Some very famous people have died while visiting New Hampshire…
…at least they had a scenic view.
Nathaniel Hawthorne (American novelist and short story writer, 1804-1864) In the spring of 1884 Nathaniel Hawthorne set out on a journey through New Hampshire with his old friend, ex-President Franklin Pierce. The journey was scarcely begun when it was seen that he was almost too feeble to pursue it. Having gone no further than to the Pemigewasset House, in the beautiful town of Plymouth, New Hampshire, Hawthorne retired for the night; and in the next morning of the 19th of May, 1864, he was found dead in his bed, having passed away in the night, as it would seem, peacefully and without a pang.
James Augustus Suydam, (artist, 1819-1865). In company with Sandford R. Gifford, James A. Suydam was about to make a sketching tour of the White Hills, then they were to go to Lake George. Suydam, not feeling very well, decided to rest at North Conway while his companions went into the mountains to study. Gifford rejoined his friend in time to be with him in his last hours. He died in the White Mountains of New Hampshire 15 Sep 1865. In Suydam’s death “American art met,” says Daniel Huntington, “with more than a common loss.” His only White Mountain picture, “Conway Meadows,” was purchased by a citizen of Washington.
Admiral David Glasgow Farragut (first Admiral of the U.S. Navy; 1801-1870) who had been physically ailing, early in July of 1870, proceeded in the steamer “Tallapoosa” to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, taking up residence with his friend and kinsman, Commodore Alexander Mosley Pennock, then-commandant of the navy-yard. Gradually he grew weaker, until Tuesday August 9th, when he was struck with paralysis, and lingered until the following Sunday morning. He died at the Portsmouth Navy-Yard, New Hampshire on the fourteenth day of August, and his remains were temporarily interred there until the United States Government made a final disposition of them, finally resting in Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx, New York. [Likenesses: #1 | #2 ]. Note: it is Admiral Farragut’s likeness shown above.
John Greenleaf Whittier (poet, 1807-1892) Born in Haverhill MA 17 Dec 1807; American Quaker poet and editor, an outspoken abolitionist. He came to New Hampshire for his health. He had lived most of his life just over the border in Massachusetts, but had previously spent many days in Hampton NH, even writing six poems about the town and the beach. He mistakenly believed that his mother’s “Hussey” genealogy line descended from the Hussey family of Hampton, otherwise he might have never written about the town. [In actuality he was descended from the family of Dover]. In Hampton, he stayed with the Gove family, long time friends, at “Elmfield” in a simple room on the second floor with a view of gardens, the marsh and a distant beach. He died in Hampton Falls, Rockingham Co NH 7 September 1892.
Do you have a favorite “famous or infamous person” who died in New Hampshire while visiting the state?
Janice
P.S.
Also see: Baseball Players/Pitchers/Managers who died in NH –
