Joseph Larocque

Joseph Larocque was altogether a typical New Yorker. He was born here, educated here at Anthon’s School and Columbia College, trained here, practised law here, exerted his political powers here, and died here, respected and beloved, the peer of all in his profession, whencesoever they came, and a type of the true New Yorker, a practical idealist. He was alike a great lawyer and a great man of affairs. Careful in the choice of his friends, he was staunch and loyal to those he had; to all who were in trouble he gave abundantly aid or counsel or sympathy. While primarily a jurist, he was a trusted business adviser, being a director in nine great corporations. To our museums he gave moral and substantive support, and in nine social organizations he was an admired and esteemed member. His integrity was ever conspicuous, his urbanity assured, and his capacity great; much sought, he was much trusted. To the general public he was known as a reformer, and narrow self-seeking partisans feared his sledge-hammer blows. To relax among his Century friends the strain of public life was one of his chiefest joys; he was affable, approachable, and entertaining in conversation. Though well on in middle age when admitted under this roof, he found himself quickly, and for eighteen years contributed his full share to the delights of this Association.

William Milligan Sloane
1909 Century Association Yearbook