Floyd Thomas Whitney (1900-1917)

WHITNEY, WITMER

Posted By: Gail and Dennis Bell
Date: 6/27/2005 at 08:21:52

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Story County, Iowa, Thursday, September 6, 1917, page 1. "FLOYD THOMAS WHITNEY - Floyd Thomas Whitney was the eldest son of LeRoy R. and Catharine Whitney. He was born in Polk county, Iowa, near Maxwell, on March 25, 1900. He made the preparation for life afforded by the country schools. He grew in stature and experience almost to the measure of a man. He was ready to begin farming as soon as the necessary arrangements could be perfected. He made partnership with his God and united with the church at Farrar. Then just as he was ready to begin life, as it were, Death lay in ambush for him. He and his father were injured on August 13th, when a scaffold gave way during the construction of a silo on the farm of Joseph Waltemeyer, four miles south of Melbourne. The boy fell forty-three feet, but was not thought to be seriously injured. Yet after a time of apparent improvement he died suddenly on September 2, 1917, at the age of seventeen years, five months and eight days. He was a boy of exemplary character, having none of the bad habits often found with young men of his age. His father and mother survive, together with four sisters and one brother. He had also a host of youthful friends who sincerely mourn him. The funeral service was held at the Maxwell Methodist church on Tuesday, September 4th, conducted y Rev. Frank Bean, the pastor. The pall bearers were his cousins, Frank, Archie and Harlan Witmer, Bert and Carl Whitney and his close friend, Claude Baldwin. A brief service was also previously held at the home in Mitchellville by Rev. J. A. Caskey, of that place. Interment was made in the Maxwell cemetery. His father's condition made it impossible for him to leave his bed."

BURIAL: Iowa Historical Library, Des Moines, Iowa, Vol. IX, Grave Marker Inscriptions, Indian Creek Township, Inc. City of Maxwell, Story County, Iowa, Maxwell Municipal Cemetery, section 1, row 20, plots 8, 9, 10 & 11, Leona Whitney BALL 1905 - 1974, daughter; (9) Floyd T. son of Leroy & Kate WHITNEY Mar 25, 1900 - Sept 2, 1917, (10) Kate WHITNEY mother 1870 - 1946, (11) LeRoy WHITNEY father 1875 - 1949.