable and religious institutions, being a member of the Society of Friends. When the war with Russia broke out, thirty years ago, Mr Clapham, whilst travelling in Russia engaged on business matters, was, along with another traveller, arrested, but was soon set at liberty. He was a Liberal in politics, and was married to a sister of Mr R. Spence Watson, LL.D., the president of the Newcastle Liberal Association, and he was a member of the executive of that body.

THE SHERIFF OF NEWCASTLE

It is with very great regret that we announce the death of Mr Henry Clapham, Sheriff of Newcastle, after a very short illness. The anxiety and labour in connection with the recent election of a member of Parliament for this city in the place of the late Mr Ashton Dilke had a prejudicial effect upon the health of Mr Clapham, who, being Sheriff, had to officiate as returning-officer. It will be remembered that whilst the votes were being counted on the polling day, he fainted and had to be carried from the Council Chamber to the Mayor's room, where he was attended by medical gentlemen. After a few days' rest, Mr Clapham went to Brighton, and on returning home seemed to be in better health. Last week, however, he did not feel well, and consulted Dr Murray, but was able to attend at his office for a short time on Friday, and on Saturday he received visitors at his residence, Jesmond Cottage. During Saturday night he was very restless, and between seven and eight o'clock on Sunday morning it was found that his right side was paralysed. He was attended by Dr Murray and Dr Lownds. During a great part of Monday he was unconscious, and death took place about eleven o'clock on Monday night. The deceased gentleman was well-known in Newcastle and the North of England as one of the enterprising and prosperous of the Tyne shipowners and brokers; and, as a member of the Newcastle and Gateshead Chamber of Commerce, of which body he was treasurer, he was always ready to do his utmost to advance the interests of all branches of local trade. The Newcastle Town Improvement Act of 1876 gave to Elswick Ward three additional seats in the Council, and Mr Clapham, who then resided in that district, was one of the successful candidates at the election, which was held on November 2, 1877. In the year following he was elected a member of the Rive Tyne Improvement Commission as one of the representatives of the dues payers. In politics he was a Liberal. He was a member of the Society of Friends, and was married to a daughter of the late Mr J. Watson, solicitor, Bensham, and sister of Mr R. Spence Watson. A notable event in the life of Mr Clapham was his arrest in Russia at the outbreak of the Crimean War. He was travelling through the country and attending to business transactions, and was along with another traveller, arrested, but was soon set at liberty. The announcement of Mr Clapham's death will be received with universal regret in this city and district, and the suddenness of the melancholy event will come as a great shock to those who were unaware of his brief illness. By the poor and the needy, whom he often relieved, his death will be sincerely mourned; and his kind-hearted widow will have the sympathy of many in the heavy affliction which has befallen her.

FUNERAL OF THE LATE SHERIFF OF NEWCASTLE.—The remains of the late Sheriff of Newcastle, Henry Clapham, were interred the family vault at Elswick Cemetery, Newcastle, yesterday. The members of the Council assembled at the Council Chamber, Town Hall Buildings, and proceeded in carriages to Jesmond Cottage, the residence of the deceased, to join the funeral cortege there. The Mayor (Mr Gibson) was unable, through indisposition, to be present, and his place was filled on the melancholy occasion by the Deputy Mayor (Ald. Angus), who was attired in the mayoral robes. The Under-Sheriff and the Town Clerk wore also their robes of office. A large number of friends met at the house of mourning, and the window-blinds of the neighbouring residences were drawn as a mark of esteem for the deceased. The procession, which moved away shortly after twelve o'clock, consisted of the hearse containing the coffin, twelve mourning coaches containing the relatives, coaches containing the members of the Corporation, and a large number of other carriages, in all, 30 of which were private.

Mr. HENRY CLAPHAM, who died at his residence, Jesmond Cottage, Newcastle-on-Tyne, on the 4th of June last, was the son of Mr. Anthony Clapham of that town, and the founder of the Friars Goose Chemical Works, on the Tyne.

After having received a training, partly scientific and partly commercial, under his father, the deceased became head of the firm of Henry Clapham & Company, shipowners and shipbrokers, in which capacity he was a large shipper of coke from, and importer of iron ore into, the Tyne.

He was also a director of the Newcastle Chemical Company (Limited), and of the Wallsend Slipway and Engineering Company (Limited). He was one of the first to recognise the value of steel for shipbuilding, and had two steamers built of that material when its employment was regarded in many quarters with distrust.

Mr. Clapham took an active part in the public affairs of his native town and district. He was Sheriff of Newcastle at the time of his death. He was also a borough magistrate, a director of the Working Men's Dwellings Company (Limited), and a member of the Newcastle Corporation, and of the Town Improvement Committee.

He was elected a member of the Institute at the Newcastle meeting in 1877.