The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-11-28


Mr. Henry Keeling Ellyson is dead. For
more than half a century his figure was i"
familiar one on the streets OF Richmond Ms
name household word.
This sad event occurred yesterday morn
ing at II 40 O'Clock, at the residence OIL MS
son, Mayor Ellyson, no east Franklin
street.
Although Mr.. EllysOn has been in ieeoie
health for several weeks with heart trouble
and unable 10 attend TO bis duties, his lam
ily WAS moi expecting his death so soon. ne
.ryoea Yesterday morning, ate breakfast, anu
shsyed himself. and stated that be was ieei-
ing much better, and urged MS cnlluIen ~
attend thanksgiving service NJ cnulcp'
which they did. Only Miss Belize Eiiyson
remained. Later, feeling weary, ne rect .,.
on bis bed, and in Few motnen,s' "l'uou
n word or a struggle, he died. A message
WAS AT once sent 20 the Second Baptlst
church. where his family were, and they
FASTENED 20 his bedside. accompanied oy
DIR. Landrum. ,,,,,,
When IL became generally known
throughout the city Mr.. Ellyson was deau,
many were the expressions oil soITOW anu
regret, and ID continuous stream OF DIS nu-
merous friends called at the residence 10
manifest their regret and sympathy. Oh
Monday last Mr.. Ellyson drove around the
citv with his daughter. He was IN gOOu
spirlts and perfect mind up to few mo,
ments prior 10 his DEATH which was caused
by liver and heart complications
SKETCH OF HIS LIFE.
Mr. Fllyson was born in Richmond on
JnIy n. 1893. At an early age he began
life "a n printer in the office OF the south
ern Cburchman under the late william
Sands. He was a most faithful apprentice,
and was even in his youth known for integ-
r,ty and devotion. After serving several
wears In this capacity Mr.. Ellyson opened a
iob-prlnting office, and for years success
fully conducted one of the largest ID hlch-
mond, and amassed what was cohsiueIeu +"
competency In those days.
Mr.. Ellyson never solicited public office,
as he preferred to spend his life in quiet
manner apart from the excitement ana
worry of public affairs. He finally yielded
20 the call Of his friends, however. In 1884,
and accepted the Wing nomination Tor the
House of Delegates, from Richmond. lie
was elected by an overwhelming majority.
His colleagues were the late James n.
Cowartlin and General Joseph II. Anderson.
His sole aim as legislator was to advance
the interests Of his constituents, and was
ever watcbful in behalf of the public good
His services in behalf Of the public as a
legislator was manifestedly appreciated,
when In 1859 he was called TO become a
candidate for the sheriff OF Richmond. 10
this office he was elected, and which he
filled until soon after the war. The records
of the office will show that he made one OF
the most acceptable and honorable officers
the State ever had.
I'm the DAYS Of reconstruction Mr.. Ellyson,
under the Enabling act, was appointed
Mayor of the city Of Richmond. This was
one Of the most critical periods in the city ;
history. After the State was reconstructed
he was a candidate for this position. HIS
oppopent was Mr.. George ChahO0n, who had
been Mayor under the military rule, and u
contest followed. A decision was rendered
in the courts ordering a new election, ana
pending the appeal TO the higher courts the
Inflated Capitol disaster occurred. After
the result of this election Mr.. EllysOn ana
not appear again in politics, although he
was urged on many occasions to do 50.
RECORD AS MAYOR.
His record as the Chief Magistrate Of
Richmond was one Of dignity, and he was
noted for his strict acts " justice and i'm
partially. The word right was his watch
word, and for which he would sacrifice all
personal desires and preferences. In him
the rights Of the humble and lowly were as
safe as the great and wealthy. His public
service reflected credit both upon his Office
and himself.
MIR. Ellyson achieved the greatest success
ofbis lite as q business man during his con-
nection as business manager Of the Rich
mond Dispatch. In December, 1860, he re-
established this paper in conjunction with
the late James A. COwardn. 1t was due
largely TO his efforts that this paper was
made a financial success, and in connection
with which he proved himselfto be most
able and efficient manager. lie owned one
half interest in the company which pub
fishes this paper, and Of which he was secre-
tary and treasurer. With his usual careful
forethought Mr.. Ellys0n arranged all OF his
temporal affairs, and his unexpected de-
mise will not necessitate any change or
complication in the business in which he
was engaged.
1t was as layman in the Baptist Church
that Mr.. Ellyson justly won name for
beneyolence and good deeds which will be
forever perpetuated. He united with the
Second Baptist church at the age of nine
teen, under the ministry Of the late Rev.
Dr. Montgomery, and to which he proved
blessing which only those who intimately
knew him can ever know. He took an active
part In the sunday school OF that church
and soon became its superintendent, which
he 80 nobly filled for forty-three years.
during which be enjoyed the blessing oil
seeing many souls given 10 Christ. He
was the recognized leader In the Baptist
Church OF Virginia In educational aud mis-
sionary matters. He was secretary OF the
State Mission Board of the General Baptist
Association Of Virginia for forty-hye years
His contributions i'm service and money TO
this one object are estimated by the Board
20 aggregate more than $lO,OO0.
ACTIVE WORKER.
Mr.. EIlyson WAS most active worker in
both missions and education, and many a
poor person under both heads were bene-
ficiaries OF his beneyoence and Kindness.
He was also active in every branch OF re-
ligious work, and there Is scarcely more
Widely-known layman IN all the South. He
succeeded Hon. j In Curry as president OF
the Board OF Trustees Of Richmond College,
which Office he held until death. He was
ALSO member OF the Board OF Trustees OF
the Southern Theological Seminary. He was
one Of the most important factors in Rich
mond College; gave freely OF his labor and
means 70 its support. lie was special
friend Of poor young men studying Tor the
ministry, and many Of them only know Of
his untirlng efforts in their behalf.
Mr.. Ellyson early In life married Miss
Elizabeth Barnes, who preceded her devoted
husband 10 the grave four years ago. One
brother survives him, Rev. o. Ellyson, OF
Caroline county, and one sister, Mrs. W. r.
IDrluk1Fu. Ills ttyVi o.
Tor Ellyson, Mr.. Ii. Theodore Ellyson, Mr..
William Eilysop, and Miss Bette Ellyson.
Rev. Mr.. Ellyson was telegrapbed for yes
tertiay, and will be here to-day. Colonel {.
OBJ. Cowardin. president OF the Dispatch
Company. who IL absent from the city, was
also telegraphed for.
The funeral will take place tomorrow at
O'Clock from the Second Baptist church.
The pail bearers have not yet been chosen
HONOR TO HIS MEMORY.
The Board OF Trustees Of Richmond Col
lege will meet this morning at 10 O'Clock In
the Second Baptist church 70 take appro-'
pirate action regarding Mr.. Ellyson's death.
Az the secretary OF the Board is out OF the
city, this IL the only notice OF the meeting
that will be given.
Mr.. Walter Bowie, assistant superintend-
ent Of the second Baptist church, giles no
tice that the officers, teachers, and adult
scholars will meet in the iecture-room to-
night 1t 8 O'Clock 70 adopt suitable resolu-
ttons on the death Of their superintendent.