My Genealogy Hound

CHAUNCEY WITHERELL, a respected citizen of Chesterfield, who at one time was actively engaged as a merchant and farmer, but is now in retirement, was born in Westhampton, Mass., November 17, 1822, son of Edsel and Sybil (Chilson) Witherell.

Edsel Witherell was an independent farmer. He tilled a farm in Westhampton four years, and then moved to Chesterfield. Purchasing an estate in the southern part of the town, he there passed the remainder of his life, winning from the soil an ample income. He and his wife reared three children, namely: Chauncey, the subject of this sketch; Cordelia, wife of D. S. Axtell; and Sophronia, wife of Norman C. Rhodes. The latter two died some time since, and their husbands also are deceased.

Chauncey Witherell received a good common-school education. He remained with his parents during their lifetime, gradually assuming the responsibilities of the farm, until at length he had full charge. By unremitting industry and close attention to the details of business he acquired a modest fortune, and within ten years from the time that he took full charge of the home farm was able to retire, purchasing a lot in Chesterfield village, upon which he erected a comfortable home.

On February 27, 1843, Mr. Witherell was united in marriage with Asenath Bisbee, a native of Chesterfield, daughter of Elisha Bisbee, who was one of the early settlers of the town. Mrs. Witherell was a capable helpmate to her husband. Living at the home of her husband’s parents after she was first married, she cared for them in their old age as tenderly as if they were her own parents. She died January 22, 1893. Mr. and Mrs. Witherell had no children; but a nephew of the former resides with him, and superintends the work of the farm.

Mr. Witherell is an adherent of the Republican party. He has served as Selectman, and filled other official positions. Mrs. Witherell was a member of the Congregational church in Chesterfield. What he owns he has well earned. It is but the reward of industry and a well-spent life. He may rest beneath the shadow of his own vine and fig-tree with the satisfied content born of duty fulfilled.