Per 1893-1905 Death Index, white, male, 79, married, born in Troy, NY, and editor, he died Feb 26 1897 at 1116 Chestnut St, Franklin, of dropsy which he'd had two days. Buried Feb 28 1897.

Oil City Derrick, Saturday, Feb 27 1897 (edge column, partially torn away):
Franklin, Feb 26 -- At 8 o'clock Friday morning at his residence, 1116 Chestnut Street, Albert Pawling Whitaker, the venerable editor of the Venango Spectator, one of the best known journalists in this section of the state, passed away peacefully after an illness of several months. He was in his 80th year. Though this event has been expected for some time, the demise of this highly respected member of this community is accompanied by much regret, and thereby a vacancy associated is occasioned that was occupied by a good citizen and a newspaper man of high quality. He was born in Troy, NY, October 11, 1817, son of John Whitaker of Troy, NY.

He obtained a liberal education in the common schools, in academy in New York city and New Jersey, and subsequently graduated at Marion, MO. He came to Venango County and for a while clerked for his . . . W. Raymond, at Utica. In 1842 he moved to Meadville, where during a . . . of two years he became interested in newspaper work, and became associated with Samuel W. Magill in the Democratic Republican. He did not, however, retain his interest in this publication, and went back to Utica, where . . . the next five years. He came to Franklin in 1849, when his first regular contact with newspaper work began. He . . . the old material of the Democratic paper in this place and on January . . . issued the first number of the Venango Spectator. The paper has been continued under his proprietorship since that time.

In 1856 he removed to Philadelphia, having obtained the appointment of inspector of customs in that city from President Buchanan. Shortly previous to leaving, however, he had held a clerkship for a brief time in the surveyor general's office. He came back to this city in 1860 and continued his work on the Spectator. He was elected burgess of Franklin in 1862, and in 1853 was clerk to the county commissioner, and at times was the choice of his . . . for county and borough offices. He continued to wield a pen constantly in the editorial column of the Spectator for over 30 years until his failing health obliged him to leave his desk about November 1st last. He continued to perform his duties as able, though confined to the house, up until two weeks or so ago, when his failing strength was not able to held out any longer. He was always an example of immense power ad indomitable vigor. His . . . were clear and bright to the end.

At the time of his death, he was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church. His preference had always been . . . of this church, and several . . .carrying out an intention he had long entertained, he was . . . the rector of St. John's and . . . communion.

He is survived by a wife and children. Mrs. Whitaker's maiden name was Mary Simcox, and she was formerly of Sandycreek Township. The couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary July . . . Of the nine children born to them, . . . John H. and Albert P. Jr. are dead; those who survive are Mrs. . . . Plumer of Akron, OH, Mrs. E. . . ., Mercer, W. A. Whitaker, Franklin, Mrs. Marcus A. Tolman, Mauch Chunk, Mrs. John V. Stephenson, Greensburg, Mrs. James A. Hughston, Franklin, and Mrs. Elmer E. Lyon, Greenburg. A sister and a brother, Mrs. . . . A. King and Lewis W. Whitaker, live in Brooklyn, NY.

The time and place for the funeral will be given at a later date.