The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1884-03-05
Doash OF DIR. Robert n. Coleman.

On Yesterday morning DR.. Robert L.
Coleman died at his residence, on Grace
street, In this city, In the fifty.fourth year OF
bis age, after brilliant and useful life. BY
years he was scarcely past bis prime; by ac-
tivity, by zeal in bis profession, by interest
In men and all that pertains to humanity, he
was still In bis youth; by usefulness he
had lived long life. Few men have been
more industrious; few have been more
successful. and few have left so many
friends behind them to lament their loss.
Whenever man has stood in the front
rank falls there IL sensible shock; but In
the death Of such an one as DIR. Coleman
there exists personal loss. In many
homes Q! this city there Is mourning for
him as for one OF the household; for In
him has gone one who was the warm,
loving, and beloved friend Of many, very
many, in this city. He has left behind for
those near to him proud heritage. an
honorable and untarnished name, rendered
yet more honorable and spetless by his
own life.
DIR. Coleman was the son Of Thomas B.
Coleman and Mary o. Coleman. He was
born at Chantilly, Hanover county, Va,
September 3, 1880.
After the death OF his father his mother
married DR.. George Femming, one OF the
most eminent physicians OF his day, and
who k7s preceded him only few months.
He wa5 educated at Concord Academy by
Mr. Frederick Coleman, one OF the most
famous of family which has produced the
most renowned teachers in Virginia for
several generations. Having graduated
there he went to the University OF Virginia,
rl.ot-a 10 oil fl.n
tickets except Greek requisite for the mas
ter's degree. He had already selected his
profession, and he chose to devote his time
10 the modern languages, and therefore did
not apply for the degree Of NJ. A., for
which Greek was essential. Among his
classmates at the University were Mr..
Powhatan Ellis, James Pleasants, w. w.
Henry, Professor Z. II. Smith, Professor
Peters, DR.. John A. Broadus, and many
others who are equally eminent. Thus
equipped with 4 liberal education, he
plunged into the study Of his profession.
TO which he steadily and zealously de-
voted himself from that time. lie took his
diploma at the close OF his first session.
From the University he proceeded to Phil
adelphia, where he graduated and obtained
a position in Blockley Hospital.
Leaving there against the protest Of
friends who promised him a brilliant fu-
ture il he would make Philadelphia his
home, DR.. Coleman returned to his native
State and commenced the practice OF his
profession in Richmond, where he shortly
obtained an extensive practice. When
the war began he offered his services in the
field and was appointed surgeon under
General Loring. His ability soon procured
him the position OF nspector-General OF
the Army OF Northern Virginia, and he
was chief surgeon OF Stonewall JacksOn's
brigade. where he secured the respect and
devotion OF many who are now scattered
throughout Virginia and the South.
At the close Of the war he returned to
Richmond and resumed the practice OF his
profession, Immediately taking front rank.
He was elected Professor OF Obstetrics in
the Virginia Medical College OF this city,
which position he filed up to the time OF
his death.
As physician he had reached the first
place IN his profession; as a lecturer and
professor he was equally successful and
distinguished, and many physician now
engaged in practicing his profession in the
broad limits OF Virginia will recall the IN
spring words of Or. Coleman in his lee
lures at the Medical College. He possessed
the art of attracting young men in
deed, all men-in a marked degree; and like
his gifted brother, Colonel Lewis Coleman,
he was born professor. Like him, too,
he possessed the trait so rare now OF being
fine conversationalist, and his house,
which was the seat OF od-fashioned Nir-
ginia hospitality, was the rendezvous OF
some Of the most brilliant men OF the
day. He has passed away now, leaving
behind him name which will long be
cherished by the people OF Richmond.
His end was not unexpected by himself,
but he laborei until the last, and died in
harness like 4 soldier, having been faithful
in every department Of life.
He leaves behind him his devoted wife
and two children-a son and daughter
the former DR.. Robert B. Coleman, dis
tinguished graduate OF the Medical College
OF Virginia and OF the most celebrated
medical college OF New York.
Death was caused by congestion OF the
lungs-a concOmitant Of Bright's disease.
The funeral will take place to-day at
O'Clock from the First Baptist church, OF
which he was a member.
The pall-bearerS viii be Colonel Archer
Anderson, Mr.. james Pleasants, Mr.. Mar
cellus Smith, Mr.. Allen Talbot, Mr.. ThOs.
II. Elicit, Rev. DR.. j. l.. VI. Curry, Rev.
DR.. William Thomas, Colonel Charles
Skinker, Mr. John OFT, Mr.. Frank Glas-
gov, Mr. Thomas n. Page, General James
Mcdonald, Mr.. Powhatan Breeder, and
Mr.. William NJ. Iill
The interment will take place at Holly
wood.
The medical profession will attend the
funeral in n body. The pall-bearers ap-
pointed by them are DR.. Jeniier Garnet,
DR.. j. s. d. Cullen, DR.. Moore. DR.. j. q.
Sketon, DR.. J. 5. Wexford, DR.. Shields,
DR.. r. b. Gray, DR.. o. \. Crenshaw.
The students OF the college will also at
tend the funeral in body.