The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-10-03
DEATH OF MAJOR GINrER.
Lewis Glnter is deadl

AldIOL LOWE III - 49,
Although the reports of his continued
iI-health. from an incurable malady have
prepared his friends and the public for
this announcement, and although Major
Ginter has well passed the allotted three
score years and ten, yet no preparation
can relieve those who know him OF the
shock and grief which his death must
cause.
To say that as a business man, a public
spirited citizen. and a philanthropist, he
was the most distinguished person of his
community. would be but TO echo the uni
yersal sentiment OF the people Of Rich
mond and Henrico.
We publish to-day an extended notice
OF his life. which could have been largely
added to. had not an impenetrable reserve
about himself. due to a representative
modesty. made Major Ginter withhold
even from his closest friends much which
most men would have freely and proudly
told. In this. as In many other respects,
he was a model gentleman.
The extraordinary character OF the man
grew steadily upon those who were
thrown most constantly with him.
Having by phenomenal success in bust
ness, accumulated after he had passed
middle life a very large fortune. his whole
heart seemed 10 be set upon 50 admins
tering his great property as to do the
greatest good to the people of Richmond
and It's vincinity. That patriotism IN
peace, which avoids every touch of the
politician, and which for want OF a better
expression, we can public spirit was
with Major Ginter almost a passion. To
believe that an enterprise would add to
the welfare of any portion Of the people of
Richmond, was sufficient at once to enlist
his interest and gain his support. How
much he contributed 10 a great variety
of industries In and about Richmond
was known TO no one but himself. His
energies and his investments were con-
nned TO his own community. lie did not
seek to build up cities In other States.
A thorough, ~incisive. and decisive bust
ness man. his relationship with
his employees was OF the most
agreeable character. He preached
and practiced the gospel Of good
will and of comfort. He was happy. and
contented himself, and ne wished to make
every one around him so. too. His exam
pie In this respect was notable and benh-
cent.
1t is impossible TO imagine any empioye
approaching Major Ginter with a genuine
grievance without receiving a patient
hearing and prompt redress. But behind
this just and sympathetic nature there
was an immoveable hrmness upon ques-
lions OF right. People were sometimes as
tonishod TO find that in dealing with Major
Cinter they had struck bed rock. The
patient and forbearing man was also un-
bending.
A most attractive feature Of his charac-
Ter was the entire absence OF anlmadver-
sion Of others. lie has been known to
express regret that some persons should
take views Of matters in which he was
deeply interested very different from his
own. but never 10 upbraid or denounce
any one, even under circumstances which
would appear to entirely justify severe
criticism. In his various schemes OF de-
~velopment and improvement he frequently
met with opposition and obstruction of
a very yexatious nature. but it did not
rufie or embitter him In the least. His
great desire seemed to be 10 live peace
ably with all men.
His plans were always Of a comprehen-
sive character. as illustrated In the JEFF
fcrson Hotel. and the works he executed
for Identifying the suburbs Of Richmond,
near his country residence. have not been
surpassed, II equalled, In their extent and
perfection by any other one man In the
country.
he has left an impression OF fore
thought wisdom and taste upon Hcnrico
county. which posterlty for generations 10
come win enjoy and bless.
While not active In religious work,
Major Glnter was a genuinely religious
man, and that his works did testify"
Many Of his intlmate friends were re-
,lxious men. among them several minis