The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-08-07
LOCAL MATTERS.
GATH.

DEATH OF JAMES W. LEwELLES-AN OH
JOURNALIST GoNE.-For several years past
the health Of Mr.. James w. Lewellen, of this
city, has been in such condition as to eX-
cite the liveliest fears OF his many friends.
He himself seemed conscious of his ap-
preaching end, for the writer heard him say
but short time since, "They need not try
to conceal the fact from me-. / have got old
fashioned consumption, and cannot live
Hong" His prediction proved but too true,
for he died on Saturday afternoon at 81
o'clock.
Mr.. Lewellen was born in Bedford
county just above Lynchburg, in the year
1878. He served an apprenticeship OF five
ginian. After he became OF age he went to
New Orleans and worked there for some
time as iourneyman printer. During the
canvass of 1914 he was connected with q
Henry Clay paper at Louisville, Ky. After
wards he came to Richmond, and was con-
nected for long time with the Messrs. Gal
laher in the publication Of the Richmond
Republican.
Shortly after the Republican was discon-
tinued the Richmond Dispatch was inaugu-
rated. Mr. Lewellen Was'appointed local ed.
itor, and was the first reporter in Richmond
to publish full proceedings of the Police
Court, for which he had several personal
collisions and made many enemies. Mr.
Lewellen, during the war, became a partner
in the Dispatch newspaper, and managed
the business department in such manner
that despite the hard times and scarcity OF
printing material, the Dispatch was the
handSomest paper printed in the South up
to the very day Of the evacuation OF Rich
mond. His position as partner in the firm
OF Cowardin, Hammerslcy & Co. he gained
by dint of years of faithful and efficient
service, and he proved most able jour-
nalistic manager.
After the war closed Mr.. Lcwcllen start
ed the Republic, which only survived about
year. He then, through the active efforts
of the Hon. John Minor Botts-his lifelong
friend-sccured a position in the revenue
service OF the United States. The accept
ance OF this position was misunderstood by
many Of his friends, for which he was Sc
verely criticised. But the writer has often
heard Mr.. Lewelen say that he never cast a
vote for Radical IN his life. He was an earn.
est and active supporter Of Gilbert G. Walker
for Governor in 1869, and did as effective
work in the canvass as any man IN the
State. He was Inspector Of Flour under
Governor Walker.
MI. LChCIltll, Ill luc DtSG VI tiS
State, when horse-racing was fashionable,
took great pleasure in the sport, and for
many years wrote articles for the cele-
bratcd Spirit Of the Times of New York,
which were copied far and near. He
4 was probably the best sporting reporter IL
the State. Several years he was manager Of
the Enquirer, and showed the same jour
nalistic ability that had characterized his
whole career. He afterwards became pro-
prietor OF the Virginia Patron, the organ
of the Changers OF this State, and while
conducting it to its present position Of sue
cess he was taken with the disease that lee
to his death.
Mr.. Lewellen was perhaps one Of the mos
efficient journal sts that ever lived in Rich
mond. His life was eventful and useful
and would fill volume Of the most inter
esting facts connected with the history O.
our city during his lifetime. He was bol(
and fearless in journalism and in politics
and while he had many enemies, he had a!
many warm friends as any man in this com
munity. His impulses. were generous, hi
nature was that OF n man who acted purel,
upon conscientious conviction, land his caree
was one Of. excited and useful interest. HI
was buried yesterday afternoon at half
past O'Clock from st. Johns church.