Eliphalet Wickes Blatchford

Background

In 1837, the Blatchfords moved from Stillwater, New York to Chicago, Illinois, where Eliphalet’s father, Review John Blatchford, became pastor of the First Presbyterian Church.

Education

East.W. attended Illinois College and became a lead manufacturer in Saint Louis.

Career

The family eventually settled in Marion City, Missouri, where John Blatchford became president of Marion College. His success in this industry allowed him to relocate to Chicago, where his company became East.W. Blatchford and Company which specialized in lead plumbing, animal feed, and wire for munitions. In addition to being a successful manufacturer, Blatchford was well known for his religious activities.

He served for forty years as the president of the Chicago Theological Seminary, and also contributed his time and money to several mission organizations such as American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions and the Chicago Missionary Society.

Blatchford’s contributions continue to be present across the state of Illinois through his extensive work as a trustee of Illinois College, Rockford Seminary, and the Art Institute of Chicago. As the executor of Walter Newberry’s estate, Blatchford also established the Newberry and was instrumental in early construction and staff decisions.

Blatchford married Mary Emily Williams in 1858 and they built and settled in the first of two houses named Ulmenheim, which roughly translates to “elm home” in German. This house was destroyed in the Chicago fire, but was later rebuilt.

The Blatchford’s remained an active couple in Chicago, devoting their time to social and philanthropic activities until East.W.’s death.

The Blatchfords had seven children, Paul (1859-1925), Amy (1862-1941), Frances May (Fanny) (1865-1919), Edward Williams (Ned) (1868-1956), Florence (1872-1874), Charles Hammond (1874-1953), and East. Huntington (1876-1905).

Achievements

• Eliphalet Wickes Blatchford has been listed as a noteworthy manufacturer by Marquis Who's Who.

Membership

Member and treas; member (v.

Connections

Married Mary Emily Williams, October 7, 1858.

Father:

Doctor John Blatchford

Mother:

Frances (Wickes) Blatchford

Spouse:

Mary Emily Williams