The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1897-10-14

NPy oS'Siopeu liicli DuSlEcSS until
their cigarettes were known and sold
IN every market of the world. They
established agencies and representa-
tlves throughout the leading markets
OF Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and
South America.
When the American Tobacco Com
pany was formed Mr.. Ginter's house
became one of its most important mem
bers. Mr.. Ginter was made one of
the directors of the corporation and
his partner, Mr.. Pope, the general
manager of the Richmond establish
ment.
OTHER POSSESSIONS.
Besides his American Tobacco
stock, his possessions consist of the
most valuable real estate in Richmond
and its suburbs. Despite the fluctu-
atlng prices and the disposition to
speculate in the stock of the American
Company, Mr.. Ginter, his friends say,
never INDUCED in any specializing in
these securities. He has done more
toward improving and beautifying the
suburbs of Virginia's capital than any
other man within its limits. His
most conspicuous realty here are the
magnificent Jefferson Hotel, completed
and opened about two years ago at a
cost probably of million and half
dollars; his city residence on Franklin
street, the most select and fashionable
thoroughfare here, and his country
home. The urban residence is by
long odds the handsomest in the
whole South, with the exception of
that of Mr.. Vanderbilt, of Biltmore,
N. G..
Els BEST MONUMENTS.
The magnificent city structures
which Major Ginter has caused to be
erected here are by no means the best
monuments which he leaves. The lav-
ish and judicious expenditures on
Richmond's suburbs are equally men,
orable. His investments and improve
ments on the Brook road, for miles
around his country home, possibly
amount to more than two million dol
lars. This thoroughfare, which before
the war was but an indifferently kept
one, is now macadamized for a dis
tance Of five miles, and is one of the
finest in the whole country. Hand
some and costly villas line it, and the
scene presents to the eyes something
wonderfully like fairyland. Here the
deceased has spent hundreds of thous-
ands of dollars in establishing pleas
ure park and in the construction of an
electric railway, which connects it and
the surrounding country with the city.
CHIEF OBJECT IN LIFE.
Maj. Ginter's chief object in life
was to build up the interests of the
city of Richmond as far as he possibly
could. He gave employment to more
people than any one who ever lived
here. Nearly 1900 people were fed
daily by wages earned from his ciga-
rette factory. He often was heard to
say that he had made all his money in
Richmond and intended to spend it
here. The largest of all his plans was
the erection of the Jefferson, which
has become world famous as one of the
finest and most beautiful hotels known
to the travelling public.
The desire to see fine hotel here was
born as result of his extensive travels
and the complaint that Richmond no.
tells could not compare with those ofoth
er cities. His principal idea seems to
have been to attract the tourist and
others, who while appreciating the
many points of interest about the city,
might also learn of its great natural
advantages.
PERSONAL APPEARANCE AND TRAITS.
In person Major Ginter was rather
below the average stature, slightly
built, with naturally a quick, active
movement indicative of purpose-of
some great purpose in life which, if
not always before his mind, was
ever present as an inspiration. His
countenance was strongly expressive,
both of intelligence and benignity. His
conversational resources, when drawn
out, were rich and very instructive, for
on subjects not technical his knowl-
edge was both varied and thorough.
In one thing he was pre-eminent, that
is his rigorous punctuality to engage
ments, springing from his acute sense
of Justice to others. He would rob
no man, no more so Of his time than
his money. He was never behind the
hour appointed for an engagement,
nor did he linger after the business
was accomplished.
GENEROUS IN HIS CHARITIES.
On the Hermitage road and not far
from Mai. Ginter's home stands the
heroic statue Of Lieut.. Gen Ambrose
P. Hill. This was erected by money
generously donated by the wealthy
cigarette manufacturer. He has al
ways been generous IN MS ContflOu-
tions to all charitable and other good
causes. He was a liberal contributor
to the Lee monument fund, and was
expected to be to that for the erection
of a memorial to ex President Davis.
Major Ginter was never an active pol
itician, though at times he manifested
lively interest in the campaigns. In
some of these he gave literally to the
Democratic fund.
He was one of the most unostenta-
tious of men, and although he gave
away thousands to the poor and needy,
no one but the confidential clerk knew
of this generosity. He was especially
kind and helpful to the widows and
orphan children Of his old friends. To
these he was always thoughtful and
considerate. He gave thousands for