WHITMER, EDWIN, who is successfully engaged in the manufacture of brick in the outskirts of Jacksonville, Ill., at No. 1500 East Railroad Street, was born in Macon County, Ill., October 16, 1863, a son of Henry and Anna (App) Whitmer. He received his early mental training in the district schools of that county, and learned the manufacture of brick under his father, who operated extensive plants at Litchfield and Decatur, Ill. Edwin Whitmer, afterward engaged in contracting and building, but upon locating at Jacksonville began the manufacture of tile. After conducting this industry for some time, Mr. Whitmer commenced making all kinds of brick for paving and building. The manufacture of this material so developed that he now operates eleven kilns, and the capacity of his plant is 10,000,000 brick per annum. In 1893 the output was 7,000,000.

On January 28, 1866, Mr. Whitmer was united in marriage with Ida Lee Mitchell, who was born and schooled in Jacksonville. Mrs. Whitmer is a daughter of James Melvin and Catherine (Fitzgerald) Mitchell. The latter died in 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Whitmer have had three children, namely: Edith Helen, Vivian Catherine and Helen Beatrice. On political issues, Mr. Whitmer gives his support to the Republican party. His religious belief is that of the Presbyterian Church. In fraternal circles, he is identified with the A.F.& A.M., K. of P., I.O.O.F., and B.P.O.E. He is a man of the highest principles, and all his transactions bear the stamp of strict integrity. The large proportions to which his business has developed are due to the untiring energy and diligent application to its details, which have characterized his conduct of the enterprise.