Gen 1: Joseph (the husband)

Joseph Whittaker was born late in his parents' marriage, long after his only sister Mary, and after many attempts and crushed hopes. As a result he was a spoiled boy who was doted on by his parents and sister alike. 

He met Ruth already as a teenager and fell deeply in love with the gentle, beautiful young girl. They married young, and soon had their first child, Frank. Around the same time, they moved to Willow Creek, into a beautiful big house where Joseph could be inspired to write. Financially they were sound, after the death of Joseph's parents several years before. But their joy was not to last, as Ruth passed away shortly after the death of their second child and first daughter Ida. Distraught, Joseph poured his heart into his writing. It was good for his career, but not necessarily for his two children who were in large part left to the care of their house maid.

But then Joseph met Abigail, the young, vivacious new teacher in town. He didn't hesitate for a second to hire her as a governess for his two young children, and delighted in their transformation under her care. He too started to find his footing again, as a slow burning love grew between him and Abigail and he never once regretted his decision to ask her to be his wife. He loved the life they made for themselves, and all the children they raised together. In his final will he had two wishes: that his beloved Abigail got to live in their house for the rest of her life should she choose to do so, and that the house after her death be donated to the city and turned into a library and archive of Willow Creek's history. 

He died in 1936, 75 years old, surrounded by his family. He rests at the graveyard next to Willow Creek church in between the women he loved in life. 

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