Whiteman, Mary Jane Atkinson (1858-1950)

WHITEMAN, ATKINSON, PETERSON, JOHNSON, STEELE

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 10/12/2025 at 17:54:59

Dayton Review, Dayton, Iowa
June 8, 1950

Mary Jane Whiteman, daughter of Edward and Matilda [Peterson] Atkinson, pioneer settlers of Iowa, who came to this state after spending several years in California during the gold rush period, was born at Placerville, Calif., April 9, 1858, and passed away in the home of her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Carl E. Peterson at Stratford at the ripe old age of 92 years, 1 month and 17 days. She had been in failing health for a number of years due to her advanced age, but more seriously so since early spring.
At the age of eight years, she came to Iowa with her parents and located west of Stratford, where her father operated a sawmill for a number of years. She was reared in the Lutheran faith, but later was baptized in the Methodist faith.
On July 3, 1878, she was united in marriage to William R. Whiteman and to this union two children were born - a son and a daughter.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her son, Harry E. Whiteman, one sister and one brother. She is survived by her daughter (Grayce) Mrs. Carl E. Peterson of Stratford; two nephews, Dr. B.E. Atkinson of Boone and Dr. H.E. Johnson of Dayton; one grandson, Richard M. Whiteman, and a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Metta Whiteman, both of Los Angeles, Calif.; one grand-nephew, Donald Atkinson of Boone; one grand-niece, Mrs. Othel Steele of near Burnside, other relatives and numerous friends.
She was a kind and loving mother, deeply interested in the welfare of her family, and was always ready and willing to help others in time of need as long as her health permitted.
Last rites were held Sunday afternoon with a brief prayer service in the C.E. Peterson home preceding the services at 2 p.m. in the Jackson Funeral Home, with the Rev. W.S. Paige, Pastor of Calvary Methodist Church officiating, who paid a beautiful tribute to the aged lady. Mrs. Harold Angstrom accompanied by Mrs. W.R. Holstrom, sang, "In the Garden". The flowers, which were many and beautiful, were in charge of Mrs. Emil Peterson and Mrs. J.R. Gustafson.
At the close of the services, the remains were escorted to Oakwood Cemetery for interment. The pallbearers were: L.R. Anderson, John Douty, Earl Richardson, W.R. Holstrom, V. Lander, and A.C. Frederickson.
The W.S.C.S. and the Alpha Circle of Calvary Methodist Church and the Royal Neighbors Lodge served the dinner and lunch.