A.G. CLOUGH, for 20 years past assessor of Merced county, died suddenly Monday night at the home of his daughter, Mrs. R.C. CUNNINGHAM, 161 Twenty-second street. Mr. CLOUGH had been in usual health and spirits, and spent last evening down town with friends. Shortly after nine o'clock he remarked that he must go after his wife and take her home. He accordingly drove his machine to the home of Mrs. CUNNINGHAM where Mrs. CLOUGH was
spending the evening. Immediately upon entering the house he asked for a glass of water and sank into a chair showing physical distress. Mrs. CLOUGH took the glass of water to him and after a spell of choking or coughing, she noticed a peculiar change come over his face and screamed, "My God! He is dying. Send for the doctor quickly." He passed away before the doctor
arrived.

The assessor had been ailing with a heart affection for several years, and had been in consultation with his physician frequently.

No man in Merced county was more widely known or enjoyed more popularity than "Fred" CLOUGH, and there is probably no man in the country whose passing will occasion more sincere regret than that felt by his wide circle of friends.

Alfred Gilman CLOUGH, son of the late A.W. and Thirza PHILLIPS CLOUGH, was born in Merced Falls, January 3, 1857. He passed the years of his youth at Hornitos where he attended the public schools. At 20 years of age he came to Merced and for two years worked in a livery barn. In 1879 he bought a furniture business on Main street where he also conducted an undertaking establishment. He became associated with the late G.E. NORDGREN and the firm of CLOUGH and NORDGREN, undertakers and furniture dealers, was maintained for several years.

In 1892 Mr. CLOUGH was elected coroner and public administrator. He took office in January, 1893, and was re-elected twice, thus filling the office from January 1893 to January 1899. Meanwhile he had been called to another office, his election as county assessor taking place in 1898. He continued to hold this office ever since, and was certain for another four years' term as he was unopposed in the present campaign.

Assessor CLOUGH's father was a New Hampshire man of New England ancestry. Coming to California via Cape Horn in 1849, he proceeded to Mariposa county and followed mining and blacksmithing at Hornitos and at Phillips' Ferry on
the Merced river. In 1874, he came to Merced and conducted the Mariposa hotel. His death occurred in 1891. Assessor CLOUGH's mother was born in Wisconsin and died in Merced in 1902. Her father, John PHILLIPS, came to California in 1849 and started Phillips Ferry on the Merced river in Mariposa county.

Assessor CLOUGH was twice married. He first wedded, in Merced in 1879, Mary E. TINNEY, who was born in New York state and died in Merced in January, 1892. Two children were born of this union --Alfareeta, wife of L.E. GOSSNER of Merced, and Winslow T. CLOUGH, also of Merced. Mr. CLOUGH's second marriage was to Mary A. BLUNT, a native of Merced county, the widow who survives him. Of this union also there were two children born--Lucille,
wife of R.C. CUNNINGHAM; and Ruth, student in the Fresno state normal school.

Besides the widow and four children, other surviving relatives of the late assessor are three brothers--Edgar F. and Samuel B., who live in Oakland, and Charles W., who resides in San Jose; six grandchildren, namely, Elmer A., Elwin, Norman, Joseph and Louis GOSSNER, Jr., and Barbara CUNNINGHAM, all of Merced.

Assessor CLOUGH had membership in Woodmen of the World, Knights of Pythias, and Ancient Order of United Workmen.

Funeral services for the late assessor were held at the family residence 420 Second street, and were attended by a large number of friends. Many floral tributes were in evidence as expressions of sympathy and esteem. The service at the residence was conducted by Rev. Henry T. BABCOCK of the Central Presbyterian church, and at the cemetery the service was in charge of Yosemite Lodge No. 30, Knights of Pythias. The remains were placed in the CLOUGH family vault in the Pythian cemetery.

Pallbearers for the late official were as follows:
Acting -- J.H. SIMONSON, W.E. LANDRAM. T.A. MACK, W.E. BUNKER, J.B. OLEESE, and C.M.FRENCH. Honorary -- M.D. WOOD, T.P. MCINERNY, George BARFIELD, G.W. KIBBY, R.?. BARCROFT and Charles HARRIS.