Whitaker home in Leavenworth - 3735 Shrine Park Rd. formerly 1007 Maple Avenue.202
Built in 1873, it was said to have been an exact copy of his mansion in the East (Cincinnati), so that his wife would agree to move to Kansas.202

Pat Barnhardt - resident in 1996

From Cutler's History of the State of Kansas

JOSEPH WHITAKER came to Leavenworth April 30, 1870, and for two years was engaged in beef and pork packing with Matt Ryan, whom he bought out, and continued the business alone until 1878, when he leased his houses to Chicago parties, taking them back one year later. In June, 1879, he organized a manufacturing company, of which he has been president, treasurer, and entire manager. The works commenced with the manufacture of machine and heavy castings, and have added the manufacture of cooking and heating stoves, and of tin and hollow ware. They employ from eighty to ninety men, and supply the trade in Kansas, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Nebraska and Missouri. Mr. W. is a native of England, emigrated when he was but five years of age. He resided for forty years in Cincinnati, being in the pork packing business in that city about eighteen years, and came from there to Leavenworth. T. H. James, a son-in-law of Mr. W., is secretary of the Union Company, and Joseph C., his son, is in charge of the shipping department. Mr. W. is also interested in the St. Joseph Refining Company, of which John L. Whitaker is general manager. T. H. James, secretary of the Union Works, is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio from which city he removed to Leavenworth in September, 1882 to assume his present position.

Union Stove and Machine Works.--This is another of the extensive and prosperous manufactories of Leavenworth. Although established as late as May, 1879, the works cover over half a square block, No's. 111 to 119 Cherokee street, and 112 to 118 Choctaw street. Joseph Whitaker, president of the company, was formerly a heavy dealer in pork in Cincinnati, and located in Leavenworth twelve years ago. The other officers are as follows: John L. Whitaker, vice-president; C. E. Spooner, secretary; J. H. Beebe, superintendent. The works manufactures stoves and hollow ware, tin ware, brass castings, engines, mill machinery, iron work, gas pipe, fittings, house fronts, sash weights, palings, casting, etc., etc. To give an idea of the magnitude of the work accomplished it may be stated that over 10,000 pounds of iron alone is melted daily. The establishment employs over 100 man, $90,000 is invested in the business, and the annual product of the works amounts to $100,000. The manufacture is distributed all over the North, West and South.

The Western Tower Clock Company. Was organized in March 1881, with the following officers: Joseph Whitaker, president and treasurer; A. A. Ferin, vice-president and secretary; J. W. Hile, general superintendent. Mr Hile is the inventor of the celebrated century clock which attracted so much attention at the Centennial Exhibition. In addition to superior clocks for court houses, depots, churches, etc., the company also manufacture a portable galvanized iron reel bake oven, which is coming into popular favor. The manufactory is located at No. 216 Delaware street

The above reference suggests the following timeline:

1826 Born in England

1830.Emigrates from England to Cincinnati, OH (5 years old)

1845 John Whitaker (father) dies (19 years old)

1847 Marries Sarah Beresford (21 years old)

1848 Elizabeth Jane (first child) is born (22 years old)

1849 Sarah Beresford Whitaker, her mother Elizabeth Beswick Beresford, John Lee Whitaker (brother) and his two sons and Jane Lee Whitaker (his mother) die of cholera (23 years old)

1852 Marries Mary Ann Wunder (26 years old)

1853 John Lee is born (27 years old)

1854 Vanaken is born (28 years old)

1857 Charles is born (30 years old)

1858-1870 In pork packing business in Cincinnati

1859 Clara Belle is born. Charles dies. (32 years old)

1861 Joseph Charles is born. (34 years old)

1863 William Clifford is born. (36 years old)

1865 Mary Estelle is born. (39 years old)

1867 Blanche is born. (41 years old)

April 6, 1870 Elizabeth Jane marries Theodore H James in Cincinnati, OH

April 30, 1870 Arrived in Leavenworth, KS from Cincinnati, OH (44 years old)

1871 George Kinney is born. First grandchild (Mary Elizabeth James) is born (44 years old)

1872 In beef and pork packing business with Matt Ryan

1875 Samuel Wunder is born. Mary Wunder Whitaker dies from complications of childbirth. Samuel Wunder dies after 3 months. (48 years old)

1878 In beef and pork packing business. Married Harriet Emily Ball. (52 years old)

1879 Chandler Ball is born. (53 years old)

1879 Leased business to Chicago interests

1879 Reobtained meat packing business

1879 Established Union Stove and Machine Works (54 years old)

July 14, 1880 Harriett Emily Whitaker (13th child) born to Harriett Emily Ball Whitaker (3rd wife) (54 years old)

March 1881 Organized Western Tower Clock Company (56 years old)

September, 1882 T.H. James (son-in-law) moved to Leavenworth, KS from Cincinnati, OH (57 years old)

1884 Joseph Charles dies at age 23.

1900 John Lee dies at age 48.

1909 Vanaken dies at age 54.

1911 Joseph dies in Kansas City, Kansas (84 years old)


Compiled by Jim Edson/Kansas City, MO

According to a story told by their daughter, Harriet, Joseph Whitaker and Harriet Ball were introduced on the Leavenworth Co Courthouse steps by Susan B Anthony. Ms Anthony may have been visiting her brother Richard who was the publisher of the Leavenworth paper. It is unclear which one was acquainted with Ms Anthony.2