New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-04-06
CHARLES FRANK CHICKERING.
A TRIBUTE TO HIS MEMORY BY THE REV. pA
MAYNARD.

MAYNARD. 2"
TO the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: Out Of Difference to the feelings Of the family
of Mr. ChlckerIng and that simplicity Of character
that charming In his personal Intercourse, no
address made after the last tribute Of prayer and
invocation. Yet who knew him intimately and
for years had learned to love and honor him, feel
that few words addressed TO his many friends would
not only be grateful, but would appropriate 10
the deep sense OF bereavement that We all feel as
personal loss.
I would not speak Of him as the head Of great
firm. known in every civilized country, Of HIS ability
business man and the integrity and honor that
have been part Of his existence, though these arc
facts that cluster round his memory but Of the per-
sonay and individual loveness Of character that had
sympathy and friendship for every class and condition
OF Ife that attracted thousands Of friends who now
deeply mourn his departure.
If an honest man is the noblest work Of God. then
friend gone to his rest, is touching illustra
ton of how business In the great competition Of
life quick TO appreciate the virtue OF that integrity
that was universally recognized in the conduct OF
affairs.
Many men are allie TO live above adversely, but how
difficult to find one, superior to all prosperity, whose
heart and head were absolutely proof against the
Establishments Of wealth. II was because he was
always sincere, sympathetic, ready TO counsel with
The sOLndest sense, that his friends learned TO honor
him, to appreciate the exceptional quality OF his
mind. have often thought, IN hearing the express
siOns Of devotion that were expressed by working
men who had known him for quarter or third Of
century, that II all opulent and prosperous employers
considerable and conscientious and ppoachabe
as he was we would not hear so much OF the an
tagonism and contingent troubles growing out Of class
distinctions.
So modest and unpretentious he that it required
many opportunities OF contact to realize his large
reading and intellectual culture. His knowledge Of
10 adfnDf in
English literature surprising when you remembered
how many cares rested upon him in his daily work.
In any department of intellectual life Mr. Chickering,
by his fine memory and keen perceptions, admirable
judgment and nobility Of character, would have risen
was most remarkable in its quiet strength and equ able
distribution No matter how absorbed in business or
occupied in intricate measurements OF the scientific
side of his profession he was always the most courteous
and unselfsh Of men. There can be no doubt that
he had seriously injured his health and Impaired his
energies by OverwOrkng his mind In his effort TO gain
superior tone and quality for his work, and was
enthusiastic that he neglected his own personal CON-
In these days of interested friendship there seemed
that which drew men to him, as General Gordon at
tracted those that knew him. 1t Of his gifts
Of soul that to all who knew him well, by his loyalty
and love, he doubled their joys and cut their griefs
In twain. have known many men who were kind
and conscientious, but have never known one who
was his superior In deep and abiding charity. No
critical tongue could ever induce him to join In hasty
kind, and always found some kind word that an
extenuatlon to infrnity he seemed to feel and TO
breathe the saying of the old song:
Speak i'll, but lenient be
To others failngs, your own;
If you're the first a fault TO see,
BE not the first TO make it known.
He was true American gentleman, able 10 bear the
load Of high and responsible work and 10 be OF the
most cultivated and refined of men, ornament and
influence for all that good
1 cannot speak of the courage and patience that he
showed in his last sickness. He resigned to the
will Of God passing TRANQUILITY away as white sail
on its outward voyage. NEWLAND MAYNARD.
NewYork, March 80, 1891.