My Genealogy Hound

JOHN A. WILLHITE. Having been in the railroad business — mainly in the employ of the Missouri Pacific — for the past quarter of a century, Mr. Willhite has gained a thorough knowledge of his chosen occupation, and has also become well and favorably known among the officials of the road. He is now engineer for the Missouri Pacific, and runs Engine No. 865, a big “Mogul,” between Sedalia and Chamois, a distance of eighty-eight miles.

The Willhite family was for several generations identified with the history of Kentucky, and our subject’s grandfather, James, was a distiller in that state. After removing to Missouri he was similarly engaged in Cole County, where he also conducted agricultural pursuits. Jesse Willhite, father of our subject, was born in Kentucky, but removed thence to Missouri in 1855, and settled in Cole County, fifteen miles west of Jefferson City. During the Civil War he enlisted in a Missouri regiment for service in the Union army, and died at Jefferson Barracks, before the expiration of his period of enlistment. His wife, Elizabeth, was born in Kentucky, where her father, James Fox, owned and operated a farm. She is still living, and resides on the old homestead in Cole County.

Of a family of eight, six of whom are living, our subject was the next to the eldest who attained mature years. He was born in Casey County, Ky., July 29, 1852, and in boyhood was thrown upon his own resources for a livelihood, owing to his father’s death in the army. When twelve years old he began for himself, his first work being in the employ of a farmer in Cole County. His connection with the railroad began in 1870, when he became brakeman for the Missouri Pacific between Jefferson City and Holden. Two years later he was promoted to be fireman, his run being between the same points. Afterward he was transferred to the line between Sedalia, Atchison and Kansas City.

In 1878 Mr. Willhite became an engineer on the Missouri Pacific between Jefferson City and Sedalia, and later between Lexington and Kansas City. After the consolidation of the different lines in 1881, he was for two years with the Missouri, Kansas & Texas, between Denison, Tex., and Parsons, Kan. On resuming work with the Missouri Pacific, he was given the position of engineer between Kansas City and Atchison, and now has a local day run of eighty-eight miles. He has been very fortunate, never having had any serious wrecks, although at one time he narrowly escaped death in a collision, his engine being completely turned over. The position which he holds is one of responsibility, and the efficient manner in which he has discharged his duties entitles him to more than passing praise.

Socially Mr. Willhite is identified with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, belonging to Division No. 178. He is a Knight of Pythias, and is connected with Equity Lodge No. 26, A. O. U. W. In religious belief he is a Presbyterian, and holds membership in the Central Church in Sedalia. His marriage to Miss Louise Becker took place in Tipton, Mo., in 1874. Mrs. Willhite was born in Cooper County, Mo., and is the daughter of Hon. Fred and Christine (Schenck) Becker, natives of Germany, who emigrated to America. Her father engaged in mercantile business in Tipton, was also proprietor of an hotel for a time, and filled the position of Judge of Moniteau County. He had but two children, and his only son, William Becker, who was a member of a Missouri cavalry during the civil war, died in Macon, Mo., leaving Mrs. Willhite the only survivor of the family.

Having no children of their own, Mr. and Mrs. Willhite took into their home and tenderly cared for an adopted daughter, Bessie W., a bright and intelligent child, whose sunny and affectionate disposition won for her the love of all. She was truly the sunbeam of the home and the pride of her adopted parents, who were deeply bereaved by her death, January 9, 1895, aged nine years.