The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1880-08-20

END OF USEFUL AND HONORABLE LTFg--HI.
CAREER w THE NATIONAL AND cOyfg DE-
RATE CoUNcILs-THE PEACE COMwIssIOy---
CONFEDERATE SECRETARY OF wAR-Fv-
NERAL SERVICES, &C.
Hon. James A. Seldom died Yesterday
morning Mt his residence, Sabot Hill, Gooch-
land county, in the sixty-sixth year OF
his age, after painful illness of about four
weeks. The death OF q man so widely
known, and who at one time occupied such
prominent positions both In The Federal
and Confederate Governments, deserves
more than a passing notice.
Nr. Seldom was born in Fredericksburg
July 3, 1915, and was the son ot Thomas
Seldom, a prominent merchant Of that place,
and Sarah Alexander. daughter OF william
Alexander, OF Stafford comfy. He left
college with distinguished b0Dors, and at
once entered uron the practice Of law. In
1910 he moved to Richmond. aud at once
entered upon a lucrative practice, became
well known and universally popular. In
1874 he was elected 10 the session OF Con-
gress commencing Mai ch 4, 1915. In 1S46 he
declined reelection, and the Democrats
lost the district, Walter ID. Leake, Esq,
being defeated by Hon. John Minor Bots.
In 1913 Mr.. SeddoD, against his will, was
again unanimously brought forward as the
Democratic standard bearer, and was trl-
umDhanily elected, his antagonist being
again Mr.. Bolts. In 1916 he married Miss
Sarah Bruce. daughter OF James Bruce,
ESQ.,, Of Halifax. In 1855 Mr. Seddon Pc
remptorily declined again serving in Con-
gress, and was succet ded by Hon. John 5.
Caskie, OF this city. Mr.. SeddOn's reason
for this decleDsion was that all OF his time
was occupied IN the proper management OF
his large property acquired by Inheritance,
marriage, and accumulation.
Among the contemporaries OF Mr.. Sed-
don In Congress were Andrew johnson,
John j. CritteDden, Hannibal Hanlin, r.
NJ. Il. Hunter, and many others famous in
the history Of the nation. Mr.. Seddon's
next appearance in public life was as one OF
the celebrated peace commissioners which
assembled in Washington February 4, 1861
His colleagues from Virginia on this Occl-
sion were eX-President John Tyler, Hon.
William G.. Rives. Judge John w. Brock
enborougb, and Hon. George w. summers.
AS is well known. the efforts of this CON-
mission proved Intellectual. Among the
other hOnored members OF this body were
ex-Presidents Franklin Pierce, NIillard Fill
more, and Martin Van Buren. Mr.. Seldom
was a member OF the Virginia delegation to
the first Confederate Congress, which as
sembled in Montgomery, Ala. The other
members from Virginia were Hons. John
Tyler. William Ballard Preston. r. NJ. r..
Hunter, w. ii. Macfarland. II. A. Pryor, r..
S. Bocock. w. e. Rives, II. +. Scott, J. NJ.
Mason, j. w. BrockenbOrOugh, &. W. Rus
sell, Robert johnson, Waller X. Staples,
and Walter Preston.
Mr. Seddon warmly espoused the cause Of
the Confederate States, and on The resigns
ton OF Hon. George w. Randolph Of the
position OF Secretary OF War, yielded to
the earnest solicitations Of President Jetfer-
son DAVIS with whom he bad also servedin
the United States CODgress) and accepted
that arduOus and responsible position.
How well and faithfully he DISCHARGED its
delicate and important duties is matter OF
history.
In the winter OF 1896 he resigned,
and was succeeded by General John e.
Breckenridge. From this time Mr.. seldom
did not again appear in public life. He,
however, lost none OF his interest in affairs
OF State, and TO his latest hour was loyal 10
Virginia, jealous OF her honor, and the de.
fender OF all that was bright and glorious
IN her history and traditions.
Mr. SeQQOn leaves u WluOW anu slA Cuii-
dren-tw0 daughters, Miss Ella and Mrs.
Rosa Rutherford, OF Baltimore. and four
sons, Thomas and William g.. Of this city,
James A., a lawyer, Of st. Louis, Mo-, and
Arthur M0rsou, Of GOochland.
Mr.. Seddon was before the war engaged
i'm mercantile business in this city in the
firms Of Goode IL Seldom and SeddOn x
Morson, and since the war under the name
of Lee, Seldom & Co. The delicate state OF
his health has, however. for years prevented
his active participation in business matters.
The funeral will take place this evening
at 5 O'Clock at Hollywood. The procession
will form at the eastern gate OF the ceme-
terry.
In the death Of so distinguished a son at
so important q crisis OF her history Virginia
has cause for mourning. Both In his prl-
vate and public capacity he fully came up to
the required standard, and wa' an honest
man, a good citizen, and faithful public
servant.
This community, in which he spent so
many years Of bis honorable and useful life,
will ;cc,n with The people from Piedmont to
Tidewater in expression of sympathy with
the bereaved family. at the loss Of one who
reflected credit upon his native State, and
who was able, after u life full OF years and
full OF hOnors, to wrap the drapery OF his
couch about him and meet the 81 i'm mon
ster as one who bad laid down 10 pleasant
dreams.