The sudden death of Mr. James M. WHITAKER at his home near Andrews on February 7th, was a great shock to his many friends.  He was apparently in good health – was well and stout, although he was in his 78th year.

He ate a hearty supper on Saturday evening, talked and laughed freely with his family that night before retiring.  As was his custom he was first up on Sunday morning and made a fire.  He then lit his pipe to take his usual morning smoke. While smoking he fell from his chair.  His wife, who lay in bed in the room, gave a scream which brought his son to his side, and who found that his father was dead.

Mr. WHITAKER was born in Macon county on March 1, 186; was married to Miss Elizabeth KIMSEY on May 15, 1853.  In September, 1863, he enlisted in the Confederate army and was a faithful soldier.  In the year 1863 in a battle near Greeneville, Tenn., he was shot, the bullet remaining in his person five years and four months, when it was extracted by his father and a brother at his bone.

Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. WHITAKER – seven girls and one boy, all of whom survive him.

April 10, 1903, at their home one mile west of Andrews, they celebrated their golden wedding.  All the children were present except the son, John, who was in the west.  There were twelve grand children, three great-grand children, and other relatives present.

The deceased was out of a family of sixteen children, ten boys and six girls, all of whom grew to man and womanhood.  Two boys and five girls are alive now.

His only son, John, who has been west most of the time since 1880, came home on the 14th of last December to make a short visit home, but since his father’s death will remain to look after his affairs.

Mr. WHITAKER was a man held in the highest esteem by all who knew him.  In addition to his immediate family he is survived by twenty-one grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.  He was laid to rest in the Baptist cemetery Monday, the 8th.  We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family. — W.

Source: Cherokee Scout (Murphy, NC). 23 February 1904. Available at Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers.