Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-10-04
MR.. E. A. SAUNDERS.
wELL-KxowN MERCHANT PASSES
AWAY RATHER SUDDENLY.
had BEEN IN ILL-HBlLTH FOR YEARS.
Bade His Family Farewell and
Brenthed His Last Peacefully
sketch of His Useful Career-Archi-
tcct of His Own Fortune.

| home. No. SCI west Franklin street
Mr.. Saunders had been in i'll health for
about three years and during that time
| he had gradually wasted away; still, hs
physicians did not anticipate dissolution
| at so early date, and the end came
| as a great shock to his family and to the
community. Deceased had travelled
among the various resorts in Virginia
throughout the entire summer seeking
strength, and he only returned last FRI
day from the Allegheny Hotel. at Goshen.
Sunday he appeared much brighter than
usual and in the morning ate a hearty
breakfast and spent some time in cheer
full communion with his loved ones.
Shortly before noon, however, ne was
stricken with what very much resembled
a congestive chill, and his family, some
of whom were at church, were hastily
summoned to his bedside. He fingered
entirely conscious, until five minutes De
fore o'clock, when, fully realizing his
condition, he babe his family. all of whom
were assembled around his bedside, fare
well, and quietly and peacefully breathed
his last
PUBLIC SPIRITED ClllLE
Though 81 years of age, Mr.. Saunders
was an exceedingly active man until his
last illness. He applied himself closely
to his business and even after his health
failed he visited his place of business
and attempted to perform the duties TO
which he had been accustomed for many
years. In fact, his illness is thought TO
have been largely due TO the constant at
tention which he gave his various bust
ness interests. Deceased was one OF the
most public spirited citizens in Rich
mond, and while there was no ostenta-
ton about his acts, he never refused ala
to a commendabe cause, and he frequent
ly assisted struggling young men in their
efforts to hew their way through the
maze of obtacles which present them
selves on the outset of life's journey.
Being essentially a self-made man him.
self, Mr.. Saunders appreciated to tile tuli-
est extent the efforts of those who were
trying to reach the pinnacle OF success.
He started in business in this city With
little capital save the pluck and energy
and excellent judgment which obarac-
terized him through life, and gradually
carved for himself a place Of prominence
in the business world, and at the same
time amassed a considerable fortune.
Not only did he succeed financially, but
he also made for himself a name which
will be handed down to postcrity as
synonym for honesty AMI straightforward,
legitimate methods in business dealings.
HIS CAREER.
Mr.. Saunders was a native OF James
CITY county, where he was born IN 1881.
His father. Mr.. Arcner Saunders, was
well-known planter of that county, and
IL was on his fathers farm that the de-
ceased spent his earlier days. lie lett IRE
farm, however, when the civil war broke
out. and enlisted in the commissary de-
partment in General Fitzhugh Lees com
mand. After the surrender he came 10
this city, and casting about Cor employ
ment. drifted in the grocery business, his
duties in the army having peculiarly fitted
him for it. He formed co-partnership
with Mr.. Alexander Walker under the
firm-name of Walker & Saunders, and
the concern located on lower Main street
tust below the st. Charles Hotel, which
was then the heart of the business sec
ton of the city, and conducted large
wholesale grocery business. subsequently
the firm moved it's store to the corner OF
Fourteenth and Cary streets, and there
Mr.. Saunders was doing business at the
time of his death
Seventeen years ago Mr.. Walker with
drew from the concern, and Tor time
Mr., Saunders conducted the business in
his own name. Later, however. he ad-
mitted his son, Mr.. E. A. Saunders, Jr.,
to an interest in the business and after
a short lapse of time another son, Mr..
w. B. Saunders, was admitted. The firm
name was then changed TO K. A. Saun-
ders e. Sons, and as such is now known
as one of the largest wholesale grocery,
liquor. and tobacco houses in the South.
OTHER BUSINESS INTERESTS.
Though he devoted much Of his time
to this establishment, Mr.. Saunders, who
prospered even beyond his own eXpecta-
lions did not confine himself TO this bust
ness alone His progressive ideas led him
10 invest in other enterprises, and he was
always ready and willing 10 lend fnan-
cial aid to anything which looked TO the
upbuilding of Richmond.
For quite awhile he was associated with
Mr. Walker, his former partner, in
large milling business. Most of their out
put was exported TO South America, and
large quantities Of coffee were imported
in return. He was also a member Of the
tobacco manufacturing concern of Hard
grove, Pollard & Co. This was a we'll
known concern, bat has since retired from
business. Mr.. Saunders was also a men,
Der of the firm Of Il. A. Saunders & Co.,
of New York, representing the Cord
Wood and Lumber Association of Viz
ginia, which at one time controlled the
New York and Brooklyn market.
He was also prominently identified with
the establishment of the Mammoth Chem
ical- Works, below the city, now controlled
by the Virginia Carolina Chemical Com
pany, having been associated in this en-
-
James G.. Tinsley, and S. w. Travers. He
also held the presidency of the Richmond
Standard Iron and Spike Company, and
was one of the promoters of the Union
Brokerage Company, being its first presi-
dent, and at the date of his death a men,
Der of its directorate.
FARMING A DIVERSION.
Aside from all of these interests. Mr..
Saunders found much time TO devote to
farming. This, with him was a diversion,
and he owned a number OF the finest
farms in Virginia and kept them in the
very highest state Of cultivation. Among
his holdings of farm property were Dos
cobel," "Buckland," and "Wyanoke" all
noted estates on James river. and seve.
raj smaller properties near Gordonsville
in Orange county He also owned con-
siderable real estate in this city.
Deceased took at one time an active in
terest in municipal affairs, and held mem
bership in the Board OF Aldermen, and on
the Board of Police Commissioners. To
these Offices he lent that same excellent
business judgment which assisted him
so materially in making his success in
the business world. and to the city he
proved most valuable.
Mr.. Saunders was for many years
vestryman in old 81. Johns church, but
-. n he