Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1904-02-05
Death Of William c. Whitney.

William G. Whitney. c.. secretary Of
the navy under President Celveland's first
administration, and one of the represen-
ttiyc men Of the country. died Tuesday
afternoon at his home in New York CITY
from pertonitis and blood poisoning. fol-
lowing an operation for appendicitis. He
was a son Of Gen. James :. Whitney. who
conducted a general store several years
iu Conway Franklin county Mass. who
later engaged in a variety NJ enterprises.
and who held the offices OF superintend-
ont Of the government armory i'm Spring
neld and collector Of the port of Boston
The father was also "a member of both
branches Of the Massachusetts legisla-
ture
William c. Whitney was educated in
Williston seminary. Yale college and the
Harvard law school, and began the prac-
tiCe of law IN New York city. He was a
leader Of the anti-Tammany county de-
mocucy. and figured in the overthrow of
the Tweed ring. He became closely as
ISOLATED politically with Samuel j. Til
den. and was active in the campaign
which resulted in Mr.. Tilden's election
as governor OF New York His first
public office WAS as corporation counsel
in New York city at the age OF 81 when
for the first time the methods of the Of
fee We're systematized, saving the city
ZOO 900 the first year that he held Of
flee. He continued to hold this position
under two successive mayors. He had a
lucrative law practice, being the adviser
Of life insurance companies, railroads and
other large corporations His wife was
Flora Payne, daughter of Henry B.
Payne Of Ohio millionaire. Mr.. Whit
ney was one OF the leaders of the Demo-
cratic convention which nominated Grover
Cleveland as the Democratic candidate
Il Ii.
became member OF his cabinet He
pushed theoretically the work that Sec
rotary Chandler had started for the build
ing of new navy, and the famous white
ships which have played their part in war
Were largely constructed during his ad-
ministration of the department. On leav-
ing the cabinet he was instrumental in
directing many street railway ompanies
and other large business enterprises. and
had accumulated an immense fortune
He found time to take a prominent place
in social circles. His eldest son, Harry
Payne Whitney, married Gertrude VAN
derbiit. and the second son. Payne Whit
ney married a daughter of Secretary
! John Hay. He also leaves two daughters
His first wife died in 1892. and his second
wife. to whom he was married i'm 1896
was fatally injured by being thrown from
her horse while following hounds Mr.
Whtneys only brother. Henry NJ Whit
ney of Boston. has also had an unusual
career in business activities
| Mr. Whitney was the dominating force
/ in the Democratic national convention
when Grover Cleveland was last nomi-
mated. and when there was strong oppo-
sition against his candidacy in New York
state.
| He was the greatest horse racer in
America, and owned on Long Island the
! finest racing stable i'm the world. His
/ morse NaladyoNski won the English Derby
in 1891. He maintained a palatial home on
! Fifth avenue in New York city and had
county estates at Westbury, L. l., Lenox.
Mass, and Aiken. S. c. He was the
! largest landowner in Massachusetts, hav-
ing established a game preserve of thous-
ands of acres in Washington and Lee in
the Berkshire hills. and also had another
large tract for hunting purposes in the
! Adlrondacks.