WHITON, Francis Henry, Physician, Manchester, born in Mansfield, Connecticut, May 16, 1846, son of Chester and Philaura (Brown) Whiton. His paternal ancestors came to Connecticut from Hingham, Massachusetts, in 1647, and from Europe a few years later. His maternal ancestors came from England in 1620 or 1622, and were in the Colonial and Revolutionary Wars. His grandfather on the maternal side was in the War of 1812, and drew as pension one hundred and sixty acres of land.

Dr. Whiton's early education was acquired in the public schools and under the instruction of private tutors. Entering upon the study of medicine, he attended Harvard Medical School and Dartmouth Medical College, graduating from the last-named institution November 1, 1871. In the meantime he taught public schools for six terms.

Following graduation from medical school he served for one year (1872) in a private institution for the treatment of nervous and mental diseases, one year in hospitals in New York City, and from December 1873 to the present time [1898] has been engaged in the practice of his profession in Manchester, Connecticut.

Dr. Whiton is a member of the Hartford County and the Connecticut Medical Societies, and of the American Medical Association. He is also a member of the Ancient Order United Workmen. He is prominent in local affairs, has served on the Board of Education, and represented his town two years in the Connecticut Legislature, sessions of 1895-7. In politics Dr. Whiton is a Republican.

He was married May 17, 1876, to Mary Elizabeth Loomis, only daughter of George N. Loomis of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, but whose birthplace was Connecticut. Mrs. Whiton's ancestors came to this country in 1636, and were in the Revolutionary War. She is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Editor's Note 1: Thanks to Brain Bentley of East Hampton for sharing the "Men of Progress" excerpt. Brian is a distant relative of Dr. Whiton.
Editor's Note 2: For a more up-to-date biography of Dr. Whiton, taken from the Whiton Library website, please click here.