Vernon J. WHITEAKER

Notes:

CENSUS RECORDS

1910 Census
Name: Vernon H Whittaker
Age in 1910: 3 months
Birth Year: abt 1910
Birthplace: California
Home in 1910: Santa Margarita, San Luis Obispo, California
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Son (Child)
Marital Status: Single
Father's name: William J Whittaker
Father's Birthplace: Washington
Mother's name: Elizabeth Whittaker
Mother's Birthplace: California
Household Members:
William J Whittaker 34
Elizabeth Whittaker 23
Harry J Whittaker 4
Goldie M Whittaker 1 year 8 months
Vernon H Whittaker 3 months

1920 Census
Name: Vernon J Whitaker [Vernon J Whiteaker]
Age: 10
Birth Year: abt 1910
Birthplace: California
Home in 1920: Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, California
Street: S Smith
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Son (Child)
Marital Status: Single
Father's name: William J Whitaker
Father's Birthplace: Washington
Mother's name: Elizabeth Whitaker
Mother's Birthplace: California
Able to Speak English: Yes
Attended School: Yes
Able to Read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Household Members:
William J Whitaker 44
Elizabeth Whitaker 33
William H Whitaker 14
Goldie M Whitaker 11
Vernon J Whitaker 10
Kenneth G Whitaker 5
Mary E Whitaker 3 years 4 months

1930 Census
Name: Vernon J Whiteaker
Birth Year: abt 1910
Gender: Male
Race: White
Birthplace: California
Marital Status: Single
Relation to Head of House: Son (Child)
Home in 1930: Betteravia, Santa Barbara, California
Street address: Third Ave
House Number in Cities or Towns: 121
Attended School: No
Able to Read and Write: Yes
Father's Birthplace: Washington
Mother's Birthplace: California
Able to Speak English: Yes
Occupation: Truck driver
Industry: gravel Co.
Class of Worker: Wage or salary worker
Employment: No
Household Members:
William J Whiteaker 54
Elizabeth Whiteaker 43
Vernon J Whiteaker 20
Kenneth V Whiteaker 16
Mary E Whiteaker 13
Opal L Whiteaker 10
Dorothy M Whiteaker 5
Goldie M Bowers 21 [sister]
Richard A Bowers 3 years 4 months
Marjorie E Bowers 2 years 4 months
Robert T Bowers 1 year 2 months

1940 Census
Name: Vernon Whitaker
Respondent: Yes
Age: 30
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1910
Gender: Male
Race: White
Birthplace: California
Marital Status: Single
Relation to Head of House: Head
Home in 1940: Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo, California
Street: 6th St East Of Paso Robles
House Number: 8
Farm: No
Inferred Residence in 1935: Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, California
Residence in 1935: Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, California
Resident on farm in 1935: No
Occupation: Laborer
House Owned or Rented: Owned
Value of Home or Monthly Rental if Rented: $200
Attended School or College: No
Highest Grade Completed: Elementary school, 6th grade
Duration of Unemployment: 260
Class of Worker: Wage or salary worker in Government work
Weeks Worked in 1939: 48
Income: $536
Income Other Sources: No
Household Members:
Vernon Whitaker 30

Buried:
Grave location and tombstone photo:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=96251430&ref=acom

Died:
State of California. California Death Index, 1940-1997. Sacramento, CA
Name: Vernon Joseph Whiteaker
Social Security #: 572015491
Gender: Male
Birth Date: 4 Jan 1910
Birth Place: California
Death Date: 24 Jan 1944
Death Place: San Luis Obispo
Mother's Maiden Name: Brown
Father's Surname: Whiteaker

Notes:

CENSUS RECORDS

1880 Census
Name: Willie J. Whittaker
Age: 5
Birth Year: abt 1875
Birthplace: Washington Territory
Home in 1880: Columbia, Washington
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Son
Marital Status: Single
Father's name: J. R. Whittaker
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's name: Sarah F. Whittaker
Mother's Birthplace: Wisconsin
Household Members:
J. R. Whittaker 44
Sarah F. Whittaker 29
Lulu B. Whittaker 10
Willie J. Whittaker 5

1900 Census
Name: Wm Whitaker
Age: 24
Birth Date: Jun 1875
Birthplace: Washington
Home in 1900: San Jose, San Luis Obispo, California
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Servant (Employee)
Marital Status: Single
Father's Birthplace: Ohio
Mother's Birthplace: Illinois
Household Members:
F E Fotheringham 39
Maud Fotheringham 29
Wm Whitaker 24
Gin Ah 55 [b. China, servant]

1910 Census
Name: William J Whittaker
Age in 1910: 34
Birth Year: abt 1876
Birthplace: Washington
Home in 1910: Santa Margarita, San Luis Obispo, California
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Elizabeth Whittaker
Father's Birthplace: Wisconsin [Virginia]
Mother's Birthplace: Wisconsin
Household Members:
William J Whittaker 34
Elizabeth Whittaker 23
Harry J Whittaker 4
Goldie M Whittaker 1 year 8 months
Vernon H Whittaker 3 months

1920 Census
Name: William J Whitaker [William J Whiteaker]
Age: 44
Birth Year: abt 1876
Birthplace: Washington
Home in 1920: Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, California
Street: S Smith
House Number: 207
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Elizabeth Whitaker
Father's Birthplace: United States of America
Mother's Birthplace: United States of America
Able to Speak English: Yes
Occupation: Laborer
Industry: County Road
Employment Field: Wage or Salary
Home Owned or Rented: Rent
Able to Read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Household Members:
William J Whitaker 44
Elizabeth Whitaker 33
William H Whitaker 14
Goldie M Whitaker 11
Vernon J Whitaker 10
Kenneth G Whitaker 5
Mary E Whitaker 3 years 4 months

1930 Census
Name: William J Whiteaker
Birth Year: abt 1876
Gender: Male
Race: White
Birthplace: Washington
Marital Status: Married
Relation to Head of House: Head
Home in 1930: Betteravia, Santa Barbara, California
Street address: Third Ave
House Number in Cities or Towns: 121
Home Owned or Rented: Rented
Home Value: $25
Radio Set: No
Lives on Farm: No
Age at First Marriage: 29
Attended School: No
Able to Read and Write: Yes
Father's Birthplace: Washington [Virginia]
Mother's Birthplace: Washington [Wisconsin]
Able to Speak English: Yes
Occupation: Caretaker
Industry: Public library
Class of Worker: Wage or salary worker
Employment: Yes
Household Members:
William J Whiteaker 54
Elizabeth Whiteaker 43
Vernon J Whiteaker 20
Kenneth V Whiteaker 16
Mary E Whiteaker 13
Opal L Whiteaker 10
Dorothy M Whiteaker 5
Goldie M Bowers 21 [daughter]
Richard A Bowers 3 years 4 months [grandson]
Marjorie E Bowers 2 years 4 months [granddaughter]
Robert T Bowers 1 year 2 months [grandson]



Birth:
U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
Name: William Joseph Whiteaker
County: Kern
State: California
Birth Date: 28 Jun 1875
Race: White

Died:
State of California. California Death Index, 1940-1997. Sacramento, CA
Name: William Joseph Whiteaker
Gender: Male
Birth Date: 28 Jun 1875
Birth Place: Washington
Death Date: 29 Jul 1946
Death Place: San Luis Obispo
Mother's Maiden Name: Atwood
Father's Surname: Whiteaker

William married Elizabeth Brown. Elizabeth was born ca 1887, California. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

CENSUS RECORDS

1910 Census
Name: Elizabeth Whittaker
Age in 1910: 23
Birth Year: abt 1887
Birthplace: California
Home in 1910: Santa Margarita, San Luis Obispo, California
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: William J Whittaker
Father's Birthplace: Utah
Mother's Birthplace: California
Household Members:
William J Whittaker 34
Elizabeth Whittaker 23
Harry J Whittaker 4
Goldie M Whittaker 1 year 8 months
Vernon H Whittaker 3 months

1920 Census
Name: Elizabeth Whitaker [Elizabeth Whiteaker]
Age: 33
Birth Year: abt 1887
Birthplace: California
Home in 1920: Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, California
Street: S Smith
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: William J Whitaker
Father's Birthplace: Utah
Mother's Birthplace: California
Able to Speak English: Yes
Able to Read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Household Members:
William J Whitaker 44
Elizabeth Whitaker 33
William H Whitaker 14
Goldie M Whitaker 11
Vernon J Whitaker 10
Kenneth G Whitaker 5
Mary E Whitaker 3 years 4 months

1930 Census
Name: Elizabeth Whiteaker
Birth Year: abt 1887
Gender: Female
Race: White
Birthplace: California
Marital Status: Married
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Homemaker?: Yes
Home in 1930: Betteravia, Santa Barbara, California
Street address: Third Ave
House Number in Cities or Towns: 121
Age at First Marriage: 18
Attended School: No
Able to Read and Write: Yes
Father's Birthplace: Utah
Mother's Birthplace: California
Able to Speak English: Yes
Household Members:
William J Whiteaker 54
Elizabeth Whiteaker 43
Vernon J Whiteaker 20
Kenneth V Whiteaker 16
Mary E Whiteaker 13
Opal L Whiteaker 10
Dorothy M Whiteaker 5
Goldie M Bowers 21 [daughter]
Richard A Bowers 3 years 4 months [grandson]
Marjorie E Bowers 2 years 4 months [granddaughter]
Robert T Bowers 1 years 2 months [grandson]

1940 Census
Name: Elizabeth Brown [Whiteaker]
Respondent: Yes
Age: 53
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1887
Gender: Female
Race: White
Birthplace: California
Marital Status: Divorced
Relation to Head of House: Head
Home in 1940: Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo, California
Street: Pier Avenue
House Number: 8
Farm: No
Inferred Residence in 1935: Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo, California
Residence in 1935: Same Place
Resident on farm in 1935: No
Occupation: Seamstress
House Owned or Rented: Owned
Value of Home or Monthly Rental if Rented: $860
Attended School or College: No
Highest Grade Completed: Elementary school, 7th grade
Duration of Unemployment: 264
Class of Worker: Wage or salary worker in Government work
Weeks Worked in 1939: 43
Income: $454
Income Other Sources: No
Household Members:
Elizabeth Brown 53
Dorothy Whiteaker 15 [daughter]

Other Events:

• _UID: C02DB6694A0C4EABBC56EED1B8C0A993E0DF

Notes:

CENSUS RECORDS

1850 Census
Name: Joseph Whitiker [Joseph Whiteaker]
Age: 15
Birth Year: abt 1835
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1850: Polk, Oregon Territory
Gender: Male
Family Number: 121
Household Members:
Benj Whitiker 55
Mary Whitiker 42
David Whitiker 25
William Whitiker 24
Ellen Whitiker 18
Joseph Whitiker 15
Benjn Whitiker 12
Maria Whitiker 9
Washington Whitiker 7
Mary Whitiker 4
Baby Whitiker 0

1860 Census
Name: I R Whitaker [J R Whiteaker]
Age in 1860: 23
Birth Year: abt 1837
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1860: Independence, Polk, Oregon
Gender: Male
Post Office: Independence
Household Members:
B Whitaker 63
Mary Whitaker 53
J R Whitaker 23
G W Whitaker 17
Mary Whitaker 13

1870 Census
Name: J R Whittaker
Age in 1870: 35
Birth Year: abt 1835
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1870: Walla Walla, Washington Territory
Race: White
Gender: Male
Post Office: Waitsburg
Household Members:
J R Whittaker 35
Mary Whittaker 16
James Titus 19 [farm hand]

1880 Census
Name: J. R. Whittaker
Age: 44
Birth Year: abt 1836
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1880: Columbia, Washington
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Self (Head)
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Sarah F. Whittaker
Occupation: Farmer
Household Members:
J. R. Whittaker 44
Sarah F. Whittaker 29
Lulu B. Whittaker 10
Willie J. Whittaker 5


Buried:
Grave location and tombstone photo:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=WH&GSpartial=1&GSbyrel=all&GSst=50&GScntry=4&GSsr=5001&GRid=14756191&

Joseph married Sarah F. Atwood. Sarah was born ca 1851, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

CENSUS RECORDS

1880 Census
Name: Sarah F. Whittaker
Age: 29
Birth Year: abt 1851
Birthplace: Wisconsin
Home in 1880: Columbia, Washington
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: J. R. Whittaker
Father's Birthplace: Indiana
Mother's Birthplace: Illinois
Occupation: Keeps House
Household Members:
J. R. Whittaker 44
Sarah F. Whittaker 29
Lulu B. Whittaker 10
Willie J. Whittaker 5

Other Events:

• _UID: 59DF856889194628B2B1DB00E333F979FBEB

Notes:

Benjamin Whitaker reported in the above report that he was from a family of nine [9] children.  Five sons and four daughters.  Other research  by John Weldon Whiteaker states the Bible of Absalom Rufus Whitaker, son of Moses Whitaker  lists in his handwriting "My grandfather, Richard Whitaker had 11 boys and three girls - Giles, Aaron, John, James, Moses, Benjamin and Thomas. [7 named] and Rachel [Catherine] who married Adam Fudge, Mary [Polly] who married Harry Webb4 and Elizabeth Whitaker who did not marry."

(Source - Lang, Herbert O; Himes, George Henry, History of Willamette Valley, 1885, pg 699)

"Born in North Carolina in 1796, and removed to Virginia at an early age. Went to Illinois in 1836, and crossed the plains to Oregon in 1848; settled in Polk County. His occupation was farming. He married Miss Mary Hyter in 1823. Their children numbered eleven, of whom David J., Rachel, Ellen, Benjamin, Maria and George survive".


LAND RECORDS

22 Dec 1834...Washington Co.VA Deed Book 12, pages 128/9.. between Benjamin Whitaker, acting exr. of LW&T of Esau Hayter, one part & Whitley Fullen, $18.50, land in Poor Valley both sides of Valley Creek, 200 acres to Esau Hayter deceased, by the Commonwealth patent of 4 Oct 1820..also other tract in Poor Valley both sides of Valley Creek, 600 acres, patent 4 Oct 1820..reserving from this last mentioned tract so much thereof as is devised by the said Esau Hayter, dec to Andrew Hayter by LW&T...25 March 1835 acknowledged and recorded pp. 129-30, Ind. between Benjamin Whitaker, etc..& William Hayter $13.55 land WNFHR, etc..waters of Wolf Creek north of Israel Hayters. Ackn. 25 March 1835.
 
22 Dec 1834.. Washington Co..VA Deed Book 12, pages 130-1..between Benjamin Whitaker, etc. & Harry Webb.  $3.25, land waters of Valley Creek and land where Esau Hayter, dec., resided..to Esau Hayter by Commonwealth Patent 01 Apr 1820..ack 25 Mar 1835.
 
22 Dec 1834.. Washington Co.VA Deed Book 12..page 130/1..between Benjamin Whitaker and John Litton, $10.00 land north side River Mt. in the Poor Valley and on waters of Tumbling Creek and Valley Creek, 50 acres, patent to Esau Hayter, 04 Oct 1820.  Recorded 25 March 1835.
 
16 July 1836, Washington Co. Deed Book 12 page 371/2...between Benjamin Whitaker & Polly, wife & Whitley Fullen $450.00, land in Poor Valley, 211 acres..land willed and bequeathed to said Polly by LW&T of her father, Esau Hayter, dec., 13 Dec 1826, same tract sold and conveyed by Abram Hayter to Esau Hayter, dec...02 Dec 1820..recorded 31 Aug 1836.

Apr 19, 1851..Washington Co.VA Deed Book 20, page 268/9..Between Harry Webb and Mary, wife, one and Margaret Hayter, $25.00 land, waters of Valley Creek adj. land where Esau Hayter, dec. resident ... Apr 1820 patent..and transferred to Webb by Benjamin Whitaker, acting ex. of Esau Hayter, deceased.

June 17, 1861.. Washington Co..VA Deed Book 25, page 408/9..Whitley Fullen, one and Julius McNew Jr & James P. McNew, WASHINGTON CO.VA, 2nd part.$800., land in Poor Valley...same track of land which was bequeathed to Polly Whitaker by LW&T of her father, Esau Hayter, 13 Dec 1826, ...sold and conveyed by Abram Hayter to Esau Hayter, dec. 2 Dec 1820, except 15 acres and a Salt Lick which was reserved in the devise to the said Polly Whitaker, and from Benjamin Whitaker and Polly, to said Whitley Fullen. 31 March 1862.

MIGRATION

1836...Benjamin and his family left Virginia and moved to Lee County, Illinois, staying in this country for eleven years where three more children were born.

1848...The family left Lee County, Illinois, and crossed the plains in a covered wagon to Oregon, taking with them eight yoke of oxen, three wagons and his carpenter tools, two plows and harrow teeth that were made of inch square iron. They also took with them the family bible and a few books and some of the family relics, which they prized. The family also brought with them the staples for some months provisions, and thus equipped the pioneer, Benjamin Whitaker, and all he held dear on earth cut loose from civilization to cross the plains, which were infested with savage beasts and little less savage Indians (Ref: History of Oregon, Page 886). They found a home for themselves in the mild climate of the beautiful and rich Willamette Valley in Oregon. They arrived at Foster's Farm on October 5th and on the 11th reached Polk County and the following spring purchased the Dr. Boyle donation claim of 640 acres of choice land. The price paid was $250.00 which was less that forth cents an acre. On the property Benjamin raised his family and resided until his death in his seventy-sixth year.

Early Oregonian Search

Whiteaker, Benjamin
Date of Birth 28 May 1796
Place of Birth NC
Occupation farmer
Date of Death 02 Jul 1883
Place of Death Airlie, Polk Co., OR
Place of Burial Whiteaker Cemetery, Polk Co., OR
Mother Bentley, Rachel
Date of Arrival bef 30 Mar 1849
Father Whiteaker, Richard

Marriage Information
Hayter, Virginia Mary 18 Sep 1823 Washington Co., VA

Associated Records
Land Claim Donation Polk Co., OR OC 1241
Probate Estate Polk Co. 0682

Associated Persons
Bentley, Rachel Mother
Hayter, Virginia Mary Female 16 Oct 1808 Spouse
Whiteaker, Richard Father

Census Events

1850 Federal OR Polk Co. 55yrs
1860 Federal OR Polk Co. 63yrs
1870 Federal OR Polk Co.

CENSUS RECORDS

1850 US Census
Name: Benj Whitiker [Benjamin Whiteaker]
Age: 55
Birth Year: abt 1795
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1850: Polk, Oregon Territory
Gender: Male
Family Number: 121
Household Members:
Benj Whitiker 55
Mary Whitiker 42
David Whitiker 25
William Whitiker 24
Ellen Whitiker 18
Joseph Whitiker 15
Benjn Whitiker 12
Maria Whitiker 9
Washington Whitiker 7
Mary Whitiker 4
Baby Whitiker 9 months

1860 Census
Name: B Whitaker
Age in 1860: 63
Birth Year: abt 1797
Birthplace: North Carolina
Home in 1860: Independence, Polk, Oregon
Gender: Male
Post Office: Independence
Household Members:
B Whitaker 63
Mary Whitaker 53
I R Whitaker 23
G W Whitaker 17
Mary Whitaker 13

Name: Benjamin Whitcher [Benjamin Whiteaker]
Age in 1870: 73
Birth Year: abt 1797
Birthplace: North Carolina
Home in 1870: Monmouth, Polk, Oregon
Race: White
Gender: Male
Post Office: Monmouth
Household Members:
Benjamin Whitcher 73
Mary Whitcher 63
George Whitcher 26

WILL

Will of Benjamin Whitaker and Probate

July 16, 1872...Polk County, Oregon...In the name of God amen, I Benjamin Whitaker of the County of Polk and the state of Oregon and of the age of seventy five years and being of sound mind and memory do make, publish and declare this my last will and testament in names as falls to wit.
 
First, I give and bequest to my wife, Polly Whitaker the sum of $100.  Second, It is my will that the farm that I now own in Walla Walla County, Washington Territory inherited by me from my son William and the south half of my half of my donation land claim in Eight South Rouge in the County of Polk, and state of Oregon shall be sold and the proceeds equally divided among all of my heirs to wit. David, Whitaker, Rachel McGee, Benjamin Whitaker, Joseph R. Whitaker, Elen Levens, Mariah Ogden, George Whiter and Ellen Collins. Third, it is also my will if there should be any other property at my death it be divided among my heirs.  Fourth, it is my will that if Elen Collins is not of age at my death, that my executors shall hold in trust for said Ellen Collins, all that she may inherit from my estate until she is of lawful age and then pay it over to her taking her receipt and if she should die before she is of age her share shall be equally divided between my lawful heirs. Will witnessed July 16, 1872.

July 2, 1873..County Court of Polk County, State of Oregon..In the matters of the last will and testament of Benjamin Whitaker, deceased... To the Hon. Court of said County, Isaac Levens respectfully show unto the court that Benjamin Whitaker, a resident of said Polk Co., Oregon, died in said county and state on the second day of July AD 1873., that said deceased left a last will and testament; and that he therein appointed and designated  Levens and George Whitaker his exec.  The estate consists of real estate and personal property of about $3180.00 dollars and the legal heirs are David J. Whitaker, aged 48, Rachel McGee, age 41, Ellen  Levens, age 40, Joseph R. Whitaker, age 37, Benjamin Whitaker, age 35, Mariah Ogdon, age 33, George Whitaker, aged about 30 and Ellen Collins, aged 10 years.  David Whitaker, residence, Walla Walla County; Rachel's residence, same place; Ellen Levens residence Polk Co., Joseph Whitaker, residence Polk Co.; Benjamin Whitaker, Polk Co.; Mariah Ogdan residence, Rice County, Minnesota; George Whitaker, Polk Co.; Ellen Collins, Polk Co.  Ack. in court July 7, 1873.

OBITUARY

Obituary (published in a paper in about 1882)

"Never having noticed anything relative to the death of "Old Mrs. Whiteaker" in the papers, I thought it due to herself and her friends that something of her domestic history should be given publicity, while yet some of her old pioneer associates still survive her, and some of whom regarded her with that high esteem which respected worth always merits. This thought was suggested by my wife, who in years past has been the recipient of Mrs. Whiteaker's unbounded hospitality, and who frequently recalls to mind one incident in early life, when that hospitality was most generously extended, and most thankfully accepted. The remembrance of those pioneer days can never be obliterated from the memory, either by time or circumstances. Let the pioneer retrospect the past; call to mind his early associates, and attempt to number his survivors. He will find but few living of the many with whom he was familiar in those early days, and with whom he felt a degree of intimacy amounting almost to that of consanguinity.

In 1852, now about thirty years ago, my wife and self, with our two little ones, were coming from Yamhill, when we were caught in a very heavy rain storm. We were in an open wagon and pretty well drenched when we stopped at Mr. Whiteaker's house. Driving up to the fence, we were met by Mr. Whiteaker, who in loud tones exclaimed: "Hello! What the devil are you doing here? Get out of the wagon and come in the house; you are as wet as the devil." Well, we did as requested, and soon a blazing fire restored warmth to our chilled frames. Mrs. Whiteaker took my wife in charge, and she was quickly clothed in habiliments more congenial to the female sex than a water-saturated piece of calico. And now, after the lapse of thirty years, the kindly feelings manifested upon that occasion by Mr. and Mrs. Whiteaker are remembered by us with the most lively emotions of respect and regard; and more, not only the kindness and hospitality manifested upon that occasion entitled them to our highest regard, but during many years thereafter we received many manifestations of their kindly disposition towards us, that makes the remembrance thereof pleasing reminiscences of the past. But today where are they? Gone to that mysterious realm from which there is not return, and to which we are all hastening.

Mr. Whiteaker was a man of very jovial and merry disposition. Upon one occasion ex-Gov. Whiteaker called upon him and made inquires to ...whether or not there was any relationship between them. Mr. Whiteaker remarked: "I do not claim kin with every scalawag that comes along, but as you are a pretty good looking man, and appear to have some sense, if you can show that we are kin, I'll acknowledge the corn." This was many years ago, and it occurs to my mind as one of the many incidents that go to show the natural tendencies of his disposition, for upon many occasions have his sallies of wit caused much merriment. For his associates: yet, withal, he was a man of strict integrity, of unbounded hospitality, and his rule was to do as he would be done by. How often do the hearts of the old settlers, when calling to mind the struggles and toils incident to pioneer life, bound with a fresh impulse at the remembrances of the social equality, the generous dispositions and disinterested sympathy which characterized them in the intercourse with each other. Almost isolated from civilized life, bound together in a common destiny, each felt the other a warmer friendship that is much of the characteristic of society of the present day. The onward march of time is fast removing from the scenes of active life the "Old Pioneers." Soon the last one will have obeyed the dreaded summons, and the recollection of their hardy toil and struggles in the advancement of civilization will be but a matter of history.

In the death of Mrs. Whiteaker the ranks of the pioneers number one less of that noble band of women who braved the dangers of the wilderness with a heroic devotion to life's duties, worthy a remembrance in the hearts of all who survive her. There is naught in the remembrance of her domestic life but what should bring consolation to all her surviving friends and relatives.

Mrs. Whiteaker was born in Washington County, Virginia, in 1808. Her maiden name was Mary B. Hayter, she married to Benjamin Whiteaker in 1823. They went to Illinois in 1836, where they resided about eleven years. They then came to the conclusion that they would cross the plains to Oregon. In 1848 they bade adieu to friends and started on the perilous trip with sanguine hopes, that with patience and perseverance they would reach the goal of their desires and build upon them up a happy home, where peace, plenty and contentment might bless them through life's pilgrimage. In October,1848, they settled in Polk County where they made a continued residence up to the time of their death, known and respected by all their neighbors as kind , genial, and hospitable in all life's associations.

On the 1st day of December, 1882, Mrs. Whiteaker yielded up her spirit, to God who gave it, serenely and calmly, with the precious hope of ascending. ... She leaves seven children, to whom she leaves the priceless legacy of an honored name, and whose memory will be long cherished by all who knew her, for to have known her was to have formed a deep-seated friendship, and her friendship was indeed a boon, as was indicated by the warmth of her heart and a generosity that was without limit. She is gone and we are left to linger for yet a brief hour before we join the vanished numbers of the pioneers that were."

Burial: Whiteaker Cem, Independence, Oregon
The Whiteaker Cemetery is located on the Bengamin Whiteaker D.L.C.in Township 8S, Range 5W, Section 11. It is a private family cemetery about .01 of an acre in size. All known burials are related to the Whiteaker family. It is about three miles northwest of Monmouth, Polk,County, Oregon. The cemetery has been abandoned to nature. It was last read by Addie Dyal Rickey in 1973.

Tombstone Inscription:
Benjamin Whiteaker
Died
July 2, 1873
aged
76 Y's & 11 M's

Buried:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Whiteaker&GSbyrel=all&GSdyrel=all&GSst=39&GScnty=2231&GScntry=4&GSob=n&GRid=41235580&df=all&

www.polkcountycemetery.com/whiteaker

Benjamin married Mary (Polly) HAYTER 18 Sep 1823, Washington, Co. VA. Mary (daughter of Esau HAYTER and Sarah Elizabeth ALLISON) was born 27 Oct 1808, Washington Co. VA; died 11 Dec 1882, Polk Co. OR; was buried , Whiteaker Cemetery, Polk Co. OR. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: A07F969929F54657BD3C4BA3AEEDFEA22B42

Notes:

CENSUS RECORDS

1850 US Census
Name: Mary Whitiker [Mary Whiteaker]
Age: 42
Birth Year: abt 1808
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1850: Polk, Oregon Territory
Gender: Female
Family Number: 121
Household Members:
Benj Whitiker 55
Mary Whitiker 42
David Whitiker 25
William Whitiker 24
Ellen Whitiker 18
Joseph Whitiker 15
Benjn Whitiker 12
Maria Whitiker 9
Washington Whitiker 7
Mary Whitiker 4
Baby Whitiker 9 months

1860 Census
Name: Mary Whitaker
Age in 1860: 53
Birth Year: abt 1807
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1860: Independence, Polk, Oregon
Gender: Female
Post Office: Independence
Household Members:
B Whitaker 63
Mary Whitaker 53
I R Whitaker 23
G W Whitaker 17
Mary Whitaker 13

1870 Census
Name: Mary Whitcher [Mary Whiteaker]
Age in 1870: 63
Birth Year: abt 1807
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1870: Monmouth, Polk, Oregon
Race: White
Gender: Female
Post Office: Monmouth
Household Members:
Benjamin Whitcher 73
Mary Whitcher 63
George Whitcher 26


The family moved to Russell County, Virginia before 1826.

OBITIUARY

Obituary (published in a paper in about 1882)

"Never having noticed anything relative to the death of "Old Mrs. Whiteaker" in the papers, I thought it due to herself and her friends that something of her domestic history should be given publicity, while yet some of her old pioneer associates still survive her, and some of whom regarded her with that high esteem which respected worth always merits. This thought was suggested by my wife, who in years past has been the recipient of Mrs. Whiteaker's unbounded hospitality, and who frequently recalls to mind one incident in early life, when that hospitality was most generously extended, and most thankfully accepted. The remembrance of those pioneer days can never be obliterated from the memory, either by time or circumstances. Let the pioneer retrospect the past; call to mind his early associates, and attempt to number his survivors. He will find but few living of the many with whom he was familiar in those early days, and with whom he felt a degree of intimacy amounting almost to that of consanguinity.

In 1852, now about thirty years ago, my wife and self, with our two little ones, were coming from Yamhill, when we were caught in a very heavy rain storm. We were in an open wagon and pretty well drenched when we stopped at Mr. Whiteaker's house. Driving up to the fence, we were met by Mr. Whiteaker, who in loud tones exclaimed: "Hello! What the devil are you doing here? Get out of the wagon and come in the house; you are as wet as the devil." Well, we did as requested, and soon a blazing fire restored warmth to our chilled frames. Mrs. Whiteaker took my wife in charge, and she was quickly clothed in habiliments more congenial to the female sex than a water-saturated piece of calico. And now, after the lapse of thirty years, the kindly feelings manifested upon that occasion by Mr. and Mrs. Whiteaker are remembered by us with the most lively emotions of respect and regard; and more, not only the kindness and hospitality manifested upon that occasion entitled them to our highest regard, but during many years thereafter we received many manifestations of their kindly disposition towards us, that makes the remembrance thereof pleasing reminiscences of the past. But today where are they? Gone to that mysterious realm from which there is not return, and to which we are all hastening.

Mr. Whiteaker was a man of very jovial and merry disposition. Upon one occasion ex-Gov. Whiteaker called upon him and made inquires to ...whether or not there was any relationship between them. Mr. Whiteaker remarked: "I do not claim kin with every scalawag that comes along, but as you are a pretty good looking man, and appear to have some sense, if you can show that we are kin, I'll acknowledge the corn." This was many years ago, and it occurs to my mind as one of the many incidents that go to show the natural tendencies of his disposition, for upon many occasions have his sallies of wit caused much merriment. For his associates: yet, withal, he was a man of strict integrity, of unbounded hospitality, and his rule was to do as he would be done by. How often do the hearts of the old settlers, when calling to mind the struggles and toils incident to pioneer life, bound with a fresh impulse at the remembrances of the social equality, the generous dispositions and disinterested sympathy which characterized them in the intercourse with each other. Almost isolated from civilized life, bound together in a common destiny, each felt the other a warmer friendship that is much of the characteristic of society of the present day. The onward march of time is fast removing from the scenes of active life the "Old Pioneers." Soon the last one will have obeyed the dreaded summons, and the recollection of their hardy toil and struggles in the advancement of civilization will be but a matter of history.

In the death of Mrs. Whiteaker the ranks of the pioneers number one less of that noble band of women who braved the dangers of the wilderness with a heroic devotion to life's duties, worthy a remembrance in the hearts of all who survive her. There is naught in the remembrance of her domestic life but what should bring consolation to all her surviving friends and relatives.

Mrs. Whiteaker was born in Washington County, Virginia, in 1808. Her maiden name was Mary B. Hayter, she married to Benjamin Whiteaker in1823. They went to Illinois in 1836, where they resided about eleven years. They then came to the conclusion that they would cross the plains to Oregon. In 1848 they bade adieu to friends and started on the perilous trip with sanguine hopes, that with patience and perseverance they would reach the goal of their desires and build upon them up a happy home, where peace, plenty and contentment might bless them through life's pilgrimage. In October,1848, they settled in Polk County where they made a continued residence up to the time of their death, known and respected by all their neighbors as kind , genial, and hospitable in all life's associations.

On the 1st day of December, 1882, Mrs. Whiteaker yielded up her spirit, to God who gave it, serenely and calmly, with the precious hope of ascending. ... She leaves seven children, to whom she leaves the priceless legacy of an honored name, and whose memory will be long cherished by all who knew her, for to have known her was to have formed a deep-seated friendship, and her friendship was indeed a boon, as was indicated by the warmth of her heart and a generosity that was without limit. She is gone and we are left to linger for yet a brief hour before we join the vanished numbers of the pioneers that were."

BURIAL

Burial: Whiteaker Cem, Independence, Oregon
The Whiteaker Cemetery is located on the Bengamin Whiteaker D.L.C.in Township 8S, Range 5W, Section 11. It is a private family cemetery about .01 of an acre in size. All known burials are related to the Whiteaker family. It is about three miles northwest of Monmouth, Polk,County, Oregon. The cemetery has been abandoned to nature. It was last read by Addie Dyal Rickey in 1973.

Tombstone Inscription:
Mary B., wife of Benjamin Whiteaker
Died Dec. 1, 1882
Aged 74y 1m 15d

Buried:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Whiteaker&GSbyrel=all&GSdyrel=all&GSst=39&GScnty=2231&GScntry=4&GSob=n&GRid=41235455&df=all&

www.polkcountycemetery.com/whiteaker