Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1865-12-13
The Self Made Men Of orr Times-Dean
Richmond.


From the Chimney Corner, Dec. q
Dean Richmond, one of the ablest poll
ticians and most successful merchants Of the
present age, was born on the 18th Of March,
1904, in Vermont, where he passed most of
his early boyhood, penniless and friendless,
so far as monied friends were concerned
for his fathers death, in 1911, had thrown
him entirely on his own resources. The
first venture for himself was to buy a large
kettle, and obtain salt through the process
of boiling. In this trade he soon became a
proficient, and had accumulated a consider
able sum before he attained his majority.
He possessed uncommon muscular activity,
and his feats of strength and agility won him
the admiration Of the surrounding country.
lie formed a market for his salt in the
ports of Lake Ontario, transporting it in
boats down the Oswego river.
When the Erie Canal was in process of
construction, he contracted to deliver at
Schenectady n large quantity Of water ce-
ment, to be used in building the locks be-
tween that point and the Hudson river.
He was eminently successful in his enter
prise making a large profit thereby. He
followed the business of salt-making for sew
eral years, always industrious and most in
telligent in its pursuit, and gradually ex-
tending the sphere Of his operations until it
embraced financial and commercial trans
actions of a comprehensive character.
About quarter of a century ago he re-
moved to Buffalo, where be soon became
leading operator in the produce Of the
West. His high character for intelligence,
forecast and sagacity, and his answering
fidelity to his engagements Of every descriP-
ton, secured him consignments from the
most substantial dealers in all the great
lake towns.
He took an active part in pushing forward
the several railway enterprises that tended
to the prosperity of Buffalo, and when the
companies which owned the roads, compris-
ing the line between Albany and the lakes,
were consolidated, he was unanimously cho-
sen Vice President Of the new corporation.
On the retirement Of Mr.. Corning, he was
placed at the head Of the New York Central,
place which the interests Of the stockhold-
ers will demand that he should fill 40 long
as his convenience permits
1t will be naturally supposed that man
such az Mr.. Richmond is described, would
have accumulated large fortune. And il
is proper to state that no man contributes
more literally of his ample means for all
objects Of charity and all schemes for the
promotion and public advancement Of liter
AZURE and science He is a warm-hearted,
open-handed person, and has aided more
young men with excellent advice and sub
stantial means TO promote their success in
the world than many who pass as phiian-
thropists.
His knowledge Of men is something won
derful. In fact, his knowledge on all ques-
tons, public and private, would seem 10 be
intuitive. Acute and rapid in perception,
sound in Judgment, penetrating the motives
Of others, without any concealment Of his
own, understanding the popular tone and
temper thoroughly at all times, he is a natur-
al leader Of men.
The secret Of Mr.. Richmond's political
power Is TO be found in the following facts
He has no aspirations for othce-in fact
has steadily refused official distinction when
urged upon him with all the zeal and persis-
tence which a knowledge Of his eminent
ability aud large popularity was calculated
10 inspire. He contributes from his own
private means more literally for the support
of Democratic principles than any other man
in the State or Nation. Superadd TO this,
and his almost unerring sagacity, his inti-
mate acquaintance with the personal politics
Of the country, his unselhsh patriotism, the
activity and energy with which he enters in
10 any political canvass, and It is easy 10 I'M
derstand bow he has attained to his present
exalted position in the Democratic party.