Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-01-14

Ago)
like the grip, and remained at home for a
day or two, but came to the city on Sa-
turday, remained at his Office until late
in the afternoon, and remarked that ne
felt better than he had for some little
time. Upon returning home that evening,
however. he complained Of chilly sensa-
tions and a feeling Of numbness. He grew
worse as the night wore on. and about
O'Clock Sunday morning he suffered
complete stroke of paralysis on the right
side and lost his power of speech. lie
never rallied or regained consciousness
sufficiently to recognize his Masonic or
other friends who went out TO see hiin'
though ne would grasp their hands cor
daily and would now and then use MS
left hand TO make himself more COM
Portable or to adjust the cloth kept on
his head.
Mr.. Fisher had not been in robust
health for some years, but his indomlta-
bic will and mental force gained the
mastery over his physical weakness, ana
few of his friends realized how he SUI
fered. OF buoyant spirits and sunny dls-
position. he was always cheerful, ana
seldom complained. A man of strong at
tacbments and companionable nature, he
drew around him a wide circle of friends
I'm whose affections his memory Is en-
shrined In business affairs Mr. F1sner
was prompt. painstakng. and methodical;
his conduct was shaped by the true prln-
ciples OF integrity, and his duties. OF
whatever nature were Discharged taith-
fully and well. He was Of rather retiring
disposition, though thoroughly genial
with his friends, and contributed largely
TO the pleasure Of any company of which
he was member.
SKETCH OF HIS LIFE.
Mr.. Fisher was native of Richmond,
and had spent nearly the whole OF his ac-
tive and useful life here. He was
son OF the late stephen Fisher. long en-
gagged I'm the shoe business here, and was
born fifty-six years ago. AT the time OF
his birth and for many years afterward
his parents. who had previously lived
ON church Hill. resided in what is now
the most thickly built up section of the
West End The house was large one,
and the spacious grounds took in part OF
what is in this day some of the most
valuable property on Floyd avenue.
Young Fisher was named stephen, after
his father, and McGee, after Rev. Will
liam McGee. a Methodist minister, who
spent much Of his early life at the home
of the Fishers and was held in affection
ate regard by them. Having a quick
mind. the boy applied himself and learn
ed rapidly. He attended the best local
schools. and completed his education at
Richmond College. He was Of literary
taste. and took a fancy to newspaper
life. in which he spent some years. He
mastered the printers art by application
i'm Offices i'm Danville and Raleigh. and
was afterward connected at different
times with Several Of the Richmond
papers. in various capacities. He did
very little regular work at the case.
.frf flf faH la no N If
and was perhaps the only printer i'm
Richmond at that time who could set
Greek.
A MODEL BOOK-KEEPER.
Mr.. Fisher seemed to possess a natural
qualification for secretar.al work. lie
wrote a plain, clear hand. and his books
and records were marveis Of reatness
system. and accuracy. He was an expert
,countaur and hook-keCDcr. ana afte
the war held for several years respon-
sihle position I'm the Office Of the Enquirer
He was during part of the war engaged
a ia the Sentinel, and also did military
iuty with the local-defence troops.
While with the ENQUIRER alr. FISHER ac-
.cpted a position with the Western Union
Telegraph Company as book-keeper' anu
soon became cashier. When the Ete
colonel Henry c. Parsons came 10 Nir-
construction and development, Mr.. Fisher
became his private secretary. and re-
NAMED with him for several years and
nntu the Richmond and Allegheny ana
several shorter lines had been built in
Southwest Virginia.
IN THE INSURANCE BUSINESS.
Ir Fisher had devoted the iast thir-
teen wears Of his life TO the insurance
business i'm which he was both useful
and successful He entered the office In the
Virginia Fire and Marine in 1888. and
was subsequently made assistant secre-
torv of the company. His thorough mas
tery of the details Of the business made
rim a most valuable man. and he was
held in high esteem by his associates.
About the time that ne went with the
Fire and Marine Nr. Fisher was made
president Of the Virginia Building and
Loan Company. which soon won popular
favor. and mas had very successful
career.
MIR Fisher was one of the most active
Nfasons i'm Richmond and was a devoted
,nernher OF the craft He was past
master of Temple Lodge No. 8, A. F..
and A. NJ: bast high priest of Lafayette
Chanter No i3 Royal-Arch Masons; re-
corder of Richmond Commandery. No. 2
knights Templar, Past District Deputy
Grand Master Of Masons for the Rich
mond District; chairman OF the Finance
Committee of the Grand Lodge Of Masons
of virginia, and member OF the Board
= Trustees OF the Grand Lodge.
WAS FOND OF FISHING.
Mr.. Fisher was very fond Of fishing
nd had from his early youth delighted
in the sport. He was one of the original
,,onbers of the Old Dominion Fishing
,.,ub organized IN 1871. and had not missed
orc of It's nineteen annual cruises He
slways looked forward TO this two-weeks.
LII 20 one OF the happlest features OF