Putnam patriot., 1912-09-20
Obituary
EUGENE A. wHEELoCR

about o'clock Saturday morning at the age of e6 years, months. Death was due to complication of diseases. MT. Wheelock's health began to fail about year ago. Several months ago he went to a health resort in Dansville, N. Y, for treatment, but as he contin- ued to fail he returned home eight weeks ago. He grew steadily weaker and three weeks ago took 10 his bed, and gradually failed until the end,
 Since coming to Putnam he has closely identified himself with the business, public and social affairs of his adopted town. He took an especial interest in public affairs and was ever ready and willing to serve his town i'll any capacity though he never sought office. He attended all public meet ings and expressed his opinion on matters of importance to the welfare of the town and his opinion always commanded attention and carried weight. He was called upon to serve the town in various offices and never refused any duty thrust upon him giv- ing his time and money freely 10 carry out the work he was thus called upon to do. He was staunch republican and had filled several offices for the furthering of the interests of the party,
 Mir Wheelock was the head of one of Putnam's largest manufacturing in- dustries, the Putnam Woolen Compa- ny. His employees looked up io him, respected him and turned 10 him for counsel and advice. He had a ready ear for any grievances, real or fancied, and listened to the least one of his em- ployes at any and all times. It was this democratic trait of character that prevented any labor troubles in the big plant. Some of his present employees came with him when he removed here from WilsonviIle, forty-two years ago, and their children and grandchildren have grown up and worked for Mir. Wheelock and have the same high re- gard and esteem for him that their par ents had and in times of business de- precision remained through it rather than seek work elsewhere under other supervision. Among his employees it may we'll be said that he was as the head of large family as it was to him they went for advice in time of ditfi- culty, and to him they turned in lime of need, suffering and affliction and his advice, help or sympathy was al- ways freely bestowed upon the most humble. It was this quality of the man that caused his help to revere him; they were close to him and real ized his many kind deeds and benefac- tons as no others did nor ever will as they were never spoken of by MT. Wheelock. His interests became their interests and their interests were his interests and today they are sorrowing at the loss, not alone of an employer, but of a friend.
 In his business dealings he was up- right and straightforward, his word was as good as his bond, and his in- tegrity was never questioned. He was far.sighted and conservative in his judgment and his opinion and advice was sought beyond the confines of his own business and he was always will ling to listen and give such counsel
 and advice as he could Many men have been helped through difficulties by his kindly suggestions and assist ance and owe their success to his sound judgment. He has been for many years a director of the First National
 Bank and was one of the incorporators of the Putnam Savings Bank.
 Mir. Wheelock was of a genial dispo- sition and easily attracted friends. He l always had a cheery word of greeting for every one he met. He was proud of his home city and always spoke good word for it. He took an interest in all it's affairs and of it's citizens, es-
 pecially the older residents, he was ever mindful. His death, while anti cipated for some weeks, has cast upon
 the citizens of Putnam great sorrow. Funeral services were held ,at the Wheelock home at o'clock Monday afternoon, Rev. F. D. Sargent officiat- ing. The bearers were Everett J. Lake 1 of Hartford, Augustus I. Morse, Gill | man H. Brown and B. D. Bugbee.
 The mills and stores in the city closed during the funeral as mark of respect
 and there was the largest attendance of business men ever seen at funeral
 in this city. Before the funeral the mill operatives were allowed a last | look at the face Of their friend and em- | ployer. There were many floral trib- utes.
 MT. Wheelock was born in Uxbridge, Nj lass, Feb. 15, 1S46, received his edu- | cation in the common and high schools ' of his town and in Williston academy, Easthampton, Mass, which he attend
 ed for short period Strict attention | to his studies enabled him to progress rapidly, so that by the time he was r years of age he was prepared lo leave
 school. In the meantime, having giv-
 en every spare moment of his vacations
 since he was 10 years old 10 work in
 his fathers mills, he had laid the | foundation for a successful business | career. Entering the L xbridge factory
 as a steady hand, he remained there until 1867. Although but 2l years old
 he was then put in charge of the ;. NJ. | ANhaeIock 4 lln is Mils0nXille mil. .