Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-12-25

nun SLQAAAA4a W. A0lanAHNh.
failed to comment favorably on tho rich
lands that stretch cut before them. DOB
this section, on which nature has basto9-
ed her richest gifts, Hon. George W.
Kolner, the Commissioner Of Agriculture
that is to be, has spent almost his entire
life following the pursuit OF a tiusr OF taa
soil. He springs from a family that for
a century have engaged In agriculture
with marked success.
SKETCH OF MR.. KOINER.
Mr.. Koiner was born IN Augusta county
forty-hve years ago, and with the eN-ap-
ton of the years devoted 20 the com,
pletion OF his education, Do has lived
there. and, Ike his fo%reflthors followed
the plcwsharo. lie Is a graduate OF R9a-
noke College, where he received tho d--
gree Of A. NJ, and IS now a member *
the Board ot Directors OF that Institution.
Mr.. Kolner has taken on active Interest
in politics since he cast DIS urst vote
and has Been an ardent worker Tor t.3
success Of tho Democratic party. Hs
has never held a public Office. but for tH3
sessions served his county 10 th8 House
Of Delegates. While a member rs that
body he was always vigorous ga tn5 eup-
port OF any measure that IVES Intended
TO omo tbs interests u tho farmer.
Several years ago Mr.. K0inor acted tof
some time as secretary 10 Senator Fau.k'
ner, chairman Of the National Democfa.'
Campaign Committee, IN Nashington
Mr.. Koiner has naturally Kept himself
IN close touch with tho farmers OK Viz
ginia, for what were their interests were
also his own. Besides devoting DIS t-
tantion TO filling the soil 10 has lrDl
quite successful as a stock raiser. Ls
farm IN Augusta county IS said 90 le one
Of tho richest IN that secuon Of the 5.a.a
Mr.. KoineF at present Is representing in
North Carolina a party Of Virginia ml..l',
but he has never given uD his cltDeasl.p
In this State. nor has be ever lnlenl'4
10 DO so. His appointment as Comm'--
sioner OF Agriculture has bean ren"'sr4
with satisfaction by the FARMERS. lh9
Governor has received amy number or l-t'
tiers from the -agriculturlsts an over no
State. endorsing his action in naming SITE
Koiner for the Office.
Mr.. Koiner expects 20 arrive here from
Greensboro next Wednesday. Ah3 new
Commissioned has 4 most lntores.lf
family, consisting OF four daughters ana
Il son, and they will mako Richmond i-e.
home. MIR. Koiner expects bis i4n-i ~
1oin him here about the last OK Ae
month.
The new Commissioner OF Agriculture
and his family are Of tho Pros0} t"
faith.
HISTORY OF THE OFFICE
There seems 70 DO a misarprehlr..'
as TO who was the first Comm stone. ms
Agriculture. Dr. Pollard, OF Henr.c'
the first commissioner after tho cfe0
OF the Office by the LEGISLATURE. a..
1874 The Constitution provides that ..''
may be a Department OF AE1
created by the Legislature. THIS
done about tho same time, OF
before the period at which tho o.ies
Railroad Commissioner was estao
Or. Pollard held this Office TOT
time. and proved q most accepi"'.'
intelligent commissioner He was
ceeded by Or. Blanton. 81 Cumte
who in turn was followed boy CoIone.
rlson also OF that county, n gallant '.'
Confederate officer, and one
intelligent farmers in
gentlemen were thoroughly
cal and trained agriculturists, ana
almost their entire lives POI
the soil. Colonel Harrison. who 10
farming on his splendid estate IN
berland. was followed IN ohico oy 'o.
mel Thomas Whitehead. who. after m-
years OF service. r~etlres on sc"
Day TO DO succeeded by Nir. koine''