The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1906-08-30
WILSON CAREY whitaker
lS53-19O6.

lS53-19O6.
Mr.. Wilson Carey Whitaker, whose
death was mentioned in this paper last
issue, was born July 5, 1853, and died
August IS, 1906. The remains were
inferred at Whltakers Chapel August
IS, Rev. G. H. Whitaker conducting
the burial service. The large gather
ing OF relatives and friends in attend
ance upon the funeral was evidence OF
the high esteem in which he was held
by the people of his community.
Mr.. Whitaker WAS the Oldest son OF
the late Ferdinand H. Whitaker, and
besides large number OF other near
relatives, he leaves a wife, four SONS
and one daughter.
BRIEF SKETCH.
Mr.. Whitaker was born and reared
near the place of his death, having
spent most Of his life in sight of the
church at Whitakers Chapel, which he
loved so much and to whose interest
he devoted so much of his time. He
was educated at the academy near his
home, at Horner's School at Oxford
completing his education in the M. P
College at Westminster, Maryland.
About the age of fourteen he joined
the Methodist Protestant church at
Whitakers Chapel, of which he re.
manned consistent and consecrated
member until his death.
Returning from college he turned
his attention to agriculture, to which
work he devoted his life. On April
II, 1887, he was happily married tc
Miss Lillian Whitaker, and truly they
we're "no more twain but one", fol
their lives were beautiful in all the be-
coming affections Of husband and wife
and this devotion was as marked in
the last year OF life together as in the
first ; and it was the loving, tender, 80
licitous wife who watched by the fad
ing life all through the four weeks ir
which the lever did Its deadly work
and against whose consuming powe
the vital spark could hold out NJ
longer.
Mr.. Whitaker's death was a grea
surprise and greater shock to hun
dreds and hundreds OF people through
out Halifax county who knew an,
loved him for the good he had done.
From his earliest years he was
most consecrated Christian, and stoo'
for righteousness under all circum
stances. While quite young man b.
became fond of Sunday-school work t.
which he was thoroughly devoted a
long as he lived. For years be wa
president OF the Halifax County Sun
day-School Association, to which b
gave much OF his time and thought a
considerable sacrifice; but he was am
ply rewarded even here by the geners
affection and esteem of the good pee
pie of the county Of all denomination.
He was also strong advocate of ten
perance reform, and for several veal
was president OF Halifax County Ten
perance Association, which flourishe
and did great good under bis guidanc,
but went down soon after be ceased t
be it's president.
When the interests OF the Souther
farmers began to materialize in tn
Southern Cotton Association MOI
than two years ago, Mr.. Whitaker too
keen interest in the matter and a
tended convention in New Orlea,,
He was the first man to make effort |
have the farmers of Halifax count
organize, and as soon as they were @
ganized he was elected president of ii
Halifax county branch Of the Southel
Cotton Association, and held that ho
ored and trusted position until b
death.
He attended several farmers conve
tons in Raleigh and Asheyille, al
always returned filled with an enthus
asm which rallied his brother farme
to greater activity In their organic
ton. He labored necessarily and pc
sistentiy to have Halifax county farr
ers thoroughly organize, having visit
every township IN the county with
less than year before he died for tn
purpose, and some Of the townships
visited two or three times.
AS Christian his life and examr
will live on through generations yet
come; as citizen and patriot his
fuence will live long in his natl
county to whose every interest he W
committed with an unselfish devotion