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Butte, May 7—The funeral of Dr. O. B. Whitford, pioneer physician and surgeon of Butte, was held yesterday afternoon from Masonic temple. Burial was in Mount Moriah Cemetery following the simple but impressive ceremonies of the Masonic fraternity. It was the doctor’s wish that only the Masonic services be used and his request was complied with by the members of his family. The lodge room during the services was filled with brother Masons, old-time friends and admirers of the aged physician, and among the number were several whom the departed doctor, in his 45 years of medical practice in Butte, had assisted into the world. Following the temple services the officers of Butte lodge, No. 22, A. F. and A. M., of which Dr. Whitford was a charter member and one of the first masters, escorted the body to the grave where the Masonic burial service was recited. Worshipful Master Frank Rodda, assisted by the lodge officers, conducted the ritualistic ceremonies. It was recalled that Dr. Whitford had been raised a Mason in Highland City lodge, which according to member of the Montana Society of Pioneers, was one of the two oldest Masonic lodges in Montana. There were many floral tributes to the memory of the departed, the casket resting in an embankment of flowers. Dr. Whitford had practiced medicine in the state since 1864, when he came, a medical student, as physician to the emigrant train of Captain Bridger, during a vacation from his studies at the Eclectic Institute at Cincinnati from which he graduated in 1865. He returned immediately to the territory of Montana, where, with the exception of three years spent in Portland, Ore. He continuously practiced his profession for nearly 61 years. When death claimed him he was 90 years and 6 months old. Physician, surgeon, Indian fighter and pioneer of the west, he located in Butte nearly 50 years ago and saw the city grow from a struggling mining camp into a metropolitan city. He enjoyed the confidence and respect of a wide circle of acquaintances, being known as a physician of unusual ability whose devotion to his calling was of the highest order.
The Independent Record
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Montana Pioneer Dies at Age of 91, Butte, May 4—Dr. O. B. Whitford, born in Ohio nearly 91 years ago and a resident of Montana since the 60’s, a past president of the Society of Montana Pioneers and oldest past master of Butte lodge No. 22. A. F. & A. M., died here Monday. He had practiced his profession of medicine up to three days before he died. Apoplexy caused death. Dr. Whitford served in the Indian uprising, took part in the battle of the Big Hole, and participated in the vigilante activities in the early days. Oldest Doctor in Montana is Dead
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