Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-04-03

and by his uniform courtesy and resdi-
ness at ali times TO serve those who
called upon him. he had won a host Of
friends to whom the news Of his death
will go this morning as a sad blow.
SKETCH OF HIS LIFE.
Captain Thomas was a native Of Han
over county where he was born April s.
1871. He came to Richmond in 1855, and
was employed by the late 3. ". Green
until April, 1861. al which time he en-
tered TIE Confederate army and served
until the surrender in Company /, Tenth
Virginia Cavalry, Henrico Light Dra-
goons, Of which company he was a mem
Der prior to the war. He was a gallant
soldier. and participated in many of the
general cavalry Sights during the war,
being slightly wounded the 9th Of June,
1868. at Brandy Station. He surrendered
and was paroled April %, 1865, at Farm
Vile.
After the war the deceased was en-
ployed as a private Waterman for Har-
vey & Williams and other merchants in
the vicinity Of Thirteenth and Cary
streets. lie was elected member of the
police force october s. 1871. and, being
assigned 10 duty in the Third District,
served under Captains Charles II. Epps
and Z. p. Hulce. He remained private
until July, 1855, when, his ability being
recognized, he was promoted TO a ser
geancy.
PROMOTED TO CAPTAINCY.
For ten years he remained a sergeant,
and when Major b. f. Howard, the then
captain Of the First District, was chosen
10 succeed the late Major John Poe as
Chief of Police, Sergeant Thomas, though
not the senior sergeant in the service,
was chosen TO succeed him as captain OF
the First District His long experience
in the police service and his executive
ability and courteous address eminently
fitted him for the Office, and he soon
made hosts of friends in the section OF
the city in which he had been assigned TO
duty.
He possessed not only the respect, but
the admiration. Of the men VINO served
under him, and his district has at an
times during his incumbency been run IN
most credtable manner. He worked
tndefatigably 10 appTehend the negro who
% dangerously wounded Policeman MlnOl,
and led the squad that captured him.
courageous officer; a man of pronounced
ability; a gentleman Of the most courte-
pus bearing, and a man of fine physique
his place on the police force will be a
hard one TO fill
HIS FAMILY.
Shortly after the close of the war Cap
tain Thomas married Miss Sheppard, a
daughter Of Mr.. John w. Sheppard, who
resided near Yellow Tavern, in Henrico.
She survives him with four sons-Messrs.
Emmett w. city salesman for c. w. An
trim; Wilbur, who Is employed at the
Locomotive Works; l.. l., secretary and
treasurer of the United Mining Company,
and Z. NJ, a clerk at the Chesapeake and
Ohio offices. He leaves also sister,
Miss Harriet Thomas. who resides in
Chesterfield county.
In his home life Captain Thomas was
the same genial kind-hearted gentleman
that ne was abroad. He was a devoted
husband and an indulgent father, and a
most hospitable host.
He was a member Of Park-Place Metho-
dist Episcopal church, and a devout
Christian gentleman. He had for some
time been one of the stewards of his
church. and ne was exceedingly active in
all things pertaining 10 the welfare Of
the church. He was for many years a
Mason having been raised TO the Mas
ter's degree in St. Johns Lodge, No. So,
OF this city, in 1861. lie went through
the Royal Arch degree and was made
knight Templar. taking membership in
Richmond Commandery, No. 2. He also
held membership in the Royal Arcanum.
FUNERAL TOMORROW.
The funeral will take place tomorrow
afternoon at o'clock from Park-Place
Methodist Episcopal church, and the ser
vices will be conducted by Rev. j. ii.
Potts. the pastor. The pall-bearers will
be:
Honorary-Drs. i. ]. Moseley and c.
w p Brock, and Messrs. John II. Jacob,
j. Il. Welsh, II. A. Roper. r.. Nj. Taylor,
Fleming Wingheld, b. +. Howard, A.
l.. Phillips, l.. c. Figg. Y. Hechler, Jr.,
and John ]. Crutchfield.
Active-Messrs. IL. Seldom TAYLOR, c.
w. Muhley, ]. A. otey, w. B. Whitlock,
George w. Epps. T. G. Wilkinson, 6. T.
Hunt. and Mel. Folkes
Chief-of- Police Howard will detail
thirty members of the force-twenty
from the First District and FIVE each from
the other two-to attend the funeral. and
the members OF 81. Johns Lodge OF
Masons will also attend under escort Of
No. 2 Commandery