Charles A. Whitney
New Ipswich Historical Society
Obituaries
Obituaries are a valuable source of information for Historical Societies. This one is especially complete with a description of a well respected citizen. It was written in 1878.
DEATH OF CHARLES A WHITNEY
Charles A. Whitney, one of our most prominent and influential citizens, celebrated for his punctuality in business as postmaster, town clerk, express agent and variety store keeper for many years. was found dead on Thursday evening, May 23d at 10'clock, on the street near Clark's hotel. The deceased was 56 years of age; he was born at Shirley, Mass., Oct. 10th, 1821; his father's name was Charles Whitney, son of Rev. Mr. Whitney, a pastor for many years at Shirley, His first marriage was to Miss Mary F.. Parker in 1858; his second marriage to to Mrs. E. V. Holman in 1871. The immediate cause of his death is not precisely known, although the autopsy revealed marked hypertrophy of the heart, some effusion, but no disease of the tissues; possibly there was some lesion of the brain in connection; there was some inflammation of the stomach. He began his mercantile career as a clerk to the old stone store at Fitchburg and finally came to New Ipswich where he has been engaged in business for about 30 years. He was so energetic and capable of accomplishing such a vast amount of business that his sudden departure will create a great vacancy that cannot possibly be filled by any one in this vicinity.
When a young man he was given the position of clerk in his present store, built by Samuel Batchelder about 1800, then known as the Isaacs store and kept by E. M. Isaacs. Mr. Isaacs remarked that Mr. Whitney had then earned $1500; very soon he became one of his most popular clerks.
As an adviser to every one, rich or poor, and as a general advocate of all measures for the aid of church and school, public or private adventures, by his unostentatious and silent demeanor his memory will long be kept fresh in the minds of a bereaved community. Many of his kind deeds and charitable acts were so free from notoriety that the very effect of this will redound to his credit. His equanimity of temper, remarkably retentive memory and fidelity in all financial matters, although by his diversity of business it could hardly have been expected, were peculiarly manifest and his bearing was such as to smooth the turbulent waters of public or private fomentation by a Sphynx-like composure.
Every new invention or discovery received his attention and as a general conversationist he was thoroughly posted. His Judgment was unerring and his advice was earnestly sought in every kind of business matter by the widow, the fatherless and his associates. Only a few days since he called at the writer's house, examined a telephone line, showed much delight and gave a vivid description of the phonograph which he had just examined at Boston; he has of late been very enthusiastic for telegraphic or telephonic communication between this town and Greenville, His memory will always be emblazoned upon the minds of the young gentlemen and ladles who have been aided and benefited through his kindness and courtesy to them, a most noteworthy mark of high character and delight in their success and aspirations. As one person remarked he was a father to the town to be regarded In the same light as a father to a church.
A constant attendant at church and a faithful co-operator in its welfare, it will long be impossible to regard his sudden demise as a reality. The funeral took place on Sunday at his late residence. Revs. Lee and Seymour conducted the obsequies. A large number of friends were present.
James Roger diary entries
19th October 1912 (Saturday)
Dull and mild, showery after 11 am, wind SW to W. David and Henry Royce at Mrs. Spofford’s in forenoon and David choring around there after. I wheeled a cord of wood into the church, and picked two chickens, went to mail, and got letter from Alice also PC from May and Barbara getting along very well.Jessie wrote to May and posted it in forenoon. Got postcard from May, Barbara doing well.
Friends of the Wapack Annual Meeting and Wapack Trail Centennial Celebration
Saturday - Oct 21st 2023 @ 1:00PM - 3:00PM
Sharon Meeting House, Route 123, Sharon NH.
You are invited! Join us as we gather to celebrate the centennial of the Wapack Trail at the Sharon Meeting House, Route 123, Sharon NH. Join us as we gather for this final event of the Centennial year of the Wapack Trail. Our special guest speaker will be Al Jenks
You must register if you plan to attend.
James Roger wheeled an entire cord of wood into the church? He’s The Man!
There was a Charles A Whitney from Rindge who died fighting in Normandy in 1943. I suspect they were related.