WIMPFHEIMER, Nathan 1840-1923
lmsull7912 (View posts) Posted: 22 May 2001 12:00PM GMT
Classification: Obituary
Surnames: Wimpfheimer, Hayes, Sullivan, Abt, Pfantz, Brunswick
Somersworth Free Press, May 3, 1923
The people of this community were shocked to hear of the sudden death of Nathan Wimpfheimer, which occured late Thursday evening of last week during a social hour with his family. Mr. Wimpfheimer seemed unusually well and bright that day. The writer met him on the street that afternoon and had a very pleasant chat with him. Some months ago, Mr. Wimpfheimer had a slight shock but recovered and was apparently as well as before. There was no reason to anticipate his sudden taking away.
Mr. Wimpfheimer was born at Ettlinger, Baden, Germany, March 8, 1840. He came to Somersworth in 1864. He and the late H. Ansel Hayes succeeded the dry goods firm of A. Wimpfheimer & Brother on the firm's removal to New York, and years later when Mr. Hayes retired from the partnership on account of ill health, Mr. Wimpfheimer took over the business and carried it on up to the time of his death. His store was always a leading one in its line and did a large and successful business. In the same store continuous business has been carried on since 1845, when the firm of A. Wimpfheimer first established it, and the same sign has been over the front of the store all these years.
The subject of this sketch was one of the best-known and most highly-esteemed business men in the community. Through a residence of about three-score years he had demonstrated his character and worth. He was scrupulously honest. He was fair and just with others and expected them to be the same with him. Prompt in meeting all his business and other obligations, asking no concessions from anybody, but transacting his affairs on a square and above-board plan, he won the unlimited confidence and respect of all who knew him. Frank in the expressions of opinion, broad in his views, tolerant of the opinions of others, despising sham and hypocrisy, he was a man whose friendship was loyal and valuable. As a citizen he always stood for the best things in civic life. He contributed liberally to every worthy enterprise, and never closed his ears to the call of the needy or the suffering.
In his home life Mr. Wimpfheimer displayed those traits which appeal to one as the finest in life. Devoted to his wife and family, he was a model husband and father, always thinking of them doing everything possible to add to their comfort and pleasure.
He is survived by his wife and three daughters, Mrs. Daniel Sullivan of this city, Mrs. William H. Abt of Chicago and Mrs. Loren Pfantz, of Washington DC.
Deceased was a member of Libanus Lodge, A.F. and A.M., of this city and had been a Mason since 1867. He was a member of Washington Lodge, I.O.O.F.
The funeral services occurred at the home on Monday Afternoon. There were many very beautiful flowers from relatives and friends. Among those present from out of town were Mrs. Marx Wimpfheimer, Albert Wimpfheimer, and Emanuel Brunswick of New York City.
Dr. Kupp of Boston conducted a beautiful funeral service, after which Libanus Lodge performed the impressive Masonic burial rite. Interment was at Forest Glade cemetery, of which the deceased was a trustee and in the care of which he took a deep interest. Libanus Lodge, with an unusually large number of members in the rank, acted as escort.