The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-11-26
OLDCONDUCTOR DEAD
CAPT. MERRITT 4 BIKDSONG DiES
or BLOOD-POISONfSG
For Twenty -four Years He Has Faithfully
Served the X. r. and +. X. K.-He Was
in Charge OF Train Held Up.

Captain Merritt a. Brdsong. one Of the
best-known employees OF the Richmond.
Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad
Company, died at 2.s5 o'clock this morn
ing at his home No. north Third street,
after an Illness of several weeks dura-
ton.
Captain Birdsong had been troubled for
some time past with a rising on his neck
which was supposed to be a boil. but he
continued at his post OF duty until the in
hammation grew 80 alarming that he was
compelled to take TO his bed. DR.. Ire
william was called in, and found him suf-
fering from malignant carbuncle. Every
thing possible was done for his relief,
but poisoning set in. and after lin
gering some days in great pain he passed
away.
HIS CAREER.
Merritt A. Birdsong was born in the
county OF Sussex about fifty-hve years
ago. and spent the early part of his life
in that county. When quite young he
showed a prediction for railroad work.
and in ISIS be was appointed to the posi-
ton Of through baggage master from
Washington to Weldon.
This position he filed faithfully and
ably for three years. when ne was APP
pointed passenger conductor on the Rich
mond. Fredericksburg and Potomac rail-
road, which place he has held for twenty
four years.
Captain Birdsong was well known TO
the travelling public. with whop he was
a great favorite. He was courteous ana
polite in the discharge OF his duty, Dut
firm. He was modest man, but brave
"a a lion, and in connection with the
train robbery at Aqua Creek last fall ne
obtained a notoriety he was very Tar from
desiring.
The story is familiar to all readers Of
The Times-how north-bound train, No.
Is. In charge OF Conductor Birdsong and
Engineer Gallagher was held UP near
Aqua Creek one night last fall by Nor
ganfeld and Searcey, and the express
car looted, and how Captain Birisong,
pistol in hand planted himself in the
doorway OF the passenger-car, resolved 10
lose his own life rather than allow any OF
the passengers 10 be harmed. Through
out all the trying scene he displayed
great GOODNESS and courage. and the quail
ty Of faithfulness 10 mis- trust which.
through life, has been his leading charac-
ter.stic.
Captain Brdsong showed in this event
his fine traits and they form commen-
tary upon his character better than
volumes could give.
\ SINGULAR COINCIDENCE.
A singular aftermath OF the incident
was that both the robbers. Morganfieid
and Searcey, were brought down 10 the
Virginia penitentiary upon the train OF
which Captain Birdsong was I'm charge
No empoyc Of the road stood higher
with its management than did Captain
Birdsong. and he IS characterized by
Major Myers as honest faithful, ana
efficient. always trustworthy ana 10 be
depended upon i'm every particular.
To his felow-employes and the patrons
Of the road he was ever afable and oDlig-
ing. and il was a pleasant sight TO see
his good-natured. smiling face and lbs
bright eyes twinkling through his glasses.
With his demise an old Landmark OF
the road is gone, and the company sus-
tains an almost irreparable loss.
Captain Birisong leaves wife and an
interesting family, 10 whom he has always
been the best and kindest OF husbands
and the most loving and tender Of fathers