John N. Chester

Died.

CHESTER. - On Sunday, Oct. 1st, at the residence of his father-in-law, WALTER HARRIS, Esq., Elizabeth, N. J., JOHN N. CHESTER, son of the late THOMAS L. CHESTER, of New York.

Obituary.

JOHN N. CHESTER.

IT is our painful duty to record this week the decease of John N. Chester, of the firm of C. T. & J. N. Chester, of this city. Mr. Chester has for several months past endured an illness entailing upon him protracted and severe suffering, which he has borne with characteristic fortitude and cheerfulness. Of a naturally amiable and hopeful disposition, he maintained through all his sickness and suffering a confidence in ultimate recovery, which, unfortunately, has not proved well founded.

His death was caused by a tumor in the cavity of his chest, probably the growth of some years, which no human skill or care could have prevented from a final fatal termination.

Mr. Chester was born in this city, on the 29th of September, 1820, and had, therefore, just completed his fifty-first year when he was called to his final rest. As the partner and principal business manager of the firm, he had become well known to the telegraphic community throughout the country, and was personally known to most of the leading telegraphers and telegraphic officials.

The firm of C. T. & J. N. Chester, in 1855, succeeded to the business established by Mr. John W. Norton, who, in the early days of the telegraph, was largely engaged in the manufacture and sale of telegraph instruments and supplies. From the corner of White and Leonard streets, where their business was first established, they soon removed to 104 Centre street, which building is owned by the firm, and where they have since remained.

Modest and unobtrusive in his disposition, John N. Chester had the faculty of securing the sincere friendship and good will of those with whom he was brought in contact, socially or in the way of business. He was a man of ability, and in all the relations of life was faithful and without reproach. Of a kindly disposition, he was always ready to listen to and sympathize practically with those who were in trouble and needed assistance. His charities were numerous but not ostentatious, and his Christianity was practical rather than demonstrative. As a son, brother, husband, friend and employer, he was without stain or reproach, and there will seldom be found as sincere and heartfelt mourners as assembled on Wednesday last at the Fourth avenue Presbyterian Church, in this city, to pay the last sad tribute of respect to his mortal remains.

He will be greatly missed, and it will be long before his place will be filled. Living he had but few, if nay, enemies, and dying he is sincerely mourned by all who knew him. He leaves a wife, who is much prostrated by the crushing blow which has fallen upon her almost unexpectedly, as his symptoms latterly had been apparently most favorable, and encouraged hopes that he would eventually recover and resume his place in the world. His brothers, with whom he has for so many years been so intimately associated in business, can hardly realize that they will no longer have the aid of his counsel and assistance, which have never before failed. They have the earnest sympathy of their friends and acquaintances in this their hour of affliction. He has preceded them in the journey which sooner or later all must take through the dark valley. Death alone could divide them, and as they, too, pursue the journey of life, and approach the river across which there is no returning, may they be cheered and consoled with the belief that there is hereafter rest for the weary, and a reunion with those who have left us here for a time.

In bidding farewell to the friend whom we shall never again greet upon earth, it is with no conventional or unmeaning phrase that we record his virtues and the sorrow which is felt at his departure. He is now at rest, his trials and his sufferings are over, as ours soon shall be. The cares of earth are past, and if there be a happy future beyond the grave, he will, no doubt, be blessed in its enjoyment. Reqiescat in pace.