Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-10-03
Tributes FROM HIS FRIENDS.
Brief Expressions from Gentlemen
Who Knew Major Glntcr Well.

Brief Expressions from Gentlemen
Who Knew Major Ginter Well.
In the letters that follow, which were
written at the Dispatches request after
It became apparent that Major Ginter
could not recover prominent citizens
discuss some Of the striking phases OF
the life of the public-spirited gentleman
who has now passed away, and all bear
testimony to his great benefit to the
community.
Judge Christian who writes or Major
Ginter's enterprise and public spirit, was
for several years president OF the Cham
Der of Commences; Mr.. Boyd has long
been his close personal friend ana mas
had large and intimate business reia-
lions with him; Rev. Dr. Hoge has known
him well and been a warm friend from
boyhood: Rev. Preston Nash enjoyed
Mr.. enters fullest confidence and was
often commissioned to dispense charity
for him; Mr.. John Il. Branch has known
him intimately in the banking and busi-
ness world and Hon. ]. Taylor Ellyson
writes from the standpoint Of the char
man OF the State Democratic Committee
Judge Christian's Tribute.
II l was asked to name the most en-
terprising and public-spirited man who
had ever lived in Richmond in my day.
l would answer without the slightest
hesitation, Major Lewis Ginter. l am
satisfied, too, that the same answer
would come from each one in the COM
munity, should the same question be
propounded 10 each.
This consensus Of opinion has not
been reached without the most abundant
evidence TO sustain 1t. There has been
scarcely any enterprise of Importance
started here for the past ten or fifteen
years with which the name OF Major
Ginter has not been prominently asso-
ciated, or to which his capital has not
contributed. Unlike many others who
have made their fortunes in Richmond,
Major Ginter has not spent his money
either In trying to build up other places,
or made his investments In those things
which his fine judgment told him would
yield him the readest or richest returns.
But he has spent his means, and de-
voted his time, thought, and energies
to the building up and developing Rich
mond and the country Immediately ad-
jacent TO IT, In this way, he has not
only exhibited his devotion to our people,
and his faith In the future Of Richmond
as q city, but at the same time has been
helping our own people. and in the most
practical and efficient way The number
OF mechanics laboring men, women, and
children who have, by his aid, been en-
abled TO find employment, and thus OBJ
tain a living. it would be almost impos-
sible TO compute, as 1t Is impossible to
estimate the value Of such 4 citizen TO
any community.
SOME THINGS HE HAS DONE.
Since the head that once directed. and
the hand that once distributed these
benefactlons are now cold in the en-
brace Of tho Great Reaper, 1t may not
be amiss TO recount some OF the more
conspicuous things which Major Glnter
has projected and accomplished for this
people For whilst he had some willing
end able assistants in carrying out some
of his undertakings, l believe It was his
heart and his genius. that inspired and
directed every movement and improve
ment to which L shall refer, and doubt
less. many others. about which / know
nothing but all of which have redounded
to the benefit OF this community.
/. / will, Of course, mention the build
ing of the Jefferson Hotel, a hosiery
which would do credit to any city in any
country. For years efforts were made
TO secure the means to erect a fine hotel
here. but this could never be accom-
plished, until Major Ginter undertook the
task. The benefits which flow from
having such an attractive place for the
travelling public are hard TO estimate.
2. l will refer to the almost marvel
lous developments and improvements
made by him on the north side. His
country home, Westbrook, with all the
surroundings and appointments which
nd taa ,rI
could suggest, is the delight and admit
ration OF all who visit II. Then, Lake.
side Park, with its geological garden. it's
lighthouses. pavilion. cafe,
bowling alley, etc, etc, is one OF the
most attractive suburban resorts to be
round In the country-I believe the most
complete and beautiful TO be found in
any city the size OF Richmond-and all
easily accessible TO any part Of the city
by an electric railway.
Tnen comes Sherwood Park, with villa
sites, laid OF with roads, trees. shrub
berry. and water all complete. Then the
Union Theological, Seminary (the site for
which was given ny HIM; the Blooming
dale Dairy Farm. the Deep-Run Clubs
grounds and buildings the Jefferson
Laundry, the almost inpumerable build
ings and homes for his assistants and en-
ployees, ana 10 those add the splendid
roads he has built. the trees he has
planted, and the improvements 10 adj
jacent places, which were either inspired
by him, or suggested by changes made
by him, and we have some faint concep-
ton OF the scope and character OF what
has been done just outside OF Richmond.
MARKS LEFT IN THE CITY.
Returning to the city, We have the !
most palatial residence on Franklin |
street, recently built and adorned by |
him. with all that wealth. comfort. and |
taste could suggest: the Chamber OF |
Commerce building. which could not have |
been completed. but for the timely and |
generous aid afforded by him; his aid 70 |
the Locomotive and Machine-Wor |
from time to time; the extensive and |
factories. warehouses, and |
Offices In which tho great business OF the |
Allen 4 Ginter Branch Of the American |
Tobacco Company Is conducted: the Inn |
proved residential and other real estate |
owned by him, all kept In excellent con- !
dition Then we have the Ciayviile Plant, |
In Powhatan county. and numerous other |
and business enterprises in |
which he Is interested. and 10 which he |
las furnished the aid which was neces-
AIRY to afford them life and sustenance. |
And last. but not least, We can only |
nso~ 40 k.,t ~xs 70 he .lxnoat