Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-01-29
SERG'T SEAL DEAD.
The Oldest Member Of the City Police
Force Passes Away.
Had Bccn On the Force Since the
Days Of the Old Night Watch. and
His FamiIy-FuueraIs.


Sergeant Reuben T. Seal. the Oldest
member Of the Richmond police force,
both in point Of service and in age. died
at $50 o'clock yesterday afternoon at
his residence, ll22 west Marshall street
His health had been failing for several
years. but the end came rather unex-
pectedly, and the death of the venerable
officer was a great shock to his friends
and official associates.
The Sergeant was at the Second station
house for a short while on Saturday, and
| Captain Angle. noticing that he was not
looking well. advised him not to remain
out long. but TO return home and take
! care Of himself He had been out 10
| Chestnut Hill, and suffered slight chill,
/ from the effects of which ne never rallied
after Sunday. His family realized then
/ that the final summons was fast ap-
preaching. and the submissive and gentle
soldier Of the Cross continued to sink
slowly. until just before sunset yesterday
when the final roll-call was answered.
NEARLY HALF A CENTURY.
The death of Sergeant Seal removes
an officer whose well-moulded figure, be-
nign countenance. and pleasant voice had
been familiar 10 the people Of Richmond
for half a century He had been resi-
dent Of the city little over fifty years,
and had been I'm continuous service on
the police force a little less than forty
six years.
Mr Seal was born I'm Caroline
county this State. August 10. 1895. In 1871,
Of ha
10 Richmond. and for two years worked
as a carpenter. He was appointed on
the might watch" I'm March. 1850. In
recent conversation he said that 10 the
best Of his recollection that body then
consisted of some six or seven men, and
the city only extended as far west as
Fifth street Mayor Lambert was at the
head of the municipal government Cap
tain Jenkins had charge Of the night
watch. with Lieutenant Truehart ana
others as assistants. After serving on
the watch for three years. Mr.. Seal was
promoted 10 the day police. Among the
members Of the force were Cadmus G.
johnson. Glenn White, Byrd Page and
others.
officer Seal continued in this capacity
until the latter part of the war when he
was made chief Of both the day and night
force. Captain Seal continued on the
force when il was reorganzed in Decem-
ber. 1850. until removed by the military
authorities. When the Ellyson police force
was organized by Major Poe. Seal was
made one of the six captains. and when
this number was reduced TO three he was
made sergeant. which position hs held
up TO the time Of his death.
a FAITHFUL OFFICER.
Reuben T. Seal was true man and a
l..
high conception Of both honor and duty.
No member Of the police force was more
popular with children than Sergeant Seal.
They amused themselves paying what
they considered good jokes on him. but
he always took these IN good part, and
entered into the sririt OF the fuu-mdking
in quiet way. For the last three and a
half years, during which time he was in
feeble health, he had been on special /
duty such as saved him from exposure |
and hardship.
Sergeant Seal married Ann Woodey |
who preceded him 90 the grave by two !
years. He is survived by four children
Mr. Edward T.. c.. Mrs. John IA. Beve-
ridge. Mrs. o. \. Kennngham. and Mrs
Henry ). Bowe.
Deceased was a member Of Park-Place
church. and for fifteen years had been
member Of Richmond Lodge No. ~,
Knights of Honor
The funeral arrangements have not as
yet been decided upon.
Funeral of Mr. Walford.
The funeral Of Mr.. r. l.. ID. Walford took
place from Trinity Methodist church yes
terday afternoon az $3.50 O'Clock.
The sacred edhce was filled with the
friends OF the deceased In the pulpit
were Rev j. T. Mastin. Rev. Or George
G.. Nanderslice. Rev Dr. Hoge and Rev.
Dr. Kerr. The service opened with a
solemn voluntary by the choir This was
followed by the usual lessons selected for
the occasion and prayer by Dr. Hoge.
Mr. Mastin. pastor Of Trinity, then spoke
of the deceased in the highest terms re-
ferriug to his long and useful life his
unselfsh devotion 10 duty his love for 4
the church. and his unwavering affection
for Sunday-school work. especially among
the young children. Mr.. Mastn empha-
sized the fact that Mr Walford was for
twenty-five years the teacher of the "in-
fant school, connected with Trinity
church
RESOLUTIONS READ.
Rev. Or. Kerr then read series Of
resolutions adopted by the members Of
the Virginia Bible Society, speaking i'm
the highest terms OF the usefulness Of
the deceased as secretary of the society,
and commenting his life as an example
worthy OF imitation.
Among those present were a large num-
Der OF the members Of the Bible Society.
"a delegation from the Methodist Sunday
School Society, and the following minis
ters OF the Methodist Church: Rev A. G..
Brown, -. D.. Rev. Paul Whitehead. -.
~, Rev. W. V. Tudor. ID. D.. Rev. W. q.
Starr. y. d.. Rev. II. NJ. Hope, and
others
Captain Frank Cunningham sang with
fine effect the beautiful hymn. safe i'm
the Arms OF Jesus
The intelmcnJ was at Hollywood, and
The services there were conducted by
Rev. Dr.. Whitehead. Vauderslice, and
Mastin.
The bier was covered with profusion
)f the sweetest flowers. tokens of SYM
pathy from loving friends.
Funeral OF Mr.. SHIELD To-Day.
The funeral OF Mr. Alfred r. Shield
aill take place from his late residence, No.
5l9 north sixth street. az clock this
afternoon The remains or the unfOr-
lunate young man will then be taken 10
their last resting place. in Hollywood.
The resalt OF the rash act OF Mir SHIELD
In shooting himself through the head on
the mOining OF January 9th has been
ieplored by almost every one who knew
IhaL gentleman but IL is a doubiy-sor-
rOwful case when a statement made yes
erday by Dr. George Ben Johnston. the
surgeon who attended Mr. SHIELD the
whole time he was at the Retreat for the
Sick. is considered Dr. Johnston. being
pressed for an expression regarding the
OF his late patients mn-.
;aid. II will only sneak OF this matter |