Whistler, John O'Kane
John O’Kane Whistler, Elk City Pioneer,
Farmer and Kansas State Legislator.
Photo from
Kansas State Historical Society
Topeka, Kansas
At the age of 13, John O’Kane Whistler arrived in Montgomery County, Kansas in 1871 with his father, Thomas Ford Whistler. They had traveled from the Baltimore, Maryland area to Montgomery County to begin a new life in the Louisburg Township. His father purchased 160 acres to start their farming operation. In December of 1871, his father married Elizabeth Seever who owned property nearby. John led an active life on the farm helping his father build a home on the property. With their joining of adjacent farm property of Thomas and Elizabeth, plus additional land close by, the family farming efforts were very active and successful.
On January 15, 1882, John married Nannie Hawkins Owen, the oldest daughter of Edward and Louise (Cowan) Owen. The Owen family had arrived from Kentucky settling on land East of Elk City.John and Nannie lived on the Whistler farm property, raising a family of 5 sons and 2 daughters. His father, Thomas and wife, Elizabeth moved to Oregon in 1890, leaving John and his wife to manage the farming duties. When Thomas and Elizabeth Whistler returned from Oregon in 1891, they moved to Elk City to be more active in community affairs.
John and wife, Nannie maintained a busy life raising their children and working on the farm when at the age of 34, Nannie died on May 10, 1894 after giving birth to their daughter on May 5, 1894. Her grieving husband and the 7 children laid her to rest in the Oak Hill Cemetery. A funeral discourse was held in the M. E. Church in Elk City.
As a father of 7 children, John relied on help from his family and friends nearby. It is told that Grandparents, Thomas and Elizabeth Whistler took care of the newborn daughter, Nannie Josephine, just 5 days old. The other children were cared for by the Owen family in their home.
On Oct. 7, 1895, John O’Kane married Evie (Eva) Owen, the youngest sister of Nannie Hawkins. The children were again together as a family. John and Evie had a son, William and daughter, Agnes. Large families were not uncommon in the early days of Montgomery County. John and his wives, Nannie and Evie raised a total of nine children at their home in the Louisburg Township. It is appropriate to list the family members given the early pioneer status of John O’Kane Whistler and his father, Thomas Ford Whistler.
First is the oldest (my grandparents) Robert Stockdale Whistler who married M. Maude Weaver and they had 8 children. Second is Thomas Seth Whistler who married Zoa Alice “Dollie” Weaver and they had 9 children. Note that the Whistler brothers married the Weaver sisters. Next are twins, Eva Jane Whistler and Edward Owen Whistler, Eva married Hiram A. Merritt and they had 5 children. Edward married Edna Lou Rose and they had 2 sons. Fifth is John O’Kane Whistler, Jr. also known as Jack. He married Leona Ethyl Mae Rose and they had 3 children. Again note that brother’s Edward and Jack married the Rose sisters, Edna and Ethyl. Double cousins are plentiful in this Whistler family. Sixth is son, George Harrison Whistler who was married to a Pauline Hunter, no children from this marriage. Seventh is a daughter, Nannie Josephine Whistler who married Oscar DeKalb Keltz and they had 3 children. Eighth is William “Bill” McKinley Whistler who married Beulah Beatrice Wilson and they had 3 children. Ninth (and last) is his daughter, Agnes May Whistler and she married Virgil Glenn Saunders. They were parents of 2 daughters.
The 4 generations including John O’Kane Whistler, his wives, Nannie H. Owen and Evie Owen totals, 9 children, 34 grandchildren and 83 great grandchildren. There are many more recent progeny of this Whistler family.
It is reported in the Handbook of Kansas Legislature, dated 1901 that John O. Whistler was a staunch Republican, stating that “the G. O. P. is good enough for me”. He had served as Louisburg Township Clerk and Trustee for three or four terms.
The Topeka Daily Capital, Topeka, Kansas on August 12, 1900 reported that the Republicans of Montgomery County held a convention on August 11, 1900 and nominated their candidates for the upcoming election. Their choice for the Thirtieth District Representative was J. O. Whistler.
The election held on November 6, 1900 and confirmed on November 9, 1900 that John O. Whistler was elected to the office of Representative of the 30th Representative District, Montgomery County, Kansas. A certificate of election was issued and our family has that certificate.
John O’Kane Whistler began his term of office in Topeka in January of 1901. He was assigned to the following committees, Public Lands, Labor, Public Buildings and Telephone & Telegraph. It was reported in the Coffeyville Journal that he was rather quiet but nevertheless a faithful worker for the people. As a conservative, he worked tirelessly to support efficient use of public funds. An early example was his opposition to a House Bill that was to build a bridge over the Vedigris River for $15,000. He complained that “I do not think we can afford bridges every two miles. Montgomery County is indebted for $60,000 and this would impose additional debt”. His was the only vote against this House Bill.
The Elk City Enterprise reported on October 31, 1902 that he performed the duties of its responsible office faithfully and honorably.
He served two terms as the Kansas State Legislator, 30th District of Montgomery County. Upon leaving his office in Topeka, John returned to his life in Elk City. Enjoying his family, farming in the Louisburg Township and community activities, John’s life was full and rewarding. His wife, Eva died on February 11, 1925. John spent his last years of his life in the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Agnes and Virgil Saunders in Elk City. He passed away on March 12, 1939 at the age of 80. His funeral was held in the Christian Church and was buried between his wives, Nannie and Eva (Owen) Whistler in Oak Hill Cemetery, Elk City, Kansas.
Submitted August, 2020
By Dan Whistler
Madera, CA
