Whitney, Bartley S. 1827 - 1896

WHITNEY, STERNS, SWITZER, DAVIS

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 4/10/2022 at 10:48:03

Elkader Register, Fri., 24 Jan. 1896.

Bartley S. Whitney, who for thirty years was a resident and business man of Elkader, died Friday morning Jan. 17th, at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Chas H. Sterns, at Owatonna, Minn., after a severe illness of about three weeks. Mr. Whitney was born March 8th, 1827, in Ontario, Canada, the son of Lewis and Sarah Whitney. After receiving his education in the common schools of his home, at the age of 17 years he was apprenticed to a tinner, a business he followed until October last when ill health compelled its relinquishment. In the spring of 1849 he married Diana Switzer. In 1854 they came to Geneva, Wis., and in 1859 came to Elkader and engaged in the hardware business. In the spring of 1889 he sold out here and soon located at Quasqueton, Buchanan County, Iowa, where he remained until October last. Mrs. Whitney died about three years ago and was brought to Elkader for burial. Of the five children born to them, four survive to mourn the loss of father and mother, Sarah A., wife of Dr. C. H. Sterns, Owatonna, Minn., Rosalie J., wife of Virgil Davis, Winona, Minn., Harry S. in California, and Frank G., of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

The funeral services were held at Owatonna on Sunday last, and the remains brought here for burial on Tuesday. They were met at the depot by a large number of the old friends and neighbors of the deceased and the members of Elkader Lodge, No. 72, A.F. & A.M., of which he was a one time member. They were then escorted to the cemetery, where after a short service by Rev. F. I. Stevens, and the song "Nearer my God to Thee," by the choir, they were laid away beside those of his wife and child in the family lot.

Mr. Whitney had many warm friends in Elkader who had become attached to himself and family during their long residence here, and they deeply regret that they are called to mourn the loss of an old time neighbor and friend, and in sympathizing with the bereaved family they can only offer the consolation of Him who "rules and governs" all things well.