The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-08-16
FORMER V|RG|N|AN
DIES IN ENGLAND
Murray MacGregor Blacker, late
of Chantilly, Henrico County,
Passed Away Yesterday.
WAS NINETY-TWo YEARS OLD
Noted Horseman Taught Colony
OF Young Englishmen to Farm.
Friend OF Captain Boycott

Death removed one of the most
unique pereonagcs in the tter-day
history of Richmond and Virginia yes
terday. when Murray MacGregor
Hacker. former owner Of Chantiliy.
iienrico County. passed Away at his
home. Goldinsham Hail. Sudbury, SUI
folk. England
Mr. Blackcr, expatriate Irshman,
was. for perhaps thirty years. one OF
the best-known men In this section of
Virginia. whore his handsome home
was the rendezvous OF the leading
sportsmen and huntHmen OF the day.
Nine years ago he returned to England
and purchased n large estate in his
toric Suffolk, where he passed his de-
clining days. He died yesterday. ac-
cording to Information received here,
at the age OF ninety-two years
OF the carly days Of Mr.. Blacker.
there IL little known locally. Ever
ratlcent man, he seldom referred TO
his home life. He was a warm per-
sonal friend OF Captain Boycott the
noted Irish landlord. whose treatment
at the hands Of his tenants caused his
name to become household word. and
WAS n close neighbor in County Mayo,
ireland. II was the accepted fact in
Richmond that his friendship for the
Boycott family was the primary cause
OF his removal to Virginia. While here
he had members OF that family as his
guests frequently
Mr. Blacker came to this State in
the early seventies. He purchased
farm in Amelia County and large par
GELS or property in ncighboring coun-
ties. There he assembled colony of
young Englishmen. whom he taught
farming. The majority of these men
were younger sons OF prominent Eng
liah families, and several of his prote-
ges have since Inherited titles Others
settled In Virginia and have helped
much in the progress OF the state
Chantilly' on Broad Stree, Road,
y years ago by Mr. Blacker from the
Easleys, The place was reinodclcd
and put into frst-class condition, and
was stocked with blooded horses The
new owner entertained lavishly. and
his home wns soon the meeting place
OF the young bloods OF the day One
OF his sons-in Law. Captain Hancock,
Vas master OF the hounds, and the
larger hunts Invariably started from
Chantilly.
In figure Mr. Biacker was slender.
with long flowing whiskers He was
of splendid. fearless disposition. and
would not tolerate tiFnidity I'm any OF
his acquaintances He was fiery and
uncompromising and was extremely
proud OF cid Danish blood which now
cd In Ais veins. AS a horseman he was
we'll known. being a breeder OF jump
ers and steeplcchasers. Mr. Blacker
was a famous rider, and was never
known 10 open a gate. His high jump
ing was the talk OF the day
WAS Deputy Lord Lieutenant.
While hotheRded 10 the extreme. Mr.
Blacker made many warm friends dur
ing his stay. Under n stern exterior
he had warm heart. and never for
got friend Recently j. Aston Cabcll.
who acted Mr.. Blackers attorney.
received "A letter inviting him 10 pay n
visit. with his daughter. 10 England.
Although ninetytwo years old. Mr.
Hacker wrote the letter himself and
ended UP with the assurance that he
s'il possessed many fine horses
Very little is known OF the early lie
OF Mr.. Blacker. but nc was known TO
have come from wealthy Irish family.
BEFORE coming 10 America he was dep
uty lord lieutenant OF County MAYO.
with the title OF colonel, and was a
justice OF the peace. Ills wife died
about FIVE years ago and several daugh-
tiers preceded him TO the grave. He is
survived By two daughters. Mrs Henry
II. Clarke and Mrs 5. II. Hancock, both
of England. No other members OF his
immediate family are living.
Although no definite idea OF his
wealth is known here. Mr.. Blackcr was
supposed 10 be one of the richest men
in Virginia during his life In this State
Chantilly. which was recently sold