Nathan Whiting

Biographical Sketch:

Nathan Whiting was born in 1794, and Rhoda was born in 1804. Events in their lives include the start of the Whiskey Rebellion of Pennsylvania in 1794 (The year of Nathan Whiting’s birth). In 1796 the City of Syracuse was renamed, formally known as Borgus Corners. Then right after the village formerly known as “Little Ireland” as of 1797 is renamed the Village of Liverpool. Albany was also named the capital of NY. When Nathan was 9, President Thomas Jefferson made the famous Louisiana Purchase. This doubled the size of the United States. In 1804 Rhoda was born, during this year the first Germans come to Liverpool and started boiling salt on the shores of Onondaga Lake. This could have started the salt industry in Syracuse. In 1825 the Erie Canal opened connecting the Hudson River to the Great Lakes. Two years later NY banned slavery with help of abolitionist leader Harriet Tubman. During 1838 was the start of the patriot war, in which Nathan went to fight in. In 1848, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and 300 other women met for the Seneca Falls Convention in which they discussed women's rights. Nathan died in 1856 and Rhoda died in 1854.

Nathan Whiting died in 1856 at 62 years of age. His wife, Rhoda, died in 1854 in the 50th year of her life. Nathan and Rhoda were a part of Liverpool's involvement in the Patriot War of 1838-1839. The purpose of the war was to free Canadians from the "ruthless tyranny of British rule". Invasions were planned all along the border and men in Lockport, Fredonia and Buffalo trained to cross the Niagara River and invade Canada. Liverpool men joined those from Oswego and Sackett's Harbor and were transported to the shore below Prescott.

during the skirmishes which followed the professional British regulars had no difficulty overcoming the untrained forces. several local men were killed and several, including Nathan were captured. the story goes on that as he was taken out to be shot, one of the other prisoners made a masonic signal and this saved there lives. they were banished to Tasmania, Rhoda was left by law free to marry again she married Richard Goodwin who later died and when Nathan returned from banishment they married a second time. Today they are buried next to each other in the cemetery.

Buried next to Rhoda is Mary Whiting. There is no indication of her relation to Rhoda. the 1855 village census lists Nathan as widowed and living as a boarder in a village residence. Mary, age 17, is also listed as a boarder in the same residence. According to these dates, Mary was born in 1838 and therefore could be the daughter of Rhoda and Nathan Whiting.

Transcribe by: Ka’reese c. and Max c.

Works Cited