Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-11-08

ScnOOl, ana no matter now nufnDle might
be the passenger in his charge or how
provoking the questions asked, Captain
F1tz was always polite This veteran Of
the railway service had had some expe-
riences in his day that we're thrilling I'm
the extreme.
HIS RAILROAD CAREER.
Captain Fitz commenced railroading
very early in life, and at first was on as
sistant in the depot work, and afterwards
agent at Millboro' Depot, where he re-
mained three years. Getting tired of the
confinement, he asked TO he pat in the
main service, as IL was more of an active
life. and one which he fancied he would
like. Accordingly, the superintendent
granted his request, and in November,
1861, he was placed with q veteran freight
conductor TO learn to han lie trains. BY
strict application he soon became quali-
fled, and was made a freight train con-
ductor, which position he filed with sat
isfaction for four years. During this time
war having been declared between the
North and South, he had some very mar
row escapes from being captured by raid
ing parties of the northern army.
He was frequently sent on reconnoiter-
ing tours by the officers of The road. and
on several occasions came near being cap
tured, but always escaped, and invaria-
bly, he brought with him valuable infor-
nation.
Captain Fitz had the honor and plea
sure Of hauling many of the noted gene
rails of the Confederacy. Among them
were Generals Beauregard, Jackson
Longstreet, Johnston, Gordon. Early
Stuart. Pickett, Fitz Lee, Hampton, and
Rosser. When General Rosser was mar
ried. near Hanover Courthouse. TO Miss
no oI a.,
to that point and back TO Richmond to
convey the wedding party on that ocea-
sion.
MADE A PASSENGER CONDUCTOR
In 1866, the war having closed, Captain
Fitz was appointed u passenger-train
conductor. and he held that position up
to the time of his death-a period of
thirty-three years. In 1873, when the
Chesapeake and Ohio railway was COM
pleted to Huntington, w. Va, Captain
Fitz was honored by the superintendent
of the road, who selected him to take
charge of the train carrying the officials
ana invited guests from Richmond TO the
western terminus. II was the first train
over me entire line, and was delightful
and successful trip. Returning, many Of
the products of the great Knawha Valley
were brought to Richmond, and the Cap
tain. with the idea of uniting two great
rivers 420 miles apart, brought demijohn
OF Ohio river water back with him and
poured it into the noble James, with suit
able ceremonies. On this occasion, which
was an suspicious one, hundreds of per-
sons gathered on the bank and witnessed
the ceremony, the browning feature OF
which were orations by notable men OF
the time.
Captain Fitz conducted the special train
conveying the Marquis OF Lorne and the
Princess Louise from Clifton Forge TO
Richmond when they came through Vir-
ginia many years ago. He dined with the
Marquis on the train, and played on his
elegant banjo. When Richmond was
reached Captain Fitz had the honor OF
conducting the Princess from the train
to a cab. in which she was driven to the
Exchange and Ballard Hotels.
WAS FOND OF MUSIC.
Captain Fitz was passionately fond OF
music. He was an excellent performer on
both the violin and banjo. Some time
after the war his fellow-emplOyees pre-
scented him with a violin made In the Alps
in the sixteenth century as token OF
their esteem and friendship. on IL he
played tunes from Hanover Courthouse to
the White Sulphur Springs, for the bene-
tit of churches. having been assisted by
nlusically-inclined and gifted friends from
Richmond. Charlottesville. and Stanton.
At these concerts handsome sums were
realized for tho benefit of churches.
Captain Fitz was a native OF AlbemaIle
county. having been born near Keswick
Depot. His father had the honor OF
being i'm the escort when General Lafay-
cite visited Mr.. Jefferson, at Monticello
His greatuncle was appointed surveyor
general Of Mississippi by Mr.. Jefferson.
The Captain was twice married He
leaves but two chldren-a son, Lindsay
and a daughter, Juliette-who resulted
from his first marital union. His first
wife was a descendant OF Lord Lindsay
OF England. His second wife. who was
Miss Mary Alice Coglan, daughter OF
Captain Il. G.. Coglan, al one time sec
retary OF the Chamber OF Commerce, sur
wives him. She Is an accomplished wo-
man. being both an artist and must
can. Her father was from Ireland, and
was educated at Trinity College, Dublin.
He could speak seven languages Her
mother was a Virginia lady. highly edu-
Gated and accomplished.
Captain Fitz united himself with 81.
Johns Episcopal church some years ago,
and he was prominent in church work
thereafter. until stricken down by his
last illness.
THE FUNERAL TOMORROW.
p. The funeral will take place from 81.
Johns church tomorrow afternoon at