Archive:Marion Thomas Whitney
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Edith S. Middleton, Marion Thomas Whitney: The Story of His Predecessors & Descendants: Parker, Greely, Tufts (Portland, OR: The author, 1995).
[p. 18]
18
MOVE TO OREGON
Marion T. and Laura Whitney moved from Burns, Illinois, three years after they
were married. They arrived in Waterville, Kansas, on Feb. 15, 1879. Their farm was
located in Washington County; however, the nearest town was Waterville, which was
located in Marshall County. The nearby town of Marysville was also located in
Marshall County. Marion kept a diary detailing the work required for the farm. He
hired farm laborers to help with much of the work, such as plowing, planting and
harvesting. They cut blocks of ice from the river during the winter, and stored them
in the ice house to be used in warmer weather.
Three children were born to Laura and Marion while they lived on the
Washington County farm: Maude Lulu, Ira Parker Whitney, and Neva Jessie.
The area in which the Washington County farm was located had suffered from
extreme weather. It was severely cold in the winter, and it was a windy dustbowl in
the summer, so that even the fruit crops were very badly damaged.
Marion and Laura left that location on March 9, 1884, (written in Marion's
diary), taking the railroad Emigrant car to Albany, Oregon. They bought the Lafayette
Smith farm in the Walden area between Albany and Corvallis. In Albany, two
daughters were born: Melissa and Mary. Mary suffered from bouts of fever. Laura
hired a woman to help with washing and household chores at that time. There were
swarms of mosquitoes from the river that flowed alongside the farm, and it was
thought there was danger of malaria sickness.
My mother related to me that her mother, Laura, said she would never forgive
herself if Mary became ill with malaria, therefore they moved to Chitwood, Lincoln
County, Oregon. There were no mosquitoes there, even though the Yaquina River
runs through the valley. The Chitwood community was thriving and busy. It was
located by a new railroad running to the coast from the Willamette Valley.
Marion exchanged his Walden area farm with Joshua' Chitwood's farm, on Feb.
3, 1892, and moved his household goods by train. Laura had fine hardwood furniture,
manufactured in Albany by a noted furniture maker who had previously been
manufacturing furniture on the East Coast.
Marion, a carpenter, remodeled the house, and built a barn. As mentioned
elsewhere in this story, I lived in this house, which was remodeled again by my
Grandfather Marion when I was about six years of age. Laura's father, Ira Parker,
visited in Chitwood in the summer of 1892, traveling by train. Laura's step-mother,
Mary Louise, was not well enough to make the trip.
Ruth, the youngest daughter of Marion and Laura, was born in Chitwood in
1895.
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[p. 19]
19
MOVE TO OREGON
There were many of my grandfather's relatives who came to visit at his house
in Chitwood, and later, in Newport, Oregon. Jessie Chandler and George Chandler,
daughter and son of Marion's sister Sarah (Whitney) Chandler, (and cousins of Maude
Whitney Smith), came to visit. Jessie Chandler had the distinction of keeping the
Chandler family records during her lifetime. She was a school teacher. She made
extensive trips to visit family and friends during summer vacations.
About 1904, my grandfather moved to Newport and built cabins on his
property there, to rent to people traveling to the Coast for vacations. At that time,
he gave the care and operation of his Chitwood property to my father and mother,
including the general store and post office which Joshua Chitwood had opened in
1882.
The attic in our Chitwood house served as a storage place for Grandfather's
personal and business papers, photographs and memorabilia.
Grandfather often dug clams from the sand at breakwater to be served later at
his table. The walk along the beach to his favorite clam beds was very pleasant, and
I accompanied him many times. There were oysters and mussels nearby which he
also harvested, and sometimes ate on the half-shell. He was extremely fond of
seafood and shellfish.
Grandfather Marion T. Whitney had a hobby of designing inventions and
applying to the government for patents on them. He was a creative man with many
talents and interests, making a habit of arising early in the morning and staying active
the whole day.
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[p. 20]
20
<big><b>MARY E. PARKER, AND OTHERS</b></big>
Mrs. Mary E. (White) Woodruff was married to Ira Parker (1809-1895) in Henry
County, Illinois, on April 6, 1854. She was a native of Pennsylvania and was of
Pennsylvania-German ancestry. Their daughter Laura Augusta was born January 29,
1855.
Mary E. and Ira's married life lasted a short time, as she passed away the next
year, on March 13, 1855. She was laid to rest in Cosner Corner Cemetery, in Burns,
Henry County, Illinois. Further information about Mary can be found in "Portrait and
Biographical Album of Henry County", by Chapman Bros., pub. 1885.
Although Laura did not know her natural mother, and was raised by her step-
mother, Mary Louise (Cowl) Parker, she corresponded with her Aunt Marilla (Otis)
White, who was married to Samuel White (b. Feb. 1816).
Marilla wrote to Laura about the welfare of her Uncles Samuel White, William
White and James White; and about her Aunt Susan (White) Johnston. The following
excerpts are taken from letters written from Canton, Kansas, by Marilla (Otis) White,
(with spelling corrections):
March 19, 1899. To Laura (Parker) Whitney:
"Dear Niece: Yes, your Uncle is still living but is helpless. He
cannot walk, just sits in the chair from morning until bed time. He gets
very tired of the house. He and myself live all alone, and I have the care
of him; and have had, for two years. Our children do not live near us.
Elbridge lives seven miles from us. Vassay lives in Pueblo, Colorado.
Lehman lives two hundred miles from us in Hutchinson, Kansas. They
are all well
"Aunt Susan has been sick all winter. Her health is very poor.
"Your Uncle William White died the last night of the last year
(1898); he went out with the last year. He had paralysis and congestion
of the lungs.
"The White family that is the old stalk, only three are left: Samuel.
and James and Aunt Susan."
July 22, 1900. To Neva Whitney, Chitwood, Oregon:
"Dear Niece: We are not very well. Your Uncle was quite sick
last night. I was up with him until two o'clock. He is better today. You
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[p. 21]
21
MARY E. PARKER, AND OTHERS
know he is an invalid. He has not walked for four years. How long I will
have him, I do not know... Now I must stop by sending our best wishes
to you all. Your Uncle says he sends his best regards... to all of you."
July 22, 1900. To Marion T. Whitney:
"Mr. Whitney: Your Uncle Sam is still sitting and waiting till the
Master calls him home
August 6, 1901. To Maude (Whitney) Smith:
"Dear Niece: I have the sad news to tell you that your Uncle Sam
is dead. He died the 17th of June; had another stroke of paralysis. He
ate a hearty dinner and was stricken down before night. He lived only
one week. I am all alone.
"I am going to Colorado to stay the winter. One of my sons lives
there.
"I received your letter after your uncle died. I was so unsettled I
could not write to anyone. It is so lonely. He was so kind and so
patient; never murmurred or complained. He sat in his chair for over four
years. I sent to Chicago and got him a wheelchair. I took him to
church, and up on the street; but he is gone, and my loss is his gain.
"He has gone where he can shake hands with your dear mother.
What a happy meeting it will be when we all get over yonder and clasp
hands with our friends
"Aunt Susan is well."
The first record found for Susan (White) Johnston, sister of Mary E. (White,
Woodruff) Parker, is in the 1850 U.S. Census for Henry Co., Illinois, Household #389,
Page 120A. Susan appears in the census as 25 years old, birthplace Pennsylvania.
Her husband, Samuel was age 30, Wagonmaker, born in Ohio. Their son William was
2 years old; their daughter Mary was 1 year old. Both children were born in Ohio.
The next record found for Susan (White) Johnston is a listing on Page 287 of
the 1888 City Directory for Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio: Mrs. 5 A. Johnston,
widow, 549 Oak St. Also listed at the same address are Calvin C., Charles E., Chas.
C., Lee R., and W. W. Johnston. Chas. C. Johnston's occupation was job printing.
Charles E. was "of Johnston & Co.".
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[p. 22]
22
MARY E. PARKER, AND OTHERS
The 1900 U.S. Census for city of Columbus, Franklin Co., Ohio, names Susan
A. Johnston as head of the family, born November 1825 in Pennsylvania; her father
was born in Pennsylvania, and her mother born in Ireland. This census gives the
information that Susan had six children, and four were living on the census date of
June 9, 1900. Susan's son Chas. C. was living in her household in 1900. His
occupation was printer. He was born July 1858, in Ohio.
The 1910 U.S. Census names Chas. C. Johnston as head of household;
occupation, job printer. His mother, Susan A., age 84, was living in his household.
There is a picture of Susan Johnston, and pictures of two of her sons. L. R.
Johnston and C. C. Johnston, among our family photographs.
Marilla Otis was born December 1827 in Ohio. The 1900 U.S. Census shows
her father was born in Vermont; her mother was born in New Jersey. Marilla was
married to Samuel White (1816-1901), in Henry County, Illinois on January 1, 1846.
Samuel White was an elder brother of Mary E. (White, Woodruff) Parker. Marilla's
marriage ceremony was performed by Edward Otis (b.1766), a Minister of the Gospel,
and probably grandfather of Marilla.
Edward Otis (b. 1766), was listed in the 1850 U.S. Census, Henry Co., Illinois,
on page 121B, household #414; he was 84 years old, born in Connecticut. He was
living in the household of Edward, Jr., age 48, farmer, born in Vermont; Sarah, wife,
age 46 was born in New Jersey. Their children Harrison, 17; Elizabeth, 14; Sarah,
13; and Steven, 9, were born in Ohio. Their youngest son, James, age 3, was born
in Illinois. I believe this Edward Otis, Jr., age 48, and his wife Sarah, were parents
of Marilla.
I believe Merrill Otis (b.1800), shown on page 99A Household #71, 1850 U.S.
Census, was a son of Edward Otis (b. 1766), and uncle of Marilla White. Merrill Otis
(b.1800), was born in Vermont, and his wife Hannah (b. 1808), was born in
Pennsylvania. These families were mentioned in "Portrait and Biographical Album of
Henry County, Illinois", published in 1885, Chicago, Biographical Publishing Company,
and were listed as attending the same church in Wethersfield, Illinois.
Samuel and Marilla (Otis) White were in the 1860 U.S. Census records of Henry
County, III., with sons Elbridge, James, and Lehman; son Vassay was born in July,
1862. The 1880 Census shows Samuel and Marilla living in Canton, Kansas.
Elbridge E. White (b. Dec. 1848), married Sarah A. (born 1852). Their sons
were Orville, who was born 1878, in Kansas; and Willis B., born 1883, Kansas. In
1900, this family was living in Battle Hill township, Mcpherson County, Kansas.
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[p. 23]
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MARY E. PARKER, AND OTHERS
Lehman White, born in Illinois, Feb. 1858, married Alice, who was born in
Virginia, Sept. 1860. Their daughters were both born in Kansas; Velma, born in July
1889; Chlora, born April 1891. In 1900, this family lived in Hutchinson, Reno
County, Kansas.
Vassay White was born July 1862, in Illinois. He married Ida, born April 1866,
in Illinois. Their son Clifford was born August 1896, in Kansas. In 1900, this family
lived on East 3rd Street, Pueblo City, Pueblo County, Colorado, as shown in the U.S.
Census.
Before her marriage to Ira Parker, Mary E. (White) Woodruff was married to
Amos Woodruff in Knox County, Ohio. He was a native of New Jersey. Their sons
were Leander and John C. Woodruff. Amos Woodruff passed away in 1841. There
is a record of the probate of his estate in Knox County, Ohio.
Leander Woodruff, son of Amos and Mary, was born June 14, 1839, in Knox
County, Ohio. On August 14, 1862, he married Miss Rebecca M. Rishel, born May
10, 1845. She was the daughter of Dentist Jacob Rishel of Burns. Leander served
in the Union Army nearly three years, from 1862 to 1865. When discharged from
Army duty, he returned to Burns, Henry County, Illinois, and farmed. In 1875, in
Cambridge, Leander was a farmer and breeder of thoroughbred Short Horned cattle
and Berkshire swine, as shown in Warner & Beers Atlas of the county. A daughter
named Eva L. Woodruff was born to Leander and Rebecca on August 13, 1868.
John C. Woodruff, younger son of Amos and Mary, was born July 12, 1840.
He served in the Civil War for the Union Army as an Orderly Sergeant in the 3rd Iowa
Infantry, and was with the regiment through the siege of Vicksburg. About a week
after the surrender of Vicksburg, he lost his life while fighting for his country at
Jackson, Mississippi, on July 12, 1863. His burial place was not marked. (Some of
the data for previous three paragraphs from Portrait and Biographical Album of Henry
County, Illinois, published 1885, Chicago, Biographical Publishing Co., pg 429).
Ira Parker (b. 1809), was married on Sept. 16, 1858, in Henry County, Illinois,
to Mary Louise Cowl (b. 1835); she was his second wife.
Mary L. Cowl's father, Elijah T. Cowl (b. Nov. 1809), owned a farm adjoining
Ira Parker's farm. Elijah T. Cowl had come to this farm in 1854 from Putnam County,
New York, where he lived for 35 years, (from Atlas of Henry County, pub. by Warner
& Beers, Chicago, 1875). His wife was Caroline Hinman, whom he married in 1835
in Putnam County, New York. They had two children, Mary L. and Lydia A.
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[p. 24]
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MARY E. PARKER, AND OTHERS
The younger daughter was Lydia Augusta Cowl, (1841-1895); she was married
on Jan. 16, 1864, in Burns, Illinois, to Charles L. Burtis, who later worked as
President of the First National Bank of Waterville, Kansas. The Waterville Telegraph
Newspaper of Waterville, Kansas, dated Feb.22, 1895, printed an obituary for Lydia
Augusta (Cowl) Burtis, who died February 15, 1895; her burial place was Riverside
Cemetery, Waterville, Kansas. That article noted that Mrs. Ira Parker, only sister of
deceased Lydia Augusta (Cowl) Burtis, was making her home at the residence of her
son Schuyler R. Parker, in Waterville, Kansas.
Two sons were reared by Ira and Mary L. (Cowl) Parker. Perry C., (b. 1862),
married Nettie Benedict in 1887. The younger son of Ira and Mary. L. Parker was
Schuyler R.; he was born in 1866; he married Maggie J. Grier. Their son Milton Ira
was born Feb. 5, 1887.
The family of Ira Parker enjoyed entertaining their friends and neighbors with
debates and with music.
On October 2, 1895, Ira Parker wrote a letter from Waterville, Kansas, to
Marion and Laura Whitney in Oregon. Ira Parker passed away before March 14, 1896.
His eldest son, Perry C. Parker, was administrator of his father's estate, as shown on
the estate settlement document from the Merchant's Bank in Waterville.
From an obituary for Mary L. (Cowl) Parker, printed in the Waterville Telegraph
Newspaper of November 11, 1898, No.20, Vol. XXX:
"Funeral services were held on Saturday at the home, conducted
by Rev. I. B. Helsey, pastor of the Lutheran Church. The sermon was
preached from the text, "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun
in the kingdom of their Father." The remains were laid to rest in
Riverside Cemetery."
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[p. 25]
25
<big><b>EARLY SEARCH</b></big>
When first starting a study of the U.S. Federal Census, my main interest was
to locate a glass maker related to Marion T. Whitney (1846-1927).
The Federal Census, beginning in 1790, listed occupations of men. I did not
find anyone listed with the occupation of glass maker. It is said that glass blowing
calls for great strength and vigor, and that men ordinarily did not pursue that
occupation for very many years because of overtaxing the lungs.
There were pioneer glass makers. The requirements were a large supply of a
good grade of clean sand, and fires that supplied an extremely high degree of heat.
They worked with straw on the ground. If sparks fell on the straw and ignited it, the
chances were great that the shop would catch fire and burn down. Rather than
rebuild in the same place, the men were inclined to look for a new, favorable location
farther west which could provide a new supply of clean sand. They probably would
move their shop so often that the tenth year federal census would not find them to
list them. That is what I was told by an experienced worker in family records.
We saw a glass blowing demonstration at the Oregon State Fair in Salem,
Oregon. The molten glass was "gathered" or dipped from the pot onto the far end of
a five foot long tube, which the man spun on it's axis while blowing often into the
open end. He made little, thin walled vases that were very pretty.
The only Whitney glass makers I found in any source were Thomas H. and
Samuel Whitney, in "Early American Glass", by Rhea, Mansfield, Knittle, pg. 155-158.
They were located in New Jersey, and manufactured a great variety of glass products
from about 1835-1870, including an enormous quantity of patent medicine bottles.
Unable to absolutely verify the manufacturer of our pitcher, I found a greater
interest in learning where and how my predecessors 'lived and why they moved as
they did, generation by generation, westward across the country.
My greatest surprise and pleasure came from comparing cemetery records from
Warren County, Ohio, with the handwritten diary of Marion T. Whitney. These
records were the first documents to show a family relationship between Joseph
Whitney (b. 1770), and Marion's father, Thomas Whitney (b. 1799), a relationship
which I had previously suspected, but had not proven.
The Blanchester Township Cemetery records show the date of death for Alvah
Whitney, brother of Thomas Whitney, which matches the date in my grandfather
Marion's hand written diary. The census records indicated that Joseph Whitney, born
1770, was related to Thomas Whitney (1799-1865), because he lived very near and
was the right age to be his father, but the diary entries prove this by mention of the
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[p. 26]
26
EARLY SEARCH
relationship of Alvah as uncle to Marion. Also, in family records is a note dated July
29, 1881, addressed to Marion from The Banking, Exchange and Collection Office of
Josiah Little, Amboy, Lee County, Illinois. This note transmitted $377.37 to Marion
Whitney, from the settlement of Alvah Whitney's estate, located in Lee Center, Lee
County, Illinois. Alvah Whitney was listed on the 1870 U.S. Census as a farm owner
in Lee Center.
* * *
In twenty years of searching through public records, I have encountered several
apparent errors in names, and discrepancies in dates of events. This may sometimes
be attributed to human error in original recording, in deciphering the handwriting of
original documents, or in the making of lists for indexing purposes. There is this
ambiguity with the names of Lydia Tufts (1806-1882, married Thomas Whitney) vs.
Lydia Taft; Mary Livingston (who married Ephraim Whitney) vs. Polly Leviston; Alvah
Whitney (1803-1875, son of Joseph) vs. Abiah Whitney; Melissa Eggins (sister of
Thomas Whitney) vs. Malinda Eggers; and Respah Whitney (born 1808, daughter of
Joseph Whitney) vs. Rizpah, or Ressiah Whitney.
The script used in writing the early county vital records, the calligraphy and the
kind of pens available at that time, could create later confusion about the spelling of
names. A slip of the old-fashioned pen could complicate matters by sticking on the
paper, producing an ink blot or a deformed letter. However, by examining an entire
page of names, for example, those written in recording children born into pioneer
families of the 1700's to 1800's, the penmanship of the county official can usually
be accurately deciphered. The Whitney names of Alvah, Francis, and Respah, were
difficult to decipher from the original Parish birth listing, but the records of later years
helped to make the spelling clear.
Our British ancestors commonly used nicknames for certain given names in
early Colonial times. For example, Mary was often called "Polly", and Sarah would
be called "Sally".
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[p. 39]
39
<big><b>INTERESTING NOTES</b></big>
Contradiction exists in the records as to my mother's given name and its
spelling:
a). The first census that listed her name was in 1880, Washington County, Kansas,
where she is shown as "Maude L.", age 8 months, born in September.
b). Her father mentions her in his diaries, spelling her name "Maud".
c). Her marriage certificate and license both show her name as "Lulu M. Whitney".
d). She filed for a delayed birth certificate, herself, on which her name is "Lulu Maud
Whitney".
e). Her government certificate as Postmaster shows "Maude W. Smith".
f) Letters written to her by relatives always greeted her as "Maud".
g). Her gravestone shows "Maude W. Smith".
I believe Mother's name was inadvertently and unintentionally changed from
"Maude L.", as shown in the 1880 census record.
While living in my parents' home, there were times I heard people lecturing
Mother (Maude L. Whitney Smith) that she should sign the "e" on the end of her given
name. Their argument was that "Maud" is not a name, it is a gray plaid cloth, or a
rug or shawl from such plaid, from southern Scotland. They said for Maude to be a
name, it simply must have the "e". However, Mother preferred to write "Maud".
* * *
The following is a copy of the handwritten application for military pension for
service in the Civil War submitted by my great uncle Jaruel B. Whitney, brother of
Marion T. Whitney, and dated Sep 3, 1889. The mistakes in form, punctuation, and
spelling are certainly due to his deteriorated health resulting from disabilities acquired
in service. We have no record that he received any veteran's benefits.
Jaruel's obituary states that friends and neighbors addressed him as either
"Jerry", or "Jule". Family Bible birth records show his name spelled "Jaruel".
"I,
Jeruel B. Whitney
enlisted as a Private in Co. D. 112th Regiment Illinois Volunteers Infantry on the Ninth
(9th) day of August 1862 mustered into the United States service September 20th
1862 at Peoria & on the 8th of October we started for the Front we went to
Covington Kentucky, from there we took up our march for Falmouth. Stood the
march & exposure very well we went into Camp at Lexington, Ky. on the 24th and
we lay there most of the winter of 1862 and 1863. on June 10th 1863 a
detachment of our Regiment was detailed with detachments of other Regiments to go
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[p. 40]
40
INTERESTING NOTES
on a raid into East Tennessee to Burn Bridges & destroy military Stors & munitons of
war. we were on the Raid 12 days & all the sleep we got we got in the Saddle on the
22nd day of June I was Captured at Rogers Gap Tenn. I was taken with others into
a Clover field & Stripped of my Clothing Hat & Boots & given some of there cast off
Clothes and was kept in that field for two Nights and one day without any shelter
without Hat or Boots and it Rained hard most all of the time and from the exposure
of that time I took a Severe cold & It Settled in my Back and Kidneys. We were taken
from there to Knoxville Tenn. and the pain in my Back was so sever I could not walk
all of the way there. the Captain of the Squad who had charge of us let me ride
behind Him. after I got to Knoxville I could get no medical treatment there. I was
sent from there to Libby Prison at Richmond Virginia. was Paroled On July 11th
Exchanged Sep 10th was sent to St. Louis From there I got a Sick Furlough and
come Home Stayed Home about one month got some better Returned to the Regiment
the 14th Dec. 1863 Stayed in the Ranks about Six months could not stand to carry
a load. So the Captain got me detailed in the Regimental Hospital & I stayed there
untill the close of the war. I served my Country Just as well there as I could in the
ranks. After the war was over I came Home and went on the Farm to work. I soon
found out I was not the same Strong Healthy Boy I was Three Years before I had to
hire most of my work done thinking that rest would soon bring me out all right but I
got no better. Years went by my disease became Chronic and Finaly it caused me to
have the Catarrh of the Bladder. I have been troubled with that disease for about ten
years & in all of that time I have done very little work for the last Six years I have not
done any. So my Friends advised me to apply for a Pension I did not like to apply for
the simple reason that so many got a Pension that did not deserve one & Swore false
to get one. But I finaly made up my mind to write out my Statement so you can
Judge whether I deserve one or not.
I have put It off too long Both of our Surgeons
are Dead my Captain is Dead. my Captain was a Surgeon when He Enlisted. He
tended me while I was sick in the army also after He came Home untill He died in
Chicago March 3rd 1869. the Doctors that I have now could swere to my disease as
far as they know.
So I will submit this to your careful
consideration hoping you will report favorable. I remain as ever your Comrad in Arms
Jeruel B. Whitney"
* * *
A grand-daughter of Rebecca (Whitney) King, Mrs. Erman A. King, in a letter
to Maude (Whitney) Smith dated 1939, wrote:
"Since writing to you, I have more available dates on the Whitney
line. They interested me so much that I wanted to send them on to you.
You see, they take Lydia (Tufts) Whitney back quite a little further. Ella
Copyright © 2001, 2006, The Whitney Research Group
