(IX) William Webster WHITNEY, son of Webster WHITNEY (VIII) was born at Winchendon, Mass.on May 5, 1833. He obtained his education in the common schools of his native town and at Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass. At the age of 18 he began an apprenticeship under Captain Ephraim MURDOCK, one of the successful pioneer manufacturers of woodenware, wit whom he remained for nearly 10 years. He then entered into partnership with his brother in law, Elisha MURDOCK, who was brother of his former employer. This concern which began business under the name of Elisha MURDOCK & Company, made rapid advances in the methods of producing woodenware. In 1870 he died. When Mr. MURDOCK retired, James A. WHITMAN, acousin of the junior partner entered the firm, the name of which was unchanged at that time, but shortly afterwards changed to E.MURDOCK & Company. The partnership continued until 1879, after which Mr. WHITNEY was alone in the business until 1884, when his only son Elisha Murdock WHITNEY was admitted to the firm, the name of which was not changed. Mr. WHITNEY was a man of strict integrity and unusual business ability. He devoted his entire attention to the business, which under his management continued to be te largest woodenware manufactory in New England, and through his progressive tendencies the plant was constantly improved and the product increased. He was particularly free from selfish desires, and all movements instituted for the general good of the community received his hearty support. He was one of the projectors and promoters and for many years a director of the Ware River Railroad. He was trustee of the Winchendon Savings Bank. For 20 years was an active member of the Unitarian Church and served on the executive comittee. His father in law and partner was one of the pioneers of Unitarianism and liberal faith in Winchendon. He married on Jan. 22, 1857 to Sophia Morse MURDOCK, who was born in Winchenon on March 30, 1837, she was daughter of Elisha and Roanah (MORSE) MURDOCK. Her grandfather was James MURDOCK, born in Newton, Mass. on March 15, 1738 and he married on Oct. 9, 1765 and settled in Winchendon in 1766 and died there Oct. 26, 1813. The only child of William Webster WHITNEY and Sophia Morse (MURDOCK) WHITNEY was Elisha Murdock WHITNEY...see forward. END of PART 4