Phil Sheridan Whiteley

WHITELEY, MILLS

Posted By: Jean Wenke, volunteer
Date: 2/24/2009 at 17:01:23

Phil Sheridan Whiteley, son of Joseph Wade and Sarah Giles Whiteley, was born in Bonaparte, Iowa Oct. 3, 1864.

He attended the public school and at the age of 16 years began his business career. His first venture was a restaurant located in the basement of a two story brick building located on the corner where the present Whiteley store now stands.

The first floor of this building was occupied as a bank conducted by Geo. Sharp. Later the building was vacated and the restaurant moved and merged with a grocery store conducted by his father and older brother, Joseph.

In July of 1886 this building was completely destroyed by one of Bonaparte's most destructive fires. This was a real tragedy as they carried no insurance.

Immediately they began to clear away the debris and the present one story building was completed November of same year.

A few years later they purchased the lot adjoining on the north and erected the two story brick bulding, the first floor of which is now occupied by the grocery department of the store. This has been a continuous business since 1869, and a remarkable span of time for one enterprise.

On July 24, 1901, he was united in marriage with Gertrude Josephine Mills, who passed from this life on March 26, 1941. There were no children.
Since the death of his beloved wife, which occurred exactly 21 months prior to his passing, he has devoted his entire time and thought to the conduct of his business.

For several months his health had been failing, although he was at the store every day. He was taken very ill Christmas night while alone in his home, but recovered sufficiently to reach the store the following morning considerably later than usual.

His faithful clerks realized he was a dangerously sick man and immediately called a physician, who recommended his prompt removal to a hospital. But the end was nearer than anyone realized and he passed quietly away at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 26, 1942 in the store which he loved so well, and where he devoted the greater part of his life.

He is the last surviving member of his immediate family. His passing removes from this community one of Bonaparte's pioneer families, his parents having located here in 1857.

He is survived by two nephews, Lt. Co. Joseph Hall Whiteley of San Francisco, Calif., and Dr. Philip W. Whiteley of Denver, Colo., and one niece, Mrs. Viola Allender Scott of Tahlequah, OK.; and 1 brother-in-law, Thurlo J. Mills of Des Moines.

Funeral service conducted by Rev. E. E. Niederhuth were held at the home in Bonaparte on Tuesday afternoon with interment in Bonaparte cemetery.

From Dorothy Watson's scrapbook