Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-07-16
INTEREST ~ THE BLUES.

INTEREST IN THE BLUES.
Major Richardson was one of the most
popular of the older men in the city. He
was long president Of the Blues Associa-
ton. and up TO the very last took the
Nyeuest interest in all that concerned the
welfare Of that organization and that Of
the Blues Battalion. lie was present at
an the meetings of the association, and
watched over the members of the COM
Ianies with a fatheTly care. which en-
delred the young men TO him by bonds
Of the strongest friendship. At all their
entertainments he was the central figure,
and his counsel was always sought by the
battalion when advice was needed. Ma
1or Richardson always paraded with the
Blues until th. last year or two, when
feeble health prevented him from turning
out The weather was never too hot or
me march too long for the veteran presi-
dant. whose familiar figure was ever to
BE- seen az the head Of the column.
deceased was a native Of this city and
lived here during his entire life Of more
than three-quarters Of a century. He was
born IN 1914 In the house at the corner OF
second and Marshall streets, and was
educated in the schools Of this city.
When but Ii years Of age he left school
and engaged with one Of the local banks
IN a clerical capacity. With this institu-
ton he served for some years, and then,
forming partnership with his brother,
the late Robert Z. Richardson, he en-
banked I'm the carpet business. which he
conducted for many years. only retiring
rom 1t few years ago after the death
OF his brother Since that time he had
not been engaged in any active business.
Deceased never married. but lived with
bis two sisters, Misses Harriet and Lucy
Ann Richardson. at their comfortable
residence. on Capitol street. These ladies
survive him, together with his nephews
and nieces, Messrs. Thomas Booker. of
this city, and Lewis Booker, of Califor-
nia. and Mrs. r. b. Roller and Miss Ellen
Booker, Of Charleston, w. Va.
DEVOTED TO THE MILITARY.
From his very earliest days Major Rich
tT1son was possessed of a military spirit
ana before even his school days were over
ne began his caeer as a soldier. When
u became known that the Marquis de |
lafayette would visit this country, the |
deceased, then a boy in knickerbockers. |
With about 100 youths Joined military |
company organized expressly TO remind |
lAe Marquis Of "Alorgan's Legion of Ri |
hemeu.' The uniform Of the company
"ss a green hunting shirt and yellow
blcNskin CATERS coming over the knees.
LNey were admirably drilled by Major
\ urner who kept the BELL Tavern" on
me corner Of Main and Fifteenth streets
'Mle known as the st Charles" and
-'ary every Saturday for months
was spent at Fairfield race
curse near the city, that
Ae instruction might embrace battalion
Is wen as company movements, in which
Aey became as proficient as any troops
me State In October, 1894, the COM
any took its position with the other
io3ps on the Capitol Square, and march
= 20 The boat landing at Rockets, where
-ey Joined in the escort of Lafayette
The Eagle Hotel on Main street. The
ieuchman expressed himself as much
eosei with the soldierly appearance.
ma bearing Of the boys.
Tie iondness for and appreciation OF
Dr value Of the military were never lost
y The deceased, and the Richmond Light
niantry Blues, being then the crack
1npduy Of the city and State was an
oJect OF great pride and affection with |
'h, and when IN 1855 under peculiarly
-iering circumstances. he was elected
= honorary member OF the company, |
De seal was placed upon his desire 10
1--WE the organization, sustain It's high
oral and military character. and fur
Der Us lofty and noble aims by all means
. his power. which zeal ended with his
'e
HIS WAR RECORD.
IN 1851 be joined. as q private. the First
siinent OF secOnd-class Virginia militia, !
h'ch was soon put by Governor Smith
10 the Confederate service. He was
ACE first lieutenant OF company. then
Jolant Of the regiment, and was after
alds elected major OF IL. THIS regiment
10 that commanded by the late Colonel '
vans. all under the command OF Major ;
i,hafds0n. had charge OF the railroad 1
an oy which the President of the Con- .
leracy and some OF his Cabinet left the !
~ On 1866. a
'lalor Richardson had been q member ,
'he Blues Association since its forma-
'h' IN lS6. and for a number OF years
20 been It's bonOred and beloved presi-
u' There was hardly citizen OF Rich A
'no who more fully enjoyed the esteem | y
.he entire community than did Major Il
ehafdson. and his death will leave
y hard 20 be flied.
TELEGRAM FROM THE BLUES.
MAJOR Richardson was devoted TO the ;
ies. and on his death-bed he spoke U
'iYs Of concern as 10 the boys now In y
Nhf0uKllle Tha kfuaa .laa foVQn and | I