Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-10-03

Facts About Major Gfnter's Life
some of His Characteristics.

Facts About Major Ginter's Life
Some of His characteristics.
Complying with your request in refer
ence to my dear friend, Major Lewis
Ginter. I give you the facts as to his
life. told me by my late uncle. William
]. Boyd who was one or MS intimate
friends from before the war until lew
years after, and from my own knowl-
edge OF him from 1873. have been
closely connected with him In both his
business and home life from that date.
Major Ginter in 1861 was the senior
partner of Ginter, Alvey & Arents. Inc
concern was known and classed as tue
largest wholesale notion house ana nanu-
lers Of white goods and Irish linen In the
South. being well known from Baltimore
to New Orleans. At the commencement
of the war in 1861 Major Ginter was
worth $4,000 to $4,000. and with the
prospects at that time of being one OF
the most successful merchants in his line
I'm the South but when Virginia called
for her sons TO defend her soil he gave
no his business and was commissioned
as ouartermaster OF General Joseph H.
Anderson's Brigade, later known as Gene
raj E. l.. Thomas's Brigade, WILCOX
Division. A. z. Hills Corps, and remained
with 1t during the entire war, and flnally
surrendered with the remnant or MS
brigade in 1866.
have heard two members OF "A. Z:
HIPS staff say that II every division OF
General Lees army had had quartermas-
fer like Major Ginter, General Lee would
never have retreated from Pennsylvania,
thus showing that trait of attention TO
duty and details which has been the
secret Of his success In life.
IN BUSINESS IN NEW YORK.
After receiving his parole in 1866 he re-
turned to Richmond for rev weeks,
and finding that all of his means had been
lost with the cause he so ably defended,
he went to New York city, where ne
founded the concern Of Ginter, Colquitt
a. Co. which carried on large ana
profitable business. and as told me by
NV New York friends, Major Ginter mad
again accumulated a considerable fortune
when the great financial storm or 1888
carried his firm down. He then remained
i'm New York fora few months to adj
lust matters, and to raise sufficient money
TO nav all of his debts Having
still left his good health ana
his good name. he determined 10
return to old Virginia. Coming PACK
TO Richmond the latter part OF 1873, ne
formed with Mr.. Allen the nrm Oh Johh
+. Allen e. Co, manufacturers :"
smoking tobacco md cigarettes, and To-
Gated ar Fifteenth and Franklin streets.
This was the first factory In Richmond
70 commence the making or paper
wrapped cigarettes. Major Ginter was
NOT an expert in tobacco, but hs APP
nlied his well-trained mercantile ana
financial brain 10 this business, and IN
! few months their success was assured
From this time on tho business con-
tinued to increase. so mucn 50 that III
the latter part OF 1879, or the hrst OF le'V,
thew leased the property at the corner
AZ Seventh and Cary streets, and re-
modelled and fitted II TO suit their large7
Iy-increased trade.
Mr.. John i. Aliens health having DO
como impaired, he sold his interest III
1850 to Major Ginter. the concern prior
n this for some years having been
rnoyn as Allen & Gnter. 1t was at |
bout this time that Major Ginters great
brain began to show Itself, reaching out
md retting a large foreign trade.
later on the firm was incorporated, |
and remained so until the formation or
he American Tobacco Company oi
which Major Ginter was the first presi-
lent.
WAS ALWAYS CHARITABLE.
Asa member of the Tobacco Trade OF
Richmond. Major Glnter always took
ivelv and active part, being ever Will
ug and ready TO respond with his means
ma brain to increase the Gade OF hich-
nond city -.
This interest did not stop here, but
10 was ready and did help many or the
,oune men of our city to success with
Twice and financial aid; also, many OF
mr. old concerns would have gone down
n the great financial storm OF the past
i've wears but for his helping hand.
AS n friend, l would say mat Major
,inter's most beautiful trait was
.harity. not alone in money, but IN
hought and action, as l can truthfully
ay that / never heard him say harsh
word against any one. but whenever
nv one would bring charges against
IFS fellow man he was the first one to
brow the cloak OF charity around him.
His liberality Is probably not fully
,nown TO the world. since he helped
Individuals and churches, regardless or
reed. class. or condition, looking upon
II IN distress as his neighbors. AT MS
ome the latch-string of his door hung
utside for his friends, and when they
Inferred they always received hearty
nd true welcome. If any friend was
espondent or down-hearted, they sought
omfort at his home, knowing full well
hat there he would find ready sympa-
hy and a greeting that would soon dis
el dark clouds and make life seem
Fighter. JAMES n. BofD.