Biographical Sketches

DR. WILLIAM WHITTAKER

Is a well known and eminent regular physician who has successfully practiced in Kansas City since 1885. He is a native of Ireland, born at Ballina, on the west coast of the island, March 3, 1841, and is a son of Dr. William and Frances (Crofton) Whittaker, natives of the Emerald Isle. To them were born 6 children, 3 of whom are now living: John Henderson, the distinguished surgeon general of the English army at the Royal Hibernian Military School, Phoenix Park, Dublin; Dr. William, our subject; and Frances, wife of Rev. John R. Mills, rector, county Limerick, Ireland.

The father of our subject was an eminent physician and widely known in the counties Mayo and Sligo. He was a gentleman of superior education and professional skill, and his influence in the circles of his wide acquaintance was great. He died December 12, 1859, at the age of 52 years, and his wife departed this life February 22, 1866. Both were Episcopalians in religious belief, their lives strictly conforming to the requirements of a high standard of Christian living.

The paternal grandfather of Dr. Whittaker was John Henderson Whittaker, also a native of Ireland, and a gentleman prominent in affairs. For many years he was inspector general of police. He had a large family, all of whom were eminently respectable and filled important positions. He died at the age of 51 years. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Robert M. Crofton, a native of Ireland who owned large landed estates. He also became prominent in local affairs, and his promising life was cut off by death at the early age of 31 years.

Dr. William Whittaker was reared in Ballina, the town of his nativity, where he was thoroughly educated in the higher branches of learning. Subsequently he was matriculated at the Royal College of Surgeons and the King and Queens College of Physicians, graduating at the former in 1863 and at the latter the following year. Immediately thereafter he began practice in county Mayo, where he remained 3 years; then removed to county Wexford, where for 18 years he attended to the demands of a large practice and became notable in the profession. In 1885 he left the associations of his life and the land of his birth and emigrated to American, where so many of his countrymen have found refuge and a home with all the privileges of citizenship. Upon his arrival on our shores he proceeded to Kansas City, where he immediately opened an office and has since practiced, with no small degree of success and satisfaction.

On the 26th of March, 1867, he was married to Miss Mary Catherine, daughter of Dr. and Elizabeth (Archer) Darley. Eight children resulted from their union, 4 sons and 4 daughters: William E. N., Robert M. C., Clement A., John H., Frances E., Dora M., Henrietta J. B. and Annette U. C. The eldest son, William E. N., a popular and promising young man, died at the age of 23 years. Robert M. C. married Miss Jennie Tinsley and has 1 child, Geraldine Crofton. The entire family are acceptable members of the Episcopal church, and all are actively interested in its workings and influence, adding not a little by their personal efforts to the effectiveness of their church's influence for good. The Doctor is a member of the A. O. U. W., and at political elections he votes independently.

Back

This page was last updated August 2, 2006.