Family:Whitney, George Sands (1838-1918)
George S. Whitney (Jacob M.), son of Jacob M. and Nellie C. (Freeman) Whitney, was born 18 Apr 1838, Margaretville, NY, and died 5 Jun 1918, Pepacton, Delaware Co., NY.
He married, 27 Mar 1872, Delilah Jane Gavett, daughter of William G. and Jane (Burrow) Gavett. She was born 26 Mar 1847, and died 30 Aug 1906, Union Grove, NY.
Occupation: Farmer.
Military Service: Pvt., 23y Enlisted D. Company 101st Regt. at Hancock, N.Y
Munsell's History of Delaware Co., NY, p. 89, tells part of the story of the 101st Regiment which was raised in Delaware County. It was originally called the 1st Regt., Union Brigade. Recuiting was slow and troops were needed at the front. According to his pension records, he was transferred to Co. D in 37th New York Volunteers in late December 1862. In late May 1863 he was transferred to Co. E, 40th New York Volunteers. Ultimately, this consolidation was transferred to the seat of the war and attached to the Army of the Potomac which engaged in many battles.
He reinlisted as a Veteran Volunteeer on 29 Dec 1863, for an additional 3 years or the duration of the war. This enabled him to get a 4 week furlough to go home in Jan 1864 to see his family. He was shot thru his right shoulder in the famous Battle of the Wilderness, 5 May 1864. He was promoted to Corporal on 1 Mar 1865 and at the end of the war was mustered out with the regiment on 5 Jul 1865 in New York City at Hart's Island.
A 30 May 1906 photo exists of Downsville--Fleming Post, G.A.R. and old soldiers. It shows 27 veterans from that area including George Whitney.
His Civil War pension file contains the date of his marriage and the names and birthdates of his living children.
George S. Whitney used the middle name of Sands since working for and living with this family during his growing years. His brothers and sisters were exposed to the same circumstances. Some were called adopted in census records even though they retained their Whitney surname.
Children of George S. and Delilah Jane (Gavett) Whitney:
i. George Arthur Whitney, b. 23 Feb 1873, Cat Hollow, NY; m. Myrtie Amanda Becker. ii. Sarah Jane Whitney, b. 9 Mar 1875, Cat Hollow, NY; d. 4 Oct 1959, Oneonta, NY; m. 23 Dec 1896, Junius Shaver, son of James Richard Phillip Bassett Thomas Washburn and Helen Mar (Hitt) Shaver, b. 1 Oct 1865, Colchester, NY, d. 14 Jul 1932, Pepacton, NY; they had identical twin sons, Harvey and Harley, and two daughters. iii. Nellie Catherine Whitney, b. 14 Nov 1877; d. 19 Jan 1884 of diptheria; bur. Union Grove Cemetery, moved to Gavett Cemetery, Millbrook Rd., Delaware Co., NY. iv. Flora Eliza Whitney, b. 3 May 1880; d. 19 Jan 1884 of diptheria; bur. Union Grove Cemetery, moved to Gavett Cemetery, Millbrook Rd., Delaware Co., NY. v. Minnie Mabel Whitney, b. 19 Oct 1882; d. 23 Nov 1883; bur. Union Grove Cemetery, moved to Gavett Cemetery, Millbrook Rd., Delaware Co., NY. vi. Rosa Delilah Whitney, b. 15 Dec 1886, Union Grove, NY; d. 4 Jul 1987, Middletown, NY; m. 14 Feb 1907, Laverne Allen, d. 1925; they had one son and four daughters. vii. Harvey Daniel Green Whitney, b. 8 Mar 1891; d. 29 Nov 1955, Binghamton, NY; m. Evelynn V. Patton; no children.
Census
874 897 C. M. Wells 53 M - Farmer New York Mahula " 55 F - " Frederick " 13 M - " Attended school Mary M. Myer 60 F - $2000 " Mary " 27 F - " Geo. Whitney 21 M - Farm Laborer " Cora Wells 17 F - " Attended school
66 72 Whitney, George 32 M W Farmer $4000 $500 New York Male citizen over 21 Carson, Abram 22 M W Works on Farm " Male citizen over 21
George S. WHITNEY 42 Self M M W NY Farmer NY NY Delila J. WHITNEY 33 Wife F M W NY Keeping House NY NY George S. WHITNEY 7 Son M S W NY NY NY Sarah Jane WHITNEY 5 Dau F S W NY NY NY Nellie C. WHITNEY 3 Dau F S W NY NY NY WHITNEY 1M Dau F S W NY NY NY Flora E. GAVETT 19 Othe F S W NY Servant Girl NY NY
Copyright © 2011, Helen Rogers and the Whitney Research Group.
