Dellwood Cemetery

John H. Whipple, a Past Grand Master of the Grand Masonic Lodge of Vermont, died at his home in Manchester Center on Monday morning after an illness of seven days of pneumonia, in his 77th year.

Mr. Whipple was born in Fair Haven June 13, 1845. Before he was 20 years old he came to Manchester Center and was employed by Augustus Clark, who at that time was postmaster and had a tannery business, a gristmill and general store. Mr. Whipple served in various capacities in connection with Mr. Clark’s business interests and at a later date operated the gristmill for himself. In June 1872, he married Mary N. Clark, a daughter of his employer, and their three sons, Augustus Clark, of Los Angeles, CA, Harris C. of Manchester Center, and John C. of Boston survive. Mrs. Whipple died in 1897. A sister, Mary A. Whipple, who has made her home with Mr. Whipple for 14 years, also survives.

Mr. Whipple became identified with the Masonic Fraternity at an early age and was ever a very active and ardent Mason. He served in various Masonic offices including Master of Adoniram Lodge No. 42 and High Priest of Adoniram Chapter No. 18, of Manchester Center, and in 1893 he became Grand Master of the Masons of Vermont, which office he held for a term of two years, his second year being the centennial year of the Grand Lodge. Mr. Whipple also had the honor of being a 33rd degree Mason.

In his early days at Manchester Mr. Whipple attended the Congregational Church at Manchester, but in later years he joined the Zion Episcopal church of Manchester Center. and was always an active and enthusiastic member. For many years up to his death he had served as senior warden.

Mr. Whipple was always actively connected with the business and social life of this vicinity. In 1896 he purchased a drug store business which has been operated in his name ever since. He was postmaster from 1897 to 1914. For the past twenty years he has been an assistant cashier of the Factory Point Bank and was attending his duties at the bank one week before his death.

The funeral services will be held this Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock at Zion Episcopal church. Adoniram Lodge No. 42, will act as escort and the committal service will be by the Grand Master of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Vermont. Interment will be at Dellwood Cemetery.