The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-04-18

Albert James Halford. for twenty-five
years a resident OF washington and we'll
known in the newspaper world. died at 10
clock yesterday morning at his home.
1922 Twenty-second street northwest, after
a long illness
He was born al Hamilton, Ohio, August
II. 1851, but passed his early life at In
dianapolis, Ind. where. at fifteen years
of age, he began active newspaper work
by reporting a session Of the legislature.
Colncidently. he learned the printer S
trade.
He was member Of the original STAFF
OF the Indianapolis News, founded by
John II. Holiday. In 1863. and was asso-
ciated with Berry Sulgrove. Daniel Paine.
George c. Harding, and other writer's
famous in Hoosier journalism Of those
and later days. He rose from reporter
10 managing editor Of the News. and
demonstrated exceptional capacity in all
lines Of newspaper work. His brother,
Elijah ". Halford. who served as private
secretary to President Harrison. and is
now a retired paymaster Of tho army.
was also engaged in journalism in Indian
apolis, being the editor OF the Journal
for many years.
Came TO Washington In 1SSS.
In 1855 the late William Henry Smith.
then at the head of the Associated Press.
secured a three-months' option from
Stlson Hutchins 70 buy the Washington
Post and put his son. Delavan Smith. IN
charge OF the paper. 1t was then that
a. J. Halford came 20 Washington TO take
the managing editorship Of the Post. At
the end OF three months. however. Mr.
Smith decided not 20 consummate the
option, and the paper passed back into
the hands OF MI Hutchins, from whom
II was purchased soon thereafter by
Frank Hatton and Beriah Wilkins.
Upon retiring from the Post, Mr.. Hal
ford became connected with the Wash
ington bureau OF the Associated Press
and later served with the United Press
and the New York sun He handled
many important decisions OF the United
States Supreme Court and was engaged
at different times in reporting the pro
ceedings Of the House and Senate. He
was also the compiler for several years
Of the Congressional Directory. He re-
ceived a degree from the school OF dipIo-
macy OF Columbian University (now
George Washington in 1900
For three years his health had been so
impaired as TO compel him 10 give Up
work altogether. A trip abroad and
treatment by specialists failed to give
him permanent relief So highly were
his services valued that the New York
Sun held a position open TO him in It's
Washington bureau throughout his illness
Wife and Three Children Survive.
Mr.. Halford was married at Indian
apolis. January "a, 1877, his wife being
Marie Dean, daughter OF Rev. O. s.
Dean, Presbyterian clergyman. now
Of Passaic, y. J. Three children were
born OF the uniOn-Lieut. Dean Halford,
OF the Twenty-second Infantry. now sta
toned in Alaska Capt. Frank Halford
Of the Marine Corps. stationed in New
York, and Miss Ruth Halford. who is
prominent in the younger set OF Wash
ington society
AT the meeting yesterday OF the Bible
lass VI tie NAQICQ or the Covenant.
Chief Justice Peelle. Of the Court OF
Claims, announced the death OF Mr.. Hal
FORD and paid a feeling tribute to his
high Christian character. Gen. John W.
Foster and others also spoke OF the loss
the church had sustained in the passing
or so active and useful a member, and
the pastor. Rev. Or. Wood. referred 10
II In his morning prayer. In the same
connection reference was made 10 the
third anniversary Of the death OF the
former pastor OF the church, Rev. Teunis
S Hamlin.
When he first came to Washington Mr.
Haltord Identified himself with the New
York Avenue Presbyterian, OF which he
became an elder, but subsequently
changed his membership 10 the Covenant.
nearer his home. In church circles as
IN newspaperdom. he was much beloved
and esteemed.
Simple funeral services will be held m
the home tomorrow afternoon, attended
only by the family and immediate friends
and VIII be followed by private interment
In Rock Creek Cemetery.