The Washington herald., 1909-05-14
SHAFT UNVEILED
TO JOHN SMITH
Only Monument to Leader OF
Virginia Colony.
STANDS ON JAMESTOWN ISLAND
Shaft Erected on Very Spot Where
the Nation Was Founded, Over 300
Years AgO-Late Joseph Bryan Was
Donor OF Monument-LicUt. GOV.
EIySOn Received the Memorial.
Speaal 70 Ths Washington Herald.

I Spe-Al 70 ne N2s1llEL0l heT1E
Richmond, Va. May 12-The annual ex-
cursioa Of the Association for the Preser-
walton OF Virginia Antiquities 10 James
town Island was signalized to-day BY the
unveiling on the very spot where the
nation was founded Of the only preten-
tious monument in existence 10 the men,
Ory OF Capt John Smith.
The monument. which is constructed OF
Virginia granite. was unveiled by Joseph
Bryan. third. son Of Mr.. and Mrs. J. ST.
George Bryan. Of Richmond. and grand
son OF the late Joseph Bryan, who was
tor many years president Of the associa-
ton and who was the donor Of the
memorial shaft. The monument stands
directly in front Of the remodeled James
town Church, the old brick tower OF
which is all that now remains Of the
town founded there 3I years ago By
Smith and his coloaists.
The day selected for the unverlng Is
the anniversary Of the landing OF the
colOnists who formed the nucleus of the
nation and the planting Of the English
flag on the American continent.
Unveiled by Donors Son.
The unvelling took place Immediately
upon the arrival Of the steamer Pocahon-
tss. bearing excursionists, al the James
town wharf. Rev. Corbin Braxton Bran.
D D, OF Petersburg, opened the cere-
monies with prayer. The presentation ad-
dress was delivered by Almond Blow. OF
Beilzville. Gloucester County. J. Tavlor
Ellyson, lieutenant governor OF Virginia
received the monument or behalf OF the
association Immediately after the veil
was drawn by the namesake OF the man
whose personal efforts made the monu-
ment possible.
The speakers were introduced By Mayor
D. c. Richardson. Of Richmond. Among
those present were M Manning. of Bos-
ton Mass, and M Couper. OF New
York. the latter being the sculptor who
designed the monument These men are
the guests Of the association during their
stay in Virginia
Dedication Set Two Years Ago
The monument was erected and was
10 have been unveiled on The same day
Two years ago. when very elaborate
ceremonies we're 10 have been held in
connection with the jamestown Exposi-
ton. but il was found necessary. 10 post
pone the Unveiling Indefinitely.
The plot Of ground on jamestown
Island owned by the association has
been set aside for the preservation OF
Virginia antiquities. The old church. the
first English place OF worship erected on
this continent, was rebuilt prior 70 the
jamestown Exposition in 1907 Monu-
ments commemorating the works and
deeds OF the early settlers are springing
Up everywhere
Lines Of Old Town Preserved.
The lines OF the town founded by
Smith are being preserved as far as
possible. a sea wall has been construc-
ed 10 protect the island from the en-
Croachment Of the James River. which
has already eaten away a considerable i
portion OF II. The trip down the river
IS especially delightful in the warm Nay
weather. and the island is beautiful in
its spring dress OF green
Mrs. Thomas Christian, chairman OF the /
committee. made every arrangement for |
the comfort and convenience OF the many I
strangers who took advantage Of the op-
portUnity 20 visit the island IN com
pany with those who are familiar with /
its minute history and able 10 point out 4
and explain the sites OF the various /
structures Of which the foundation stones /
alone remain