WHITSEL, John I.: Born in Pettis County on April 1, 1862, the son of David C. and Margaret Smith Whitsel, both natives of Ross County, Ohio. They were married in Ross county and came to Missouri during the Civil War. They were the parents of five children: Jennie, deceased; a girl, died in infancy; Obed N., Knob Noster, Missouri; Clay S., Sedalia and John I. John I married on October 12, 1899 to Mary E. Payton, daughter of Louis O and Mattie A. McClung Payton. To Mr. and Mrs. Whitsel have been born two children: Martha and Clay, both of whom are deceased.
Source: McGruder, Mark A. History of Pettis County, Missouri (Topeka: Historical Publishing Company, 1919)
Submitter: Robin Helman