The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-03-14
W. |. RICHARDSON
 DIES IN TUSCALOOSA
 AT RIPE OLD AGE
Oldest Alumnus of Univer- sity of Alabama Passes Away After Short
 Illness

Tuscaloosa, March Especially Warfield Creath Richardson. LL.D.. the oldest alumnus of the University of Ala bama and for time member of the faculty. died at the residence of Mir and Mrs. J. c. Harrison here tonight at 11:15 o'clock in the alst year of his age. Not withstanding his advanced age, Professor Richardson was apparently in good health until a few days ago when he showed signs of physical weakness.
 Mrs. Sterling A Wood of Birmingham, daughter of Professor Richardson, was called to Tuscaloosa Monday on account of her fathers condition. On Tuesday he began to fail rapidly. and yesterday he was in a comatose condition. While there was no hope of a recovery from tho time he was taken to his bed, it was felt by his relatives and friends that he might finger for sometime, but while loved ones were at his bedside last night the end came qiuetly. A noble gentleman and a most familiar figure in Tuscaloosa had crossed over the river.
 Professor Richardson was born in Mays vile, Ky, January 23, 1928. He was the son of Capt. Thomas Gaines Richardsoii, He received his early education in the classical school of Rand and Richeson. His parents moved to the south when Inc was 15 or 16 years of age. He completed his education at the University of Ala bama. He received his degfee of A. B. in 1S43 and the degree of A. M. in 1S47.
 Professor Richardson was widely known as an educator. At the University ol Alabama he was professor of chemistry. mineralogy and geology 1S64-5, and act Ing professor of English literature in 1877. He was the oldest living alumnus of tho university. and was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa.
 Professor Richardson married Katherin Cole Jones of Camden, Ala, November 1e 1855. Her brother Prof R. c. Jones was afterwards president of the univer- sity.
 Professor Richardson not only ranked as a we'll rounded scholar, but he was a man of exceptional literary talent. In his early days he was known as an eloquent speaker. and be- ing a strong advocate of total ab- stinence, he made frequent temperance addresses. He was the author of Casper" (metrical romance), published in 1873; Fall of the Alamo, (epic poem), also many magazine articles. He was a devoted member of the Meth odist Episcopal church, south and while not educated especially for the ministry, his wide and deep reading
 
 with theology that he was quite at home in theological discussions. In the past few years he wrote one or more articles of a theological character.
 Professor Richardsons mind was clear and strong until he fell i'll, In the recent years he wrote much by way of diversion, but everything that came from his pen was bright and distinctly vigorous. Mental virilty in his old age was one of his chief characteristics He was a frequent contributor to The Age Herald, and only few years ago his articles on Shakespeare, published in this newspaper. in which he com batted the notion that the plays were written by Bacon. attracted wide at tention. They were brilliant and friends and admirers of pr. Richard son said they were remarkably. con- vincing Another notable discussion was Professor Richardson's signed ar ticle which appeared in The Age Herald against the proposed prohibition amendment in 1909. Although a total the amendment on high princpal and he brought his keen intellect and logic to bear on the subject.
 He took interest in all the affairs of life, in all that was human and in all that was morally elevating. He was polished, courteous and full of humor His death will be sincerely lamented in Tuscaloosa. Professor Richardson leaves only two children, Mrs. Sterling A. Wood and Mrs. ]. c. Harmon, known to the literary world as Belle Richardson Harrison. His wife died many years ago. Funeral arrange ments will be announced. tomorrow. The obseques will probably be held Sunday