Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-08-24
DEATH0 MR.. ALLEN.
END or THE LIFE OF TINE PIONEER
CIGARETTE MANUFAC TURER.
TobeoconiSts-A Lover of Literal
ture, Art. aud Music.

Mr.. John +. Allen. whose serious illness
has been mentioned in the Dispatch,
died yesterday morning at 4 o'clock at his
residence, No. 40S east Cary street. after an
illness Of three weeks.
About six weeks ago he went to Alton,
expecting TO pass the summer there. but
his health became so bad he returned to
the city after a visit Of only one week.
During the sickness of Mrs. Arents, sister
Of his old friend and partner. Major Lewis
Ginter, he paid her visit. and this was
perhaps the last time he was out OF his
house.
About three weeks ago no was taken
worse and continued i'll 10 the time of his
death, but until few days ago his condi-
ton was not thought to he critical.
SKETCH OF HIS LIFE.
Deceased was seventy-fve years Of age,
and had lived in this city tor seventy years.
He came here with his parents from Ireland,
His father was engaged IN the tobacco
business and he followed the same pursuit,
and was for many years connected with
the late William Barrett and other leading
manufacturers.
Mr.. Allen was the first man 10 begin tho
manufacture Of cigarettes IN tins country,
and at first started manufacturing them on
a small scale, but through his energy and
ability his business continued to grow
steadily. and in few years Major Ginter
became his partner. Tho frm-name OF
the old house was J. f. Allen a Co.,
which afterwards changed 10 Allen
Ginter.
RETIRED FROM BUSINESS.
About seven vearsago Mr.. Allen withdrew
from the business but the frm-name OF
Allen Il Ginter was still continued. IL
subsequently, became known as the Allen
* Ginter 1ncOrp0ratedl. and recently as
the Allen & G.nter Branch of the American
Tobacco COMPANY. The firm, however, Is
still popularity designated oy Allen 6 Gin-
ter.
Deceased was never married, and the
ONLY relatives he had IN this country are
his two sisters. Mrs. Ann How and Miss
Virginia Allen. both of whom have always
lived with him.
~ ACCOMPLISHED GENTLEMAN.
Mr.. Allen was a highly accomplished
gentleman and a great lover OF art music,
and literature. He was an active member
OF tho Mozart Association, and Tor long
while one of its governors.
One of the greatest pleasures OF hrs life was
painting, and all his leisure moments were
spent at this work. The walls OF hrs house
are filed with pictures made by his Owl
hand. and some Of them would do credit
10 an experienced artist.
Deceased was n most agreeable compan-
Jon. possessing great conversational po|,
era and being exceedingly courteous and
ausble. no man possessed n kinder heGit,
and. though IL IA not generally known be-
cause of his natural reticence. he was one
of tho most charitable men IN this city.
To his employees he was always patient,
kind. and indulgent, and was universally
beloved bv all with whom he was thrown
in contact.
Yesterday in respect 20 his memory the
works of tho Allen az Glnter Branch OF the
American Tobacco Company were closed.
THE FUNERAL.
His funeral will take place this evening
at 4 o'clock from -. James church, and
Rev. DR.. Peterkin Will oiiiciate.
The followin, are the pall-bearers:
Aclve-Julieu Binford. james \. Boyd,
Joseph Johnson. Milton Cayce, George J.
Bidgood, Thomas +. JeGress, Charles Sci
don. james r. Gray Robert 3. Muniord'
Marion Dlmm0ck. $3.50.
Honorarv-George Gibson, William d.
Gibson. DR.. Charles s. Mills. John y. Mon
taeue. John l.. Williams, David y. Walker
DT. William p. Palmer. 4. Bargamin, d..
". Leigh Burton, Leigh K. Page, ). W.
Lockwood, and Maxwell L. Clarke.