Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1870-05-20
DEATH OF ISRAEL }. RICHARD
SON.

With almost momentary suddenness
and with but slight premonitions of the
dread summons that sooner or later mus
come to us all. Israel ]. Richardson, o.
this place. died on Wednesday afternoon
last. Mr.. Richardson had felt some
what indisposed during the forenoon. but
not enough so to prevent him from at
tending. as usual, 10 matters on his farm.
The day was very warm and 10 this
cause, perhaps, Mr.. Richardson attrib-
uted an increasing sense of depression
and fatigue. Early in the afternoon his
symptoms became 50 serious that he told
one Of his hired men that he believed
he would get into the wagon and 90
home. They had not proceeded far
when Mr.. Richardson suddenly fell for
ward, as the man by his side supposed,
from accident. The man caught him
at once and discovered that Mr.. Rich
ardson was unable to support himself
without assistance. He was removed
as speedily as possible to the nearest
house, and on the way thither conversed
freely about farm matters, apparently
not apprehending fatal consequence
But arriving at the house he sunk sud
denly and in moment his spirit had |
left its earthly tenement.
Mr.. Richardson was, we believe. a |
native of New York, in which State, pri-
or to his removal to Ohio. he was an in
huential and prominent citizen. In his
early manhood he was associated with
William H. Seward, and We believe also
with Thurlow Weed, in the practice of
the legal profession. He was afterwards
engaged IN extensive canal and railroad
contracts both in New York and the
West. He was largely concerned, we
believe, in the construction of the Erie |
canal, and acted an important part in
carrying out that great public enterprise.
He took an efficient and active interest
in the public works of Ohio, though not
personally interested in their consruc-
ton. It was through his efficient and
fearless investigations that some of the
notorious plans for achieving private
gain at the expense of the public good,
by means of the canal contracts, were
exposed and defeated. In this. as in all
matters pertaining to public affairs, he
manifested the highest older Of courage,
determination and fearlessness of action.
Mr.. Richardson came to this county
to reside about twenty-one years ago.
In the political affairs Of the county and
in all public enterprises he has ever
borne an active and influential part {
Decided and immovable in his convic- 7
lions. he could not be swerved from what t
ne believed to be right, and had the ut
most aversion for any effort to compro-
mise the truth or qualify its triumph. He
had that love Of right which is stronger
han personal interest. and which NAV
be safely said to be one of the rarest
and best Of human virtues. When truth a
vas most unpopular and in most desper- l
'te need Of a champion it found none f6
more prompt, energetic and decided. P
Such men constitute the firm ground n
y society, the secure anchorage to which s. $
ling its fondest and sublimest hopes in Y
lmes Of great emergency or commotion. Il
said Napoleon Of Marshal Ney: BET to
er is an army Of deer commanded bv 81
ion than an army Of lions commanded Ii
" deer." And there are men who tit
Command by force of conscientious and 1t
ieclded conviction more than they could IN
possibly do through the means of public c.
position. pi
VI such was Israel J. Richardson. He III
leeds no higher eulogv. in