Bio: Whitson, Edward W. (Commemorative Bio - 1895)

Poster: Crystal Wendt

Edward W. Whitson

Edward W. Whitson It was believe the Whitson family, of whom this gentleman is a worthy representative, were of Welsh descent, immigrating to this country about the time the English captured New Amsterdam (now Long Island) form the Dutch. They were all Quakers, and, as a rule, followed agricultural pursuits.

Abraham Underhill Whitson, the father of our subject, was born on Long Island, in Queens County, in 1819, where he received his primary education and was employed about the farm. In early manhood he was united in marriage with Hanna C. Willis, of Long Island, where she was born in 1810, of English parentage. To this union where born six children, viz.: Anna, now Mrs. Miles (a widow), living in Marquette County, Wis.; Sarah, now Mrs. Frink, a resident of the same place; Abraham, the eldest son, who went west and was killed by the Indians (when last heard from he was in Idaho); Daniel, unmarried, and living in southern Nebraska; Townsend W., married, and living on the hold homestead, in Packwaukee, Marquette Co., Wis., where the father settled in 1851, and died in 1880; the mother’s death occurred in 1892.

Edward W. Whitson is the youngest of the family, having been born on Long Island, April 1, 1851. He was but an infant when his parents came to Wisconsin in 1851, and here he received his primary education in the common schools, but later in life attended the academy at Madison, Dane Co., Wis., for two years. During his early life Mr. Whitson was employed about the farm; but on attaining his majority he accepted a position as clerk in a store at Madison, remaining there one year. In 1882, he was married to Anna D. Jones, at Montello, Marquette Co., Wis., and immediately afterward entered the employ of D. J. Spaulding, of Unity, Clark Co., Wis., as clerk and lumber shipper, remaining there three years. He then moved to Merrill, Lincoln Co., Wis. and engaged in the lumber business. In 1889 Mr. Whitson came to Tomahawk and entered the employ of the Tomahawk Lumber Co., as foreman of their lumberyard, which position he filled on year; but being a young man of great ambition, he soon afterward engaged in the mercantile business for himself, which he still continues to carry on, having been very successful. In 1878, before his marriage, Mr. Whitson worked for one year in the Black Hills mines, being employed by a government surveying party, and also by a stage company for one year. Mrs. Whitson is a daughter of John C. and Jane (Pritchard) Jonas, both natives of Wales, who came to America when very young. They were married in Pennsylvania. Mr. Jones was a farmer by occupation, a highly-educated man, very much respected, and one to whom people often went for advice. His death occurred in 1867; his widow is still living. Mrs. Whitson is one of a family of ten children, viz.; John C., Richard L., Anna D., Maggie, William C., Elias, David C., Robert R., Edward and Ellen. Mr. and Mrs. Whitson have four children: Anna E., Grace M., Mabel and Edward.

Mr. Whitson has always been a stance Republican, a man of strong character and great influence, and is looked up to, respected and admired by the entire community. In 1874 he was elected mayor of Tomahawk, this being his first public office. Socially he is a Mason, being a charter member of Tomahawk, Lodge No. 243, and has filled all the chairs, having been a member of this society since he was twenty-one years of age; he still takes an active part in the work. In religious faith the family are members of the Congregational Church.

---Source: Commemorative Biographical Record of the Upper Wisconsin Counties of Waupaca, Portage, Wood, Marathon, Lincoln, Oneida, Vilas, Langlade and Shawano. publ. 1895 by J. H. Beers & Co., Chicago 1110 pages, illustrated; Page 69-70