Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1860-02-23
Stephen whitney.

Thursday, Mt noon, at tho ripo ago OF ~ years,
Dir. Stephen Whitney, ono OF tho merchant
princes OF New. York passed. away. Mr.. Whitney
was born at Derby, Conn, in l776, and came to
this city when mere boy. Obtaining asituation
as clerk in u grocery store. he gradually worked
his way up to competency and died tho third
richest man in New York lilo lived in tho First
Ward of this city ever since he landed here. For
many years he dwelt in Pearl street, hard by the
Battery till 30 years Of he built the residence
on Bowling Green. on tho corner OF Stnto street.
This was then tho most fashionable part OF tho
city. Here ho lived till death closed his career,
sturdily refusing to follow tho fashionable crowd.
although his friends and equals, ono by one flew
up-,ownward until he was left alonc. Mr.. Whit
ney married the daughter OF Mr.. llendriek Sny-
dam OF Long Island, by whom ho had several
children. Of these he leaves ono son, VIM. Whit
ney, and three daughters, Mrs. j. Philips phenix,
(widow.) Mrs. John Dorc, and Mrs. Ferdinand
Suy dam.
lie began lfe as groceryman and shipping
merchant, in which he continued many years.
lie also dipped into the China trade when it was
most profitable and spcculated in stocks at times.
When he retired he was in tho Liverpool trade,
owning several ships in the Kermit Line. Being
n man Of great sagactv, his opinion was general
ly deferred to in 'the street" and in the banking
aud other enterprises in which he took part. For
many years he was u Director in tho Bank of
America and in tho Bank of Commerce he held
that position from it's ioundntion as woll ns in the
New Jersey Railroad Company-ofices which he
held up to the period ofhis death.
Mr.. Whitney retired from active mercantile lilo
about 30 years ago. then quito wealthy. and las
over since, by prudent Investments in real estate
and sound paying stocks, been nddng to his wealth
till it in estimated that his aocumulations amount
to hard upon eight mlioHs Of dollars. 1t was cha
ractcrisc in him that h6 always minded his own
business, kept his own books. and never had any
body to take charge Of his affairs, but always con-
Quoted them himself
His illness. dropsical affection, which rendered
him lame. astel for three years. but lis last sick
ness was quito sudden. commencing on Sunday
Inst. lle was attended by the family physician,
DR.. Bcnles; but tho case was beyond his skill. To
the last he was methodcnl and business like as
ever, tho very latest act no did was to tako his
checkbook ana lock it up in drawer. taking tho
key aud putting II in it's proper place, after which
ho lny down, without any apparently excrtion, or
suffering, and died.
Politically, Mr.. Whitney was q Henry Clay
Wing, nnd whenever tho great Kentuckian cnmo
to town. they always met. To advance the polit.
cal interests of his leader. Mr.. Whitney contribu-
ted literally of his substance, though he never
sought nor held Office himself. In his death tho
city has lost one Of her foremost and most success
ful merchants who. by simply keeping an eye to
the main chance and looking after his business in
person, won Il colossal fortune.