Joseph W. Whiteley 1826-1909

WHITELEY, GILES, JOHNSON, TOZZER, HUMPHRYES, ALLENDER, MITCHELLER

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 6/21/2014 at 17:18:26

Joseph W. Whiteley

Joseph Wade Whiteley was born in Yorkshire, England, on April 28, 1826. As a boy he came to America in company with his brother, James, they landing in New Orleans. Shortly after arriving in this country he went to the New England states and spent a portion of time in Cheshire County, New Hampshire, Worcester, Massachusetts and other eastern towns and cities where he followed the woolen mill business which he had learned in the land of his birth.

He remained for some time in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, and there married Sarah A. Giles on April 25, 1852. To this union were born four sons and three daughters as follows: Thomas C., J. G., Mary R., Ella S., George A., Gertrude and Phillip S. Shortly after his marriage he removed to Belmont County, Ohio, but in 1853 returned to Pennsylvania where they remained till 1856 when they removed to Iowa, first settling in Mt. Pleasant. In the spring of 1857 the family came to Bonaparte, Iowa, and since that time till his death the subject of this sketch made this his home.

He followed the business of a woolen mill worker here for many years, being a faithful and respected employe of the Meek Brothers firm. In 1870 he entered the grocery business and by diligence, frugality and honest business efforts lived to see his name revered as a thoroughly successful business man.

The wife and mother died on February 20, 1872 and he again married on August 18, 1878, Hattie A. Johnson. She died in March, 1888.

The deceased friend is survived by the following of his immediate relatives: Two sisters, Mrs. Lizzie Tozzer of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Mrs. Margaret Humphryes of Bonaparte, Iowa, and by the following children: Thomas C. and Mrs. Mary Allender of Guthrie, Oklahoma; Joseph C. and Philip S. of Bonaparte and Mrs. Ella Mitcheller of Pueblo, Colorado, two of the children having preceded their father into the better land. These were Gertrude, who died in infancy, and George A., whose death occurred on November 3, 1905.

Our brother was an honored member of Bonaparte Lodge, No. 73, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, Lafayette Chapter, No. 61, Royal Arch Masons and of El Chanan Commandery, No. 2, Sir Knights Templar, all of which orders were represented today to do honor to his memory.

The beautiful residence in which the funeral services were held is on the site of the store which Mr. Whiteley first started in Bonaparte and which has since grown into the largest business in Van Buren county.

For several years after starting the store Mr. Whiteley retained his place in the woolen mills, giving the store his attention in the morning and evening when off duty the work in the store being done by his children.

Several years ago he retired from the conduct of the business, placing it in charge of his sons, J. G. and Philip S., but until a few months ago he spent several hours each day at the store.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon from the late home, Rev. A. L. Williamson officiating, and the remains were laid to rest in the Bonaparte cemetery, the Masonic order being in charge of the exercises.

Rev. Williamson paid most earnest and eloquent tribute to his friend with whom he had had considerable discussion in a religious and business way, and his Bible reading comment were particularly impressive.

Note: Handwritten at top “1-9-09”

Source: Entler Scrapbook Collection, vol 5, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA