History of the American Negro: West Virginia Edition

James M. Whittico

264 history american negro In his school days he played cricket but has not had much time for athletics since then. Among the secret orders he belongs to the Odd Fellows and Masons. On March 16, 1912, Mr. Whitfield married Miss Mabel G. Howard of Montgomery County, Md. She was educated at Storer College, Harpers Ferry, W. Va. Mr. Whitfield is a careful student and a close observer. Coming out of an environment where racial distinctions are not stressed, and where no color line is drawn, into a realm where those things are emphasized, he has observed certain antagonisms and a spirit of assertiveness which are not prominent where equality of opportunity is taken for granted. The gospel he preaches holds the only solution for that problem as it works itself out in the lives of men and of nations. James M. Whittico Henry County, Va., has sent many of her sons into West Virginia. These include laborers, miners, doctors, dentists and others. It is gratifying to note the number who have succeeded. One of the successful physicians of the state who was born in Henry County is Dr. James Malachi Whittico of Williamson. The date of his birth was September 22, 1887. His father, Hezekiah J. Whittico, was a farmer and was the son of Thomas and Catherine Whittico. The mother of our subject was, before her marriage, Miss Letitia Pace, daughter of Matthew and Sarah Pace. When it came to securing an education young Whittico had the usual experience of the farmer boy. He divided his time between the farm and the local public school, and being a boy, managed to sandwich in some play. His preparatory and literary work was done at Martinsville and at Mary Potter School at Oxford, N. C., where he spent three years. When ready for his medical course he matriculated at Meharry Medical College, Nashville, and won his M.D. degree in james malachi whittico 266 history american negro 1912. As a matter of fact, the way to an education was by no means easy. He was so unfortunate as to lose his mother at an early age and after leaving the public school had to make his own way. His first work after leaving home was in the mines. Later he did hotel and rail road work and during the last two years at Medical College was in hospital work. He took an active part in college athletics, especially base ball and foot ball. After his graduation in 1912, he located at Williamson and began the general practice. When this country entered the world war he joined the M. R. C. and went to Des Moines for training. He was commissioned First Lieut. and was stationed at Camp Meade for some months. He was in the active service overseas in France. Returning, he again took up the practice at Williamson where he has since resided. Dr. Whittico is a member of the State and National Medical Societies and of the local organization, known as the Flat Top Medical Society. In politics he is a Republican and takes an active interest in the local organization. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, being also superintendent of the Sunday School. Among the secret and benevolent orders, he belongs to the Masons, Pythians, Odd Fellows and St. Lukes. He is examiner for the Pythians. On December 24, 1914, Dr. Whittico married Miss Nannie L. Cobbs, of Keystone. Mrs. Whittico was educated at the West Virginia Collegiate Institute and was, before her marriage, an accomplished teacher. They have one child, James Malachi Whittico, Jr. Dr.Whittico believes that the permanent progress of the race must rest on education and the development of industrial interests. He has property in both Williamson, W. Va. and in Virginia. Matthew T. Whittico The life and work of Matthew Thomas Whittico, Editor and publisher of the McDowell Times of Keystone, W. Va., is another 266 history american negro 1912. As a matter of fact, the way to an education was by no means easy. He was so unfortunate as to lose his mother at an early age and after leaving the public school had to make his own way. His first work after leaving home was in the mines. Later he did hotel and rail road work and during the last two years at Medical College was in hospital work. He took an active part in college...