Whitaker, John Mills, 1863-1960

John Mills Whitaker (1863-1960) was born in Centerville, Utah. His parents were Thomas William and Elizabeth Mills Whitaker. At an early age he studied the Isaac Pitman system of shorthand. While going to school at the University of Deseret he began working for Franklin Dewey Richards (1821-1899). In 1886 Whitaker married Ida Oakley Taylor, the daughter of John Taylor (1808-1877). Whitaker helped establish the first public library in Utah, was secretary to John Willard Young (1844-1924) while he owned the Salt Lake and Fort Douglas Railway and assisted him in establishing the Utah Western Railway Company, was secretary for the Deseret Sunday School Union, took part in the Easter States Mission, and was involved in the prohibition movement. He also found the time to serve as bishop of the Sugar House ward and to transcribe his yearly journals.

From the description of Papers of John Mills Whitaker, 1883-1960 (bulk 1883-1949). (Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens). WorldCat record id: 228732664

John Mills Whitaker was born on 16 October 1863 in Centerville, Utah, to Thomas William Whitaker and Elizabeth Oakden Mills Whitaker. His youth was spent at Centerville and Ogden working with his father in farming and carpentry. He attended the University of Deseret during the 1880s and married Ida Taylor in 1886. He worked for the Salt Lake and Fort Douglas Railway and helped organize the Utah-Western Railway Company. Whitaker served in various capacities in the LDS Church, including several missions. He was a teacher and promoted the teaching of young people. He was responsible for the development of the LDS seminary system. John Mills Whitaker died on 2 April 1960.

From the guide to the John Mills Whitaker papers, 1849-1963, (J. Willard Marriott Library, University of Utah)

Mormon Church leader, secretary, businessman, teacher, and missionary.

From the description of Diaries, 1883-1949. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 367407746

From the guide to the John Mills Whitaker diaries, 1883-1949, (L. Tom Perry Special Collections)