The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-02-10

A few weeks ago THE TIMES announced that
Colonel Richard T. Berne had been taken
from Stanton 20 his home in Ashland. and
ever since then tdings Of his death have been
looked for at any time. Last night news was
receiyed al this Office that the expected sad
event had occurred and that he died
at twenty minutes after 2 o'clock Az
once !, dispa,ch was sent 10 Ashland t0iuQulre
into the particulars Of his decrease. 80 rs 10
give th EN- i'm full 90 our readers this morning.
but as the Office there was closed no response
was received. Various intimate friends ana
connections of the lamented gentleman were
called on. but they had received II" uu'i'eS
REGARDING il. and all The TINES was able +"
gather was the mere fact Of his death and the
bour at which his soul passed away from
earth
SKETCH.
Richard Foulke Beirne WAS born at lewis
burg. Va, now West Virginia, M ls56 Ills
father was native Irishman. Jane I}eiru",
and his mother was a Philadelphia Quhkcfcss,
Miss Fouke of considerable wealth
Richard f. Beirne WAS educated ~ blacks
burg College Randolph Macon, Ashland, and
Heidelburg and Leipsig Colleges, III Germany.
While Mt Randolph Macon he formed the ac-
ouaintance of Miss Clara Barton Grupdy,
granddaughter Of Richard Barton llaxall.
senior partner Of the famous mill owners Of
this city. This acquaintanceship subsequently
bed TO a marriage and European tom 10y The
couple, during which he visited the places IA
milar TO him ~ a student, as well as France,
England aud Ireland.
ENTERS JoURNALIsM
He being q man of leisure and means, and
having great aspirations IN journalistic line.
he bought third of the State newspaper from
its then owner. CaptaInJ. Hampdcn Chamber
layne Afterwards, on the dcccase Of the bat
ter he became sole owner He continued
this until a year or two since, when n company
was formed and he disposed Of an interest 10
Messrs Ryan and Archer who are AT present
the leading owners by purchase from Colonel
Beirnes wife since the attack OF illness that
proved fatal
His wise and vigorous editorials MS chief
editor have attracted the attention and elected
the commentator not only of the Virginia
public but many neghbOring States. He was
not without political ambition, and III the
(ubernatorial contest which resulted in the
election of p. w. Mckinney as the Democratic
candidate, exhibited a strength next 10 the
successful contestant.
RELIGIOUS TRAINING.
His father was straght-laced Methodist.
and brought up his son IN the same belief.
The deceased was thoroughly orthodox. and
was at the age of eight or nine years bright
exempar of young Methodism In later
years he was vestryman in the Episcopal
church at Ashland, the home of his wife.
Colonel Berne was punctihOus on questions
Of honor and always willing rs various Affairs
of honor attest to cast his life ION the hazard
Of a die" He, however, never forgot his
orthodoxy taught him in early youth. and
was Conscientious in all his actions, of this or
any Othey sort.
He had but one immediate rclative-a half
brother, named Andrew Beirne appointed by
President Cleveland as postmaster of Lewis
burg, W. Va. who preceded him to the grave
several years since.
HIS PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
Colonel Beirne was man capable Of
attracting and retaining many friends. lie
had singular fascination of manner. was a
great mimic. possessed Of an immense men,
DRY. and was always friend in need to those
in whom he conhded.
He was cornwall and generous TO his
friends. especially in estimating the faults of
the latter. and at his home in Ashland was
the soul of hospitality as generous as 1t was
lavish.
Many charitable deeds may be credited to
him as the natural outpOuring of more than
ordinary generous heart. No man ever vas
connected with the Richmond press who accu-
INFLATED aud retained more lasting friendships
from those Of the most divergent belief and
faith He had, perhaps, truer personal fol-
lowing than any man IN the city since the
days Of John Hampden Peasants.
MS POLITICAL RECORD.
Colonel Beirne was an active canvasser for
i've campaigns Of his life, and he WAS one of
the delegates~ai-arge to the Democratic Ma
tional Convention of 1854. He was one
of the two Democratic electors -at-laree
for Virginia that year, making = thorough
canvass of the State, extending from
Shenandoah, Loudoun. and Fauquier to Bins
tol, and from Highland TO Norfolk and Ports
mouth. On Governor Lees accession 10 office
Mr., Beirne was appointed his chiei-oi-stah
with the rank of colonel of cavalry. In 1889
l,.axx yoc all n slaf.
was defeated for the nomination 10y Governor
Mckinney.
His services to the cause of Home Rule for
Ireland and sympathy foI the cause of
liberty the world over brought 10 his
support admiration from our foreign
population irrespective Of their party afia-
tons. HE was Democrat from principle
and conviction. and every principle of that
great party had his answering allegiance
The peoples cause was ever his
cause, and he counted not the cost
when he was fighting their battles
successful business mantle ma
terial and business interests of the Common.
wealth were developed and advanced under
his guardianship. Its social and political
welfare was protected by him, who was
and conservatism and bitter enemy of those
VINO We're seeking TO establish the rule of
ignorance and responsibility He was q
man OF quick intellect and sound Judgment
NO man Was Dcttcl NelSed IN political history
or more keenly alive to the needs OF his State
In his social aud domestic relations he was
most happily situated and fully appreciated
and loved by his wife and little ones.
HIS fIRsT ATTACH
His malsdy that carried him OF developed
about year since IL was. doubtless.
despite his youth. general break
ing. down Of the system. though ascribed
both 10 paralysis. paresis and sofienng OF the
brain. A combination Of these ailments evil
IDENTITY hurried him 10 an untimelv grave.
He was first carried 10 PHILADELPHIA
and put In charge Of the best
experts in mental disorder Their efforts
being unvailsng. several months he was re.
moved to Staunton. where he 50. much i'm.
proved as to be allowed to visit in that civ
But few indications of any certain malady oc-
Cured during his walks around Stalln,on.
Some two month ago his malady developed
IN more acute form. He remained for weeks
IN conatose state. and finally hardly knew
anybody, his physicians included II was |
evident that his mind was gone past restora- |
ton, despite the fact that his physical condi- |
t;on seemed good.
HOME TO DIE.
IAs azylum physicians regrets,lly announc-