John Mills Whitaker Papers, 1883-1960, bulk 1883-1949

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Summary

Creators:
Whitaker, John Mills, 1863-1960.
Abstract:
This collection consists of the typed transcripts of the journals keep by Mormon missionary and active church member John Mills Whitaker (1863-1960) and a typed transcript of the funeral service held for him. The journals cover the majority of Whitaker’s life and discuss both his personal and professional life in Utah between 1883 and 1960.
Extent:
40 pieces in 2 boxes.
Language:
English.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of the typed transcripts of the journals keep by John Mills Whitaker (1863-1960) and a typed transcript of the funeral service held for him. The journals cover the majority of Whitaker’s life and discuss both his personal as well as professional life.

Several journals deal with his functions as a secretary to Franklin Dewey Richards (1821-1899) where Whitaker discusses the political oppression of the Mormons by the United States government, the public and political opposition to the practice of polygamy, and the persecution of the Mormons. Some of the people covered in these journals include George Quayle Cannon (1827-1901), Grover Cleveland (1837-1908), Erastus Fairbanks Snow (1818-1888), Lorenzo Snow (1814- 1901), and Wilford Woodruff (1807-1898).

Other journals deal with Whitaker’s functions as secretary to John Willard Young (1844-1924), and he discusses in detail the financial aspects of the railroads being built in Utah, public education, and the statehood of Utah. In later journals Whitaker discusses Brigham Henry Roberts (1857-1933) and Reed Smoot (1862-1941) and their problems in dealing with the U. S. Congress.

Biographical / historical:

John Mills Whitaker (1863-1960) was born in Centerville, Utah. His parents were Thomas William and Elizabeth Mills Whitaker. At an early age he studied the Isaac Pitman system of shorthand. With this skill Whitaker began recording speeches and sermons given in the Mormon Church.

While going to school at the University of Deseret he began working part time for Franklin Dewey Richards (1821-1899). In 1886, Whitaker married Ida Oakley Taylor, the daughter of John Taylor (1808-1887), the then president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They went on to have 9 children.

Whitaker helped establish the Salt Lake Stake Library and Free Reading Room, was secretary to John Willard Young (1844-1924) while he owned the Salt lake and Fort Douglas Railway and assisted him in establishing the Utah Western Railway Company, was secretary for the Deseret Sunday School Union, took part in the Eastern States Mission, was involved in the prohibition movement, developed curriculum and taught at the Granite Seminary School, and helped in public welfare programs after the depression of 1929.

He also found the time to serve as bishop of the Sugar House ward and to transcribe all of his yearly journals from shorthand into typewritten transcripts.

Acquisition information:

Acquired on January 5, 1956.

A photocopy of a transcript of the funeral service of John Mills Whitaker (1863-1960) was a gift of Eugene T. Whitaker, on May 5, 1975.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged in the following manner:

1. Journals – folder titles have been copied from the original folders that the collection was housed in when they first arrived at the library (Box 1)

2. Journals and funeral service transcript (Box 2)

Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.

Location of this collection:
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108, US
Contact:
(626) 405-2191
reference@huntington.org
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