Henry Howard Whitney (Freemason)
Recieved the Scottish Rites degrees at Gulfport, Miss. in 1917.[3]
Member of National Sojourners in San Pedro, Calif.[3]
General Whitney was the son of a Pennsylvania minister who had served as an officer in the Civil War, and whose fondest hope was that this boy, one of eleven children in the family, would follow in his footsteps. The lad was graduated from Dickenson Seminary with honors at the age of 17. His father still Insisted that his son follow him in the ministry, and would not tolerate the idea of a military career—young Whitney, however, had other ideas, and so for the next few years he supported himself by selling insurance and tutoring.[2]
General Whitney was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for this display of bravery and intelligence, the citation in part reading. “For extraordinary heroism in connection with the Military operations on the Island of Puerto Rico in May, 1898, under disguise and in the midst of the enemy”. Meanwhile, the inhabitants of Puerto Rico, who had come to know the personal side of this brave officer and his broad understanding of their country and its people, had asked him to become their Governor General, which offer carried with it the united support of all branches of Puerto Rican political, social and military life. The island lured Whitney, but political life did not, and he refused.[2]
He was decorated by several foreign Governments, including France (Legion of Honor, Officer Grade).[3]
1920 - he retired to private life in his own request, and lived in California, where he formed and headed a successful real estate finance corporation and was active in civic affairs, moving to New York City in 1933.
WW1 - 1918 to 1919 - Member of General Staff, A.E.F. and Chief of Staff, District of Paris, France.
1917 - President of the A.E.F. Overseas Masonic Club of Paris.[3]
1915 - Commanded the Presidio at San Francisco.[3] (Panama-Pacific International Exposition)
Later adjutant general of Mindanao, Philippines (Serving on General Pershing’s staff[2]) and adjutant of Western Department at San Francisco.[3]
1902 to 1903 - and served two tours as such, accompanying General Miles on the latter’s tour around the world.[3]
After the Spanish-American War, he was selected by General Miles as Aide-de-Camp.[2]
Spanish-American War - Shortly before the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, he was appointed Military Attaché to the American Legation in Buenos Aires. When war came, envious young officers associated with him, over whose heads he had skimmed in the advancement of rank, were quick to point out that Whitney had had his chance at fighting, yet had “retired” to the calm of South America.
Leaving the United States secretly, Whitney boarded the British tramp freighter “Ardenrose’’ at sea. Posing as a newspaper correspondent, he bribed a pantryman to desert, and then persuaded the ship’s master to sign him up in place of the deserter under the name of H. W. Elias of Bristol, England. Arriving in Puerto Rico after twice narrowly escaping detection by Spanish authorities, who, through counterespionage, had already learned that some such spy was to be expected, Whitney became a typical tropical tramp, selling kerosene while he secretly made detailed maps of the interior and the harbor.[2]
None of these officers knew that Whitney in reality was off on a secret mission, to Puerto Rico and Cuba, to get for the War Department information concerning fortifications, garrisons, roads and harbors, in a hazardous reconnaissance.[2]
In disguise, made military reconnaissance of Cuba and Puerto Rico. Was on General Miles’ staff during Spanish-American War.[3]
Upon attaining his 21st birthday, he successfully passed a Presidential competitive examination, and entered West Point. He was President of his class for four years—a class that produced, among others, General Charles P. Summerall, Colonel John H. (Gatling Gun) Parker and Major General W. R. Smith—and Whitney came out an expert in map-making, artillery fire and dancing.[2]
1892 - Graduate of U.S. Military Academy.
Died 2 Apr 1949, from old age. Age 82.
Note: USS Maine was ordered by the Secretary of the Navy, William C. Whitney (S&B 1863). Crew and Officier quarter were at opposite ends. Crew quarters exploded.
[1] - Wiki - Henry Howard Whitney (Freemason)
[3] - 10,000 Famous Freemasons by William R. Denslow Vol ll [Q to Z]
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