Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1876-12-29
tn. 20 Mo,or Richard T. Collins.

OC0G0 "
On Saturday evening last, Major
Richard J. Collins, professor Of Latln at
st. Johns Academy, Alexandra, and clerk
of the School Board of that city, died at
the Academy, and On Sunday morning MS
remains were brought to Staunton-hls
native city-for interment. MI. Collins
was in the very spring-time OF his lie, be-
ing only twenty-three years Of age, and
had attained a position and prominence In
the ranks of educators in this state, some
thing remarkable for a man OF his age.
He had been at the Academy, where he
died, for twelve years, having been educa-
ted there. He was q son of the late Rich
ard Collins, of Staunton. a nephew OF MI.
Neil O'Brien, and a brother of Mrs. Kate
O'Toole; aud but lately had lost two sis
tiers here-Mrs. W. H. German and Miss
| Mary A. Collins, the latter one of the most
| efficient teachers in our public schools.
He contracted rheumatism while in Staun-
| ton last. which settled OF his heart, and
aver since his return to Alexandria he had
| been an invalid. During his September
| visit. it will be remembered. he wrote a
| series of letters on the merits of the Staun-
| ton public schools, which attracted gen.
eral attention throughout the state. On
| Tuesday morning Mr.. r. j.. Carnes, Prin-
| cipaI of st. Johns, Capt. Bowman of Co.,
| A. Capt. Bradley of Company B, and Serg't
Loeb of the cadet corps Of that institu-
| tiou of which Mr.. Collins was Major, ar
rived here to be present at the funeral,
which took place from st. Francis church,
a Solemn Requiem Mass being celebrated
at 1O4 O'Clock by Father McVerry, and
Father Fitzsimmons officiating at the
grave. The solemn music OF the Mass was
conducted by Prof. Walter, with the choir
composed of Mrs. John Mcmahon, Miss
Leina Scherer, Miss Ellen Mccarthy and
Mr.. John Donovant. The pail bearers
were Messrs. John Dinneen, John Burns,
Michael Cox, VIM. B~randeburg, William
Woods, Maurice Barry, Ed. Burke, and
the officers of the cadet battalion.
Mr.. Carnes and the cadet officers who
were guests of Mrs. K. NJ. Kelley. while
here spoke in terms Of the warmest attec-
ton and admiration of the deceased, who
had obtained a position in his profession
rarely obtained by one of his years. Had
he gone out of that profession in answer
; to the many brilliant offers he had received
= in the scientific departments of the gov
. eminent and elsewhere, he would have
, achieved al 'even more brilliant career, but
his delicate health prevented such a step
He was greatly beloved by all with whom
in his short life it was his fortune to bc
thrown in contact and at the Institution
J with which he was connected the students
we're devoted to him. AS an officer of the
y city of Alexandria, notn outstanding his
9 quiet and retired life he was universally
popular. The Gazette of that city, notice
q ing his death, says;
Although quite a young man, being onll
!, twenty-tbree years Of age at the time o
u MS death, ne had by his courtesy, stric
i attention to business, and many fine quail
e ties OF mind and heart Won for himself
+ lost of friends in all parts of this Guy ant
Tue surrounding country.