Benjamin WHITEAKER b. Aug 1796 Lincoln Co. NC d. 2 Jul 1873 Independence, Polk Co., OR: Appalachian Aristocracy

1796 - 1873 (~ 76 years)

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Name	Benjamin WHITEAKER
Born	Aug 1796	Lincoln Co. NC [1]
Gender	Male
_UID	59DF856889194628B2B1DB00E333F979FBEB
Died	2 Jul 1873	Independence, Polk Co., OR [1]
Buried	Whiteaker Cemetery, Polk Co. OR
	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
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.Â 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 [1]
Person ID	I814	Master File
Last Modified	14 Apr 2015

Father	Richard WHITAKER, b. Abt 1752, Frederick Co. MD , d. 18 Oct 1838, Washington, Co. VA (Age ~ 86 years)
Mother	Rachel BENTLEY, b. 1750, Frederick Co. MD , d. Bef 1810, Washington Co. VA (Age < 60 years)
Married	Abt 1782	North Carolina [2]
Family ID	F52	Group Sheet \| Family Chart

Family Mary (Polly) HAYTER, b. 27 Oct 1808, Washington Co. VA , d. 11 Dec 1882, Polk Co. OR (Age 74 years)

Married 18 Sep 1823 Washington, Co. VA [1]

Children

	1. David Jesse WHITEAKER, b. 29 Oct 1824, Washington Co. VA , d. 22 Oct 1902, Independence, Polk Co. OR (Age 77 years)
	2. William H. WHITEAKER, b. Abt 1826, Russell Co. VA , d. Bef 9 Sep 1865, Independence, Polk Co. OR (Age ~ 39 years)
+	3. Rachel WHITEAKER, b. 17 Jul 1828, Russell Co. VA , d. 10 Jun 1901, Walla Walla Co. WA (Age 72 years)
+	4. Ellen (Eleanor) S. WHITEAKER, b. 03 Nov 1832, Russell Co. VA , d. 28 Mar 1906, Polk Co. OR (Age 73 years)
+	5. Joseph R. WHITEAKER, b. 3 Nov 1835, Russell Co. VA , d. 23 Feb 1883, Walla Walla Co. WA (Age 47 years)
+	6. Benjamin Franklin WHITEAKER, Jr., b. 28 May 1838, Inlet Grove, Lee Co. IL , d. 24 Aug 1912, Polk Co. OR (Age 74 years)
+	7. Mariah (Maria) WHITEAKER, b. 16 Nov 1840, Lee Co. IL , d. 23 Feb 1904, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co. CA (Age 63 years)
	8. George Washington WHITEAKER, b. 21 Jul 1842, Lee Co. IL , d. 19 Apr 1909, Polk Co. OR (Age 66 years)
	9. Mary W. WHITEAKER, b. 4 Oct 1846, Lee Co. IL , d. 27 Jun 1864, Polk Co. OR (Age 17 years)
	10. Lucy Ann WHITEAKER, b. 5 Oct 1851, OR , d. 28 Jul 1856, OR (Age 4 years)
	11. Amanda WHITEAKER, b. 27 Apr 1853, OR , d. 19 Jul 1856, OR (Age 3 years)

Family ID F130 Group Sheet | Family Chart

Sources

[S25] Descendants of Richard Whitaker, Jr. and Rachel Bentley, Joye Boardman.
[S27] Thomas Bentley of Frederick County Maryland and Old Rowan County, NC. and His Descendants, James W. Miller, Jr., (Self published, web 2006).