Norfolk City Virginia USGenWeb Archives Obituaries.....Byrd, Richard Willing Jr. May 2, 1879
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Dorothy Strawhand http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00034.html#0008405 April 14, 2024, 5:00 pm

Norfolk Virginian May 3, 1879

In Brambleton, Friday evening, May 2d, RICHARD BYRD, only son of Mr. and Mrs. 
R.W. Byrd, aged 11 years. 
The funeral will take place THIS AFTERNOON at 4 o'clock from the residence of 
his parents, in Brambleton.

                  Distressing Accident in Brambleton

It becomes our duty to record a most shocking and distressing accident which 
occurred in Brambleton yesterday afternoon just before dark, and which will be 
deeply lamented by the numerous friends of those on whom the affliction falls. 
The particulars are as follows: At about the hour above indicated a party of 
children ran after one of the Brambleton street railway cars as it passed down 
the street at the corner of Park Avenue and attempted to steal a ride as they, 
in common with a good many other children of the village, are in the habit of 
doing. Several of them jumped on the rear platform of the car thinking probably 
to escape the vigilance of the driver, but master Richard Byrd, son of Mr. R.W. 
Byrd, a resident of the village, being acquainted with Mr. Ironmonger, who was 
driving, ran on and got on the front step, where he stood holding on to the iron 
rail. Mr. Ironmonger discovered the children on the rear of the car and told 
them to get off, then turning to the boy in front he expostulated with him, 
telling him that he ought not to jump on the cars that way, that he might get 
hurt some day and the driver would be blamed. Master Richard without making 
known his intention, immediately stepped backwards off the car, but was thrown 
by the impetus of the vehicle, which was moving at a moderate rate of speed, 
between its two wheels, one of which passed over his neck and killed him 
instantly. Mr. Ironmonger stopped the car as quickly as possible and ran back to 
the prostrate boy. Finding life extinct, he with the assistance of several  
gentlemen who chanced to pass, placed the body in a light wagon and conveyed it 
to the deceased child's home. Master Richard was eleven years of age and was a 
very bright and promising boy. He was Mr. Byrd's only son and was quite a 
favorite in the village.
His funeral will take place from the residence of his parents this afternoon at 
4 o'clock.
The sad accident should be a warning to children accustomed to riding on the 
platforms of cars and the very dangerous habit should be put a stop to at once 
if by any means it is possible to do so.                                      


Additional Comments:
Elmwood

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