The Washington herald., 1912-01-29
J.R. Major Was Pioneer Phar-
macisti in Point of Serv-
ice in the Capital.
AT STORE IN FORENOON
Complained of Feeling III, and At
ter Dinner Lspsed Into UncOn-
seiousness and Expired.

John Richards Major, seVenty-four, the
oldest druggist in point of service in
Washington, died suddenly at his home,
SOS I street northwest, at $50 yesterday
afternoon from an acute attack Of an
gina pectoris. Mr.. Major had been COM
planning for some time. but had attended
TO his business daily. going each morn
ing TO his drug store, 71s Seventh street
northwest.
He followed his usual custom yesterday.
going 10 his place OF business at 9:30
o'clock. He returned TO his home for
dinner at ! O'Clock. and after dinner
complained OF feeling i'll and went to his
room. The attack became acute and the
family called in Dr. Charles Franzoni.
lifetime friend of Mr. Major, and DR..
William Holland Heron. Mr.. Major
lapscd into Inconsistencies, but became
conscious ten INMATES before his death.
Mr. Major was born in Alexandria, on
August .. 1881, OF English parents. The
Virginia city was at that time part OF
the District lie was educated in the
schools Of Alexandria, and went to Balti-
more TO work at the trade of upEOlsterer.
He later returned 10 Alexandria and act
ed as clerk in the drug store OF his
brother. Bernard Major. He came to
Washington in 1876. as a clerk in Gil
mans drug store. in Pennsylvania avenue.
between Four-and-a-han and Sixth
streets.
Began own Business.
lie worked there for two years and
then went into business for himself, at
Seventh and II streets. He did business
there until 1894. when he moved TO Sew
enth and G streets, moving 10 his pres
ent place OF business about five years
ago At the time Mr.. Major went into
business. the College Of Pharmacy was
not in existence, and no examinations
were necessary 10 become a licensed
pharmacist When the local College Of
Pharmacy was established a ruling was
made that pharmacists who had been
in business a certain number OF years
were not required to take an examination
in order TO become members in good
standing.
Consequently. while Mr. Major was a
regular member Of the College OF Phar-
macy. he never secured a diploma as
a doctor Of pharmacy, and, consequently,
he did not acquire the title doctor.
He was twice elected president OF the
College OF Pharmacy. but refused 10
serve, disIiking to hold Ofice, and being
4 home man. He was a member Of
the Oldest Inhabitants Association,
which, organization will be represented at
the funeral
Mr.. Major married Miss Mary Eleanor
Thomas, of Alexandria, in 1853, and is
survived by his widow and three chill
dren, Ernest Lee Major, OF Boston: Miss
Jeannie Major. and Mrs. f. NJ. Perrie,
both OF Washington. one grandchild,
Miss Mildred Eleanor Perrie, also sur
wives him
Believed in Individual Charity.
He belonged to no fratsrnal orders.
always claiming that such membership
would have a tendency toward keeping
NO particular church. although he at
!ended the Presbyterian church for a
number Of years.
Mr.. Major was very charitable man.
hut believed in charity to the individual
rather than through Cilarita bic societies.
He was one Of the best known citizens
Of Washington. and had wide acquain-
lance among public men. He did a large
amount Of jury duty. and was foreman
OF the grand jury on several occasions
The funeral will take place from hisl
late residence at o'clock Tuesday. the
funeral sermon being delivered by Rev.
DR.. Samuel II. Greene. OF Calvary
baptist Church. friend OF years stand
ing. Iuterment will he at Oak Hill
Cemetery There will be eight honorary
pallbearerS. They will be: Honorary,
Henry II. Bliss. DR.. Charles Franzoni. A
JOY, Edward VOigt, Fred TschifeIy, Mr.
iarsher. and a representative OF the
Oldest Inhabitants Association Active
J.. burrows. Murray Hackett. DIR. George
Hurlebaus. Edwin FTanzOni, Carl But
man. and DR.. Virgin.