Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1832-01-05
MISCELLANEOUS
THE LATE STEPHEN GIRARD.


Mr.. Girard commenced with s'small beginnings" Al
first cabin boy then of ship; then keeper of small
sivey TO the rank the rstmercant and the most op
lent banker in the country. Industry and ueav' was
ms motto; business was with him passions and like all
who devote themselves with enthusiasm any pursuit
! he was gifted with genius for his profession.
AT the time, or rather just prior the expiration of the
charter OF the old bank of the United States 1911 Mr.
Girard had instructed Barings purchase for him 81
QUO worth OF its stock and with this he commenced ban
ing under the superntendence of the late George Simpson
the cashier oil that institutions 10 whom he confided
transactions. This in 1872 since which hsbank cant
tai has increased TO five millions.
Mr. Girard was in the S4h year of his age according Ia
his own account given TO the father the editor of this
! paper
Mr. Grnrd was native OF Bordeaux, in France, where
he has still living, we believe, brother and sister He
has three neices married in this city, several
likewise.
In the Yellow Fever in 1893 Mr. Girard was dist;n
guished for his active benevoence at the Bush Hill Hos
pa in ninisterng TO the sick and devsng plans for the
prevention and restriction OF contagion.
We understand the business of Mr. Girard will suffer no
interruption by his death, that his bank will continue its
operations and his buildings his Markets Square pro.
gress to an imposing, elegant, and useful completion
The habits of Mr. Grard were exclusively those of e
man OF business He had pleasures but in the perfo
nance OF active dutes always 10 be found busy in his
copung roo or busting on his farm, for lie
agriculture: feeding his cattle, curing his own beef
and even bestowing his attention the culture of veee
table garder the produce of which he caused 10 he taken IN
market His fruits and his flowers were also of the most
choice kind But in his hands, for his was the touch of
Midas every thing was turned into gold and fruits, flow
ed IN the end, TO pour millions into his lap Like all men
OF Immense wealth. ii his peculiar delight TO cast his
eyes the aggregate of his millions But he took most
pleasure in adding house to house lot TO lot until he could
count his squares of buildings and found it impossible to
count the number of his deeds parchments warrants
To the Schuylkill Navigation Company he was an eff
cent friend, in the hour of needa well as 70 the Chesa
peake Canal Company and other public works of vast i'm
porance aud lasting utlity-PhH. Wing.
Several of the most important provisions of Mr. Gil
TdTdS VW, appear to have become known Yesterday
morning. and form the exclusive topic of conversation in
the city.
1t is generally received, as a certain fact that nc has
lett two millions with directions TO apply more should this
sum prove insufficient for the establishment of great
Public School for this city and county, built on his
land at the first turnpike gate the Ridge Road fov-
five in extent.
This institution is said TO be endowed with his real esc
in this dstricIhe of three hundred thousand dol
lars is bequeathed to the of Pennsylvania to be sub
scribed TO the Danvie and Posville Rail Road Those
provisions are spoken OF certainly existing i'm the will
and 1t is also asceained that the affairs of the Bank are
to be wound up at once
Ii is said that there is beuuest of half million Zoe i
proving the docks and the eastern front of the ci %
there no legacies to individuals exceeding ten to
sand dollars EACH except twenty and one of 6iv
thousand dollars The tesators Louisiana estate il rcn
ed to have been left that half 10 be disnosd ~ a.
New Orleans, and the other hall here; and il s aGirocJ
that not more than two three hundred thousand dol,
Is to go out OF this country. We hear the whole aonn
OF the estate estimated to-day at six millions but tbcrc
can be no certainty this point
The Executors Mes9rs Timothy Paxson Tbo,as
p. Cope John Barclay, Joseph Roberts and William J
Duane.
In addition TO the above reported that he has In
annuity OF $500 to each Of his scacaptains and a
he has provided handsomely for all the persr HE
bishment.-Philad Sent
We understand that the Trustees of Mr. C,irards Rank
have determined not to receive any further depostes nor
discount any new paper.--Phiidd Price Current