Evening star., 1930-12-11
FORMER DISTRICT
\ POLICE HEAD DIES
Maj. Richard Sylvester Be-
Gently Retired as Du Pont
Police Chief.

Maj. Richard Sylvester, former chief
of the Metropolitan Police here for
number Of years, and afterward chief
of police for the Du Pont Powder Co.
for many years until retiring from the
latter position several weeks ago, died in
the Hotel Du Pont, Wilmington, Del,
today, according to word received here.
Mai. Sylvester became connected with
the Police Department in April, 1888,
when he was appointed to the position
of chief clerk by Gen. William NICE.
Dye, chief of police. He served in that
capacity until July 18, 1898, following
the death of Col, William G. Moore,
chief of police, when he was appointed
to head the force. He served as chief
clerk under Chiefs William NICE. Dye,
Maj. S. H. Walker and Col. William G.
Moore.
During the'17 years he served as chief
Of the department he introduced many
new methods of conducting police busi-
ness.
Members of the different Boards Of
District Commissioners showed the
confidence they placed in him by fire.
quently asking his views upon questions
pertaining to his and other depart
ments. He had much to do with franz
now being enforced
Often Called to White House.
Police duty frequently called the chief
to the White House and Maj. Sylvester
enjoyed the personal acquaintance and
confidence of several Presidents and
many persons high in official life He
always was willing to lend a helping
hand to persons in distress and it was
due to the interest he displayed in the
welfare of many boys and young men
that they later became successful in
life's pursuits
It is said that the great success
attained by the International Asso-
citation of Police Chiefs was due largely
to the interest taken in the organization
by Maj. Sylvester and his efforts were
so appreciated that he was chosen head
of the organization IA successive years.
Bern in Iowa City, Iowa. in August,
1857, Richard Sylvester went to Mem
phis Tenn, with his parents and re-
manned there until 1869, when he moved
to st. Louis Mo-, where his father was
associated in the editorship of the
Times.
Established Own Newspaper,
He entered the academic department
OF Washington University and at the
termination of his connection with that
institution he pursued the study of law
Tor year. Subsequently he turned his
attention to repertorial work on the
st. Louis Press and about the time of
the Black Hills discoveries he went to
Nebraska and established the West
Point Progress.
In 1877 he returned to st. Louis and
TOOK charge of the Pennington Times
He served in State and congressional
conventions and came to this city at
the age OF 20 years, serving as corre-
Sponoent Tor st. Louis newspapers until
he was appointed disbursing officer for
the Ute Indian Commission. While
serving in the latter capacity he formed
the acquaintance of H. NJ Teller, Secre-
tary OF the Interior, and became a close
friend of the Secretary.
When the commissions work ended
Secretary Teller wrote the following
Rlchard Sylvester, esq, of the city of
washington, D. c., was secretary and
disbursing officer for the Ute Indian
commission while I was Secretary of
the Interior. He discharged the duties
OF his office to the entire satisfaction of
the department.. AS such disbursinp
officer he paid out nearly S1OO 900 and
settled his accounts at the end of the
service without delay or embarrassment
eltner to himself or the department. and
ne left the service with the good will of
all with whom he had been officiallv
connected. I commend him as a Young
man OF ability and integrity
Appointed Chief Clerk.
Shortly after his return from the West
ne accepted an appointment as chief
clerk OF the Police Department. a posi-
ton which included the handling of
large sums OF money and much Valu-
able property, and when he was elevated
TO the position of superintendent of the
department his accounts were found to
be correct.
While serving as chief clerk of the
department he went to st. Louis. In
1885, and married Miss Laura v. Nc
Fall, daughter Of Col John McFall.
On his paternal side Mai. Sylvester
was the grandson of Col. Henry H.
sylvester OF New Hampshire, whose
wife was sister of Gov. Henry Hub
bard OF that State and who also served
in both houses of Congress.
On his maternal side he was a grand
son Of the Rev. DR.. w. w. Woods of
Iowa, who was prominently identified
In the anti-slavery cause, was a warm
personal friend of President Lincoln and
who temporarily filled the pulpit at the
Presidents church.