Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-11-28
Death of Mr.. II. X. Ellyson.


conduct of this paper 10 us Mr.. HENRY
KEELING ELLYsoN was something more
than the Secretary aud Treasurer OF the
DISPATCH company. He was the master
spirit in its enterprises; the willing
bearer Of great burdens Of work and re-
sponsibility, who rarely asked help but
always offered it to others, and who was
ever the strong, steadfast, hopeful, and
encouraging friend.
Those who knew him best loved him
most. Those who stood nearest him
and looked down into the depths of his
heart saw how tender and unselfish be
was. His life was heroic struggle,
but il was not for himself that he strlved.
He was modest IN his ambitions and as
pirations, and the fortune and POSITION
he carved out were not desired Tor him
self. His kindred, his Church, and his
paper we're the three prime objects OF
his care and upon them he laylshed the
wealth of his affection.
The responsibilities of manhood being
thrown upon him while he was in his
teens, he grew stronger the more his
cares accumulated, until the people about
him, re cognizing the sturdiness of his
character and the soidity of hisjudgment.
gave him that support which was the,
foundation of bis fortune. He was well
known as a church member, bad served
two terms in the Legislature. and was
quietly pursuing his business of job
printer when the voters summoned him
10 the Office OF City Sheriff, and kind
friends came forward and made up his
bond of 100000.
To have known him is to know that
he was faithful to his trust; that he was
a kind but fearless officer; that he was!
candid in speech, modest in demeanor
and grateful to all who aided in his ad-
vancement.
In 1865, upon ceasing to be Sheriff, he
and Mr.. JAMES A. CowABDIN formed the
co-partnership Of CowARDIN & ELLYsoSI
10 revive and publish tho DAILY Dis
PATCH. To two less resolute spirits it
would have been an impossible task.
They were both practical printers Both
stalwart men. Mr.. COwARDIN was ia
nous as an editor, while Mr.. ELLYsoN
was noted as one of the best business
men Of the city. One was blessed with q
sanguine temperament and sociable dis
position. the other with extraordinary
industry and tenacity Of purpose. One
with bold ideas and keen perception of
the popular mind the other with syste'
matte purpose and extraordinary capa-
city for labor. Tho quality one lacked
the other supplied, and so with strong,
steady, and even strokes they tugged at
their oars. Sometimes their bark threat
ened to sink. Often it struck upon
shoals and rocks, but their united efforts
pulled it of into the stream again and
the time came when the tide began 10
run their way.
In the stormiest period Of our history
Mr.. E1LYsoN was called upon to serve
Richmond as Mayor. We were still in
the chaotic condition following the close
OF the war, and two city governments
claimed tie right to exercise authority
here. Tumult and bloodshed followed,
The true people Of the city looked tc
Mr.. ELLYsoS as their leader. They
reckoned Alright that man of his moral
courage could not DO wanting in thC
physical attributes which win distinc
ton for the dauntless soldier.
During all that exciting contest, whei
station houses were fortified places
when streets were barricaded; when TIVE
sets of police patrolled the streets, an(
the slightest lack Of tirmness on our par
would have inundated the city with
black mob, his life was in constant peril
but he was unmoved in the midst o
dangers and safely led his people out o
their troubles to O good and permanen
government.
Thenceiorth the work OF Mr.. EILYso
was chiefly confined to his paper an
Church. No solicitation could induc
him TO accept public Office. though h
always took an active interest in part
affairs and no demand made upon hin
for help was thought too excessive.
Mr.. ELLYsos was regarded by tn
public as a man Of solid rather thar
snowy gifts, but here no was under
estimated. He wrote with yigor, pre-
cision, and grace. Very rarely indeed dix
be prepare anything for the columns Of
the DISPATCH, but it was only becaus,
be had other demands upon his time,
not that he lacked capacity. His BOY
hood schooling was brief, but thorough,
and when he was entered as an appren'
tice 10 tho printers trade he was so well
grounded that IL was an easy matter fol
him to add to his requirements AZ a
coupoitor BE- had great opportunities