John Whitman, WWII veteran and son of Civil War veteran, dies at 88
BY TIM STANLEY World Staff Writer
Saturday, November 24, 2012
11/24/12 at 5:56 AM
John Whitman's own war, World War II, was a lot different from his father's.
For one thing, in his father's war, cavalry sabers and musket balls still featured prominently.
But Whitman would not get to learn about that from the Civil War veteran personally. In his 70s by the time Whitman was born, his father died before he was able to share the stories, leaving his son to learn what he could from his diary and other sources.
A member of the Tulsa chapter of the Sons of Union Veterans, Whitman was proud to hold what has become a rare distinction: He was a first-generation descendant of a Civil War veteran.
According to the Tulsa group, Whitman, who died Nov. 15 at age 88, was one of two known first-generation descendants, or "Real Sons" as they are called, in Oklahoma.
"Nationally, there are only a handful of these true sons remaining," said Eric Sachau, commander of the Tulsa chapter. "John's passing is a tremendous loss to our group."
John Whitman's father, Nathaniel Amos Whitman, fought in the Civil War, joining the Union Army at the wide-eyed age of 15.
He served in Company L of the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, and his unit received a congressional citation for its bravery.
John, for his part, would serve in the Pacific during WWII as a Navy radio operator.
Whitman shared stories about his father and himself, and their war records, for the 2006 book, "Civil War Fathers: Sons of the Civil War in World War II."
The book chronicled eight families whose fathers fought in the Civil War, and whose children subsequently served in WWII.
A native of DeRidder, La., Whitman was a onetime coach, educator and writer. He spent many years working for Southern Baptist churches, in missions and for the Illinois Baptist State Association, before retiring and settling in Oklahoma a few years ago.
At a gathering last year, the Tulsa group arranged a special meeting, Sachau said. Whitman got to meet Oklahoma's other remaining "Real Son," Charles Cox of Pawnee.
"As far as I know, that was the only time they were ever together," he said.
Sachau said Whitman was a treasure to the organization.
"John was proud to be a member, proud that his dad had served and he believed in our organization and our mission - to preserve the memories of those who served in the United States' greatest conflict," he said.
Whitman's survivors include his wife of 65 years, Mary Ruth Whitman, and five children: Vince Whitman, Martin Whitman, Lauren Whitman, Shelley Curtiss and Gene Christianson.
A private service was held this week. Cremation Society handled arrangements.
Original Print Headline: WWII veteran was rare 'Real Son' of Civil War
Tim Stanley 918-581-8385
tim.stanley@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
John Whitman, a World War II veteran whose father fought in the Civil War, was one of two known first-generation descendants of Civil War veterans in Oklahoma. Courtesy
John Whitman, a World War II veteran whose father fought in the Civil War, was one of two known first-generation descendants of Civil War veterans in Oklahoma. Courtesy
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