The New York herald., 1870-09-17
o = r r y A z Y.
Hiram, Kcfchulu.

The death OF this Old citizen of New York Is an
nounced as having taken place yesterday morning
at Riverdale. Mr.. Ketchum was born In Northern
New York and was IN the seveny-eighth year OF his
age. He came to this city when young man and
engaged successfully in the practice OF law. Enter
ing into politics as a whig. he soon became con-
spcuous or the leaders Of his party, to whose
interests he devoted himself with marked vIgor and
success. The triumph of tine wings in this State
In 1889 was due as much to his labor and influence
as to that OF any other politician, and his services
were recognized and admitted, although they were
never rewarded. On the expiration OF the term OF
Ogden Edwards as Circuit Judge he was nominated
to succeed him, but the nomination was Withdrawn
and the name OF William Kent substituted, when
Mr.. Ketchum's letter appeared attacking Governor
Seward for his message suggesting a division of the
common school money between the Roman Catholic
and other schools. 1t was about this time that he
engaged In famous controversy with Archbishop
Hughes on the subject OF the public schools, ana al
though the wordy war ended without advantage to
either side, Mr.. ketchums arguments were regarded
as being exceedingly skilful.
When in ls49 the split IN the whig party took
place Mr.. ketchum took part with and became
leader OF the faction known the 'silver grays.p
He also bore prominent part In the controversy in
1861 over the Castle Garden nominations In
national affairs be was always prominent Mr..
Webster was his ideal Of stateman and between
the TWO there existed devoted friendship, which
was only ended by the death OF the great Massachu
setts leader. There was something really noble In
Mr.. Ketchum's devotion to Webster. He never
tired OF sounding the praises Of his friend; there
was no principle held by Mr.. Webster which Mr..
Ketchum dld not place unfalterng faith in. As
politician himself he was not fortunate. He was
twice o candidate for the o1lces 6f Judge OF the
Court OF Appeals and Justice OF the Marine Court Of
this city, both times receiving his nomination from
the Know Nothing organization. He was defeated in
both elections. t
Mr.. Ketchum was a prominent member of the
Protestant Episcopal Church. and In the famous trial
OF Bishop OnderdOnk, OF this diocese conducted the
prosecution with marked legal ability. lie was
steadfast opponent OF the claims OF the Roman
Catholics to division OF the public school funds
and only last winter wrote letter, which appeared
in the papers resisting the proposition to establish
sectarIan schools
When the republican party was organized Mr.
Ketchum declined to join 1t. He declared that he
would remain whig and accordingly he supported
Mr. Bell for the ONCE Of President In 1850. Alter
the outbreak Of the war, however, ne afiliaed with
the democracy because, he said, he had .'nowhore
else to CO." In 1854 he labored diligently for Gen.
eral Mcclellan and wrote In defence OF General
Porter. who had been dismissed from the army, as
many think, unjustly. subsequently he took no
active part In politics. The weight Of years pressed
heavily upon the old gentleman, although the last
his intellect remained bright and uncOuded In his
private character Mr. Ketchum was all that was ad-
mirable. He was man of great Integrity q sincere
Christian and warm hearted and benevolent.