Archive:NEHGR, Volume 35

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"Necrology of Historic, Genealogical Society", NEHGR, vol. XXXV (1881), pp. 189-198.

[p. 192]

The Rev. Frederick Augustus Whitney, A.M, of Boston, Brighton District, a life member, died at his home, Gardner Street, Allston, Oct. 21, 1880, aged. 68.

He was born at Quincy, Mass., Sept. 12, 1812, son of the Rev. Peter and Jane (Lincoln) Whitney, his descent being from John and Elinor Whitney, of Watertown, as follows: John¹, Watertown, 1635-6; Richard²; Moses³; Moses⁴; Rev. Aaron⁵, H. C. 1737; Rev. Peter⁶, of Northboro, H. C. 1762; Rev. Peter⁷ H. C. 1791. Rev. Peter⁷ Whitney married April 30, 1800, Jane, daughter of Nathan Lincoln, by whom he had six children, and died suddenly (as had his father) March 3, 1843.

Frederick A., fifth child of the above, was born at Quincy, Mass., Sept. 13, 1812; was graduated at Harvard University 1833, being the fourth generation in direct line graduating at Harvard. He continued his studies at Cambridge Divinity School, graduating in 1838. He was ordained pastor at the First Church, Brighton, Feb. 21, 1844, and continued in the charge of this parish until 1858, since which time he had been engaged in literary and historical work. He belonged to a scholarly family, several of whom had been specially interested in historical matters. His grandfather, Rev. Peter⁶, wrote the "History of Worcester County."

Mr. Whitney's father was pastor at Quincy of the church were Presidents Adams, father and son, were pew holders and worshippers. A memorial sketch of this "Old Church at Quincy" was one of the early published works of Mr. Whitney. He contributed articles to the Register, and presented to the library several of his printed addresses. Mr. Whitney was engaged in the preparation of a History of Brighton, left uncompleted at his death; a portion of this work is embodied in Drake's History of Middlesex County.

His interest in education was evinced for several years as a member of the school board of Brighton, and as a trustee of the Holton Public Library (now a branch of Boston Public Library) at that place, where may be found many published reports, memoirs and addresses from his pen. He was widely known and respected in the Unitarian denomination to which he belonged.

Mr. Whitney married Jan. 11, 1853, Elizabeth Perkins Matchett, who survives him.

His membership in this society is from Feb. 14, 1853.

W.C.B.

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"Queries", NEHGR, vol. XXXV (1881), pp. 384-386.

[p. 384]

Alden, &c.--

Who were the parents of John Alden, of Needham, and of his wife Thankful Parker? They were married in 1728.

Who were the parents of Thankful Parker, who married Henry Alden, of Needham? She was born in 1730.

Who were the parents of Jason Whitney, of Natick, and of his wife Elizabeth Beal, said to be of Sudbury, and married about 1757?

Who were the parents of Abigail Elliot, born about 1758, and married George Langford in 1786, in Northampton, Easthampton or Westhampton?

Town Clerk's Office, Croydon, N. H. -- Charles L. Alden.

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