Eliphalet Wickes Blatchford

Who was Eliphalet Wickes Blatchford?

Eliphalet Wickes Blatchford was born May 31, 1826. In 1837, the Blatchfords moved from Stillwater, New York to Chicago, Illinois, where Eliphalet’s father, Rev. John Blatchford, became pastor of the First Presbyterian Church. The family eventually settled in Marion City, Missouri, where John Blatchford became president of Marion College. E.W. attended Illinois College and became a lead manufacturer in St. Louis. His success in this industry allowed him to relocate to Chicago, where his company became E.W. Blatchford and Co. 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.