Whittaker Cemetery is a private cemetery located next to Pioneer Park, Sarasota. It is recognized as the oldest cemetery in Sarasota County
Origins and Early History and Founding Family
The cemetery is the private family burial ground of William Henry Whittaker (1821–1881) and his wife Mary Jane Whittaker ( 1831-1908) William arrived in the area in the 1840’s under the Armed Occupation Act of 1842 and became Sarasota First permanent white settler.
First Burials
The earliest internment occurred in 1879, when the Whittaker’s young daughters Carrie and Grace passed away and were buried near the family home of William Whittaker in 1888.
Family land
The grave yard sat on 8 acres of family property between Hog Creek and 12th Street
20th century Vandalism and Preservation
Fencing and Vault 1910. Charles C. Whittaker of Tampa had the grounds enclosed with concrete block fence and constructed a concrete vault to house the remains of William and Mary Jane Whittaker.
The surrounding 8 acres remained underdeveloped into the 1930’s, during which the cemetery suffered vandalism and damage to the wall and gate.
Transfer to the DAR to ensure long term preservation.
The Whittaker Family decided to deed the cemetery to the Sara DeSota Chapter of the DAR in 1930. The transfer occurred in exchange for DAR’s care and upkeep. The DAR established a chapter house nearby and maintained the cemetery ever since
Mid Century Restoration in 1959
The Whittaker family and the DAR repaired the wall around the cemetery and the vault. On 02/28/1960, The DAR held a dedication ceremony unveiling new iron gates and a name plate presented by Louise Heigel and AK Whittaker
Modern era and Historical Recognition
The cemetery contains 48 used grave sites of Whittaker’s descendants. . There are 41 unused grave sites to be used for verified Whittaker family members
The cemetery was dedicated as a historic site in 2004 by Sarasota County Commissioners who also approved a historical plaque.
The DAR maintains a $60,000 trust for landscaping and upkeep though structural repairs require addition funding.
The cemetery remains privately owned and is not under the Sarasota Historical Society despite its proximity to Pioneer Park and the Crocker Church and Bidwell Wood House
