An Illustrated History of Central Oregon, Western Historical Publishing Company, Spokane, WA. 1905, page 374-375. JOHN D. WHITTEN, a progressive and substantial citizen of Wasco county, dwells about one mile north from Kingsley. He owns a choice farm there and does general farming and stock raising. He has been quite successful owing to his industry and sagacity, being a man of ability and energy. He handles about a section of land, much of it to grain and hay, and raises considerable stock, all graded and thoroughbred. His horses, Cleveland Bays, are among the best to be found in this part of the country. At the head of the band was a choice Cleveland Bay stallion, imported by Ladd & Reed, of Portland, Duke of Wenlock, and whose get are among the best horses of this part of the county. Recently this valuable animal died. Mr. Whitten also handles some cattle, and raises a great many hogs. He breeds the Poland China, having a choice registered boar of that blood. The improvements of the place show thrift and up-to-date methods, while Mr. Whitten is considered one of the best framers of this part of the county. John D. Whitten was born in county Armagh, Ireland, on August 29, 1845, the son of John and Jane (Douglass) Whitten. The father was born in the same county as our subject, as were his ancestors for many generations back. The family originally came from Holland. The father had one brother, a clergyman in the English church, hut the balance of the family was Presbyterian in faith. The mother of John D. was born in county Monaghan, Ireland, and her ancestors, were natives of that county for many generations back. Our subject was educated in public and private schools and was trained by his father on the farm. When twenty-six, he came to the United States and settled in Philadelphia, where he was city salesman to the trade for a wholesale house for five years. Then he went to New York, and traveled in the south and west as salesman for M. Lineau & Co. After eighteen months in that business, he went to Edgar, Nebraska, and opened a lumber yard, where he was occupied until 1884, the year he came to this county. For a time after coming here he wrought manufacturing furniture for the farmers, then rented a farm, and later bought the place where he now resides. To this he has added by purchase until he has one half section, and in addition he rents some land. He cultivates about four hundred acres of grain land. In Philadelphia, on January 16, 1876, Mr. Whitten married Miss Isabella, daughter of Thomas and Emily (Geary) Whitten, and a native of county Derry, Ireland. Her father was born in county Armagh and there remained until his death. The mother was born in Market Hill, Ireland, and died at the home of our subject, aged ninety-three. Mr. Whitten has brothers and sisters, named as follows: William J., George, Mrs. Martha J. McCormick, Mrs. Elizabeth Scott, Mrs. Mary Scott, Mrs. Sarah A. Rantin, and Mrs. Isablla Edgar. Mrs. Whitten was one of four children. To our subject and his wife four children have been born: Andrew, a student at Philomath college, Oregon; John A. and Edith I., twins, the former at home and the latter a student in college with her elder brother; Harry, at home. Mr. Whitten and his wife belong to the United Brethren church, as do Andrew and Edith. He is a class leader and is a prominent and influential man both in this capacity and in the neighborhood. In political matters, he is a Republican and is often at the conventions, and has held various offices. He is a well read man and keeps well abreast of the advancing times. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in January 2005 by Jeffrey L. Elmer. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.