John Whitney

John Witney, has been identified with the interests of Cherokee County since June, 1867.  He was born in Onondaga County, New York, June 26, 1838.  His father was Warren Whitney, a native of Vermont of French descent, and his mother's name was Lorinda Austin; she was born in the State of New York, and was of Dutch descent.  Young Whitney was only thirteen years of age when he went to Wisconsin and settled in Dane County; then he removed to Outagamie County.  IN 1866 he decided to go to Iowa and look up a location, and the year following, he brought his family to their new home.  He had entered eighty acres of Government land in Afton Township, on which he built a house and made many other improvements.  He sold his place and invested in land in Spring Township; as his means increased he made additions to his first purchase until he now owns 500 acres in Spring and Cedar townships, which is well improved and in an advanced state of cultivation.  He devotes his exclusive time and attention to agricultural pursuits, and his success is evident to the casual observer, as there is an unmistakable air of thrift about the Whitney farm.  Mr. Whitney was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Brott, a native of Outagamie County, Wisconsin, and a daughter of Michael and Hannah (Paris) Brott.  Mr. and Mrs. Whitney are the parents of eight children:  Mary, wife of Henry Coleman; Laura, wife of Ezra Ware; Hattie, wife of Peter Farley; John J., Hannah, Warren, Nellie and Walter.  Since his residence in the county Mr. Whitney has done his share in forwarding all enterprises having for their object the advancement of the community, and h e is recognized as one of the reliable and leading farmers of the county.

Source: Biographical History of Cherokee County, IA, W. W. Dunbar & Co Publishers, 1889

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