man was a native of Newport, Rhode Island, and in early life came to New Orleans and commenced a small business, to which he gave his energetic attention.  His means, though small at the beginning, were carefully husbanded, and ultimately grew into immense wealth.  He was exceedingly liberal in his nature, philanthropic, and devoted to his friends.  On the night of the 22d of December, 1814, he was engaged in the battle between the English and American forces, near New Orleans, and was severely wounded.  In this condition he was found, when bleeding profusely from his wounds and threatened with speedy death, by a young merchant of the city, Resin D. Shepherd, who generously lifted him to his shoulder, after stanching his wounds, and bore him, through brambles and mire, in the darkness, to a place of security and comfort, some miles distant from the scene of the fight.  He never lost sight of this friend.  When he came to die, he made him executor to his will, and residuary legatee, after disposing of some half a million of money in other legacies.  These were all immediately paid by Mr. Shepherd, who entered upon the possession of all the property the deceased died possessed of—­consequently, the extent of his fortune was never publicly known.

This man built upon his own property, on Gravier Street, fronting St. Charles, and immediately across Gravier Street from the St. Charles Hotel, a church for Dr. Clapp, in which his congregation worshipped for many years.  When the hotel was built, and business began crowding around this locality, it became necessary to remove his church.  Again, Mr. Luro built for him a church, in a more private and eligible position, on the corner of Julia and St. Charles streets, and donated it to the pastor and congregation of the Gravier Street Church.  Here Mr. Clapp continued his ministry during the remaining time of his residence in New Orleans.

He found with the cultivated and intelligent of New Orleans an approval of his teachings and example.  The consequence was, and is, the entire absence of sectarian dissensions, and a social intercourse between all, resulting in a united effort for the common good, and the maintenance of moral sentiments and moral conduct—­the basis and source of true and triumphant religion.

“The deeds that men do, live after them.”  Of no man can this be more truly said than of Dr. Clapp.  Through every phase of society his example and teachings continue to live; and every virtuous and intelligent man in the community of Dr. Clapp’s ministry, in New Orleans, conspires to continue the effect of them.

In no community on earth is there a greater diversity of nationalities, than in that of New Orleans, where every sect of religionists is to be found.  All pursue the worship of God after their own manner of belief, exciting no jealousies, heart-burnings, or hatreds.  All agree that a common end is the aim of all, and that a common destiny awaits mankind.