Deacon J. WHITAKER 1842-194?

WHITAKER, WEBSTER, HOSKINS

Posted By: Louann Morris (email)
Date: 11/10/2001 at 14:06:52

PIONEER RESIDENT OF STORY COUNTY DIED IN DES MOINES

Deacon J. Whitaker was born in Washington County, PA, June 22, 1842 and departed this life Nov 23, 194. he moved with his parents to Muskengdom county, Ohio in 1848 and in the fall of 1856 they came to Iowa; the family located at Saylorville where they resided for about 18 months then they moved to Story County, where he grew to manhood. At the age of 19 he enlisted in the 2nd Iowa Battery and was mustered into service for the Civil war on Aug 8, 1861. He participated in all the engagements with his company, and was discharged from active service Aug 30, 1864, While carrying dispatches he was taken prisoner, and was held two months in Belle Island. On his return home from the war, he married Mrs. Amelia Pring Evans, July 1865. To this union were born four children: John W. of Mitchellville, ______ of Bonduarnt, and two daughters Nettie and Laura, who awaited his coming on the other shore. His wife died Feb 24, 1911 and he was again married on Feb 27, 1913 to Mrs. Sadie Webster. Since that time he has resided in Des Moines. He leaves besides his wife, two sons and one step-son to mourn their loss, 12 grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, two brothers, Samuel and Thomas of Maxwell, one sister, Mrs. Sarah Hoskins of Nevada, and a host of friends. He was a member of Kinsman post G. A. R. and has been a member of the Friends church in Des Moines for about a year, and died trusting in his Saviour. He was a kind father, loving companion, and a good neighbor and will be greatly missed as a kind and true friend.

Funeral services were held at the residence, 1313 De Wolf Street, Des Moines, conducted by the pastor of the Friends church from the text 2nd Timothy 4:6, closing with the ritualistic service of the G. A. R. The body was then taken by auto hearse to Santiago, where services were again held by the pastor at that place, after which interment was made in the Santiago Cemetery. Many and beautiful floral tributes manifesting the love and respect of neighbors and friends. Seven automobiles were generously offered to carry relatives and friends on the long, sad journey to his last resting place, there to await the ressurection morn.