Bio by Vy Whitaker
Rebecca (nee Wimer) Whitaker was born 1823 in Mercer County, PA to Isaac Wimer Jr. and Mary Bridget (nee unknown) and died 1911 in Wilson County, KS. She married Robert M. "Squire" Whitaker on 27 Feb 1844 in Guernsey County, OH. She lived 14 years longer than Squire. (There is a discrepancy in their obituaries, hers say they had nine children and his says "Together they had ten children, five girls and five boys"). They lived in Ohio for 25 years prior to coming to Kansas in early 1868. She was survived by seven of her children, 35 grandchildren and 40 great grandchildren. She made her family's clothing using a spinning wheel and loom. A quotation from her obituary stated: "Mrs. Rebecca Whitaker was one of the noblest of women. None ever entered her home without a warm welcome nor left without feeling the warmth of a genuine hospitality. Advanced age did not destroy the charm of a kind, indulgent disposition, nor diminish her unselfish solicitude for her friends and loved ones. After a long and useful life she died as she had lived honored, trusted and loved. She reared her own monument while she lived in the hearts of all who knew her. Her life was completed, if work all done and well done, constitutes completion. She associated herself with the Methodist Church in her early womanhood and remained a faithful member until the end. Vain is any attempt to measure the loss of a mother to her children and the deepest sympathy of all is extended to the bereft ones. Those who loved her, who are living now, morn her indeed.
Impressive funeral services were held at the Star Schoolhouse in Newark Township, Monday December 18, 1911 at 11 am conducted by Rev. O.K. Hobson and Rev. J.K. Morgan. The attendance was large. The remains were laid to rest in the Star Cemetery."

NEODESHA REGISTER
Thursday, December 21, 1911

Death: December 16, 1911
Interment: December 18, 1911

May you rest in 'Blessed Heavenly Peace' from your 3rd Great Granddaughter, Vy Whitaker!