Anna Spittler Whistler was from a Pennsylvania family that sailed to Philadelphia from Switzerland in 1749. Her grandfather was killed by Delaware Indians when her father, Jacob, was only 5 months old.Anna was born in Rockbridge Co. Virginia and married John Whistler April 6, 1820 in Botetourt, Virginia. They moved to Montgomery Co. Ohio in 1831, then to Wayne Co. Indiana in 1834, and finally to Appanoose Co. Iowa in 1852. She was baptised in the Church of the Brethern in 1837 and when she moved to Iowa, the first two Communion services in Appanoose Co. were held in her home.