Peter Whitenack, one of Johnson County’s pioneers, and who for the past fifty-five years has been a resident of Pleasant Township, was born in Mercer County, Ky., February 8, 1806. He was the son of John and Ann (Debon) Whitenack, both of whom were natives of the State of New Jersey. His father was the son of Andrew Whitenack, and his mother was the daughter of Abram Debon. The boyhood and youth of our subject were spent on a farm in Mercer County, Ky. He was married there to Elvira J. Harris, November 17, 1828. She was born in Culpepper County, Va., March 20, 1806. In 1833, Mr. Whitenack removed with his family to this county and settled in Pleasant Township, in which he now resides. His occupation throughout his life has been farming. He owns a farm of 190 acres, which is in a good state of improvement and cultivation. His first marriage resulted in the birth of eight children, as follows: John J., born February 8, 1830, deceased; Harriet F., October 1, 1831; Elizabeth A., February 20, 1834, deceased; David S., January 30, 1837; Sarah J., July 2, 1839; George M., December 3, 1842; Mary E., January 30, 1845, and Martha G., April 3, 1849. The mother of these children died March 29, 1860. About eight years later Mr. Whitenack was married to Margaret Van Horn, his present wife; she was born in Pennsylvania, and was the daughter of Robert and Margaret Van Horn. This latter marriage has resulted in the birth of one child, Edith, who is a graduate of the Greenwood high school, and who is now preparing herself for the teacher’s profession. For a number of years prior to her death the first wife of Mr. Whitenack was a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church, of which, also he and his present wife are members.

Transcribed by Cheryl Zufall Parker

Banta, D. D. History of Johnson County, Indiana. Chicago, IL: Brant & Fuller, 1888, page 831.