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Richard Varick (15 March 1753 - 30 July 1831) was born in Hackensack, New Jersey and died in Jersey City, New Jersey. At the outset of the American Revolution he was studying law at Columbia University (then Kings College) in New York City and became a captain in the militia.
He served under General Philip Schuyler in various posts until after the Battle of Saratoga and was then appointed inspector general of West Point.
At West Point he became an aide to General Benedict Arnold. Although he was no longer serving in this capacity when Arnold defected to the British, Varick, along with David Franks was arrested, but subsequently cleared by a court of inquiry. After the West Point incident, Varick served under General George Washington as private secretary until the end of the war.
Varick was a recorder (judge) for New York City (1783 -1789) and then became Attorney General for New York (1778 - 1789). Later, he was mayor of New York City (1791 - 1801). Along with Samuel Jones, Varick revised the statutes of New York (1788). He was a member of the state assembly from New York County (1786 - 1787) and speaker of the assembly. He served as a colonel in the state militia.
Varick also served as a bank officer. He was a founder and later President (succeeding John Jay) of the American Bible Society. Richard Varick was a member of the Society of the Cincinnati and president of the New York chapter until his death. He was a member and generous contributor to many charitable organizations in New York City.
Having no children, he was survived by his wife Maria. He left his estate to his wife and relatives.
The Town of Varick, New York and Varick Street (where he once owned property) in Manhattan, New York bear his name.
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