The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1843-06-09
Yours truly,
The Late Jacob Ridgway, the Millionaire
PHILADELPHIA June 4, 184S


The Late Jacob Ridgway, the Millionaire.
PHILADELPHIA June 4, 1S4S.
JAMES GORDON BENNETT, Esq
DEAR Sri
As there has been much speculation in reference
to the life of the late Jacob Rldgway, Esq, of this
CITY. have felt an interest in collecting from au-
thenc sources information which, with that re-
ceived from him personally, and what from my own
knowledge can give, may serve to crafty the public
curiosity
Mr.. Ridgway, styled the millionaire, was born
near Tuckeron, in the State OF New Jersey, seven
ty-five years ago, OF wealthy parents. In Europe
his father would have been regarded as possess
ing lordy domain, and altogether worthy title and
rank among their mobiles. He wore title here,
among his republican fellow citizens of infinitely
greater value Than all the diadems OF Europe-that
of an honest, BENEVOLENT, and good man, which he
never furnished, but carried with him to his grave,
leaving 10 his descendants each a legacy prince
might be proud Of and all true men know how to
value. The object of this sketch left home at
early age-net content with the tranquil ENJOYMENT
and ease OF competency IN rural hfe-came TO Phila
delphia and entered that OF busy, bold, and enter
prisDg merchant. He commenced on a small scale,
but by his industry, integrity, economy. and atten-
tOn to business, he rose rapldly-Dame Fortune
smed-he, in common parlance, became ashlpPIng
merchant he visited Europe to suPerntend a
and soon alter, having the confidence OF the mer
chants of our country. was appointed American con-
sui at Antwerp, where he laid the foundation OF his
great fortune He shortly after retired from
mercantile pursuits, having applied himself so
closely as 10 impair his health--then made the
tour of Europe, and returned to his native
country with his health but little recruited; he placed
himself under the care of two of our most expert
enced physlcians, visited by their directions the
Virginia Springs and other watering places TO no
purpose, he then settled himself in city, entered
extensively into the Improvement OF II and the city
of Camden on the opposite side OF the rlver Dele
ware, and in proportion he improved them, so
did his fortune and health increase, and from being
the owner in early life of a single farm ne acquired
possessions and wealth, the extent OF winch has
pc rhaps never but once been equalled In Psnnsy
vania and in all human probability never viii be,
BY any man again 1t is in VAN the tune 10 at
tempt to calculate with certainty ms " aIth. se hose
to whom it has worthily descended eau sorm Ms yet
no proper estimate. Mr. Ridgway was throughout
life pain.truh loving man, who INSPIRED comb
dence in all with whom he come in contact; his
dress and department were PLAIN; his manners freed
from hduteur, yet they were such as to command
respect from al and to avoid undue familiarity with
any. He was udiciousy benevolent; ever found
ready To- encourage the man OF limited means, and
send him on the road to ioitune-this was pafilcu-
larry manifested in his drectoIsi,p of the Bank OF
Pennsylvania, in which he was large stockhold
er, always refusing discounts and accommodations
to the rich and extensive operators or SPECTATORS
preferng the humber mechanics, tradesmen and
merchants; his conduct in that particular may serve
as an index to his business intercourse with the
world Indeed Tor the last few years OF his life
he had little other. than business intercourse
His time was occupied IN the employment and
payment OF a vast number Of the humber potion of
our citizens to whom and the city OF Philadelphia
generally his loss will long be felt, aud many
family of responsibility, whose fortune has fallen
from under them within the last few years and who
tenants OF his, will live to mourn his loss, who
knew and felt for them IN way not to be msunder-
stood Mr.. Ridgway left son and two daughters,
Atrn.
handsome manner for all closely connected with
him in business, including his household servants
he beque arhed his vast fortune. In this last act OF
this prosperous and good mans lie he showed HIM
sell true man, his children were entitled To the
products OF his enterprse-they have received II
without stint, limit or condition, and either OF them
may be considered as wealthy as any citizen OF our
State. The son OF Mr.. Rdgway is a true American
nobleman--so plain, unassumlng and unpretending
in his manners and department, that he might well
be mistaken for gentleman OF humble fortune
One of his daughters is the wife OF Dr. James Rush.
a of science and high reputation in lis profess
sion He is the son of the celebrated Dr. Rush, late
of this city. Mrs. II ush is well known for her be-
nevoence and extended charities; she is lady OF
commanding intellect, and great sprightllness OF
characer-the leader In fashionable ne yet never
torgets the poor.
The other daughter OF Mr.. Rdgwayi is the widow
of Mr.. Roach, who was country gentleman, and
has lived tor the last few years country life; she is
said to be betrothed to DR.. j. Rhea Barton, our sue
cesstul and farfamed surgeon. We have thus
given bret history of the life of Mr. Ridgway.
OF the leading traits of his character and
kindness TO the virtuous poor, we speak
from personal observation and limited ac-
quautance for the last few years But few
weeks before his death, he was in perfect health;
ne was injured in walking along the street, by
pair of horses attached to a vehicle running away;
he was taken home, and within week we called
At his Office to enquire after his health, ana was
surprised to find hun sitting in his usual seat, ana 10
6ne spirits We expressed pleasure and surprise at
this, when he replied that he was not seriously 10.
ured, and shewed a cash on his head caused ny
the accident referred to- He was IN few days
after confined TO his bed, and Wa never saw HIM
more We attended his funeral, which was IN per
feet keeping with the plain dignity OF his life. We
saw there the Ex-Presdent OF the United States,