My Genealogy Hound

Frank V. Whittlesey, the popular jeweler of Dardanelle, owes his nativity to Indiana, being born in Vincennes of that State, in 1851, and was the youngest of six children born to Isaac N. and Elizabeth V. (Buntin) Whittlesey, natives of Connecticut and Indiana, respectively. His paternal ancestors were English by birth, being descended from a noted family of that country, and crossed the ocean in the grand old “Mayflower.” The grandfather, Samuel, was a lawyer by profession, being at one time a celebrated member of the supreme bench of New Jersey whence he came to Indiana, where he died. The maternal grandfather was of Irish descent, being born in Cork, emigrated to America at an early day, was an officer in the Revolutionary War, and being a surveyor was elected as a commissioner to the Northwest Territory, making Vincennes his headquarters, this being his home till his death. The field notes of that day show his title and signature. Isaac Whittlesey learned the trade of watchmaker and jeweler in Watertown, N. Y., and when twenty-two years of age came to Vincennes, and started a business for himself, continuing thus till 1868; he then retired and lived in retirement till his death in 1870. The principal of this sketch was reared, educated and learned his trade in Vincennes, Ind., the latter being accomplished in his father’s shop, and under his supervision. Being desirous to begin the world for himself, he opened a business at Mount Vernon, Ind., in 1868, which he conducted till 1870, when he went to Missouri, staying for one year, thence to Harrisburg, Ill., for two years. In 1880, his eyes troubling him, he went to Eureka Springs, Ark., for treatment, and upon their recovery entered into business here, and at Fayetteville, in which he continued but a short time, coming to Dardanelle, in 1881, and established his present lucrative business, carrying a stock of about $3,000, his annual receipts amounting to $2,500; he is the owner of the store building, and is erecting a fine dwelling house; besides this property he owns eighty acres of land, partially cultivated, nine valuable lots, and two cottages on the summit of Mount Nebo, and gives much of his time to the improvement of that beautiful resort. He was joined in matrimony in 1882 to Miss Mattie C. May, only daughter of Judge William N. May [see sketch]. Their marriage has been blessed with four children: William N. (living), Mattie Elizabeth, Francis Vigo and Effie (deceased). He and family are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Socially, subject is in affiliation with the following lodges of the Masonic order: Bright Star No. 213, Dardanelle Chapter 64, Brilliant Star Council and Palestine Commandery No. 7. He is also a prominent member of the Order of K. of P.; has held, or is holding, the highest office, and is now filling the chair of most excellent high priest of the Chapter of R. A. M., and is eminent commander of the commandery.