The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1878-05-18

DEATH ~OF TWO fPhUAlNEhf. ClFiZENSf OF VIZ
aINIA--cAPTAIH SAMUEL WATTS, OF PORTS
MOUTH, AND: COLONEL THOMAS p. OWENS,
or NORFOLK -sKETcHEso OF THEIR LIVES
E ~ Especial telegram to the Diapatch.l
NORFOLK, va, May II. CAPTAIN SAMUEL
WATTS, noted yirginfan, died in Ports.
mouth to-day. About 1888 Captain Watts
entered political life and was for ten years
elected to the House Of Delegates. He was
placed on the Whig ticket with Summers in
1851 as Lieutenaut-G oyernor-the first cleo
tion under the Constitution. He thoroughly
scanvassed the State, and whenever he adj
dressed the people be was greeted with the
greatest enthusiasm. he was member Of
the State Constitutional Convention OF 1850,
and was an active leading member OF that
distinguished body. He was frequently
elected delegate to the Wing conventions
to nominate President, and for some years
acted as aid to the Governor OF the State.
He was three times candidate OF the
Whig party for Congress, and though
the district was largely Democratic,
be always ran long ways beyond the party
strength. In his memorable contest with
Atkinson he reduced the heavy Democratic
majority to thirty-three. In fact, from the
foundation Of the Wing party to the out
break Of the war be was the recognized
Wing leader Of this section Of Virginia.
When the crisis came he was rendered the
nomination by the Union men to the Seces-
sion Convention Of 1861, but declined, the
nomination, which was equivalent to an
election; but was firm opponent OF seces-
sion until Virginia seeded, when he ten
dered his services to Virginia, and was as
signed to duty on the staff OF General
Gwynn as volunteer aid. When General
Gwynn was relieved Captain Watts de-
c!ined, on account of his age, further Mill
tary service. After the war he declined en-
tering again into politics, but accepted the
position Of Visitor OF the University of
Virginia, and served on the Board until
1872, rendering during the time valuable
and efficient services in reestablishing the
institution on 4 firm and prosperous basis.
he was always warm friend OF education
anu the public schools. In 1871 be was
nominated unanimously by the Conserva-
tive party for the Legislature while absent
in New York, and reluctantly consented to
again serve his constituents. In reaching
Richmond he was warmly urged for the
speakership by the lamented Raleigh I.
Daniel and others, but was defeated in eau
Gus by Hon. NJ. Hanger. For great
many years be continually filled offices OF
trust.
COLONEL THOMAS F. OWENS, one Of our
most prominent and respected citizens, died
to-day. He was born in Baltimore, but
came to this city in his boyhood. In 1852
he was unanimously elected CAPTAIN OF the
Norfolk Junior Volunteers. which company
he commanded to the surrender OF Lees
army at Appomattox. Attached to the
Twelfth Virginia regiment, Mahone's brl-
gate, he participated in many OF the battles
in which the command were engaged.
When Walker was Governor he was ap-
pointed aid to his Excellency. During his
life the deceased filled with great accepta-
bilty the highest Offices in the Masonic Or
der, and was Past Grand Master Of the
Grand Lodge Of Virginia. He was Wild
over. and leaves one son.