Death of Henry N. White
Sister Adelia P. Patten, who had been a faithful and devoted mem-
ber of the family for about two years, wrote a brief sketch of the life,
experience, and last sickness of this much-loved and much-lamented
son, from which the following is taken:—
“Henry Nichols White was born in Gorham, Maine, August 26,
1847. In October following, his parents removed to topsham, in the
same state, and occupied part of the house owned by their much-
esteemed friend and brother in Christ, stock-bridge howland.
“In December of the same year, Henry was taken sick with in-
flammation of the lungs, and all who saw him thought his recovery
doubtful. One evening he appeared to be fast failing, and it seemed
that he must die. It was then, when all earthly means failed, that his
parents presented his case before the great physician, trusting in his
power and willingness to save their beloved child. They spent much
of the night in prayer, and while pleading with god to spare his life, he
fell into a sweet sleep, and from that hour began to recover.
“His parents felt it to be their duty to give themselves unreservedly
to labor in the cause of god; and when henry was but one year old, they
decided to leave him in the care of brother Howland’s eldest daughter,
Frances, who cheerfully accepted the charge. He remained with this
kind family, and they had the entire care of him, for five years. As
he grew older, his sweet disposition and the affection he had ever
manifested for his friends endeared him to all who knew him.
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“When six years old, he had an attack of fever; and when he had
partially recovered from it, his parents, who then resided in rochester,
New York, thought that a change of climate might benefit his health,
and took him under their own care. Henry always manifested a cheerful
obedience to his mother’s wishes, and a tender regard for her feelings.
His prospects in life were fair; he was aspiring, and seemed determined
to excel in scholarship. So far as the parents saw that his mind was
governed by religious principles, they were willing to indulge him
in his persevering efforts in study. He possessed an uncommon love
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