Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1896-12-30
DEATH OF CALVIN CHENEY.
A WeH-Known Citizen for Nearly 8
lf-Century-Some Events
of His Life.

of His Life.
The year 1896 will go down in the
annals of Watertown as marking the
demise of several of our earliest and
best known citizens-ones who have
filed important places in the history
and commerce of our city and who have
held high rank among our people. Just
at the close of the year there has been
called hence one of these in the person
of Calvin Cheney. who died at noon
yesterday at his residence. 302 Western
avenue, in the 69th year of his age.
Mr.. Cheney had been confined to his
home by illness the greater portion of
the time since last summer. but on
Christmas day he seemed much bright
er than usual and his friends and rela-
tives had hopes of his again being able
to be around. The following day, how
ever, he suffered relapse and gradual
ly weakened until death finally came to
his relief His disease was of the
stomach and kidneys.
The subject of this obituary first saw
the light of day in Maine hamlet,
September 3, 1929 He was born of
genuine New England parentage and
his every characteristic in after-life be-
trayed the sturdy, frank race of the
oldline Puritans. As boy he received
a common school education in his ma
tive state. and IN 1850 came West with
his parents, settling in this city. For
several years be followed the trade
which he had learned, that of cabinet
making, being employed in his fathers
shop. Along towards war time Mr..
Cheney evinced a strong liking for the
political sphere, and for a short time
in the early COS, was part owner of
THE WATERFOWL REPUBLICAN. After
the war he received the appointment
of deputy collector of internal revenue
for what was then the Second district
of Wisconsin, serving under the late
General David Atwood and also Gen
eral Henry Harnden, of Madison. This
pNSlGIOlI IC " 1OiQ I'LL III IIlc
first administration of President Cleve-
land in 1885, when difference in polit-
ical faith necessitated his removal
During his service as deputy collector
he also conducted a fire insurance
agency here. representing some of the
strongest old line companies. When
he retired from the public service he
engaged in the lumber and coal trade,
forming a partnership with Theodore
Huber and purchasing the business OF
Hamlin & Ford. In a year or so. how
ever, Mr.. Cheney disposed of his inter
est in this firm aud since then be has
not been actively engaged in any busi-
ness duties aside from those as secre-
tary OF the Watertown Gas company,
which position be held for many years
He was large stockholder in this COM
pany and his business energy and
sagacity in years gone by had much to
do with the upbuilding and betterment
Of this now fine plant.
No one of our citizens, perhaps, had
more extended acquaintance than
Mr.. Cheney. He was man of fine
social qualities, we'll read and thorough
| ly posted on the affairs of the passing
| day. Aside from his natural proclivi-
| ties for intercourse with his fellowmen
he gained many acquaintance in a
business and political way through his
| position as deputy collector, and for
years he was one Of the best known
members Of the Republican party in
| Wisconsin. Notwithstanding this fact,
he never rose to high rank in his par
tvs councils nor held high office, be-
cause he was unostentatious and unas-
suming, always refusing public donors,
though often urged to accept them
His generosity to his friends and bis
kindness to those most in need are mat
ters OF general knowledge and will ever
be cause for reverence Of his memory
Mr.. Cheney was above all things hon.
est and frank, free to express an opin.
Ion, out in every way fair minded and
just. AS an upright man and true
friend he was surely above reproach
The only elective office which the
deceased ever held was that of super
visor Of the First ward, serving on the
county board for several terms in that
capacity. He was a member of the
Masonic order of long standing, belong
ing to Watertown lodge, No 40, F.
A. NJ.
Mr.. Cheney was married in 1851 t
Miss Nancy Granger Keyes, sister o
the late j. H. Keyes. for long time
proprietor of this paper. She dice
some ten years ago. Three sons arr
left, namely: Dewitt c.. superintend
ent of the La Crosse division of tht
Chicago, Milwaukee & st. Paul rail
way, with headquarters il Milwaukee
Ernest. an engineer on the same road
and Willis L., at the head of the col
lection department of the Wisconsin
National bank, Milwaukee. All were
present with their father when be
breathed his last
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