A native of Van Buren county. Dr. Whitten was, we learn, a native of Van Buren, having been born on the farm. He graduated at the Keokuk Medical School, and subsequently attended a thorough course of lectures in New York City, and practiced medicine with marked success for several years at Doud. He was Assistant Surgeon of the 3d Iowa Cavalry. He was a member of the Van Buren County Board of Supervisors for one term, which expired with the incoming of the new system of three members, and declined the candidacy for a renomination, preferring to devote his entire time to the practice of his profession, At the earnest request of his many personal and political friends, he consented to become a candidate for Representative in the General Assembly, was almost unanimously nominated by the Republican party, and elected by a majority largely in excess of any of his associates on the Republican ticket. At the time the 14th General Assembly convened his health was quite feeble, and continued so during the entire session, disqualifying him from taking that leading part as a member for which his natural and acquired abilities eminently fitted him. Notwithstanding, however, his extremely ill health, he was in his seat during the entire session, and also at the adjourned session. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity.