Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1895-12-13
WILLIAM H. BsTERBRooK.
For Many Years Prominent Merchant
and One OF the Pillars or the UnIver-
salist Chnreh.

For Many Years Prominent Merchant
and One OF the Pillars OF the UnIver-
saIist Church.
Deacon William II. EsterbrOok, whose
connection with the business life Of Brat
tleboro dates back farther than that Of any
man now living, died Wednesday forenoon
at his Western avenue home. Mr. Ester
brook had been unusually active for one Of
his years, and on Thanksgiving day was
about the streets. He contracted a severe
cold, and, being unable to retain nourish-
ment failed rapidly.
Mr.. EsterbrOok was one of the II children
Of Major James and Polly Stewart Ester
brook. His father was born in Warren.
X. l., but came to Brattleboro with his
parents in lT7g, at the age of four years
The father was prominent in the local
militia, attaining the rank Of major.
William II. Esterbrook was born July 81,
1914, upon the West Brattleboro farm nov
occupied by John II. Liscom. He learned
the tinsmith's trade of Ashbel Dickinson.
and in 1897. with his elder brother, James
II. Esterbrook, formed partnership under
the firm name Of J. II. d W. II. EsterbrOok
10 carry on the stove and tin business Their
store was at first in the Ninton building at
the corner Of Canal and South Main streets.
1t was afterward moved to Cutler block,
where a large and successful business was
carried on for q years, the trade extend
ing to all adjoining towns. The senior
partner died in April, 1869, and William
n. Esterbrook carried on the business
alone about three years. He sold out to
Wood & Kathan- and retired with a com
potency. Since giving up active business
Mr.. Esterbrook has lived quietly on High
street and Western avenue.
Mr.. Esterbrook and Adeline S.Thayer
were married Sept. Is, 1876. Mrs. Ester
brooks death took place in October, 1SS9.
Mr.. Esterbrook is survived by two daugh-
tiers, Mrs. George 5. Dowley and Mrs. L.
H. Richardson. A son, Charles, died at
an early age. Mr.. Esterbrook has a brother
and sister living, George w. Esterbrook
and Mrs. Charlotte Bullock, both of this
village Mrs. Bullock, who lives with her
daughter. Mrs b. A Clark, al % years Of
age is the oldest person in town.
Although Mr.. Esterbrook was for many
years a prominent business man, he Is in
separately connected by the present genera
ton with the Universalist church. He
had been for many years one of the dea-
cons, and the affairs of the church had
come to be with him an intimate personal
matter. He was invariably present at the
services, gave literally for its support, and
was active and helpful in every way posi-
bic. He was one of the five persons who
Joined the church when the present society
was organized in 1S43. J. w. Frost and
Harvey Houghton are two surviving origi-
nal members.
Mr.. Esterbrook has always been a large
contributor TO the church funds, one gift
in recent years being of $1,000. In his will
is provision for bequest of $1,000 to the
church. Mr.. Esterbrook's character was one
which combined business sagacity, spOtless
integrity and decided religious convictions.
The many who knew him well will long
cherish grateful memory of his equable
temper, his friendly interest, and his words
ftly spoken in behalf of every good cause.
The funeral will be held at the house
Saturday at o'clock.