Joseph Giles Whiteley

WHITELEY, HALL, ALLENDER

Posted By: Jean Wenke, volunteer
Date: 3/20/2009 at 18:08:27

Joseph Giles Whiteley, son of Joseph W. and Sarah A. Whiteley, was born in Connellsville, Pa., March 13, 1854 and passed away Friday, Sept. 23, 1938, having attained the age of 84 years, 6 months and 10 days.

When just a child he came with his parents, in 1856, to Iowa, where the family settled in Mt. Pleasant, remaining there a year; in the spring of 1857 coming to Bonaparte which has continuously been his home and where he grew to manhood. He was associated with his father in the first store established in 1870, on the corner where the residence now stands. Later, he with his father and brother, Philip S., became the firm of J. W. Whiteley and Sons, which business name has been retained, although the father passed away Jan. 9, 1909, after which he and his brother continued the business.

Almost four years ago, failing health compelled him to retire from active duty and although he has gradually grown more feeble, it was not until Sept. 6th that he was unable to go out in the yard or garden, where the tireless energy that has always marked his active life, found vent. Since that date he has grown weaker, until his passing Friday morning.

On Feb. 25, 1880, he was united in marriage to Emily H. Hall of Bonaparte, and to this union two sons were born, Lieut. Colonel Joseph Hall Whiteley, M. C., of Corozal, Canal Zone, Panama, and Dr. Philip Wade Whiteley of Denver, Colo. These two with his wife and one sister, Mrs. Mary R. Allender of Tahleouah, Okla., and one brother, Philip S. of Bonaparte remain to miss his presence.

He was interested in everything concerning the town and community and his long years in business gave him a wide acquaintance that never failed to give him pleasure.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon, Sept. 25, at the Philip S. Whiteley home, Rev. L. E. Winfrey officiating. Interment in Bonaparte cemetery.

From Dorothy Watson's scrapbook, Bonaparte, Iowa Library