The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-08-01
LOCAL MATTERS.

IOCAL #MAIIE1S.
DEATH or CAPTAIN BINFoRD, SUPER1NTEN-
DENT OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR RICHMOND
On Sunday morning the sad intelligence was
received by telegraph Of the death OF Cap
tain James II. Binford, Superintendent OF
Public Schools Of the city of Richmond.
Captain Binford's health has been feeble for
some time, and at the close Of the session of
the public schools in June he went to the
Monroe Red Sulphur Springs (where he
dict) for his health. His disease was pro-
nounced by the doctors rheumatism Of the
heart, and it was known that there was no
hope for his recovery, although it was
thought he would survive several years
more. Of usefulness.
His remains reached the city yesterday
afternoon at O'Clock, accompanied by his
brother, c. T. Binford, and were met on
their arrival at the depot by W. NJ. Richard
son and a deputation OF Masons from Hen
rico Union Lodge, No. 100. Beside these
were Messrs. Alfred Moses, j. H. Peay, Jr.,
and William f. Fox, of the public schools,
and John NJ. Higgins, Of the Common
| Council who escorted the remains to the
residence -of the deceased, on Clay street
between Ninth and Tenth.
The funeral will take place at II O'Clock
this morning. The members OF the School
Board, principals OF the public schools,
teachers, and cX-teachers will assemble at
the High-School building at 81 o'clock A.
NJ, where carriages will be provided for
them to attend the funeral in q body.
Captain Binford was native OF Rich
mond, and was about forty-three years OF age
at the time of his death. In early life he
served his time as mechanic, and though
this was irksome to him, he worked hard
and with perseverance until he accumulated
money enough to educate himself at the
University OF Virginia. 1t was proud
day for him when he entered the
walls OF that eminent institution,
and paid all the fees out of the funds accu.
mulated by earnest and honest toll. Lie
studied hard and dunremittingly, and the re-
suit was that he graduated and bore off that
much-coyctcd degree Of Master OF Arts.
lie became afterwards the principal OF q
large and ilourshing school for boys in this
city.
At the breaking OFT OF the late war he eli.
listed with the Howitzers, and remained in
the field about eighteen months, when, on
account OF his eye-sight, he was discharged
| Subsequently he became connected With
the Conscript Bureau and stationed at Camp
Lee, with the rank OF captain, which posi-
ton he retained until the fall OF Richmond
At the close of the war he resumed his pro-
fession OF school teacher.
In 1870, when, under the enabling ACTS
Conservative Council was appointed by
Governor Walker, he was chosen OH the
18th OF July Superintendent for the City
Schools. At that time we had no school,
system worth slIaking Of, and many were
the misgivin"s of those who lacked conf.
dence in the ability Of the young superin-
tendent to inaugurate Il system where the
field was SO barren. But he had struck the
right vein, and his peculiar power
of organizing was brought into full
play. The result speaks for itself to-day
We have rs thorough system OF public
education as there is to be found in any city
in the country.
Captain Binford was al unassuming man,
but the city of Richmond never had Il more
faithful, diligent, or efficient officer. He
worked for no party. lie knew no
color in his labors, and the white and
colored schools Of our city bear
evidence of the diSinterestedness OF
his labors in behalf Of education. His place
will be hard to fill, and he leaves behind him
noble and enduring monuments OF his zeal,
fidelity, and ability in q cause that is dear
to the hearts Of all true citizens.
Twelve pall-bearers have been selected fol
the funeral to-day-siX members Of the Ma.
sonic fraternity, and the following members
OF the School Board: Hon. W. G. Caring
ton, Hon. A. NJ. Kelley, r. NJ. Manly, Esq,
Judge Beverley r. Wexford, t. II. Leary,
Esq, Mr.. Alfred Moses.