The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-08-28
Especial to The lmes.tlspatch. /

| 3 SPECIAL to The L INES. lE.r
| DANvIL1.E, VA, August 27.-Mr.
James G. Fem, one among the most
prominent tobncconsts In the South,
and probably the wealthiest man in
lDanvilie. died at his home. on Main
Street at 9:15 o'clock this morning.
He had been in declining health for
more than two years, but only about
SIX months ago did he give up his
business affairs. For that length OF
time he had been confined to his home,
leaving It only to take a drive on
especially beautiful days.
a few days ago there We're signs OF
Improvement in his condition, and
hopes of his restoration to health were
entertained, But they were soon dissi-
pated, and it became known that he
could not overcome the complications
of diseases from which he had so long
suffered
Yesterday Mr.. Penn was taken worse
end about nightfall he became UNI
conscious and his loved ones were
told that the end was near at hand.
His Family.
Mr.. Penn was twice married his first
wife being Miss Sarah Z. Pemberton,
niece Of his former partner. His sec
ond wife. who survives him, was Miss
Sallle Johnson, of Georgia. He leaves
four children. all by his first wife:
James G. Penn, Jr. John Pemberton
Penn, of Danville; Mrs. Barnes Penn,
Of Danville. and Mrs. Carroll II. Mon
tague. Of Richmond. He leaves also
| six brothers sand two sisters, Messrs.
Frank r. and Samuel C. Penn, OF
Reidsville, N. G.; Thomas j. Penn, of
| Greensboro; George L. Penn, Of Abing-
don, Va; Green Penn and John l.. Penn,
Of Danville, ind Mrs. John T. Rison
| and Mrs. Catherine NJ Bass, Of Dan
VILE.
Mr.. Penn was prominent in social
and church affairs Of this city. and
| was a Mason, being q member Of Ro-
man Eagle Lodge.
| He was prominent in business nf-
fairs outside Of the tobacco trade, be-
ing at the time Of his death the presi-
dent OF the Commercial Bank. of which
he was one of the largest stockholders.
holdersin the following concerns: The
Riverside Cotton Mills, the Dan River
Power and Manufacturing Company,
and Morotock Manufacturing GomP p;ans
pany the Danville Storage Warehouse
Company, the Danville Street Railway
and Electric. Company and number :, OF OF
vice-president Of the Dan River Power
| and Manufacturing Company, which
| operates the big cotton mills it School,
| field. and was the largest stockholder
in this concern.
The funeral services will take place
here from the residence Tomorrow at
| ternoon at o'clock. lnterment VIII
be made In Green Hill cemetery, win
/ Masonic honors.
sketch Of His Life.
i James Gabriel Penn was mountain
boy, having been born and reared IN
the Blue Ridge range, just, where the
counties of Patrick and Henry come
r l,ar "a
cry is inspiring all the days OF the
year. He was the son Of Thomas JEFF
i ferson Penn. one Of the most success
born on the 14th of Novenber 1S45.
There were, good country schools near near
/ given ~ every advantage they offered.
He early commenced to develop those
sterling business qualities which IN
after life made him successful. man
man in his community. While yet
schoolboy he showed aptness for busi-
ness. which made him valuable In MS
bacco factory. Here on Saturdays and
other holidays he earned his frst
money.
in the rural schools, young Penn, was
sent to the Virginia Military Insti'
during the War Between The sates he
fight at New Market. he being MEM
Der of the cadet corps which won fame
on that battlefield.
more Of the realities Of war, and he
, left school to join the regular Confed-
crate Army uoweyer ne War ea r!1s
and without seeing very much of the
harder service he returned home witt
3 the other faotsore and ragged mel
!, who wore tho gray
From Law to Husincss.
Mr. Penn studied law under Judge
sspss Ga the rsse xW s nj i
liking, and he. closed his office to take
'.Iup commercial pursuits, After a hriei
and successful experience IN the dry
! b fS1 e. 70 o engage IN rs leaf e.
!, ,bacco business, entering into copart'
Q nership with John II, Pemberton, .
well known tobacconist o s. = that time
5 ance, became the best known lear to,
: bacco establishment In the world a
few, years ago the flrn1 was lncorrpor.
sITobatco Company. This concern has
lisold tobacco in every market ~ lnt
: world. and as oommisslon merchants
!, which CONTROL the tobacco manufacture
:. ing business within their dominions
Mr. Penn was n dey0ut member Of
the Methodiet Episcopal Church, ant
lIwith his nntiring energy and his large
Imeans, which were ever.ht the service
~ his church, he has been a powel
z the affairs OF his church all over In
= state and of the South. He WAS al
! enthusiastlc ard liberal supporter o
-lel' q the educational a1r,terpriscs 9
!! the systems ot Schools CLUSTERING