Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1863-01-23
Death OF EIisha whIt,Iescv.

| htubpollidl ilOlelt az ~ q CLOCK OH Modnoq-
day night. Although Mr.. Whittlesey had long
since reached the age at which il would have
been unreasonable 10 expect much longer so.
journ on earth, yet the absence of any prelimin-
airy symptoms of deaths near approach, dur.
ing the day, was so complete, that the announce
ment of the sad fact, yesterday morning, created
as great shock as if it had been the youngest
man IN the city, and not venerable gentleman
of eighty summers.
| Elisha Whitlesey entered Congress in 1923,
as the representative of the ar-farmed Western
| Reserve congressional district of Ohio. In that
day 1t required talent, moral WORTH and person.
| al energy to secure position of responsibility
and influence in Congress. Mr.. Whittlesey
possessed a systematic business mind and an
enthusiasm of character which soon won for him
the Chairmauship of the Committee on Claims
Although of trifling political consequence and
for that reason never receiving much consdera-
ton at the hands of the people of the country
the Committee ON Claims is nevertheless, one of
the most important of the House.
There is, perhaps, no committee which re-
quires more unremitting industry, or minds ca
Pable of deciding nicer points of equality. Mr.
Whittleseywas peculiarly qualified for the chair
manshp Of that body. He was gifted with that
admirable courage which never quailed before
the seductive Establishments of wealth or the
threatening Importance of power.
He never hesitated to espouse the cause be-
combinations by men of position to carry point
which he believed to be wrong, had no terors
for him.
He was chairman ofthis committee for sixteen
years
After the close of the campaign of 1910, and
the Inauguration of General Harrison, Mr..
Whittlesey was appointed Sixth Auditor of the
Treasury, which position he held until after
Gen. Taylors death, and John Tylers deserton
OF the party electing him when he retired.
Upon the accession of the next Whig Admin
istratlon, Gen. Taylor appointed Mr.. Whittle-
| sey First Comptroller of the Treasury. He
! held the position through the Taylor and Fill
more Administrations. After the inaneuraton
OF Gen. Pierce as President. Mr. Whittlesey, be-
ing. opposed 10 the political principles upon
which he was elected rendered his resignation;
but so strongly was the President impressed
with the value of his services that he entirely
dlsregarded his political opinions, and insisted
upon his retention. Accordingly Mr.. Whttle-
sey remained until Mr.. Buchanans s inaugural
ton, when he again rendered his resignation
Tor the same reasons, and this time it was ac-
cepted.
| In May, 1861, Mr.. Whttlesey was again ap-
pointed First Comptroller of the Treasury, by
Mr., Lincoln, which office he held from that time
to the day OF his death. During his long career
IN Punlic me NJ Whittlesey had established a
national reputation Tor uni;riog perseverance,
and scrupulOus honesty. The highest run.nI;
ment that can be paid his official integrity is the
repetition of the fact that those of lax political
ethics have long dersivedly characterized him
as ''thc Watchdog of the Treasury"
In the social circle, Mr.. Whittlesey ever dis
played the vivacity of youth, and his society
was much sought by those who wished to be en-
tertained and instructed at the same time. He
was constant attendant and communicanl
1--WE believe) of DR. Sunderland's Presbyterian
church. His summons before his Maker, Saviour
\ I,,1. 1.
but II found him ready "READY" was ever his
watch word
Last night, a meeting of the heads of the sew
eral bureaus of the Treasury Department was
held in the Library room of the Department, at
which Nathan Sargent, Commissioner of Gus
toms, was called TO the chair, and Judge John
@. Underwood Fifth Auditor, was selected as
| Secretary. Thomas L. Smith, First Auditor,
said:
The long and intimate relations between the
deceased and myself make it proper that should
on this occasion, offer some tribute TO his mem
ory. The death of the late Mr. Whittlesey will
touch the hearts of many in every part of our
country The length oftime he was in public
life, and the various important Offices he filled
gave him wide reputation, and wherever that
reputation was known twas honored-honored
| for the graces of pure life devoted to public
duty to the great ends of Justice, and to the
high calls of philanthropy and religion His
heart was so kind and benevolent that it had
throb of tenderness for all. His feelings were so
| genial and his manners so bland that he claimed
the admiration of all ares, and the respect of ev-
cry condition of society.
! 10 the last day of his life old age sat grace
fully upon hsswalk and MEN, and gave promise
that he had still further to travel on the long
Journey OF life. But il was only the deceptive
glare of the expiring lamp. Atien o'clock last
night he sunk calmly and peacefully into The
Ipulhlnca nj 1aat lpa knor ind l.
ISOLATION to his family and friends that he was
prepared for the summons of his great Master
Resotped. That we have heard with profound
regret and deep felt sorrow of the sudden de-
mise of the Hon. Elisha Whittlesey, late First
/ Comptroller of the Treasury, for sixteen years
Member of Congress, aud the distinguished
Chairman OF the Committee of Private Claims
of the House OF Representatives; eminent in ev-
cry station he has been called to fill in public
life, for his unbending integrity his persevering
industry, his strict impartiality, and his unre-
mitled devotion to every duty. In private life,
the upright citizen the kind and sympathizing
neighbor and friend, the loyal and earnest pat
riot and the sincere, exemplary Christian.
Resolved That as mark of sincere respect
for the virtues of the deceased, we will ourselves
attend his funeral and invite the clerks of the de-
parimen 10 join MS in body, and will wear the
usual badge Of mourning for thirty days.
1 ReSotUed. That committee of three gentle
men be appointed by the chair to cooperate with
the friends of the deceased in making arrange
ments for his funeral.
Mr.. Smith, Mr. Underwood and Mr. Atkinson
were appointed said committee.
We understand that the Ohio delegation in
Congress, and the Ohioans now in Washington,
will meet in the Hall of the House of Represen-
tatves to-day at IL O'Clock, to attend the funer-
al of the deceased. .--National hitcl!igencey, oh
The Youngstown RegiSlor in speaking of the
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