The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1860-03-01
Death Of Stephen Whitney.

Death of Stephen Whitney.
Mr.. Stephen Whitney, the we'll known
merchant and millionaire, Of New York.
died at his residence opposite the Bosline
Green on the 10th ult., aged "a years,
leaving family of four children, (three
daughters and one son, the latter of whom
resides in Morristown, N. j., and num-
Der of grand children. Mr. Whitney
was the largest stockholder in the New
jersey Railroad Company. His proper
ty is estimated to be somewhere about ten
or twelve millions of dollars, which be &C.
quired in business, and by its own accu-
mutation afterwards. Mr.. Whitney was
a native of Derby, Ct., and commenced
business as a grocer at Coenties slip, N.
Y During the war of 1912, he thought
himself ruined in consequence of the large
credits he had given at the South and
South West, and, was obliged to take bis
payment in cotton. TIE following histo-
~ Of his transactions which we End in the
Express, shows how he managed it,
As matter of course, the effect of the
panic was to cheaper cotton to the very
lowest fgure-holders being glad to ges
rid of the ursaeable commodity almost
at any price. But to a nan of Mr.. Whit
ney's mercantile genius, the way to find
market for the article, and that market
an English one was soon made clear
At that tine, as our readers are aware,
Florida vas province of Spain, and A
melia Island North of the St. Johns riy-
er, was the boundary line between the
United States and Florida. Mr.. Whit
ney, having purchased Immense qusnti.
ties of cotton at Savannah, Georgia, and
New Orleans, for little more than an "old
song sert his purchases to Amelia ISL
and; whence they were shipped to Europe
in neutral vessels. His returns were so
satisfactory that he was induced to make
still larger purchases Of cotton, which he
shipped in the same manner, aud with
unvarying success. He continued this
business till the close of the war.
During the attack on New Orleans by
the British forces, under Sir John Pack
eDham, in 1915, he had Immense quantities
Of cotton in the eity-al Of which depen-
ded on the issue of the struggle, whether
it should change hands, or continue his
property. The result OF the attack is
known; the British troops were repul.ed
and New Orleans saved On the couclu-
sion of peace. in the same year Mr. Whit
ney, from being nearly ruined man,
three years before. found himself possess
ed of fortune of $500 900.
Mr.. Whitney retired from active mer-
camille life about thirty years ago, aDd
has ever since, BY prudent investments in
real estate aud sound paying stocks, been
adding to his wealth. 1t was character
istic of him that he always minded bis
own business, kept bis own books, and
never had anybody to take charge of his
affairs, but always conducted them him.
self
His illness, dropsical affection, Which
rendered him lame, lasted for three years;
but his last sickness was quite sudden
Fl was attended BY the family physician,
DR.. Beales; but the ease was beyond his
skill TO the last be vas methodica and
bGsiness-like as ever, the very latest act
he did being to take his check book aud
lock it up in a drawer, taking the key aDd
putting 1t in its proper place, after which
be lay down, without any apparent exer-
ton or suffering, and died
Mr.. Whitney married the daughter of
Mr. HendTick Suydam OF Long Island.
By whom be had several children. Of
these he leaves one SOD. WA. Whitney,
aud three daughters, Mrs j. Phillips
Phenix (widow), Mrs. John Dore, and
Mrs. Ferdinand Suydam.
In private life, be vas strictly absteui--
Gus to which ma be attributed his vigorous
frame, and the retention of unclouded ia
culties, to the end of his unusually long life.
He died without pain-his last breath
leaving him like an expiring taper
Though his name never figured ostepta-
,iously in public charities, his private ben
citations were extensive. His charities
were dispensed in secret-his left hand
not knowing what his right hand did.
Politically. Mr.. Whitney was a Henry
Clay Wbig, aud wbeneser the great Ken
tuckian visited New York they always
met To advance the political interests
of bis leader. Mr.. Whitney contributed
literally OF bis substance. though be new
er sought nor held Office himself.