Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-10-30

fho Chesapeake and Ohio, ~ II was
called after its extension. I.atcr. 1t be.
ing necessary to bring new men and
money into the company. i was reor-
psnixed BY the election Of CT. Hunt.
inrton a. president and General Wick
ham ~ ce.prcsident
But Yesterday We read the tender and
loving tribute from the former president
20 his associate, rogretting in warm,
friendly, and aifcctionate terms his in'
ability TO I've present upon this interest
ing occasion.
In 1875 General Wickham was made
receiver OF the Chesapeake and Ohio
railway, which position he held TIL the
lst Of July, 1878. when, upon another
reorganization OF the company. be be-
came second president, which he
held TO the hour OF his death.
This railroad, which started in an hum
bic way TO run "from some point on the
Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac
railroad in the ncighborhood o! Taylors-
vile, passing by Louisa Courthouse to
point in the county OF Orange with pow.
or TO extend tho same TO the town oil
Harrisonburg. in the county OF Rocking
ham," had from boyhood been an object
OF great interest to him. lie watched 1t
closely. when its fortunes were directed
by Frederick Harris, and then by Charles
kimbrough, both of Louisa. He could
remember its completion 20 Louisa
Courthouse about 1910, aud to Gordons-
Vile few years later, and then how its
route had been changed from Harrison
burg 10 Charlottesville and Staunton,
which latter place it reached IN 1891,
then 20 Coyington in 1860, and then after
the war to the Queen City OF the West. y
He felt with becoming pride that he
had done much to connect the waters OF
the Chesapeake with the Ohio river, and
in that way had been enabled through
manifold connections to build up great
trunk line which would be of inestima-
bic benefit 10 Virginia and to Richmond.
wATCHFUL OF THE INTERESTS OF THE
ROAD.
Ever watchful Of the interests OF the
rosa and a strict disclplinarian he never
theless managed 10 maintain his infiu-
ence over al employees and preserved
their respect and friendship just as he
kept securely fastened to him the
fidelity Of the members of his old bri-
gade.
Around the open grave IN the county
he loved so well there were no more sor-
rowing hearts nor greater distress mani.
tested than by his subordinate railroad
employees. They felt as if they had lost
q counsellor and q friend. who, while
making them discharge with greatest
diligence their duty, yet was ever mind
full OF their comfort and their interests.
No greater nor more sublime specta-
Gle can be presented than that OF a man
in high position being mourned for by
those occupying places below him. and
no exhibition Of such conduct could he
more touching than the contributions to
this monument which freely flowed from
the pockets OF men who had but little 10
give, and who were obliged to use nearly
all they could make for the meagre sup
port OF themselves and their families.
To all OF his men in the army and on
the railroad he was always accessible.
and they placed tho most implicit re-
IL conductor, engineer, section-hand,
or porter were sick or in trouble, he dis
played the same kindness OF heart in
doing what he could 20 restore them
TO health, Just as he has been known
in the war to ride at night within the
Federal out-posts aud pickets III order
TO take leave OF comrades whom he
thought we're going TO die and whom he
would never see again.
In all the vicissitudes of war and
amid all OF his varied duties in peace he
ever remembered the county OF Hanover
and the city of Richmond.
In 1871 he WIS elected to and accept
ed tie craftsmanship of the Board Of
Supervisors of Hanover county, which
position no filed to the day Of his
death, showing that however employed
in many ways he might be his heart al
WAYS turned to his home and his Oldest
and best friends. In 1883. in response
TO the unanimous call of Il Democratic
senatorial convention composed OF the
counties o. Hanover and Caroline, he
became candidate for the State Senate
After q campaign of great excitement
he was elected and took his seat and
was made chairman of the Committee
on Finance. Here his ability and ex-
perience became again useful 10 hls con-
stituents and to the State OF Virginia
Though apparently independent IN
politics and declining to go into a call
Gus OF either party III the Legislature,
he favored and voted for the measures
proposed and advocated by the adj
herents of Democracy, and no better
evidence is wanted to prove his being IN
accord and ia touch with the great ma
ioritv of his former friends and asso'
cistes than the unanimous support he
received from them for Legislative
positions, as we'll as Ivy the attendance
here to-day in such large numbers Of
those he formerly commanded IN wal
and legislated for In peace.
CHARACTERISTICS AS BROADER.
Now, in conclusion, how wildly tina
statue in military garb is recalled to oul
memory as cavalryman who possesseo
the confidence of his commanders, The
affection Of his men To his brigade W.
know he gave his never failing attention
His horses were kept shod and saddles
watched to prevent giving them sor,
backs. Ammunition. was kept well sup
piled. Rations and forage when they
could DO obtained were promptly issued
and when IN order was given for Wick
hams brigade TO move at n designated
hour, at that hour they moved well
euuipped for the march or the battle
field. He watched both men and horse
with all the care faithful husband give
to loving wife and dear children. III
was jealous, active. and enterprising II
the discharge Of his duties. Always VI
gilant-sometimes too much so.
On one occasion 1t Is recalled wher
his brigade was in close proximity to thu
enemy and the pickets Of both wer'
close enough to exchange tobacco 10
Coffee" in the kindness OF his heart HI
told his division commander that IN or
der that he mig get some much needed
sleep he would put his blankets in TIN
same room with him, on the upper foo
of little log shanty then used tempo
mrily for headquarters, so that he nigh
not be disturbed in case OF any falls