My Genealogy Hound

WILHITE, W. THOMAS, dry goods, and general store, Greenfield. The subject of this sketch first saw the light of day in Oldham County, Ky., Feb. 27, 1836; was the son of Thomas and Martha Wilhite, who were of German descent. His early advantages for obtaining an education were fair, considering the times and his surroundings. His father died when William was but an infant, and he was then at the mercies of a step-father. Before he arrived at his majority he made two trips to this State before he finally settled here, these trips being made in the years 1855-56. After coming out the last time, he formed a matrimonial alliance with Elizabeth Hockensmith, which was celebrated May 2, 1856. Elizabeth was a daughter of Andrew Hockensmith; she was born Jan. 22, 1838. From this union they have had eight children, five of whom are now living: Nora B., born June 20, 1860; Howard A., born Sept. 16, 1865; Ernest, born April 24, 1869; Claude, born April 27, 1876; Rena Ethel, born April 14, 1878. After his marriage he bought a farm near Scottsville, Macoupin Co., where he engaged in farming pursuits for eight years; his health becoming impaired, he moved to Greenfield until he recuperated his health, and then went out east of town, where he farmed for three years; he does not consider his first attempt at farming a success, according to his own judgment, having begun the business without any knowledge, he had to get the experience first; but he considers his second attempt more of a success, as he made money from the first until he abandoned it. He then went to Greenfield, and embarked in the mercantile business, and has since been loyal to it, and his efforts have been attended with gratifying results. From his modest beginning he has now got the largest and best arranged storehouse in town, and the largest, choicest, and most valuable stock. He is dealing in dry goods, notions, boots and shoes, and, in fact, has a general store, and selling at prices to suit the times. Mr. Wilhite has, by strict attention to his business and studying the wants and needs of his customers, and square dealing built up a trade and a reputation which has crowned his efforts with marked success. Mr. Wilhite is a man that is very resolute in anything which he undertakes, and once he “puts his hand to the plow, he never turns back” until he accomplishes what he undertakes. He is a man that has never sought office, has been content to attend to his own business; is not a member of any church; is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is known in the community as a reliable man and worthy citizen.