His death certificate records Jack P. Whitt, age 76 years 0 months 24 days, born 10 Sep 1840 in Ky, died 4 Oct 1916 in Grahn, Carter Co., Kentucky, married, retired merchant, father Richard Whitt, mother’s maiden name Sallie Boggs, both born in Ky, cause of death bilateral lobar pneumonia, informant E. H. Scott, McGlone, Ky, burial in Whitt Cemetery.

What is very curious about this certificate is that all census records indicate that John’s parents were Abijah Whitt (Richard’s brother) and Nancy Boggs.

Her given name is also spelled Missouria - in fact, it is seen both ways in her obituary, which ran in the Carter County Herald of Feb. 23, 1928, which reported:

“AGED LADY PASSES TO REWARD

Another home of prominence in this county - yes we might say in this city, because it has always been a part of this city, and she a part of our people. Mrs. Missouria Whitt, born Aug. 23d, 1846 passed peacefully to her eternal at 8:30 on the morning of February 22d, 1928, at the good old age of 81 years and 6 months, of infirmities of old age.

Mrs. Whitt was before her marrage Miss Missouri Cox, born at Whitt, Elliott county, Kentucky. On March 9th, 1865 she was united in marriage with J. P. Whitt, to which union was born five children, Mrs. Susie James of Wallingford, Ky., and Mrs. Arminta Jordan of this city, living; W. B. Whitt, departed this life Dec. 19th, 1926, Sidney P. and Henry C., died in infancy. She also leaves 3 brothers, James E. Cox of Gimlet, Ky., Henry Cox of Raceland, Ky. and W. R. Cox of Cresco, Ky.; 2 sisters, Mrs. Ellen Durham of Morehead, Mrs. Phebe Lyons of Brushy F’k besides these she leaves 24 grand-children; 24 great-grand-children and a host of relatives and good, substantial friends.

The funeral was in charge of local undertaker Clarence W. Henderson conducted by Rev. Arthur Jarvis at the home Thursday at noon, after which the body was conveyed to the family cemetery on the large hill overlooking the home, where the other deceased members of the family have been laid. The following grand sons acted as pall bearers: E. R. Whitt, W. P. Whitt, E. E. Jordan, E. W. Ernst, V. O. Underwood and R. S. Kerkeek.”

1870 census of Carter Co., Ky, precinct 6, Grayson P.O., enumerated 30 July, lists on p . 13 as family #85/78:
Whit, John, 24, farmer; Missouria, 21; Araminta, 4; William, 2; Sydney, 5/12, b. Jan. All born in Ky.

The preceding houehold is headed by John’s parents. The age for John is 5 years younger than implied by the 1850 and 1860 censuses; see notes for his parents.

1880 census of Carter Co., Ky, precinct 6, enumerated 18 June, lists on p. 35 as family #282:
Whitt, J. P., 39, dry goods merchant, b. Ky Va Va; Missouria, 33, wife, b. Ky Va Ky; Araminta, 14, dau; Wm B., 12, son; Nancy S., 6, dau. All children born Ky Ky Ky. Campbell, Emma, 24, servant, single, b. Ind Ky Ky.

The preceding household is headed by John’s brother Richard P. Whitt.

1900 census of Carter Co., Ky, enumerated 14 June, lists on p. 13B as family #165:
Whitt, Jack, 59, b. Sep 1840, Ky Va Va, merchant; Missouria, wife, 53, b. Aug 1846, Ky Va Ky, married 35 years, mother of 5 children, 3 living; Mobley, John, grandson, 14, b. Oct 1885, Ky Ky Ky.

1910 census of Carter Co., Ky, Olive Hill precinct, enumerated 6 May, lists on p. 23B as family #207/216:
Whitt, John P., 69, b. Ky Va Va, merchant; Missouri, wife, 65, b. Ky Va Ky, first marriage for both, married 45 years, mother of 5 children, 3 living. Flannery, Minnie, niece, 21, single, b. Ky Ky Ky.

Two households below is their son William with his wife Bessie.