WHITSITT, Andrew A. - Putnam

Andrew A. WHITSITT, one of the leading lawyers of Cass County who on January 1, 1917 completed a term of six years as judge of the 17th Judicial District is a native of Ky. Judge Whitsitt was born near Mount Sterling and is a son of WD & Ardena Black Whitsitt, both also natives of KY and of Scotch origin. Judge Whitsitt's parents came to Cass Co in 1861 and settled near Harrisonville where the father engaged in farming. The father was a democrat and took an active interest in politics. He served as postmaster of Pleasant Hill during President Cleveland's two administrations. Both he and wife are now deceased and their remains are buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. When a boy, Judge Whitsitt attended the district school in Cass County, the first one being the George Moore School House, which was named after Carrie Nation's father. Later Mr. Whitsitt attended a preparatory school at Russellville, Indiana and also attended school at College Mound, Missouri. He then entered Depauw University at Greencastle, Indiana where he was graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Science and received his diploma. After completing his educational career, Judge Whitsitt read law and after being admitted to the bar began the practice of his profession at Harrisonville. He immediately built up a large practice and has always ranked as one of the able representatives of his profession in this section of the state. He served two terms as prosecuting attorney of Cass County and in 1911 was elected Judge of the 17th Judicial District and during his experience of six years on the bench he has won a reputation as a judge who not only knew the law but was fair and fearless in its administration. At the close of his judicial term, Judge Whitsitt resumed the practice of law in Harrisonville. On Feb 4, 1888, Judge Whitsitt was united in marriage with Miss Mary Tatum of Glasgow, MO and to this union two children have been born: Odelle and Andrew B, students at Westminster College, Fulton, MO. Judge Whitsitt is a member of the Woodmen of the World and he is Presbyterian in faith.