In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1822
From History of Boone County, Missouri (1882)
SMITH WILHITE.
The subject of this sketch was born in Kentucky, December 21st, 1822. He is the son of Joel Wilhite, a native of Culpepper county, Virginia. In 1837 Joel Wilhite emigrated to Missouri, and settled in Osage county, but did not remain there but one season. Coming to Booue county in 1838 he settled for the remainder of his life on a farm near New Providence church. His children were educated at the common schools of the country. The subject of this sketch married Rebecca Grant, daughter of Elijah Grant, of Boone county. Eleven children were born to them, three of whom died in infancy. The living are Mary E., Robert H., Boyle G., Porter C, Myra B., Nannie A., Minnie M. and Sallie P. Mary E. married George M. Hawkins. They have had two children. Boyle G. married Laura Hawkins. Mr. Wilhite has a fine farm of 250 acres which was but partially improved when he bought it. It is now one of the best farms in that region of country. He has excellent blue grass and is well-fixed for raising and handling stock. Mr. Wilhite was a soldier in the Mexican war under Col. Eastman. He is a member of the Baptist church at New Providence. He takes a great interest in education, and has been an active agent in building up one of the finest district schools in the county.
As printed in History of Boone County, Missouri (1882). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
Their biographies name Smith Wilhite: Robert Harris Wilhite (b. 1855)
The printed record stops around 1882. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.