Frank H. Whittemore Obituary

New Ipswich Historical Society

July 6, 1916

Death of Frank H. Whittemore

Frank H. Whittemore passed away Thursday, July 6. For the past two years he had been gradually falling from the effects of an incurable disease.

He was born in Groton, Mass, Oct. 27, 1850, the second son of Charles O. and Frances M. (Holden) Whittemore and lived at home with his parents until he was seven years old, when he went to live with his aunt. Lydia J. Bennett, with whom he remained at Charlestown and West Claremont, N. H., until May, 1970. He then took up railroad work which he followed in several departments until Oct., 1890, when he came to New Ipswich and located permanently nearly 23 years. He had been employed most of the time in the wood turning shop of A. F. Walker and A. F. Walker & Sons, though for three years he was manager of the summer estate of Dr. John l. Hildreth at Smithville, N. H.

On Dec 24, 1893, he married Miss Mary Jeannette Davis, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard H. Davis.

Mr. Whittemore was a member of the Congregational church of this town and served as one of its ushers about 20 years. He was a member of the standing committee of this church 18 years; was superintendent of the Sunday school 15 years and superintendent two years He was president of the Christian Endeavor society nine years; served an a member of the general committee of the Children's fair 21 years; was a member of the police force four years, and of the board of supervisors of the check list four years. He was a member of the board of health 18 years. When the new law went into effect he was appointed by the state board of health the first health officer. In politics he was a staunch Republican and always voted and worked for the Interest of the party

Mr. Whittemore was honest, reliable and prompt. He was a great pedestrian and moved with a quick step. His love for flowers was always pronounced, oftentimes he had fine exhibits about his premises.

In meetings he was a ready speaker and always presented words of interest. In all organizations with which he was associated he was an active worker and ever ready to share his part of the burdens. He was a good neighbor, a good citizen and promoter of the public good.

The survivors are Mrs. H. Whittemore, his wife, and a brother, Lyman Beecher Whittemore, who resides in Nashua, N. Η His funeral took place Saturday afternoon at his late residence. Rev. John E. Bowman, pastor of the Congregational church, conducted the services very commendably to the deceased. The flowers were beautiful and profuse. Mrs. Hattie P. McKown was organist Walter S. Thayer. Mrs. Edward B. Wheeler, Robert B. Walker and Mrs. Ella B Walker comprised the quartet of singers who sang the following hymn: "My Jesus, I love Thee," and "Safe in the arms of Jesus"

The interment was in the family lot In Smithville cemetery.

Photo Archives

Unidentified woman from photo collection

James Roger diary entry

8^th February 1913

Hard frost. David was to have gone to Browns’ to pack ice but had to stay home owing to me having an attack of ptomaine poisoning from eating some Elkhorn cheese* to supper, which caused sickness, vomiting and purging from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. We tried hot water and mustard to feet, hot fomentations outward and hot water inwardly. David went for Doctor at midnight who gave hypodermic injections, which relieved the abdominal pains and other medicines after a kind of cholera movement. David chored round all day fixing Church fires and hen houses. I got up in the afternoon for a while.

*James Kraft, who founded his cheese company in 1909, sold several varieties of cheese in tins under the Kraft and Elkhorn labels.

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