Wilhite - Eleazer Fink
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal May 13, 1909
Eleazer F. Wilhite, a well known farmer who recently underwent a surgical operation by which one foot was removed, died this morning at half-past two. His foot had been injured several moths before, but owing to his age it did not heal properly. A short time ago it began to give him much pain and it was decided by the physicians that it would have to be removed if he was to survive. It was the only chance to prevent his death. The operation was performed several days ago but was not benefited by it and gangrene set in not only in that foot, but the other one. He was a few days past sixty-seven. He leaves a second wife, who was the daughter of Mrs. Robert Gray, formerly a prominent respected citizen. Besides his farm on Greencastle road, he owned a threshing machine outfit for several years and devoted considerable attention to that line of work.
The funeral will take place at the home, where he was taken this morning by D.C. Barnhill, and will occur at ten o'clock Monday morning, Rev. Walter Mansell having charge of the service. The interment will take place at Oak Hill cemetery. The deceased was a nephew of Eleazer A. Wilhite, the retired merchant tailor. Eleazer F. Wilhite was born April 14, 1842, on the farm where his entire life was spent and died at Culver Union Hospital May 8, 1909, where he had undergone an operation for relief from an old wound. He suffered a broken ankle many years ago and the hurt having never healed properly, amputation became necessary. But practically an invalid he could not withstand the shock and gradually grew weaker till death relieved his sufferings.
He was a highly respected resident all his life on the farm three miles south of the city. this farm was originally entered by his grandfather in 1823, and then was owned by his father and lastly by Mr. Wilhite himself. He was one of the company of recruits that helped stop Morgan's raid into Indiana during the civil war and an honorable army record. he was twice married, his first wife being Miss Clorinda Gray, who died August 31, 1898. On Sept. 18, 1901, he married Mrs. Florida (Gray) Enoch, widow of the late Tighman R. Enoch. Perhaps a few men were better known throughout the county than Eleazer Wilhite, for aside from his farmer interests he was for many years owner of a threshing machine which was the means of enlarging his acquaintance. In all his business dealings he was known for his sterling integrity. He was of especially even temperament and was one to see the good qualities of others rather than their faults. He looked with charity upon the failings and mistakes of others It was in his home life that he was at his best, for gentleness and hospitality were characteristic of him. None were more willing to do a favor for a friend and many there are who can testify to his helpfulness to the needy of unfortunate. While not a member of any church, he was a firm believer in the doctrines of Christianity and practical Christianity. He was a devoted husband, a loyal friend and man of many admirable traits of character and will be sadly missed by a large number of friends - thanks to Kim H