Bedford County PA Archives Biographies.....Whetstone, John S.   
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Judy Banja jbanja@msn.com May 2003


JOHN S. WHETSTONE, a prosperous farmer and stock-raiser of 
Snake Spring township, Pa., was born in this place, May 22, 
1852, a son of Aaron and Catherine (Shaffer) Whetstone.  His 
great-grandfather, Henry Whetstone, was an early pioneer of 
Bedford County, Pennsylvania, having located in Colerain 
township when much of the land was an unbroken wilderness.  
There Henry Whetstone reared a family of children, of whom 
Samuel was the next in this line of descent.
  Aaron Whetstone, son of Samuel, was bred and educated in 
Colerain township, and, while still living under the 
parental roof, obtained a practical knowledge of farming.  
In 1847 he took up his residence in the nearby township of 
Snake Spring, and was here successfully engaged in 
agricultural pursuits until his death in 1876.  He occupied 
a place of influence in local affairs, and for several terms 
was School Director and Supervisor.  He was a devoted and 
valued member of the Lutheran church, toward the support of 
which he contributed liberally.  He married Catherine 
Shaffer.  Four of their children survive, namely: Margaret 
E., wife of A. J. Diehl, of Colerain, Pa.; Levi H., also of 
Colerain; John S., the particular subject of this sketch; 
and Mary A., wife of George W. Lutz, of Colerain, Pa.
  John S. Whetstone obtained his elementary education in the 
common schools of Snake Spring, and subsequently attended a 
private Normal School in Bedford, Pa.  By the reading of 
good books and the leading periodicals of the day he has 
since kept himself well informed on general subjects, and 
fitted himself for the duties of an American citizen.  
Having determined in early life to become a farmer, he has 
made a thorough study of the different branches of 
agriculture, and in the care and cultivation of his farm of 
three hundred acres he has displayed rare wisdom and 
judgment.  From year to year he has added to its 
improvements, and has now a most attractive and desirable 
farming property, that compares favorably with any in this 
section of the county.
  In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party, and 
has rendered his township good service, both as Assessor and 
as School Director, positions which he filled three years 
each.  In the Lutheran church, of which he is a prominent 
member, Mr. Whetstone has served as a Deacon many years, and 
is now an Elder.  Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights 
of the Golden Eagle at Everett, Pa.
  Mr. Whetstone married, May 23, 1872, Miss Mary J., 
daughter of Jacob Bowser, formerly a resident of Bedford 
County, but now of Tyrone, Pa.  Eight children have blessed 
their union, namely: Harry A.; Annie C., wife of David C. 
Ott; Jacob F.; Ella B.; George H.; Margaret V.; John M.; and 
David R.



Source: Bedford Biographical Review, 1899, Bedford Co., Pa