New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-10-03
OBITUARY.
RICHARD ALLISON ELMER.

The sudden death was announced yesterday OF
Richrd Allison Elmer president of the American Surety
Company, OF No. 100 Broadway. Mr. Elmer was Sec
ond-Assistant PostmasterGeneral from 1881 to 1884
Ie had been in good health recently, but taken
with strobe OF apoplexy al HIS homo, No. "a West
Twentefhst shortly after his return rome from bust
ness and he lived but fcw hours. dying few min
utes after o o'clock
About a year ago he vas Frustrated with kidney
trouble, and It was thought for time that he could
not recover but since then he had reganed his strength
and he believed himself to be thoroughly cured of his
! old complaint. On Monday he was busy in his Office
all day, and he mentioned casually that he was feel
ing particularly we'll Just before starting home he
dictated his stenographer .o-g letter OF 500
words important matter OF business to the vice
! president Of the company. The announcement OF his
death shock to HIS business associates, vino had
him leave the building feeling well the pre-
vlous evening
! Mr.. Elmer born in waverly, Orange County.
New-York June 49, 1912. He was educated at the
High School at Waverly and graduated from Ham
lon College In 1864 subsequently he studied law and
was admitted to the bar but the death OF his father
In 1867 he abandoned the practice OF law and entered
the First National Bank OF waverly Of which his
brother, Howard Elmer. president, as cashier
He remained in this position for twelve years. In
1870, with Howard Elmer and several associates he
purchased tract Of 900 OF land in Pennsyl-
vana, in the town now known Sayre The purpose Of
the investment to establish large manufacturing In
for which the locality was favorable and the
place has since become an important railroad and man
ufacturing centre. Mr. Elmer becme a director Of the
sayrc Land Improvement Company. the Cayuta Wheel
and Foundry Company, and In other turing in
terests Of the town.
When appointed Second Assistant Postmaster Gen
eral by President Garfield, Mr. Elmer was but little
known through the State although he had wide
business acquaintance at the tine in New-York He
had never held public Office Of any kind but he
came highly recommended that President Garfield
al once decided to appoint him. At that time the
Star Route exposures had just been made and {
was desired to make the appointment Of man who
had been in way connected with Post Office matters
Mr. Elmer had made solicitation for the place and
he knew nothing Of the Intention OF President Garfield
until Informed that he could have the appointment.
1t several days before he decided accept the
appointment, and, when he consented his was at
once sent In to the Senate and confirmed on
May o. Ic succeeded Thomas j. Brady, who re-
gned the same day which Mr. Elmer's name was
mt to the Senate Mr. James then Postnas Gen
eral, and Mr.. Elmer removed 10 Washington
he could make HIS arrangements at home, and at
entered upon his duties. Although entirely unac-
quancd with the Post Office business his capac ty
for such work enabled him TO become familiar
with the methods and he engaged with marked
n the management of the details of Post Office work
He continued in Office under President Arthur and
when he resigned in 1854, his administration of the
dut es received the commcndaOn Of President Arthur
Ps;masterGenera James and other heads of the Post
Office Department.
His resignation with the view OF attending 10
his own business which had been largely neglected
I'm attention TO public matters. lie organized
the American Surety Company, Of which he became
president, and his atfent mainly occupied with
during the last four years although he retained his
with other interests there and in sayre The success
Of the Surety Company said yesterday to have
been mainly due to hts efforts he held controlling
interest in the company. He also a director OF
several railroads and Of other corporations in New
York and New En- gland. Mr. Elmer's brother, Howard
Elmer arrived In the city evening. having been
informed OF his brothers death. The deceased leaves
WIDOW and three sons. The funeral arrangements
bad rot boon completed last night but II Is expected
that the funeral VIII be held tomorrow at Calvary
Protestant EDlscODai Church.