Thomas Martin "Tom" Whitish 1875-1936

WHITISH, TRACY, MURPHY

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 8/6/2011 at 02:25:57

Tom Whitish Dropped Dead at Post Office Last Sunday Morning
Tom M. Whitish, for thirteen years a janitor at the local government post office, dropped dead on the north side of the building last Sunday [December 6, 1936] morning. He was at the time shoveling snow which had fallen the day before. Employees at the postoffice saw him fall and hastened to get him into the building. He had passed away before medical aid could be reached.

Mr. Whitish was formerly an employee of the Rock Island railway, having entered the employ of the company as a brakeman when about sixteen years of age. He was born in Fennimore, Wis., December 8, 1875. At an early age he decided he wanted to be a railway man. He rode a bicycle to Larchwood where he entered the railroad service, in which he remained for 19 years. He then farmed for two years in Minnesota, and then came to Estherville.

Mr. Whitish was a quiet man and said little, but he had a host of friends. Everyone who knew him was his friend.

The funeral services were held from St. Patrick’s church on Tuesday morning at eight o’clock, the Rev. L. J. Savage officiating. Interment was made in the Catholic cemetery south of the city.

Mr. Whitish is survived by his widow [Margaret “Maggie” Tracy Whitish] and four sons, Merl of Clarion and Melvin, Glen and Ervin of this city. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, December 10, 1936)

Mrs. Nellie Murphy, daughter Gladys and son Jeff of Sioux Falls were here to attend the funeral of T. M. Whitish. Mrs. Murphy is a sister of Mrs. Whitish. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, December 10, 1936)