Dec. 25, 1822-March 7, 1906
Niles Daily Star, Friday, March 9, 1906, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library
MRS. J.N. CHIPMAN
Was One of the Oldest and Most Respected Residents of Niles
Was One of the Oldest and Most Respected Residents of Niles
For the third time within a short period have the citizens of south Third street
been called upon to mourn the death of old and valued friends and neighbors. The last one is Mrs. Joseph N. Chipman. In the summer of 1834, Annie Wilson came to Niles to visit her aunt, Mrs. Judge Green. Annie was a pleasing little maiden of some twelve years, mature in manner and conversation. Before Mr. Wilson came to the west he had lived in the vicinity of Washington, D.C. where his daughter could have the advantage of superior schools and refined association. From a neighboring town Mr. and Mrs. Wilson moved to Niles and for many years were of our notably fine class of citizens.
Before Annie Wilson had attained her 17th birthday, the persuasions of a promising young lawyer from Vermont, of good character and fine education, had induced her to intrust[sic] her future happiness to his care; a trust he most honorably fulfilled.
Mrs. Chipman was of a refined nature, possessed a bright quick mind and loved to read. Her husband gratified her taste and wisely selected for her perusal the best books published.
One daughter, our much esteemed Miss Laura Chipman, and two sons, were given to them. Soon after Mr. Chipman's return from California they had the misfortune to lose their youngest son, Sylvester, loving and lovable young boy of 15 years. His sickness was the writer's first experience in watching a human being "fade like a flower" when prayers and tender nursing availeth nothing. Their next casualty was Mr. Chipman's violent sickness and death and, after some years, Robert, the eldest son, stricken with consumption, came from the west to spend the last few days with mother and sister. All these sorrows told seriously upon Mrs. Chipman's health but her cup was not full, neither was her work done, when the invalid sister, Miss Caroline Wilson, was brought to her home also to die. Bravely did Mrs. Chipman rally to this new trial. She was a natural nurse. No one ever moved about a sick room with greater grace, expedition or effect. Her touch seemed always to sooth, her word to cheer. Through all these trials and sorrows the mother was sustained and supported by the unfailing love and assistance of her faithful daughter. Words fail to tell of the devotion of that dear daughter but may her beautiful example spread far and wide and so impress the daughters of this community that they may see its beauty, its worth and its sure reward.
"Honor thy Father and thy Mother!" F.S.L.