Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-08-03
MR.. WATKINS AT REST
THE wELL-KSowx cHEsrERFIELD
THE CITY COErlYYEE ORGANIZES.
The Excursion n Great Success
Heptasophs Have a Social Time.

Simple burial services were held yes
terday afternoon at o'clock at Bethe
church, In Chesterfield county, over the
remains OF Mr.. Benjamin Cornelius Wat
kins.
1t had been the request of the deceased
that no eulogistic funeral sermon should
be preached, and under the great oak
trees in the churchyard the lid Of the
casket was removed. that loving friends
might take last look at the face of the
dead. Rev. Robert II. Winfree read a
selection Of Scripture, and offered a fer
vent and beautiful prayer, invoking
Heavens richest blessings upon the be-
reayed family. The interment was made
in the family section in the churchyard
burying aground.
SKETCH OF HIS LIFE.
Mr.. Watkins was born at the family
homestead, Elmwood, In Powhatan coun-
ty. seventy-three years ago. and all
| of his life was spent there. He was a
son of Mr.. David Watkins, and no man
in his community was more widely
known or generally beloved. A man of
| the keenest sense OF honor OF the high
est integrity, and simple, childlike faith
| In the God he loved and served, his life
was living picture of Christian graces,
and he died as he had lived, trusting In
| his Saviour, and held In the highest es-
TEEN by every one who knew him.
| Though he had passed the allotted three
| score years and ten of man, he was re-
markedly strong and robust TO the last.
A few days ago he was taken sick, but
Of Ter -
ed, and with his family sat upon the
porch Later he was taken worse and at
IL o'clock passed peacefully away, sur
rounded by his loved ones, to whom he
gave the assurance that his life work
was over and he was ready to go.
WAS SOUTHERN WARRIOR.
In 1861, when the South called her sons
to war, Mr.. Watkins was one of the first
to volunteer, and served with gallantry
and distinction through the terrible four
years He was a member of Pickett's Dr.
vision, was captured and imprisoned at
Port Lookout, and when hostilities were
over returned to his home, which was
greatly impoverished He went to work
with vim and determination, and with in
dustry and courage made beautiful and
comfortable home.
Early in life Mr. Watkins Joined the
Baptist church. and had always been an
active Christian worker He was particu-
larry fond of Sunday-school work, and
taught the Bible class at Bethel Sunday
school up to a week of his death.
Mr. Watkins married Miss Fannie Fus-
sell, of Henrico, who survives him, to-
gether with two sons-Mr. j. b. Watkins.
OF Hallsboro, Chesterfield county, and
Mr.. c.. Tyree Watkins, who has charge
n CfnfQr oh
He also leaves a brother. Mr.. David G..
Watkins. and large number of relatives,
among them two nephews-Mr. Ben. IT.
Watkins and Mr.. Haddon s.. Watkins, of
Richmond.
The pall-bearers were Messrs. w. w.
Baker, r. A. Justis, ]. o. Martin, II. c.
Beattie William G. owens, f. J.. Shot
well, r. Miles, and William Winfree. The
funeral was largely attended, many peo-
pie from Richmond being present
CITY COMMITTEE ORGANIZES.
The Manchester City Democratic Com |
mittee, elected a few days ago, held its |
first meeting last night, and organized. |
The meeting was held in the Polioe-Court |
room. There were present Messrs. ID. L. |
Toney, r. e. owen. G.. w. Gooding, ]. L. |
Redford, A. ]. Gallagher, w. T. Pugh, |
and Charles IL Burkert.
Mr.. Gooding was elected temporary /
chairman. and Mr.. Burkert secretary. |
Mr.. Owen placed Mr.. Toneys name be-
fore the committee as permanent chair
man, and consequently city superintend-
ent, and Mr.. Burkert seconded the nomi-
nation. Mr. Toney was elected unani-
mously and assumed the chair Mr.. |
Burkert was elected permanent secretary,
and Mr. Pugh treasurer.
DR.. e. I. Rucker, who was elected to
the committee from the Third Ward,
through Mr.. Burkert, rendered his resig-
nation, which was accepted. The commit
tee did not elect a successor, deciding to
wait at least until the next meeting. The
body here adjourned to meet next Mon
day evening at o'clock at the same
place.
The delegates to the convention will
met this evening at o'clock at Mr. |
RightselPs shoe-store to organize
A meeting of the Cemetery Committee
was held in the Council Chamber last
evening, and the routine business was
Mr.. r. l.. Patram, the chair
man, presided. The committee adjourned
after motion to visit the cemetery at the
next meeting.
THE EXCURSION YESTERDAY.
From every view of Il, the excursion
given yesterday by the Episcopal and
Presbyterian Sunday schools was sue
cess. There were six coaches to the train
and $50 passengers Manchester was
reached at 8 o'clock sharp, and member
Of the big party said they all had just
delightful time
Hestia Conclave of Heptasophs held
delightful social gathering last night at
heir hall in the Odd-Felows building
The delicacies of the season were served
BURGLARS AT WORK
A thief entered the residence OF Mr.
William Grieve, No. 10 west Twentieth
street. even into the gentlemans sleep
ng-room. early yesterday morning, and
stole some mems clothing and small
um OF money.
Mr.. Grieve was not even awakened. He
anne to the police-station, however, yes
erday morning and reported the theft
o the Chief of Police. There is no clue
o the perpetrator. but little doubt there
5 In the minds of the police that he is a
member of the gang which has been work
ng the city for the past week.
CITY STATISTICS.
The Clerk of the Hastings Court reports
or the month Of July II deeds recorded
nd marriage licenses issued-1 to
Thite couple and to colored persons.
Captain Lipscomb reports 46 arrests
uring July, distributed as follows: Fell
nv 1, ynfsdameanors 70. ordinance Vio- |