My Genealogy Hound

WM. W. WHITAKER, farmer, merchant, and grain dealer, post-office Reeds, was born in Maury county, Tenn., Sept. 26, 1845. His father, Thomas Whitaker, was a native of North Carolina, born in 1812, and died May 19, 1856; mother, Mary Whitaker, nee Perry, a native of Tennessee, born in 1815, died March 11, 1882. When about ten years of age, subject came with his parents to Missouri, locating in Jasper county, where he now resides. His boyhood was spent in the quiet pursuits of the farm and attending school. At the age of twenty-one he commenced to learn the trade of wagon-maker with Mr. Wm. Reed, a mechanic of experience, and for twelve years thereafter continued in that occupation; he then re-engaged in farming. In the fall of 1880 he commenced shipping grain in connection with his duties on the farm, and in January embarked in the mercantile business; since he has engaged in the three-fold capacity above named. Mr. Whitaker was married in Jasper county, Mo., March 30, 1867, to Miss Martha J., daughter of Randall and Mary Bagby of this county, but natives of Illinois. Mrs. W. was born Sept. 13, 1847. They have six children: Mary A., born March 5, 1868; Waldo, born March 13, 1870; Warren, born March 16,1872; Ada E., born May 8, 1874; Laura F., born April 13, 1877; and Florence R., born June 8, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. W. are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. They have a pleasant home near Reeds. Mr. Whitaker has a splendid farm of 260 acres, well improved, under good fence, commodious dwelling, and outbuildings, orchard, etc. Business in Reeds, where he with a partner, Mr. Davis, carries a full line of dry goods, hats, caps, staple, and fancy groceries, boots, shoes, etc.; he is a member of the Masonic order.