Orpha M. Whittaker
Orpha M. Whittaker
ORPHA M. WHITTAKER was born around 1874 in New Jersey. She married in her early 20s, and lived in Philadelphia during the 1910s, before later returning to Camden. She was active in the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic, the women’s auxiliary to the Civil War veterans organization. In 1915, while living in Philadelphia, she served as the group’s National Registrar, and in October of 1936 she was elected National Senior Vice-President of the organization. She also served as state President. She was also quite active in Crescent Chapter No. 55 of the Eastern Star masonic organization.
By 1930 Orpha Whittaker’s husband had died, and she was living at 125 North Dudley Street with her sister Arada and brother-in-law T. Alton Doughty, an electrician at a radio factory. In October of 1936 she was elected National Senior Vice-President of the organization of the Ladies of the G.A.R. She had also previously served as the state president.
The sisters had moved from Camden by 1947. Arada Doughty passed away in 1956. Orpha M. Whittaker passed away in Los Angeles, Calif. on February 25, 1964.
G. A. R.
Trenton Sunday Times-Advertiser —
At the meeting of Bayard Circle No. 8 a new member was initiated, Mrs. Mary Hill. Sister Brit was again reported as very ill; Sister Johnson improving and Sister Ray better.
The yearly inspection was a highly interesting occasion. Among those present were Mrs. Corb, the Department President and her staff and delegations from Hatch Circle, Camden Major Angle Circle of Lambertville. A nice supper was enjoyed before the meeting. During the meeting pleasant addresses were made by Mrs. Corb, Mrs. Merrick of Camden, Past Department President Mrs. Orphia Whittaker and numerous others. We especially enjoyed the remarks of Past State Commander Edwin S. Appleget and of the Mayor of Lambertville. After the speaking refreshments were served, closing a session that will remain long in our memories.
Crescent Chapter No. 55 Order of the Eastern Star — 1935–1936
A group photograph of Crescent Chapter No. 55 of the Order of the Eastern Star from 1935–1936. The image shows approximately 32 members arranged in an organizational style with individual portraits and names. The chapter emblem appears at the center with “CRESCENT CHAPTER / NO 55 / O.E.S.” and “Officers 1935-6” and “Camden, N.J.” at the bottom.
Members visible include: Mrs. E. Hutchin, Mrs. Thos. Moyer, Orpha Whittaker, Morris Hess, Mrs. G. Haines, Mrs. E. Reardon, Mrs. H. Clark, Mrs. S. Day, Mrs. Emmalyn Ryan, Mrs. Arthur Rennard, Mrs. C. Daley, Mrs. James Piella, Mrs. Edith Youngworth, Lucettio Sawyer, Mrs. A. Price, Mrs. C. Pitts, Mrs. John Black, Frank Hendrickson, Mrs. M. Malone, Mr. Whitman, Mrs. A. Forman, Mrs. Stanley Rosenberg, Lillie Labarge, Samuel Essen, Mrs. J. Newell, Mrs. A. Brown, Lillie Downs, and others.
William B. Hatch Circle to Present Flag
Camden Courier-Post —
William B. Hatch Circle No.2, Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic, will present an American flag to the Boy Scouts of West Collingswood troop tonight. Scouts will be one year old. Presentation will be made by Orpha Whitaker, national officer.
Mrs. Orpha M. Whitaker
Camden Courier-Post —
MRS. ORPHA M. WHITAKER Who was elected National Senior Vice President of the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic at the recent convention in Washington. Mrs. Whitaker resides at 125 North Dudley street and is a member of William B. Hatch Circle No. 2. She is a past state president.