MAHONING COUNTY OHIO BIOS: WHITTLESEY, Elisha (published 1898)
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Historical Collections of Ohio By Henry Howe, LL.D., 1898

 
   
        ELISHA WHITTLESEY was born in Washington, Conn., October 19, 1783,
and died in Washington City, January 7, 1863. He was brought up on a farm,
studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1805. He removed to Canfield,
O., in June, 1806. During the war of 1812 he rose to the rank of
Brigade-Major and Inspector under Gen. Perkins, and was for a time aid and
private secretary to Gen. Harrison. On one occasion he was sent with a
despatch from Gen. Harrison on the Muamee to the Governor at Chillicothe, a
distance of one hundred and sixty miles, part of it through the Black Swamp
and regions invested with hostile Indians; it was a perilous undertaking
but he accomplished it faithfully.
        In 1820-1821 he was a member of the Ohio Legislature. He served in
Congress continuously from 1823 to 1828, when he resigned. His scrupulous
honesty is evidenced by the fact that during this service he would receive
no pay when absent from his seat on private business.
        He was one of the founders of the Whig party; was appointed by
President Harrison in 1841 auditor of the post-office department, resigning
in 1843. In 1849 was appointed by President Taylor first comptroller of the
treasury, from which office he was removed by President Buchanan, but
reappointed by President Lincoln in 1861 and held office until his death.
        As comptroller he was painstaking, watchful and efficient; his
whole time and study were directed to the public good. In 1847 he was
appointed general agent of the Washington National Monument Association,
resigning in 1849, but was shortly afterwards called upon to manage its
affairs as president, which he did until 1855, contributing greatly to the
success of that enterprise. He was a staunch supporter of Christian
doctrines and enterprises, and throughout all his life conduct was governed
by the highest principles. The distinguished Col. Chas. Whittlesey was his
nephew, and it was his pride that he was his nephew, such was the exalted
character of the uncle.
        For many years he kept a diary of current events, a journal or
autobiography, which ought to be complied and given to the public.

        -continued in part 5






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