The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-04-23

manned there until death came.
News Of his rather sudden end
came as a distinct surprise and shock
to his friends In Richmond, PRACTICAL
ly none OF whom knew that he was
Ill.
Mr.. Treat had long been prominent
in Virginia politics. For number
of years he served as division deputy
collector of internal revenue. Soon
after the election Of Mckinley A.
president in 1895, he was appointed
marshal for the Eastern district of
Virginia. holding that position until
1905 when President Roosevelt
named ]. f.. B. Stuart, of Newport
News, son of the Confederate cav
airy leader in his stead. However,
Mr.. Treat was out of office only few
months. For some reason or
err his successor did not measure UP
to the requirements OF the position,
according to reports at the time. and
SO he was retired with the Office Of
collector Of customs at Newport News
rendered as a substitute. Mr.. Treat
was then replaced AZ marshil, upon
petition of all the judges Of the Fed
eral, Circuit and district court as we'll
as at the urgent solicitation Of nu-
merous members Of the bar and
er prominent citizens of Eastern vir-
gnia, Irrespective OF party affiiations.
Succeeded by Snithers.
Mr.. Treat continued in Office until
the latter part OF 1909, when he gave
way to Clarence G.. Smithers, OF Cape
Charles. who lined up with the Cabell-
Allan wing Of the party In the State.
these leaders having secured the ear
of President Taft and convinced him
that 1t was time for the West Point
man to be ousted.
The former marshal played quite
conspicuous part in the recent State
convention at Roanoke, being one of
the out-and-out Roosevelt men. He
was one Of the leaders Of the move
ment to stampede the hail for thS
Oyster Bay man. and he was one OF
those who came away from Roanoke
declaring that the delegates would un-
doubtediy have endorsed him, but for
the steam roller which Alvah Martin
and some of the other leaders brought
into play to squelch the rebellion.
Though his seat in the convention
as delegate from King william was
contested by the Cabell-Allan faction,
Mr.. Treat carried his point and was
seated. 1t was during the squabble
over this matter, 1t will be recalled,
tIldt ne anu IkiN6Ndy VI LtICIl-
mond, came to blows.
Mr.. Treat at one time represented
his district In the Virginia Legisla-
ture. In the contest for membership
in the Constitutional Convention In
1902 he ran Judge Roger Gregory a
close second. In fact, the race VAS
so close that II took a contest to de-
eide it,
Successful In Business.
Apart from his political activities,
Mr.. Treat found time to build up a
substantial hardware business In his
h.me town. In recent years, how
ever. his son, Leland. was practically
in charge Of the business.
'fnfpaisive and warm hearted, Mr.
Treat made friends wherever ne went.
few men were more highly regarded.
though at times even his closest
friends thought him a trlfie too i'm
petuous.
He was married twice. From the
first marriage was born his son. Lee
land In 1908 he embarked again
upon the seas Of natrimony. claiming
az bride, Mrs. Fannie Iafferty. a
charming young widow Of Richmond.
who bore him two children.
Mrs. Treat was I'll abed herself when
her husband passed away. bht 1t is
said that her illneV ia not serious.
No arrangements nave yet been
made for the funeral. though II will
probably take place some time tomor-
row at West Point. Mr.. Treat was
fifty-two years Of age.