In 1798 a Yellow Fever epidemic swept New York, the fever, that had become a frequent vistor to the cities of Philadephia and New York in the late 18th century, was to take the lives of over 2,000 of the city's 55,000 inhabitants between the months of July and November 1798.
Below is a listing of the known members of the silversmiths and allied trades that were thought to have perished after falling victim to the disease. The information I have filtered was taken from 'An Account of the Malignant Fever in the City of New York' by James Hardy, and published in 1799.
A List of the Names of the Persons Interred in the Several Burying Grounds in the City of New York, and at Bellevue, and Potter's Field.
From August 1 - to November 14 - 1798
Bayled, Edward - Watchmaker - 56, Stone Street
Coen, Deborah - Wife of Daniel - Silversmith - 95, Maiden Lane
Dalziel, John - Clockmaker - 72, Broad Street
Dubois, Joseph - Goldsmith - 81, John Street, and child
Joyce, Robert - Clock and Watchmaker - 145, Pearl Street (from Ireland)
Kendle, Charles - Silversmith - Daughter, Mary - Wife, Elizabeth - 43, Cliff Street
Miller, John - Silversmith - Dutch Street
Morris, John - Jeweler - Dutch Street
Pearse, Robert - Pewterer - 82, Nassau Street
Ward, Samuel - Goldsmith and Jeweler - (from England)
White Mr. - Silversmith at Mr. Newmans
Although the listing is doubtlessly incomplete, it may cast some light for those endeavouring to research any of the above names.
Trev.