Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1912-05-24
GARDNER S. WAINWRIGHT
Passes Peacefully Away at His
Home in This Village.

In the death of Gardner Southworth
Wainwright on the morning of May 18th,
this community has lost valuable cti-
zen, who had the confidence and esteem
of all who knew him throughout the
State. He was born January 21, 1888,
in the same house in which he died,
having almost attained "by reason of
strength" the fourscore years allotted
by the psalmist. 1t is interesting to re-
call that this historic house, built over a
century ago, was the home of Gamaliel
Painter, "the father of the village"
Mr.. Wainwright was educated at the
Addison County Grammar school, and
after graduation was for a while at the
Naval Academy at Annapolis. At the
age of nineteen he chose the mercantile
profession, in which his father had been
eminently successful, and for eight
years was connected with the firm of
James H. Peck & Co. of Burlington.
In 1863 he became member of the firm
of Beckwith & Co. of Middlebury, in
which he remained an active partner
for "a years, until his retirement from
business in 1907.
For over twenty-seven years he was
a Director in the National Bank of Mid
dlebury, and Vice-President from 1904
till the date of his death. He twice
represented the town in the Legislature
in 1928, and 19O4-5.
In 1868 he married Martha Agnes
Bissell of Shoreham, who with their
three daughters remained to be the
comfort and support of his declining
years.
Mr.. Wainwright's life was eminently
successful. He inherited the talent for
business that was manifest in the
career of his father, Rufus Wainwright,
and in that of his maternal grandfather,
Samuel Sargent. He was always en-
terprising and judicious in his purchase
of goods, as well as Jealous to serve his
patrons to the best of his ability. There
are those in town, who, after trans
actions extending through twenty or
thirty years, can testify that his word
was an unfailing guarantee of the
quality of their purchases. 1t seemed
at times that he almost lost sight of the
profits of his business in his devotion to
the best interests of his customer. To
give satisfaction had become with him
matter of honorable pride; and his
reputation for business ability and
strict honesty counted with him for
more than pecuniary gain.
Mr.. Wainwright was ever alive to the
best interests of his native town, and
his abilities and sterling worth were
recognized by his fellow townsmen.
Of quiet and retiring disposition he
seldom set himself up as leader; but
his influence and support were always
to be counted on to further those
measures that made for the public |
good, and he was often chosen for
positions of trust and responsibility. |
Those who enjoyed his intimate ac-
quaintance were deeply attached to him;
he was always straightforward and
honorable towards his business asso-
ciates, and the most loyal and generous
of friends
AS health failed during the latter
years of his life, his courage and his in
terest in others were undiminished. |
His manner was uniformly cheerful and
free from all complaint regarding his
ailments. The goodness of God that
had followed him all the long years of
life, supported him as strength of body
failed. With brave heart, Sustained