The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-12-01
JAMES |. GORDON
PASSES IA away ||Y
Brilliant Virginian Dies Of Pncu-
inonia i'll New
York.
ENJOYED MANY HoNoRs
Widely known as Orator and
Poct-His Career Was
Mcteoric.

* CIiARLOII ESN llIiIE, VAt, NOV. oV.-.
Judge George w. Morris received a tele-
gram late last night from New York, ail-
nouncing the serious illness Of James
Lindsay Gordon. Early this morning a
message came from George Gordon Bat
lie, telling Of the death Of Mr.. Gordon,
which occurred about midnight, after a
three days illness OF pneumonia.
The remains left New York at 8 o'clock
this afternoon and will reach Cnarlottes-
Vile early tomorrow morning. The fu-
neral Will occur from Christ Episcopal
Church at $3.50 o'clock Tomorrow af-
ternoon the services to be conducted by
the rector, Rev. Harry b. Lee. The In
torment will be In River View Cemetery.
News OF tho death OF this brilliant
young yrginian, prominent as a speaker.
and writer of eloquencc and power.
caused sincere regret In this city, where
he passed the years OF his early Qenhood.
On his removal to New York, he carried
with him not only the kindly good wishes
OF charlottesville people. but their con-
fdent predictions OF successes and distinc-
ton In his wider field OF labor and compe-
titon.
OF Distinguished Birth.
He was born at "Longwood." Louisa
county, orty-nvc years ago f1is grand
father, General William F.. Gordon. OF
Albemarle. was an Intimate friend Of
Thomas Jefferson and a member OF the
Virginia Legislature and In tina capacity
was potent in aiding In the establishment
of the University Of Virginia.
At a very early age, MI. Gordon ex-
ihbited gifts OF aal,lgh order, both In ora
tory and In literature. While little more.
than boy he won. local fame a a. poet
witt, his g Bonnie Lorraine, THE Valley
OF Dreams and other graceful metrical
compositions. Il { /
Some months ago. ne collected and gave
to a New York publisher his fugitive
work In this direction and the volume
will likely be printed. He was In demand
throughout the South as a speaker. and
has delivered addresses before the alumni
societies OF the University OF Virginia
and William and Mary College and the
University OF Vermont.
Had Many Honors.
lie was a member Of the Southern So
sciety American Bar Association Phi Beta
Kappa zsociety/and the Democratic Club
In 89a he married Emily Edele schlich-s
ter. OF philadelphia. One child was born,
of this union. s9aa
Mr.. Gordon received his preparatory.
education In the city schools OF Char,
lottesvlle and graduated with hlgh
honors in her high school. Ile attended
William and Mary College from 1874 to
1876, and the University Of Virginia from
( 1875 to 1850. I.aterGhe read law with the
late Judge William j. = Robertson, and his
uncle, Mason Gordon, and was admitted
to the bar In 1874.
Shortly ereafter #thc young lawyer
and orator was elected to the Virginia
State Senate from Albemarle county, and
served with distinction in that body for
three years, declining a reelection IN
order to so to New York to ctice law. Ia,
It was In this broader field that he
made his greatest reputation, although
before leaving his native State he had
become known both as an ora tor and a
When young Gordon went to New
York, he got in close touch with his
friend and cousin. George Cord on Battle,
a virglnlan, who had recently settled
In the metropolis, and who, on account
OF his splendid powers as a political
organizer. had been put In charge OF The
Speakers Bureau or the Democratic State
u Committee.
Mr.. Battle knew OF the charming powers covers
OF his N young Virginia cousin on
the Hastings, and there was q
need for such men at that time, and
SO he got Mr.. Gordon some choice as
signments.
Hill Took Him Up.
This was when Senator Fill was
making his last unsuccessful ra &C for
Governor. of the Empire State. Mr.. Hill
appeared one hight In Madison Square
Garden, and the man who followed him
was the handsome young Virginia orator
whom te had never before met. 81
When Gordon had completed his beauti-
full GRAFTON the l1lmlra statesman rush
\ ed over. and taking him by both hands.
said Young man, that was a powerful
speech; you shall accompanyln me through
the State on my campaign tour
Gordon 81 go With Hill, and while the
latter did not win, the young man was
mudo assistant district attorney OF the
city OF New York the next year Mt a
salary OF $500 per year for his services
in that famous ca mpaign,
When the Democrats lost New York
city Mr., Gordon resumed his private
( practice, but when they again came Into
powcr he was made assistant corporation
I counsel, which position he held at the
time OF his death. G
Spoke Here Often.
Mr.. Gordon was very well known In
Richmond not only OH account or his