Shaver, F. A., Arthur P. Rose, R. F. Steele, and A. E. Adams, compilers. "An Illustrated History of Central Oregon." ("Embracing Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Wheeler, Crook, Lake, & Klamath Counties") Spokane, WA: Western Historical Publishing Co., 1905. p. 1041. WILLIAM PERRY WHITNEY is a prominent farmer and stockman residing two and one-fourth miles south and one and one-fourth miles past from Merrill. With his brother, he owns over eleven hundred acres of choice land, part of which lies in Oregon and part in California. They have three hundred and fifty acres seeded to alfalfa and expect to sow at least one hundred and fifty acres more as they have five hundred acres of level land under the ditch. They own an interest in the irrigation ditch besides having a very fine equipment for general farming and stock raising, including a first class steam thresher and everything needed in their business. Mr. Whitney was born on January 18, 1865, at Cottage Grove, Lane county, Oregon. His father, Elkanah, was a native of New York and came across the plains in the early fifties. He settled in Lane county, being one of the pioneers there and wrought until 1871, when he journeyed to Klamath valley. He lived near Klamath Falls for two years, then came to where Merrill now stands, settling first near the California line. He was a prominent man and sturdy pioneer. His death occurred in 1898. He came from a strong American family. John Whitney came from London to the colonies in 1635, being the first American progenitor. The Whitney family took a prominent part in the Revolution and have always been stanch Americans. The father married Mary A. White, a native of Indiana, who crossed the plains with his parents in the early fifties and settled in Lane county. She died in 1896. The children born to this worthy couple were Albert, of Merrill, William P., who is our subject; Daniel M., the partner of our subject and now living with him; Mrs. Caroline Ball, of lower California.; Major J. and Johnson, in Merrill; Mrs. Martha A. Brandon and Rosana, of Merrill. Our subject was but six years of age when he was brought by his parents to the Klamath valley and the rest of his career has been spent in this region. He has seen the country grow from an almost unsettled wilderness to its present prosperous condition and has materially aided in building up and developing the same. His education was gained in the public schools here and with his three younger brothers, he has spent the time in ranching and in raising stock. His first work for money was done when he was about sixteen or seventeen, when he herded sheep for thirty dollars per month and continued for twenty-four months in that trying occupation. The brothers all worked together until the spring of 1901, when they divided their property and our subject and Daniel M. entered into partnership. They now possess the property that has already been mentioned and in addition thereto, in 1901, they purchased a two-thirds interest in a general mercantile establishment at Merrill. The business is incorporated under the style of Whitney Mercantile Company and is one of the best in this city. They own a commodious building and well selected stock of all kinds of goods used in this part of the country. The four brothers are interested in a large band of sheep. It is very interesting and instructive to know that the Whitney brothers all started in life without capital and each one now is a wealthy man and a most respected citizen. All this has been gained by their integrity, industry and sagacity. The two brothers have plenty of horses and cattle besides their other stock and many implements. On June 6, 1901, Mr. Whitney married Miss Augusta Kattenhorn, who was born in Nevada. Her mother is now residing at Merrill. One child has been born to this union, Myra Augusta, now deceased. Mr. Whitney is a member of the I.O.O.F. and one of the leading citizens of Klamath county. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in June 2011 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.