Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-12-28

pEArHLAsTEIe OF THIS VENERABLE
GENTLEMAN.
Illness Caused By Pneumonia-sketeh OF
His Lifs-Arrapgemsnts for
the Funeral

n the death OF Mr. William Henry Haxall,
which occurred at his residence, No. 4oS
east Main street, al five minutes to O'Clock
last night, Richmond loses one OF her oldest
and most lovsble citizens.
The deceased was sou Of Philip naxall,
Esq, who was the founder OF the lIaxal
Nils here, and was born in March, 1909, at
the parental homestead. Columbia," then
in the couuir7, now within the city, part
OF the Richmond College property and the
residence OF Professor Harris.
EDueATIoN.
EsrlY evinciug an sptiiude for learning
the deceased was sent 10 the best schools OF
the city and from them entered the University
Of Virginia, then In its infancy, aud
graduated with distinction IN several
schools The HOB. K. NJ. +. Hunter was
one OF his classmates, and between the
two a llie-long friendship existed. Next
he went to New York 10 serve bus
ness apprenticeship with one OF the most
famous houses Of that day, ana there, under
going several years training, he qualified
himself for the practical duties OF life. His
education was not considered finished until
lie had taken a trip to Europe IN sailing
NtN~tl AUu Ntu ~lfUl lOu8 tttbN IA AhN NIhF
tres OF trade and art.
N BUSINESS.
Mr. Haxall, upon returning to Richmond,
entered the milling trade with the HaXlll
Brothers, and became prominent in the
msnagement-the head OF II. in fsct-and 50
continued until about 1853, wien he retired.
He bad made investments in q number Of
cornorations. and in several OF them held
49, I.fff f.Vt tgf Fnft
from business, and with a comfortable for
tune, and at liberty to indulge himself in
esurelv travel I'm the observation OF art, for
which he had happy faculty, and in wide
range OF reading. lie was 4 man Of great
intelligence. and had most rctentive memo
~. he vas well acquainted with the past
Of the city: had known most ot the public
men Of his day. and took lively interest In
every undertaking intended 10 improve and
bcautiiy Richmond.
PUBLIC SPIRIT.
lie was one OF the commissioners appoint
ed 10 supervise the laying out Of the Capitol
Square in It's present shape, and discharged
that duty very satisfactorily. Having made
visit 10 ST.. Auburn cemetery, near Boston,
ne returned to Richinond impressed with the
conviction that Richmond, too, should have
a rural cemetery, and The outgroWtb Of this
was that Hollywood was bought and laid OF.
HOLLYWOOD was one OF the objects OF Mr..
Haxurs fondest affection. As a member OF
the Board OF Directors and as president OF the
company he gave il years of uDselflsh and
uncompensated service. Every tree in the
grounds was dear TO him; be knew every
avenue and pathway ana much OF the history
Of The people Oi that silent city. His thought
ever was 20 secure and develop the beauty Of
the place.
Mr.. Haxall served one or two terms in the
City Council. and was q good. conscientious.
pAinstakiug member; bu' public life was not
10 his tsste. and II wss with pleasure he saw
his tern end.
Personal TRAITS.
He was a calm, gentle, dignided man,
courteous 10 on. Christian 10 spirit, and very
tender snd loving 10 those m poverty.
trouble, or suffering. lie was an agreeable
iaiEer, aud his "reminiscences of Winfield
Scott ana vile; Of Edear g Poe whom he
well knew) and OF thc e.tat men u his
time were always agreeable; but bee was al
ways careful not 10 iotrude his rccollectons
upon uuapprecatiye people.
MlRRIAGE-DEATr.
Mr.. Haxall married Mrs. Alice Worthlnc-
ton (pfe Brown) oi Bedford county. She
'
dren bv this union.
Deceased's sickness was pneumonia, which
Dtgan about month ago. he was conscious
throughout and suffered very little indeed
towards the last. Day before Yesterday be
signed with 8 firm hand a check which wax
10 be spent in bcnefactiOns. Yesterday az
ternoon he was greatly graliied TO receive
from the Governor and Mrs. Lee a bouquet,
aud he was raised on his pillow TO look at
IT, but the last enemy was creeping up0n
him. and he gently said: IL have no eyes 10
see-nO ears to hear"
A little later death came TO him and found
him strong in faith and ready to 60. sur
rounded by weeping relatives and frienas
The golden cord was loosed. and he went TO
join wife, father, mother, brothers, snd SIS
ters.
The hour OF the funeral has not yet been
fixed. but it will be on saturday.