The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1902-03-16
G. R. WHEY
is NO MORE
He Suoeumbed TO Long Ill
ness Yesterday Morning.
PIONEER OF WICHITA
His Life Was an Example to
Others.
PIONEER OF WICHITA

For the third time last week, death
claimed one OF Yvichita's pioneers. ana at
$40 o'clock yesterday morning, c r.
Whey breathed his last. Mr.. Whey had
been III for three months. At first he was
stricken with pneumonia, which was fol-
lowed by the grip, and then by facial
paralysis. Though his friends and re-
lotives realized that Mr.. Whey was a
very sick man, YET they had hopes Of
his recovery. m the early stages of his
illness he was not confined TO his bed all
1he time, and even after his condition be-
came serious his friends did not despair
Friday night be began 10 sink rapidly,
however and at times relapsed into an
unconscious state. During his last days
he was cheered 10y the presence OF his
brother. G. 4. Whey of kingman county.
The news Of the death Of Mr.. Whey cast
shadow over the city yesterday. as no
man was more beloved than he. Coming
10 Wichita in 1872 when it was a small
prairie town, ne identified himself with
its interests and the spirit OF its people
and lived to see the labor Of himself and
his fellow pioneers result Ia the develop
ment Of commercial city.
From the day when he first located in
Wichita, Mr.. Whey has been a contractor
Tor painting and paper hanging. IL the
30 years he resided in this city ne built up
"a business that is an example TO others
of what can be accomplished by untiring
energy and restless enthusiasm.
lie was born IN Toronto, Canada, Jan
uary 1, 1888, and received his education in
British America. Before reaching his ma
JOrity he emisrated 10 America and Sc
cured employment on steamboat which
played up and down the Ohio and Mis-
siSsipDi rivers. When the civil war broke
out the federal government pressed into
service the ship on which Mr. Whey was
employed, THE Sunny South" True to
his adopted country, Mr.. Viney did not
leave his employment on the steamer
when it was pressed into the government
employ, but with a patriots heart entered
into the service Of the republic. The ship
was usal for the TRANSFORMATION Of sup
plies and soldiers and during the Vicks-
burg campaign was used as a dispatch
boat by the federal Officers.
Mr.. Whey showed such abilities while a
helper on the steamboat that he rose to
the position Of mate.
During the war the government painted
many of the steamers at the navy yards
near Cairo, H.. and Mr. Whey did some Of
that work. After the war ne continued
TO follow the trade of a painter in Cairo,
but in few years went TO Chicago. where
he remained until he came to Kansas in
1872 At first he went to Salina to look
over the field but after staying there a
few weeks he came TO Wichita.
In 1850 he married Miss Augusta Weth-
ers of this city 10y whom he had four
children. Mrs. Nettie Weller $40 sherman
avenue. and Harry. Charles and Walter
Whey. who reside ar the family residence,
corner of Water and Second streets.
Early in life Mr.. Yiney united with the
Episcopal church. Tn all his business
dealings he was absolutely honest Tn
private life his character was noble. He
was kndhearted. considerate Of those
with whom he came IN contact. and char
liable TO the unfortunate around him.
He has always taken an American inter-
est in public affairs though he has never
been a candidate for office. lie was q stu
dent history and well informed on any
subject which interested the public.
The funeral viii he held at the residence
this afternoon ut 3 o'clock and viii be
conducted by Rev j. u. Richev. rector of
= St Johns Episcopal church Council No.
IS. +. y. A.. viii meet I'm their han 1T
. O'Clock and attend the funeral fin a
body.