{History of Mapleton} Howard Stewart Whiting (1895-1964)

This is from The History of Mapleton, by Ralph K. Harmer and Wendell B. Johnson, on page 180.

Howard S. Whiting was born October 4, 1895 at Mapleton. He was the son of Albert M. Whiting and Harriet Susannah Perry. He attended local public schools and spent much time working with his father on the farm. Howard was a youngster when his father died. He and the other Whiting children learned how to work hard to provide for themselves.

During World War I Howard enlisted in the army and served part of his enlistment in France as a member of Company E of the Engineer Replacement Regiment. While in France he helped create many of the war records that were being shipped back to the states. After the war he returned to Mapleton where he went back into farming.

Howard married Martha Cook on February 5, 1920 in the Salt Lake temple. She was the daughter of Mark Cook and Irene Blanchard Cook. She was born in Springville on December 19, 1900. Martha was an enthusiastic young woman and played an active role in Mapleton in both church and civic organizations. She and Howard had two children: Stewart C. Whiting, who later served as bishop of the First Ward, and Marjorie Whiting (Cox). Martha and Howard also raised a granddaughter, Kristine, who became a fine musician, teacher and social worker.

Howard served as a member of the town board for two terms. He earned his livelihood as a farmer and stock raiser. He was one of only a few men who maintained a successful sheep feeding operation despite set-backs and market fluctuations. Howard was also a fluent story teller. He often stopped at the blacksmith shop to gab with the other farmers who gathered there. In 1922, Howard gave up farming for a year and worked at Winter Quarters in the mines. Needless to say, he soon resumed farming.

Martha served both in Primary and Relief Society. She also assisted Howard with the paper work portion of his cattle business. She also enjoyed the time she spent in D. U. P., the garden club and quilting club. They built a brick home adjacent to the A. M. Whiting estate at 930 North 300 West. Howard lived there until his death on December 10, 1964. Howard and Martha, who is still living, represent the stalwart, steady people of which farming communities are made.