The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1906-01-29
VETERAN BUSINESS
MAN PASSES AWAY
Death of James w. Radcliffe
Pioneer Aucti0neer.
POPULAR IN WASHINGTON
Oficiated at DOsposal of Many Ceie-
brated Collections and Famous
Estates.
POPULAR IN WASHINGTON

James ". Ratcliffe, one of the plo-
neer auctioneers OF Washington dled
at 1O:2s o'clock last night from paraly~
ais AT his home, 1907 New Hampshire
avenue northwest.
He was born IN Baltimore May 20
1852 and came to this city when eight
cen years Of age. He served his APP
preuticeship as an. autioneer with
Thomas Downing, who at that time
conducted a large establishment in
Georgetown. His remarkable ability as
a crfer soon became known throughout
the city, and he was offered a position
with Duncanson & Bros. who at
that time owned the largest auction
rooms in Washington at the corner
OF Ninth and d streets northwest.
Went Into Business.
For twenty years Mr. Radcliffe was
in the employ OF this hrm. In 1859 he
formed a partnership with Charles w
Darr, who was also employed with
Duncanson < Bros. at that time.
under the firm name OF Radcliffe, Darr
d Co The business prospered.
but in 1895 Mr.. Darr withdrew from the
firm to take up the practice OF law.
After that the business was conducted
by Mr.. Radcliffe alone, and up TO a
few months before his death he con-
p Quoted the more important sales him
self.
During his career as an auctioneer
he has presided at many of the largest
ana most important sales Of personal
and real property in the District. He
sold the famous Whitney collection OF
fine art treasures. furniture. and oil
paintings in the Masonic Temple in 1886.
h .,Fv4sH Of Nav
lands second term he sold Mr.. Cleve-
lands horses and carriages and much
Of personal property, which he wished
TO dispose OF before leaving Washington,
Sold Travis Estate.
Among the large and important sales
of real estate which he conducted, tbs
enc of most value was probably the
Travis estate. which included much Of
the most valuable property along tn,
business section OF Pennsylvania ave
nue. The northeast corner OF Thirteenth
street and Pennsylvania avenue. as vel
as many other sites, which are now
occupied by large commercial houses
We're included IN this estate.
For several weeks prior 10 his deatf
ne served as auctiOneer to the United
States Marshal, and conducted many
large sales for both the Federal and
District governments. He sold for tbs
United States the buildings which stood
en- the present site OF the COMPRESSION
cupied the block on Pennsylvania ave-
nue.. which is now covered by the Post
Office Department The buildings which
occupied the site OF the new Union
station and plaza also went down under
his hammer.
James W. Ratclihe was considered ar
expert in the appraisement of real and
personal property, and his advice anC
opinion was eagerly sought by fnan
ciers. real estate men. lawyers. ant
-Four children survive him, two sons
Charles d and James w, jr-. and twt
daughters. Mamie L and Helen l. Hi
wife died about ten years ago.
Funeral Arrangements.
The funeral will take place from tn
residence at .. 80 o lock tomorrow af
ternoon. The Rev. George Bailey. o
the Western Presbyterian Church. o
which the deceased had been q truste
for number Of years, VIII conduct tn
services. Interment will be In Rocl
Creek Cemetery.
The palibeaTers viii De Charles w
Darr and William King, who were asso
Ciated with Mr.. Radcliffe in business 70
more than twenty years, and 7. f. Gu
SICK, John T, Crowley, James B. Lam
bic, and Adam A Wegchier, who ha
been manager Of the business for IF
teen years.
In 1871, Mr.. Radcliffe conducted tn,
FIRST dead-letter sale that had been hel,
for number OF years There was suCl
an accumulation OF matter that NOR
than three weeks Of almost constan
crying was necessary 10 dispose of tn
letters.