Background
Bache was born in Bache in Yorkshire, England on January 17, 1734, the son of William and Mary (Blyckenden) Bache.
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Theophylact Bache
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He came to New York City in 1751, and was soon associated in business with his uncle by marriage, Paul Richard, mayor of New York from 1735 to 1739. A few years later the uncle died, and Bache inherited the business. When his brother Richard arrived, he was taken into partnership. The business of the firm was chiefly with the West Indies and Newfoundland, and Bache was also agent for transatlantic packets. His standing in the mercantile community is shown by the fact that he was a Royal Incorporator of the Marine Society of New York in 1770, as well as by his election to the presidency of the New York Chamber of Commerce; he was chosen to that office in 1773, and later served as vice-president, 1788-92.
Theophylact Bache was cited to appear before the provincial congress, but wrote a letter declining to do so. He soon passed within the British lines, and had a narrow escape from capture. During the occupation of New York and western Long Island by the enemy, Bache resided either in the city or in Flatbush. While living in his country house, he was captured one night in 1778, members of his family were severely treated, and the house was plundered; Bache was hurriedly taken to Morristown, New Jersey. , but was soon exchanged. The incident does not appear to have affected his conduct, for he had a reputation for unusual humanity during the war. After its termination, he resumed business; but the times were unsettled, especially as the contests of the French Revolution and Napoleonic period disturbed American trade, and Bache, like other merchants, suffered severe losses in his last years. Socially he was well connected, and was highly esteemed as a courteous gentleman.
He was governor of New York Hospital, and president of its board, and from 1788 to 1799 he was president of the St. George's Society. He died in New York City.
Achievements
Politics
He was at first inclined toward the Whigs, but by 1776 was classed as a Loyalist, though he wrote to Philip Livingston denying that he was hostile to American rights. A. C. Flick (Loyalism in New York, 1901, p. 34 note) states that he belonged to the following class, "With nothing to lose and everything to gain, policy made them Loyalists. "
Personality
Socially he was well connected, and was highly esteemed as a courteous gentleman.
Connections
He was married on October 16, 1760, to Ann Dorothy Barclay, daughter of Andrew Barclay and Helena Roosevelt, by whom he had fifteen children.
