Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-10-14
S. W. yENABLE DEAD
THIS PROMINENT CITIZEN on
PETERSBURG PASSES AWAY
AFTER 4 VERY BRIEF ILLNESS.
Early Life and Education-His waS
Rccord-success I'm Business-His
Prominence In Politics--ssrvices "a
His City-FamiIy Connectfonss

PETERSBURG, VA. october n~-(Spe-
cial. l.)-Samuel Woodson venabIe tho
president Of the S. w. venable Tobacco
Company, Of this city. one OF the largest
tobacco manufacturing firms in tho South
died this evening shortly after O'clock
after a brief Illness. He attended 10 bust
ness as usual until Saturday evening, but
was taken unwell on Sunday. and did not
afterwards leave his house. His death
was quite sudden, as his condition was
early this afternoon regarded az i'm
proved. Mr. Venable was in tho I'D year
OF his age. He was a native OF Prince
Edward and a member of tie well-known
family OF that name OF that county. He
was a graduate of Hampden-Sidney, ana
at the time of his death and for many
years was a trustee OF that college, in
the conduct and success Of which he al.
ways manifested deep interest He
came to Petersburg before the war ana
engaged In the tobacco business.
WAR RECORD.
He served during the war as quarter
master, with the rank OF captain. in the
Confederate army. and after the war,
with the late r. IL. Hamilton, entercd
the business OF tobacco manufacturers
his fine business capacity, his good judg-
ment and great energy bringing success
from the start. Subsequently, on the
death Of Mr.. Hamilton. Mr.. r. c. ven-
able entered the partnership. and untu
1890 the firm Of s. w. venable q Co. was
widely known In the trade all over the
country. The present firm of 8. w. Ven-
able Tobacco Company was organized in
1890, with Mr.. s. w. Venable as presi-
dent. Mr. venabie was one OF the most
active businessmen OF his day. He never
knew an idle moment. His Judgment was
clear and comprehensive, and his manage
ment perfect To his superior tact and
genius and wonderful energy Is largely
due the great business built up by his
firm.
A TRUE vIRGINIAN.
He was true Vlrginian, devoted 10 the
welfare Of his State and CITY, to which
he gave much OF his time. Eight years
ago he was brought prominently forward
as a candidate for Governor Of mo State
on the Democratic ticket. and but for his
own modesty In refusing TO allow his
friends to work actively In his behalfs
he would have made powerful Shove
ing in the nominating convention.
His name was placed before the cons
vention by DR.. NJ. Q. Holt, and AZ u
was he received on the only ballot taken
"a votes. to McKinney's 56l. Beirne's S6l.
o'Ferrall's s07, Tyler's 13e, and Harrs's
81. DR.. Holt we'll said in his nominating
speech that Mr.. yenablo's strong common
sense, clear insight into business, and ex'
ceptional executive ability impressed all
who knew him.
For years he served AZ member OF the
Common Council, where, as chairman OF
the Finance Committee, his superb man
agcment and direction contributed
greatly to the high credit the city has
enjoyed financially. Mr.. yenable was
active in politics, answering In his De-
mocracy, and was always liberal con-
tributor to the cause.
A VALUABLE CITIZEN.
In the death of Mr.. Vensble the city
loses an honored and valuable citizen,
one who has greatly assisted by his per-
sonal efforts in building up It's interests,
in maintaining rs credit and in extend-
ing its business. Mr.. Venable married
Miss Darlington, OF Prince Edward
county. who survives him. He leaves
three chlldren-Hon. Il. C. Venable, Mrs.
II. III. Boykin, and Mrs. ~ NJ. seddon.
of Richmond.
MIR. Venable was one OF the weanhiest
men In Virginia, and his personal
acquaintance extended throughout the
South. For many years he was a regi.
lar visitor TO one or more OF the leading
watering places in Virginia, and socially
he was exceedingly popular. He was
freauent visitor TO Richmond, where no
was almost as well known as he was In
Petersburg, and where he had hosts OF
friends.
Mr.. Venable's extensive interests here
enabled him to give employment to
large number of people. and this he re-
orently did when business did not Justify
Il By no class will he bo more missed
than by the wage-workerS