The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1875-02-25
THOMAS HI. WINNIE.
THE END OF A BUSY LIE e.
Public Services Of the DeceaSed-Ar-
rapxements for the funeral.

nroyed that he was able to walk about his
room, aud on one sunshiny day he rode out
for exercise. But relapse followed, and for
4 week or more he was gradually declining.
On Sunday last, being then in complete pos.
session of his faculties, he made his will, and
resigned himself TO the end lie felt was fast
approaching. Monday and Tuesday were
passed by him In unconsciousness, and In
that state his life closed.
Colonel Wyunc was very remarkable
man. He possessed uncommon talents, and
was one of our most active citizens. The
sphere of his usefulness will, without a
doubt, long be unoccuped.
EARLY EDUCATION.
He was the son of William Wynne, was
born in this city January %, 1920, and was
q direct descendant of Captain Robert
Wynne, Of the House OF BurgesSes OF Fir-
cinia. who was n native of Wales. His
mother (Agnes Hardly was a native of Ras-
ouitank county, N. c., and was descendant
Of Governor William Harvey of colonial
times. His father, who was native OF Dim
widde county had had comfortable fortune,
but died " hen the subject Of this sketch was
only about thirteen years of age, leaving his
family in very moderate circumstances.
Colonel Wynne received his education at
the old Laucastcrian School, and at an early
aye was apprcnticed 10 Me>srs. Burr & Samp'
sou, founders and machinistS, of this city.
The YOUNG MECHANIC.
Upon arriving at his majority he was EN-.
plovcd By MessrS. Talbot d Brother, first
as pattern. maker, then as foreman Of the
pat,cru.shop, and finally as general supern-
tendent Of their extensive establishment.
He was fine workman. and was noted for
his iuvcntlyeness, for his skilfulness IN draw
ing plans and making estimates, for bis taste
and good judgment IN all matters connected
with his business, and especially for his
pride in his trade. He never saw the time
s. hen he failed to boast that he was me-
chanic, or when he regretted the habits OF
industry and the practical education he thus
acquired. He was a diigent student,
and his mind was early directed
20 the investigation Of matters relating TO the
colonial history Of Virginia. Every WoIk
bearing upon The subject he read, and as ris'
pidy rs possible he collected library,
which before long contained many rare
books and precious treasures Of Virginia his
tory, together with the works Of the stand
ard authors, Old coins and medals, and other
articles priced 10y antiquarianS. lie dearly
loved the old Safe, and made hlluSelt
thoroughly familiar with every phase OF her
existence, from the settlement OF jamestown
TO the date OF the war for Confederate lnde'
pcudencc.
PUBLIC LIFE.
Even while employed by the Mcssrs. Tai.
bott he touud exercise for his literary at
tainmcntS, and sought the companlonShlp oil
literary meu, and was welcomed to their
midst. lie counted among his intimate
friends Hugh Blair Grigsby, the historian
Charles Campbell; the talented John NJ
Daniel: and the poet John Il. Thompson
In his will John NJ. Darrell bcqueathed to
Mr.. Winnie a set OF canoes and miniatures
of rare excellence brought with him from
Turin. In 1855 he was nominated Tor Su
perirltepdeut OF the Gas w oIks 10y the Ame
rican party, and was elected. This was hi:
first public position, and he served tWC
terms with satisfaction to the people ano
with eminent credit to himself. He ncXl
became superintendent OF the Richmond
and Petersburg Railroad Company, ano
in 1860 was chosen q member OF tue
House Of Delegates over David }. Saunders
He was about this time, or probably little
later, member Of the Common Council fOr
Madison Ward. In the midst Of the stirring
scenes of the war be left the railroad COM
panv to assume the responsible position o.
treasurer of the Southern Telegraph Compa
nv. an organization which controlled nearly
| AL the telegraph lines in the South. In this
Office he was able to render very eth :lent ser.
| vice TO the cause OF the Contcderacy, ano
was discharginy its duties with faithfulness
| when the surrender Of Lee rer0lutionZeC
this part OF the country and dissolved the
company.
/ As 4 NEWSPAPER PROPRIETOR.
Al1er the evacuation Colonel Wynne aided
and encouraged Henry Rives Pollard to re-
riyc the Examiner. He arranged the finalce:
for Mr.. Pollard and started him forth As the
editor Of that journal, which. under the
direction OF Jonu NJ. Daniel. had acquired
much celebrity. The enterprise brought
no pecunary prof: to Colonel Wynne
and Mr. PolIard's monetary embarraSS
ments and other troubles forcing him t
sell, to save himself the paper was of necesSit,
purchased by Colonel WyGne, and early il
1866 he was announced US sole proprietor
Subsequently MesSrs. \. Nj. Kelley and Z
b. Branch became his partners. The pape
did not meet with success, and the firm sol'
out to Il cooperative association, aud tn
paper some time afterwards was merged int
| the Enquirer. Colonel Wynne removed t
Baltimore, and was engaged in business ther
year or two.
| POLITICAL AND OTHER SERVICE.
After areSidence of year or two in Bait
more he returned to this city, and was aga
elected superintendent OF the Richmond ant
Peter Sburg R;ilroad Company. Subse
uuently the offices of president and superin
| tendent were consolidated, and be was chosc
| TO fill the new position.
| He was several times elected councilml
from Monroe Ward, and was once presiden
of the body.
| In 1872 he was elected TO the Senate from
the city of Richmond and county Of Henric
ON the ticket with Messrs. \. 9. Holiada
| and John h. Connally. He was faithfu
representative, and studied to please ant
| serve his constituents. AS chairman of th
| ioint committee on the State Library hi
| Efforts were peculiarly valuable. Hayin!
the active cooperation of Colonel Gilman
| Colonel Mcdonald, and DR.. Bagby, b.
brought the State Library up to standard
never held before. 1t had been pillaged q
the evacuation, and subjected to heay.
losses in other respects. Colonel Wynn
set to work to repair these. Under his ad
mnistration the library-room was improved
thousands OF valuable books were added tt
the list; portraits and busts Of distinguished
Eircinians and rare historical documents
were gathered together. His labor there
will be an enduring memorial of him. Notbin!
that he ever undertook was more congenia
to his mind and character, and no service 0
his was more thoroughly, intelligently, anc
satisfactorily performed.
OTHER POSITIONS.
Iu addition 10 the positions held by Colo
mel Wynne as above mentioned, he bad beer
president Of the WeStham Iron-Works, su
nnri ntnnIont of the SnuIhpr division OF The