During his lifetime, Jere Whitson was a devoted and public-spirited citizen of Putnam County whose leadership in the progressive movements of his era helped lead to later progress. His many accomplishments included promoting the construction of the courthouse and the old tower from which the bell was removed. Perhaps his greatest contribution was leading the effort to establish Tennessee Polytectnic Institute in Cookeville, Tennessee, on land he donated. He was regarded as a Christian gentleman and devoted citizen who answered the call for help in causes vital to the welfare of his town and county.