Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-11-30

1
familiar on our streets and his name was
a household word in many homes. Not
TO have Known something about him was
10 argue oneself unknown. He was
born, as you know, July 81, 1923, in
house that stood on what is now the site
OF the electric-light and power plant. on
south Seventh street. His parents be-
ing poor young Ellyson was denied the
benefits OF liberal education, il by that
we understand collegiate or classical cul'
ture. His curriculum was chiefly the
compositor's case, his dbeaa Mater
practical school OF learning, where be
enriched his mind and enlarged his
faculties by acquaintance with "the
art preservatiye OF all arts "-prac-
tical printing. He undertook self-sup-
port and the assistance OF the family at
fourteen years OF age, When seventeen
years old be started small job-prlntlng
Office, and by strict and methodical bust
ness habits, patient industry, and that
incorruptible integrity which marked
his entire life be soon acquired profita-
BILE business and the confidence and es-
TEEN Of the city. By successive steps
he rose in the business world till be not
only achieved ownership in the great
newspaper which will he forever asso-
ciated with his name, but became di-
rector IN banking, railroad, insurance,
and steamboat companies. His advice
and attention were attracted 10 whatever
tended to develop and build up the citys
industrial and commercial progress.
sHIRKED NOTHING.
"While Mr.. Ellyson was not a man OF
political ambition he did not shrink
from the responsibilities and perplexities
of public Office when the preference OF
bis fellow-oitizens and sense of per-
sonal duty imposed them. These con-
siderations led him TO accept the posi-
tons Of legislator, sheriff, and mayor OF
the city. Older citizens of this com
munity will never cease to recall with
pride and admiration his calm, cool,
courageous stand in most critical hour
Of their history. All tho horrors of civil
strife seemed about TO be turned loose
upon our streets. The feelings OF the
people, excited TO the highest pitch,
could with difficulty be restrained. One
reckless word or inconsiderate act would
| have kindled the magazine OF their
wrath on to fearful explosion
against tyrannical usurpers backed
by the bayonets Of the Federal Govern
ment. EIlyson, into whose hands as
Mayor the lives, property, and destiny
OF the city had been committed by his
confding countrymen, was collected and
| deliberate Never for moment did be
lose bis head. His foresight expected
every emergency; his sagacity outwltted
his adversaries {; his power OF com
mand massed his friends and intimi-
dated his foes his courage flinohed not
before the very face OF the armed bat
talions of great republic, but neryed by
an approving conscience and the fear OF
God bore him forward as leader OF re-
stored liberty TO his people, Along with
the name of the city's founder should
be coupled, as bya wreath OF immortelles,
the name OF Enyson, the city's saviour.
LIFELONG CHRISTIAN.
"The religious history Of Henry X.
Ellvson dates from his twentieth year.
At that time he publicly gave his heart
and life to the Saviour, was baptized by
| Rev. DR.. j.. l.. Magoon, and unitedwlth
| this church. He at once took promi-
nent position in church affairs from the
power of his personality and the whole
! hearted conservation he brought to the
Makers service. He soon became super
/ iptendent Of the Sunday school, which
Office lie held unintenuptedly till the day
of his death, embracing aperiod Of forty
seven years. 1t was not long before his
talents and zeal attracted the notice OF
the denomination and he was chosen see
Rotary of the State Mission Board Of the
| Baptist General Association OF Virginia.
/ This responsible Office he held for forty
five years. and during that long interval
Of time Mr.. Ellyson was never absent
from the meeting Of the board or the as
socintion. He discharged his duties. so
complicated and onerous, without re-
Enumeration and as labor OF love, thus
generously giving to the denomination
| in service and contributions sum not
far from 5000 Mission and Sunday
school work were especially dear to him
and 1t vas in these he found greatest
| pleasure. Besides these departments OF
| Christian work, however, he was fore
most in fostering Christian education.
He was trustee Of the Richmond Theo-
LOGICAL Seminary, president of the Board
of Trustees OF Richmond College, and
president Of the Richmond Baptist So
cinl Union. Without intending invidious
distinctions among brethren, but merely
bestowina honor where honor is due, am
free TO declare that In my judgment, at
least, Henry X. Ellyson was, taken all IN
all. the foremost Baptist layman IN Nir-
| pinia. More, his reputation and lnflu-
ence passed beyond the borders OF his ma
tive state and identified his name with the
great institutions of both sections of the
Union. At the North he was honored
rs one Of the vice-presidents OF the
American Baptist Publication Society,
and at the South as trustee OF the
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary,
at Louisville, N.Y., and ex-yice-presldent
Of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Truly we shall not soon see bis Ike
again. Help Lord, for the Cody man
ceaseth.
NOT To EULoGIzE.
"But, my fri ends, | am not here to
euloRize the man of business the Chris
tan Office holder, the church officer, or
the honored and trusted leader OF great
UNCONVENTIONAL enterprises. Another
occasion and another place will be more
appropriate for such elaborate panegyric:
My purpose is with Gods help TO hold
ND to view certain leading traits OF
Brother Ellyson's personal character;
The man is profitable study. | shall
attempt no full-length portrait, but
merely outline his mental and moral
proportions; simply exhibit some OF
those characteristics which have made
him for moro than generation a
burning and a shining light IN this
church aud community.
81. The predominant, the regent iea-
ture OF our brothers character, as un-
derstood it, might be said to be, tor the
lack of better word, sohdity and square
ness. He impressed every one at a
casual glance as man OF weight and
worth. His frame was robust and ribbed
/ Al .k.ol HE haad WAS massive bis