The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-10-19
L-kNOWK. MERCHANT
SUDDENLY STRICKEN
j. 81. Wells Dies At His Store on
High Street. Petersburg, Very
Suddenly
CAR AND TROLLEY IN CRASH.
David Alexander Has Narrow Escape
From Instant Death When Trolley
Strikes Automobile - Samuel T.
James Dies,

Petersburg. Va, Oct lS--Mr J. H
wells. one of Petersburg's most prom
inent and respected citizens, died very
suddenly about 8 o'clnrb ibis after
noon. at his store in High Street. OF
apoplexy, aged sixty-seven years. Mr.
Wells was a native OF Dinwidd1e
County. but had resided in Peters
burg many years. He had conducted
grocery store in High Street about
twenty-five years. While waiting upon
customer this afternoon he wac
stricken suddenly and fell behind the
counter. Rev s. J. Brown. pastor OF
tho High-Strcet Methodist Church,
VINO was standing in the store. rushed
around behind the counter and
raised him up, but he died In DIR.
Browns arms before medical aid
could arrive. Mr.. Wells is survived
by one sister, Mrs. Virginia Alfriend,
and one niece, Miss Louise Alfriend.
His other near relatives here are
members OF Mrs. Rosa A. Alfriend's
family. The funeral will be conduct
ed from the Second Presbyterian
Church. of which the deceased was
a valued member. at 4 o'clock We'd
nesday afternoon.
David Alexander's Close Call.
Mr.. David Alexander, a prominent
young business men. superintendent
for Parkinson & Finn. local contrac-
tors, had q narrow escape from in
slant death. about S o'clock this af-
ternoon, when his automobile in
which he was driving southwardly
on Sycamore Street, was struck and
almost demolished by a car Of the
Virginia Railway and Power Com
pny. The cor was proceeding In the
same direction when II was struck
Immediately IN front by large tour
ing car driven by a person whose
name could not be learned late to-
night. Motorman Quicke, In charge
of the car, In some manner lost con-
troll of his brake. and the car start
ed on mad dash down the north
ward grade in Sycamore Street Mr.
Alexander. seeing that ne could not
avoid his machine being struck by
the car. attempted to jump. He was
hurled violently to the pavement and
was picked up In an unconscious con-
dition and rushed to the hospital
where II was first thought that his
skull was fractured. hut he later re-
gained consciousness and was removed
to his home In Wythe Street. where
he Is suffering sever. Iy from the shock.
His injuries are not thought to be
OF serious nature.
Samuel Thomas James.
Telegraphic information was re-
ceived here today Of the death. which
occurred at his home In Norfolk, of
Mr.. Samuel Thomas James. formerly
OF this city, aged about sixty-two
years.
Mr.. James was grandson OF the
late Captain Samuel James, during his
life one OF <he leading citizens OF
Southampton County, and son of Mr..
Augustus Whitfield James, one OF
Petersburx's most venerable and es-
teemed citizens. Besides a widow,
Mr. James is survived by one adopt
ed daughter, his father. and one
brother, Robert E. James, OF this city.
Mr.. James was for a number Of
wears in the employ OF the A. c. L.
Railway Company In this city as yard
conductor, but had resided In Nor
folk several years. where he was en-
ployed by the Seaboard Air Line. The
| body will be brought to Petersburg
/ tomorrow morning and taken direct
to Blandford Cemetery for interment.