Newaygo County MI Archives Biographies.....White, Wilber T. March 20, 1846 - 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Jan Cortez http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00020.html#0004939 March 16, 2009, 6:12 pm

Author: Chapman Brothers

WILBER T. WHITE, farmer, section 21, Ashland Township, was born March 20, 
1846, in Walker Tp., Kent Co., 

Mich.  His parents, Milo and Mercy (Ford) White, were born in New York and 
Vermont respectively.  In early 

life they went to Ontairo, Can., where they were married, and immediatley 
after that event they located in 

 Walker Township.  It was about the year 1832, when Grand Rapids consisted of 
two Indian trading posts, 

and Mr. White built the first saw-mill north of the present site of the city.  
He was pominent in social 

and official circles, and operated extensively in lumber and as an 
agriculuralist in Kent  County until 

1864, when he came to Newaygo County and purchased 160 acres of land on 
section 21, in Ashland Township, 

whither he removed his family after preparing for them a comfortable and 
suitable home.  Here he spent the 

balance of a useful, hoonorable and well-ordered life, occupying positions of 
prominence and influence in 

Church and society until his death, Feb. 24, 1873.  He left a memory that is 
still cherished by those who 

knew him, and honored and brightened by the four children who survive him.  
Mercy (Ford) White, his wife 

died Nov. 19, 1865, after a long and distressing illness, which made her an 
invalid during many years, and 

called for the exercise of patience and endurance, such as characterized the 
wives and mothers of the 

pioneer class to which she worthily belonged.

Mr. White passed the early years of his life as a laborer on his father's farm 
and obtained his education. 

 He accompanied his parents to Ashland Township in 1865, and on his father's 
death succeeded to the 

proprietorship of 80 acres of the homestead, where he is engaged in prosperous 
and practical farming.  He 

was married Feb. 23, 1874, in Newaygo to Eva A., daughter of William and Polly 
(Bigsby) Whittington, 

natives of New York.  Mrs. White was born in Eaton Co., Mich., May 17, 1854.  
Her parents removed to 

Casanovia, Muskegon County, when she was four years old.  She was an eager 
student and made the best use 

of her educational opportunities, entering the profession of teaching at 15 
years of age and continuing to 

follow it until her marriage.  The two children of Mr. and Mrs. White were 
born as follows:  Elsie A., May 

15, 1875, and Bertha L., March 10, 1877.  Mr. White is an active Republican 
and has officiated in the 

local offices of his township.  He is secretary of Lodge No. 362, I.O.O.F., at 
Ashland Center.

Additional Comments:
1884 Portrait & Bio Album of Newaygo Co.

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/newaygo/bios/white252nbs.txt

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