The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-09-19
LANES G. SOUTHArIII II

D
cd the profession OF journalism in Vir-
ginia We have had brilliant writer's.
able politicians, indeed statesmen I'm the
editorial chairs VI the Old Dominion. but
no one OF them ever possessed the wide
range Of real learning which enabled Or.
southaH 10 shine in the armament OF
editorial stars when he devoted himself
TO the highest order Of newspaper work
A too brief notice Of this remarkable
man will interest all who Cosw him al d
many to whom he has for years been only
q figure In the history Of the sta.e.
lie was born in Charlottesville, Va,
April 1898 and died in Norfolk at his home
on tho 18th of this month, September
1887.
Entering the University Of Virginia in
the session Of 1894 at the age Of hfteen.
lie became a master Of arts in 1916, at the
early age Of eighteen.
Tho next year he spent in travelling
in Europe. and whilst abroad w~o'e over
the signature Solitaire" an account Of
his European travels to the R.ch nond
Wing in letters which were read With
interest and admiration.
On his return from Europe in ls47 ! c
read law for two years, undc~ he Gree
ton, Of his father, Valentine w. South
all, of Albemarle. Va. and was lmi led
to the bar in 1Sl9. His father was then
Commonwealth Attorney for the ctunty.
but being absent for many months on
attendance to the Virginia Constitutional
Convention Of lS5O-'5l, Of which he was a
member. his duties as Commonwealth
Attorney. were performed by his son
with great credit to himself.
After being at the bar for three or four
years. and though rising in prominence
he retired from # because 1t was not
altogether congenial TO his taste.
For the next FIVE or six years he devot-
ed himself very closely to the study Of
metaphysics and theology, end was wide
Iy read in them as well as in general
| literature.
During this period he was the orator
OF the Alumni Of the Ua.yo-sity # Vir-
ginia at one Of the final celebrations.
In 1858 he visited Europe again, and in
1859 or 1860 he and Major Green Peyfon.
late Proctor Of the University OF Virgin
ia, established the Charlottesville Re
view. This paper was the jealous advo-
cate OF the maintenance Of the Union,
and so continued until the proclamation
Of Lincoln and the secession Of Virginia
I'm April 1861. IT then Of course, espoused
warmly the cause Of the Southern Con-
federacy. 1t was edited with ability and
success.
in 1862 or 1863 Mr.. Southall became the
editor-in-chief of the Charlottesville
Chronicle In the conduct Of this paper.
which was brilliantly edited, he had the
aid Of a corps of valuable contributors,
chief Of whom was the late highly gifted
r. Johnson Barbour
Mr.. southans physical condition for
babe his entering the field IN the Con-
federate service.
in 1867, while stln conducting the Chron-
, icle, ne was elected as a conservative
member OF the Virginia Constitutional
Convention OF 1867 IS TO represent the
counties Of Albemarle, Louisa and Angus
"a. He was one Of its most influential
and distinguished members, and during
its session made a speech which gave
him a State reputation.
In 1868, not long after the adjournment
OF the Convention. he disposed Of the
Chronicle TO his successor. Colonel Ben
nett Taylor, and tccame the editor in
chief Of the Richmond Enquirer, which
paper ne conducted with signal ahi ity
and success during the Walker Cam
paign Of 1869. and thereby largely con-
trlbuted TO The restoration Of our civil
government.
lie remained upon the Enquirer or seve-
raj years, and when he retired from it
and devoted his time exclusively to the
preparation Of his great work known as
"The Recent Origin of Man." which was
an elaborate and powerful defence Of the
orthodox history OF mans creation. It
received the warm commentator Of many
OF the leading reviews and magazines Of
England and America. lie was thereupon
invited 10 become member Of the Vic
toria Institute Of England, and as such
contributed several papers to that philo-
sophical society.
In 1876 he was selected by the Board Of
Visitors Of the University Of Virginia 10
deliver the address at the opening Of
the Brooks Museum at that institute
This address was up 10 the mark Of his
scientific reputation.
Soon after the publication Of his Re
cent Origin Of Man there appeared his
Epoch Of the Mammoth" in illustration
and support Of 1.-THE Recent Origin Of
Man"
soon after this he became with Rev
WIN. n richardson editor OF the Central
Presbyterian CRichmond organ Of the
Presbyterian Church OF Virginia. which
he edited with his usua skin and ability
| until 1850, when, on account OF ill health,
| ne was forced 20 retire from all work.
From that time until his death. period
Of some eight years. he was a confirmed
invalid and incapaeitated for all further
| exertions.