The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1882-03-09
ORUTUAKK.

Flavel j. Whitney was born in Rootstown.
Portage County, Ohio, May 81 1919. Died in
Buffalo Prairie, Rock Island County Illinois.
February Sth, 1882.
The above dates mark the beginning and
close of an active, useful life.
Flavel Josiah whitney was the eldest son Of
Josiah and Almira Whitney, In early child
hood he manifested an eager desire for knowl-
edge. ana the spirit which prompted him, when
a child. to part ith childish toys, if by so do
ing he might obtain a book, was noticeable
throughout his entire life. Notwithstanding
tut limited advantages were his, with ability
to quickly grasp thought. and a memory
which retained whatever learned. he made
rapid progress in his Studies and at the age of
eighteen commenced teaching. Being success
full as a teacher, he afterwards taught many
terms Of school. Having desire to see more
OF the world than he had heretofore seen, in the
Spring of 1s41 he started on foot for the West
carrying two tin trunks filled with Y ankec
notions" The contents OF said trunks were
expected to defray travelling expenses. After
weeks spent in travelling MIR. Whitney reached
Buffalo Prairie, ILL.,, place now but twenty
five hours distant by railroad. Being much
pleased with the country, he decided to locate
there and before returning 10 Ohio, secured Il
quarter section Of prairie land. Although he
spent portion of his time during the next hve
years in Illinois. it was not until 1s47 til ut that
State became his permanent home. In 1917 he
was married to Miss Louisa Norton. of Roofs
town, and with his bride soon went to his ives
tern home. There for more than thirty-tour
years he lived, and his pablo record during
those years shows plainly the confidence which
was placed in him by the people of that com
munlty. For 30 years he was Justice of the
Peace 81 years, Postmaster; % years, Township
Treasurer, and II years. Town Clerk.
In business he was very successful. CON-
mencing life with no capital. by industry and
perseverance he acquired an abundance OF this
worlds goods.
Five children were given to him, all of whom
are living Herbert and Pcacy reside in Elk
Co Kansas; Emma, wife of Prof. j. L. Wylic,
in Aledo, ILL.,; Albert and Eva, at home with
their mother.
In politics Mr.. Whitney took an active part.
and was during his whole manhood identified
with the Democratic party.
In youth he became Universali>t in religious
belief, and ever after remained a firm believer
in that doctrine.
After an absence of nearly eighteen years. in
the Fall OF 1881, Mr.. Whitney, accompanied by
his wife, again visited his native State, spend
ing four happy weeks IN visiting Win relatives
and friends of his youth, trequenting places IA
miliar to him in boyhood days. and formin 6
many pleasant acquaintance while reviving
old memories. Near the close of his visit, of
those glad days he wrote, THE remembrances
OF the last four weeks will be ever treasured
amongst the brightest gems in memory's store
house." Sept. 26. 1881, he bade his Ohio friends
good bye, and returned to his home.
a " ed T.
life was pronounced by his physicians Feb. 9th
to be typhoid fever. but not OF dangerous form.
Feb. sth he became suddenly worse. and died in
the evening Of that day. leaving an aged mother
to mourn Tor her eldest born, brothers and Sis
ters to mourn the loss of dear brother a wife
aad children to mourn for husband ever low
ing and kind. Il father dearly beloved, and a
large circle of acquaintance to mourn the loss
of valued friend. COM