Bleeker, Garratt Noel

Bleeker, Garratt Noel, a prominent Baptist layman, was born in New York city in 1815, and from his childhood was consecrated to the service of his Master. Largely successful in his business, he devoted his possessions to objects of Christian benevolence. Besides giving liberally during life to the Hamilton Theological Seminary, he made a bequest to that institution of $12, 000; this being the first large donation to its treasury. He left also $8000 to the Home Mission Society, and remembered other denominational organizations in his will. He died May 28, 1853. See Williams,Worship and Work; Cathcart, Baptist Encyclo., p. 106. (J. C. S.)