The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1890-01-30


ter he was perspicuous, copious in his
of language, inclsive and
in his style, and fearless in the
expression of his views. While engaged
in editorial labor and taking an interest
in politics, he studied law. and soon after
being admitted to the bar he was elected
Commonwealth Attorney for Shenan-
doah county, serving four years in that
He was elected to the House
of Delegates and served four years in hat
body, and was chosen a State Senator
from the district composed of Shenan-
doah and Page for the term of four
years.
In the General Assembly he was
leader of men. Bold, aggressive, genial,
and winning, he was recognized as one
of the brightest and most promising of
the young men who came to the front in
matters of State after the war. During
the contest over the State debt question,
he took very conspicuous part in all of
the discussions on that subject, and
showed his research and familiarity with
the question by the facts and figures
and the arguments as presented in what
is now known as the Riddleberger Bill,
of which he was the author and princi-
pal promoter. During his legislative ca
reer he retained his connection with the
press of his county, moving to Wood
stock, where he successfully edited the
4l,, fhn
editor of the latter paper at the time of
his DEATH In 1876 he was a Presidential
elector on the Democratic ticket, and in
1880 one of the electors at-large on the
Readiuster Hancock and English ticket
In 1881, while Commonwealth Attorney
and State Senator, he was elected to the
United States Senate as Readjuster to
succeed Hon. John w. johnson. His
term expired March 3, 1889. While in
the Senate he acted with the Republican
party, and was recognized by some of the
ablest men of the Senate as gentleman
of strong original intellect, clear views
of public questions and frank honesty
in their expression. After his Senatorial
of law in his native county, where sur
rounded by an interesting and large fam
ily, he passed away to that bourne
whence no traveller returns He married
in early life daughter of DR.. Balew, of
Shenandoah county, and leaves a de-
voted wife and seven or eight children
to cherish the good that was in him and
the generous, noble emotions which
stirred and permaneated his being.
Under different conditions, there was
nothing in the gift of the Common
wealth to which Harry Riddleberger
might not have successfully aspired. He
was at one time the idol of his political
associates, and possessed that peculiar
magnetism that drew the people to him
| by ties of the strongest devotion. His
whole nature was a protest against dis
stimulation. deception, and falsehood.
What he thought he had the courage to
express and the manhood to maintain.
His nnick imnnlsive nature sometimes
were always a sincerity and generosity
about him that disarmed enmity and
IN ollified resentment. He has passed
from the scenes of his struggles and his
triumphs, leaving behind many pleasant
memories, and many deeds of kindness
and generosity to enbalm his memory.
To his stricken family we extend our
unaffected coincidence, and commend
them to the husband of the widow and
the father of the fatherless.
The deceased was buried at Edinburg
on the Goth, in the presence of over a
thousand people, who had gathered to
pay the last tribute of respect to the
gifted and erratic son of old Shenan-
doah. The afternoon brought rush
OF floral tributes, among them a grand
floral harp, sent by members of the
Clan ma Gael in Philadelphia. To it
was attached streamers of The Irish tri-
colors and the inscription, 'Poor Erin
mourns her faithful friend and fearless
advocate
1t is singular coincidence that about
the time Mr.. Riddleberger was laid in the
tomb, the negotiated treaty between the
United States and Great Britain was
omitted the clause which he so strenu-
ously opposed in secret session last year,
including political offences as cause for
extradition. Could he have known that
his view of what was right was en-
dorsed by both countries, we have no
doubt it would have gratified even the
dying man.
Appointments by the Governor.
On the oath Gov. Mckinney, sent to
the Senate the following appointments
to ill vacancies on the several boards
named:-For the University of Virginia:
Col. K. &. H. Kean, of Lynchburg; Dr.
w. q. N. Randolph. of Charlottesville;
Col. Camm. Patterson, of Buckingham
county, and Major R. L. Parrish, of Gov
ingtop.
For tn, Virginia Agricultural and Me-
chanical College: Prof 9. E. Vawter,
of Albemarle county; Major A. P. Vena-
bic, of Farmville; Col. E. Dillon, of Bo-
tetourt; Capt. Jas. Mcdowell, of Fincas-
tie, and Mr.. W. H. Carter, of Richmond
For the Virginia Military Institute: s.
ii. Aetcher, Lexington; Col Tazewell
Elicit, Richmond, and Col. Peter Harris
ton, Martinsville.
For the Virginia Normal and Collegiate
Institute; Richard Horner, Faqquier;
Hunt, Betetourt; Talleyrand
Branch, Prince Edward; John Chissel,
Petersburg; Samuel Boiling, Cumber-
!. nd and W. P. Morton, Smithville.
For the Eastern Lunatic Asylum: Col.
Walter H. Taylor, of Norfolk; DR.. P. A.
irving. Farmville, and D. c. Richardson,
Richmond.
For the Central Lunatic Asylum: j. H
7ogart, Southampton, J. F. Eppes. Not
oway: r. G. Cooke, Norfolk.
For the Western Lunatic Asylum: w.
H. Lynn, Sfaunton; N. G. Manson,
4ypchburg; James L. Tredway, Chat
lam.
For the Southwestern Lunatic Asylum:
A. Routh, Lebanon; Asa Dupuy, Roa-
loke city; r. NJ. Southall, Amelia.
For the Deaf, Dumb and Blind Insti-
utioni G. W. s. Turner, Waypesboro.