Copied by Roberta Whitnah from the Canton Register, July 16, 1916.

Joseph Whitnah, Fulton Co.'s oldest citizen died at his home near Brereton at 11 o'clock last night. Although in his hundreth year, his mind was bright and active to the last.

Mr. Whitnah was born in Virginia July 9, 1817. When he was 11 years old his parents disposed of their slaves and moved to N.Y. where they could get away from slave scenes which had become obnoxious to them. In 1833 he moved to Michigan where he remained until 1836 when he came to Fulton C. settling in Buckheart township. In 1838 he married Miss Sarah Anderson who departed this life in 1903. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Whitnah settled on a farm in Lewistown township where they lived until 1876 when he moved to the homestead west of Brereton. (also near Norris)

Mr. Whitnah is survived by three children, John, who lived with his father, Henry of Lewistown, and Mrs. Ellen Nebergall of Bushnell. Mrs. C.G. Turner of Canton is a grand daughter, and Chester L. Whitnah of Canton is a grand nephew. Mrs. Frank Campbell of Lewistown is a grand daughter.

Mr. Whitnah was a fine example of honesty and warm heartedness that characterized the early pioneers of Fulton Co. and Illinois. Always ready to do a kindly act for a fellow mortal he maintained the respect and confidence of everyone during his nearly a century's journey through this life. For nearly half a century he had been a member of the Baptist church and died firm in the faith.

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He endured all the hardships and privations incident to a pioneer's life and delighted to recount them when in a reminiscent mood.

Mr. Whitnah was a life long Democrat, and had participated in 19 presidential elections. Of the 19 candidates he had voted for only 6 were elected. His last presidential vote was for Woodrow Wilson in 1912.