Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1896-07-10


DEATH OF MAJOR DUFFEY.-Maior
George Dufley, whose critical illness
had been mentioned, died at his resi-
dence on south Fairfax street at ten
minutes past eight o'clock this morn
ing. The deceased was doubtless one
OF the most extensively known of our
citizens, having been born in this city
Is years ago, and during the past half
a century he was a prominent figure
in the community. In early life he
was an apprentice to the late Benjamin
Barton, and upon attaining his majority
began business as matchmaker and
ieweler, an occupation he followed
with one or two Interruptions until
about q year ago, when advancing years
caused him to relinquish it. About
forty years ago hew elected Commits
sioner of the Revenue for this city,
which Office he held until the breaking
out of the war, when he went South.
In 1875 he was reelected and had re-
tanned the office ever since. The de-
ceased was possessed of military
taste, and in the olden time was cap
tain of the Alexandria Artillery, which
IN those days was quartered IN the old
cannon house on the Columbus street
court house lot. He was also major of
the militia. At the breaking out of the
war this company became Kemper's
Battery, and attained historical fame in
the four years which followed. Major
Dutley cast his lot With the Southern
Confederacy and became Quarrermast-
er of Ordnance in the Army of North
ern Virginia, in which position he prov
ed himself equal to every emergency,
having been entrusted with much i'm
portant work, especially during the
last days of the Confederacy. His
abilities were recognized by General
Lee, and when the latter visited this |
city in 1865 he made particular enquiry
for the Major. AT the close of the
war the deceased returned to his native
home and resumed his old oc
cupation as matchmaker. Ten years
later he was a candidate for reelection |
to the Office of Commissioner of Reve- |
nue. and defeated his opponent, the late
John w. Campbell. He had been re-
elected continuously, on most occasions
having no opposition. Major Dudey
was man of generous impulses, never
turning away suppliant or inquiring
whether he or she was worthy. In fact
his entire life had been spent in the ser.
vice of those less fortunate in the march |
of life. Oflate the Major had shown
the effects Of advancing years. In the
nervous language of scripture "the
keepers of the house had begun to
tremble; the strong man was
bowling low" In short the shadows of
Death were crossing his path, and he
realized it. Persistent to the last he
kept upon his feet and pushed along as
best he could. Loving every memory
connected with the late Confederacy,
he could not withstand the temptation
OF going TO Richmond and mingling
with his old war time comrades at the
reunion in that city last week. The fa-
tigue of the trip, the change of water
and the heat Frustrated him, and
upon returning home he took to his
bed. He grew worse rapidly, became
semi-conscious of his surroundings,
and made it painfully apparent to his
sorrowiDg family that they would all
soon be orphans, their mother having
died few years ago. He fingered un.
til this morning, when the wheels of
life stood still. The Major was pos
sessed of a literary taste; he had read
and was generally we'll
He was great admirer of
Napoleon Bonaparte, was an enthusi
asst over Walter Scott's works and en-
ioyed Dumas's productions. He had
also been a close reader of the Bible.
His mother, now approaching the Gen.
fury mark of her history, survives
him. Major Dufley was member of
Lee Camp of Confederate Veterans,
Andrew Jackson Lodge of Masons and
oriental Lodge of Knights of Pythias.