James T Whitaker
The talented carpenter and widower James T. Whitaker carved a unique path through life until his passing on June 8, 1949. He was born in West Point, Georgia on October 13, 1884. Raised by George and Josie Whitaker, James had at least six siblings including Annie, Nellie, Julius G, Roosevelt, and Lincoln Whitaker. Settling in Auburn, James owned a house and worked as a carpenter, showcasing his resilient attitude, as he supported his family through the Great Depression.
James’ father was named George, and he was born in 1865 in Georgia. George was a mechanic and a carpenter, which is likely where James got his woodworking skills from. His mother was named Josie, and she came from Alabama. Her birth date is unknown. Despite only going to school through 5th grade, James T. Whitaker was a successful man. He owned a farm, and his carpentry skills brought a living to him and his family. Even though he lived in the Great Depression, he was able to provide well for his family. He lived with his father in 1900, then his parents moved in with him when he got his own house with land in 1910. His first of two marriages was to Lizzie Heard, estimated to have occurred between 1900 and 1905 and resulted in eight children including Frank, James, Rebecca, Harold, Lizzie, Hiram, Josephine, and George Whitaker. Tragically, his wife Lizzie passed away sometime before 1940, and left James as a widower. He lived with his daughter’s family in 1940. He remarried in 1947, just three years before his death, to Mary Whitaker.
He owned a farm for a while, and ended up living at 294 Summer Hill Road, until the end of his life in 1949. He now lies peacefully next to his second wife, at Baptist Hill Cemetery.
James’ father was named George, and he was born in 1865 in Georgia. George was a mechanic and a carpenter, which is likely where James got his woodworking skills from. His mother was named Josie, and she came from Alabama. Her birth date is unknown. Despite only going to school through 5th grade, James T. Whitaker was a successful man. He owned a farm, and his carpentry skills brought a living to him and his family. Even though he lived in the Great Depression, he was able to provide well for his family. He lived with his father in 1900, then his parents moved in with him when he got his own house with land in 1910. His first of two marriages was to Lizzie Heard, estimated to have occurred between 1900 and 1905 and resulted in eight children including Frank, James, Rebecca, Harold, Lizzie, Hiram, Josephine, and George Whitaker. Tragically, his wife Lizzie passed away sometime before 1940, and left James as a widower. He lived with his daughter’s family in 1940. He remarried in 1947, just three years before his death, to Mary Whitaker.
He owned a farm for a while, and ended up living at 294 Summer Hill Road, until the end of his life in 1949. He now lies peacefully next to his second wife, at Baptist Hill Cemetery.
Contributed by Sam and David from Auburn High School