Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1890-09-26
ANOTHER LANDMARK GONp

Our oldest Brattleburu merchant and nnuch 80
teIned citizen, william Pitt Cune, died suddenly
at his res idence on the night of the aDth inst I'm
the Slth year Of his age He had been quite
bright and comfortable throughout the day and
evening, but after retiring for the night was soon
taken with difficult respiration, and in about two
hours thereafter breathed his last, passing awnv
without struggle. MIR, Cune was born in West
BraitlebOro, being one Of twelve children Of .Jobp
and sally McCune, that being the original fam.
lily name. Reared on bis fathers farm h. at a
suitable age, found employment as clerk i'm the
store OF Francis Goodhue Sons the firm doing
an extensive country trade In multitudinous va
riety OF merchandise aud farmers produce az
was customary with country merchants Of large
business in former days Thus our youny cl..rly
became familiar with all branches of conntrv
trade, and all phases Of human nature A few
years later ne commenced business for himself
~ the on brick store that stood at the corner OF
Malh ana hlgh streets, aud which, with several
other ancient buildings passed away TO maxi,
room Tor the present Brooks House Afterwards
mere ne removed 70 New York city where for eight
wears ne was IN the dry goods trade under the
firm name Of Cune & Edwards, George Tones
the present editor Of the New York Times being
clerk OF the firm. Subsequently returning t0
brattIeboro, ne again entered business here at
first 10y himself, but after a short period formed
a partnership with Col. Francis Goodhue lasting
a lew years and next with Mr. f. s Brarketf
eventually selling out his interest To the latter
thus closing period OF about forty years as n
merchant In BrattleborO Mr.. Cune was a cau-
a an
terprises, but when they were once well formed
he entered upon the requisite action with bold,
ness and energy.
Mr. Cune was a trustee and member of TN.
BOARD OF investment of the Vermont Savings
bank from 1863 TO 1873. fifteen years. He Was
also director IN the Vermont National bank OF
Brattleboro for about twenty years and on Ian
uary /, 1893, was elected president OF this bank
which Office he held for nine years or until his
eightieth year, when he resigned his Office thougb
the board OF directors desired and EARNESTLY
urged MN 70 continue longer in the position a.
they reposed much confidence In his Judgment
anu suggestions In financial affairs But he was
business, and felt IL to be time FOR him 10 rest
therefrom. ~ "
Mr.. Cune married Mary Ann, eldest daughter
OF Joseph and Sarah Edwards GoOdhue August
., lS3l' their married life together Continuing
Tor htty-sN years They had three children n
son ana two daughters, al of whom passed on
70 the other side before them Mr. Cune de-
lighted In his home, and In making its surround
lngs pleasant and attractive: and being naturailv
quiet and retiring, his leisure hours In later life
Were mostly spent at home. He was quite uni
FORM IN his habits and modes Of life He was a
klnd, amlable and atfectiOnate husband and
i9ther ana notably generous and ndulgeut TO
ms chlIrrn HIS temperament was uniformly
cheerful and hopeful. Truly, both his life and
death wei Illustrate those lines of old:
'if tbou well olsarva
The rule Of Not too nscI by tem 9u,e tau,,,
thence 'e ''"''
Que hourlshment, not gluttonous delight
III many years over thy head return.
so may 81 thou live till like ripe fruit thou drop
Into thy mothers lap; or be with ease
T riir u not rudely pluckd; for death mature;
,nN,