The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-09-05
OBITUARY..
RICHARD NJ. RLATCHFoRD.


The Hon Richard NJ Blatchlord one of the oldest and
best known citizens of New York, died yesterday his
summer residence at Newport r. l. For this event the
family and friends OF Mr. Batchford not
unprepared For than three years
he was in the enjoyment Of uninterrupted
good health. Since 1872 his physical and
mental powers have been gradually failing We are
without particulars but IRON the nature OF his disease
Is TO be presumed that he passed away without suffer
ing surrounded by household from whom he received
every attention that duty and affection could minister
Mr.. Blatchford OF the Rev, Samuel
Batchford, an eminent divine, who became
pastor of Presbyterian church In Lansingburg toward
the close OF the last century. Mr. Batchford graduated
at Union College, and after his admission to the Bar
commenced the practice of the law in this city,
than half a century ago BY his intelligence industry
and fidelity he gradually secured large practice and
after a few years became counsel for several strong
moneyed corporations. For than forty years he
the law agent OF the Bank of England He
counsel also for the Bank of the United States No
ever enjoyed, more enduringly, the confidence and
regard Of clients. With the financial heads of our
moneved institutions as with the old and distinguished
merchants OF CITY, Mr. Batchford maintained social
relations of endearing Observation-Disclosures which,
however have been severed link by link until scarcely
more than Moses II. GrinnelD survives.
Mr.. Blatchlord was Jealous politician, basng his
action upon convictions and aborng to elevate those
4
their country. Constantly and advantageousy occu-
pied in his profession he sought Office but worked
hard for his friends as many politicians work for
themselves He was, however elected the Assem-
bly, from the Fifteenth ward in 1856. President Lin
coin, the request of Governor Seward appointed Mr.
Blatchford Minister to Rome He also for several
years Central Park Commissioner but the strength of
his character brought out In the devotion Of head
heart and purse 10 the support OF political
friends. No man was more zealousy or eti-
GENTLY connected with the Wing Guberna-
tora canvass of 1888 and the Presidential campaigns
nf nd han Mr. RlafQb uvhtl fauy
contributed more largely TO the success OF Gov
ernor Seward and Presidents Harrison and Taylor Be-
tween Daniel Webster and Mr. Blatchford an intimate
and lifelong personal aud political friendship existed.
He enjoyed also in marked degree the friendship Of
Louis Mclean, eminent statesman who was General
Jackson's Secretary Of the Treasury; OF Nicholas
Biddle President of the Bank Of the United States; of
President Mott, Of Union College, and of Governor
Seward Nothing in life could be stronger and at the
same time more tender than the ties which bound Mr..
Batchord Mr. Seward. Every wish and every inter-
OF the former anticipated and responded the
latter Mr. BatchOrd leaves ample fortune. His
eldest daughter, long since deceased the wife of
Mr.. Griswold for many years and still connected with
the law firm Of BlatchiOrd, Grs@old, Seward Co. His
second daughter married Mr.. Potter, architect and
son of Bishop Potter, OF Pennsylvania His youngest
daughter is unmarried. His only son, Judge Samuel
Batchford, OF the United States District Court
Governor Stewards private secretary and subsequently
his law partner at Auburn. His widow, who de-
voted and untrng in her attentions during his long III
ness is the youngest daughter of the late Philip Home,
formerly Mayor OF the city In all his business rea
tons Mr. Blatchford systematic and Just
His friendships sincere and earnest; his personal
character was irreproachabe, his habits blameess.
Between Mr. Blatchiord and the writer OF this brief
tribute To his Character close and unbroken friend
ship existed for more than forty years Our inter
during that long period was not only constant
but constantly growing closer His friendship often
took substantial forms, Tor he was Interested 10 my
welfare. He always my TREND aud often my
guide and during the brief space allotted live
his memory will be afIectonately cherished