In keeping with the "general" theme of this thread, I give you the following:
The history of General Cigar Company, Inc. is the story of one family and its love of tobacco. It is a rich and colorful story of tobacco dealers, growers, and entrepreneurs, which stretches over 150 years.
http://www.cigarworld.com/about/history.aspx
For the full story, if you are so inclined.