Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1913-08-27
A Tribute.
col. JOHN F. wHrrooMH.

COL. JOHN F. wHITCoMB.
Few men could pass from the average
community and leave so large a void in
passing as the decease of John f. Whit
comb leaves in the business, industrial
and social life of our city. The nature of
ms illness had made it Inevitable that its
outcome would be fatal, but his resistance
TO its encroachments, his vital interest in
the life surrounding him, his tenacious
grip upon the manifold interests which he
had helped so long to control, served to
blind the eyes of his friends to degree to
the swift inroads OF disease.
1t was interesting and pathetic to those
who saw him often to note how the spirit
OF the soldier survived in him to the last.
In his patient endurance, in his sturdy
hope for better days one almost came to
believe that he would be victorious, and
take bis place again among the living.
Col. Whitcomb was essentially social
hospitable in his home, genial in the
street, helpful and kindly in his relation
to all. Although not connected vitality
with the church, he was earnestly in
terested in its welfare; and refused no
call to aid its financial work. When in
health he was regular attendance at the
First Congregational church, and for years
was member OF its standing committee.
To this work he gave the same devotion
which he paid TO his own business inter-
ests, working in hearty harmony with his
associates and holding the real welfare OF
church and pastor to his heart.
His military service was detailed in the
obituary notice Of last week. 1t was a
distinguished service including some of
the sharpest battles OF the Civil war. Col.
Whitcomb was man OF modest bearing.
ever removed from ostentation or display.
His business career had been a very sue
cessful one. Wealth and honored place
natural simplicity of his nature remained
with him to the last. Months spent in
the great woods had impaired to him q
love for their vastness and beauty, and
even when the active work of his lumber
ing operations was taken upon younger
and sturdier shoulders, he welcomed with
delight day in the camps, q touch OF
the life he had known SO well.
How many of the men who worked I'M
der his kindly mastery are speaking OF
him to-day with loving regard His in
tsgrity was known to all; his business
ethics were stamped with fair dealing.
As Mason he had great pleasure in the
fraternal gatherings OF the order, and
entered with zest into Its social ministry.
In every form OF heipfulness his generous
spirit found a natural outlet, and many
hearts have been frightened by the
thoughtful gifts which he and Mrs.
Whitcomb planned in the quiet of their
home.
II was a wonderful tribute-the solemn
gathering In his beautiful home for the
last service. Touching indeed were the
evidences OF affection from those who
mingled there. Those who bore him to
the last resting place were all OF his
own kindred-John o. Whitney, Charles
NJ. Whitcomb, Martin II. and Harry W.
Haynes-and men who had been in the
employ OF his firm for years bore witness
by their presence to the high regard in
which they held him. His memory will
live long in his community, and to those
who loved him all unite in extending
sympathy.