Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-04-28
Usalh Of Conlnloiore Barron.

Commodore JAMES BARRoN, Senieg Captain q
! the United States Navy, died at Norfolk, on Mon
day last, and his obsequies took place with very
imposing public ceremonies, on Wednesday. The
funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr.. Jack
son at st. PauPs Church The Norfolk Herald
gives the following brief sketch of the life and
services OF the deceased:
Commodore Barron commenced his naval ca-s.r
when but YOUTH under the auspices of his father who
held the rank OF "Commodore of all the armed vessels
ct q, the commonwealth OF Virginia. during the war of
the revolution, aad until the State navy was d,sbapded
Subsequent to this PERIOD he pursued his profession in
private service until the formation of our present ma
Wy, in i79o in which he received the commission of
Lieutenant, ana served under Commodore Barry in the
oret war with France OF that period, with distinguish
ed credit. In 1879 he was promoted to the highest
grade IN the navy and ordered TO the Mediterranean
under the command oil his elder brother, Commodore
Samuel Barron, where he signazed himself for scien-
uhc seamanship and nautical Skill and was esteemed
one OF the most accomplished and efficient officers
and one OF the best discipnarians in the No
othcer bore conspicuous part in the organiza-
ton OF the present navy than he did. He originated
the first code of signals ever introduced in the Ameri
can navy He served actively a1oat with few inter-
yals OF respite, until 1907 when, going out in the u
S. trgate Chesapeake, Capt Gordon, as commander
ofthe u s. squadron in the Mediterranean that ship was
treacherousy way-aid and attacked within our waters
and at time OF profound peace, by Of the vessels
OF British squadron then lying in Lynnhaven bay of
greatly superior force We forbear to recapituate
what is now history. Though thus, by sudden ia.
talny, he became the victim of adverse circumstances
and Influences, he stands honorably acquitted by the
sentence OF martial and the impartial verdict of
bis countrymen, OF all imputation on his courage and
department brave and accomplished officer in that
affair.
In later years his services were advantageousv en-
ployed on shore stations. He was in command of The
Philadelphia Navy Yard and had the honor Of receiv-
ing Gen. La Fayette, "the Nations Guest.'' when he
visited that place in 1924. He was also an invited
guest with Colonels McLane, Huger, Fish, and other
surviving officers OF the revolution, the great Fete at
Yorktown, given to General La tayette By the State
otVrglna, Oct. 49, 1924. He was next transferred to
the command OF the Norfolk station at that interesting
period when the dry dock and many other important
improvements in the Gosport Navy Yard had lust com.
menced; all of which came under his supefyson.-
From this station he called to the superntendence
OF the Naval Asylum at Philadelphia where he CONT
nued until The wasting hand of time had indicated the
necessity OF his retirement from active service when he
chose Norfolk, the home OF his early friends. (and
among whom he had found friends indeed as The
place in which to pass the remnant of his days
In social life in his official station. Commodore
Barron governed by high sense of honor. and
bore himself with dignity, courtesy and affabity
which gave charm to his society. And although of
temperament 10 brook the slightest indgnty there
was in his nature all the milk of human kindness and
benevoence, and the prompngs of ardent friendships
ana enduring attachments which, when once formed
were held sacred TO his latest hour.
In his family circle he was cherished with un.peaka.
BILE fondness and affection; and this whole community
in which he has been for so large porti on Of his e
beloved and esteemed, will ever honor and revere his
memory ~