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1907 Past and Present Biographies

Thomas L. and Charles W. Whittaker

Thomas L. and Charles W. Whittaker are well known representatives of the farming interests of Dawson township. They reside on section 3 and have always been associated in their business affairs, having now a valuable farm of two hundred and thirteen acres, which they have brought under a high state of cultivation. Thomas L. Whittaker was born on the 30th of November, 1853, and Charles W. Whittaker on the 24th of April, 1856. They are natives of Greene county, Pennsylvania.

Their father, John Whittaker, was born in York, Pennsylvania, on the 21st of January, 1813. His first wife was Bathsheba Johnson. whom he wedded on the 3d of September, 1836. She died, however, on the 23d of April, 1837, and he later married Rebecca Hammer, by whom he had three children: Mrs. Mary E. Snyder, now living in Winfield, Kansas; Ayers, deceased; and John W., also a resident of Winfield. For his third wife John Whittaker chose Annie Barbara Smith, who was born December 19, 1820, in Lewisberry, York county, Pennsylvania. They became the parents of the following children: Thomas and Miriam Salome, twins; Charles W.; Anna M., who has departed this life; Keenan G., who is located in East St. Louis, Illinois; and Rebecca, who is with her brothers. The family removed from Pennsylvania to Woodford county, Illinois, in 1869. There the father and mother spent their remaining days, the former passing away on the 4th of April, 1887, while Mrs. Whittaker died on the 19th of October, 1891.

Thomas L. and Charles W. Whittaker were reared to manhood on the home farm in Woodford county, Illinois, and acquired a good common-school education through attendance during the winter terms. During the summer months they were largely occupied with the labors of the farm and received practical training in the work of the fields. In 1879, when young men, they began farming on their own account, renting land in Illinois. They prospered in the conduct of their place and in 1893 they came to Greene county, Iowa, where they invested their savings in a farm of two hundred and thirteen acres on section 3, Dawson township. They have since owned and cultivated this property and have greatly improved it, laying many rods of tile, adding substantial buildings, fencing their fields and securing the latest improved machinery to facilitate their work in the cultivation of grain. They have a nice residence with outbuildings to correspond and their farm presents a most neat and thrifty appearance. They own a herd of fifty head of thoroughbred shorthorn cattle and a fine drove of registered Poland China hogs, and their stock-raising interests are an important branch of their business. Their two sisters are living with them and manage the household affairs.

Thomas L. Whittaker is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and both brothers are supporters of the democratic party and belong to the Methodist Episcopal church. They are well known in the community as reliable business men and in the capable management of their farming interests have gained a goodly competence.


Transcribed from "Past and Present of Greene County, Iowa Together With Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Prominent and Leading Citizens and Illustrious Dead,"
by E. B. Stillman assisted by an Advisory Board consisting of Paul E. Stillman, Gillum S. Toliver,
Benjamin F. Osborn, Mahlon Head, P. A. Smith and Lee B. Kinsey, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1907.


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