Preacher counts 'water witching' among his special gifts

Mount Olivet -- Some call him their preacher, some "call me a witch," said Robertson Countian Dee Whitaker, and many call him a friend.

Whitaker has the unique ability to detect certain substances underground by a method traditionally called "dowsing" or "water witching."

Whitaker said he can find any "flow through" underground, often water or gas. Some soil with "certain minerals" has thrown his method off from time to time, but he’s accurate enough for many people to trust his readings.

Whitaker was called multiple times a couple years ago to assist with the installation of the Robertson County sewage system. He was asked to locate septic tank lines in Mount Olivet nearly every day.

Although the process is not widely accepted by the scientific community, many individuals are evidently believers of his unique "gift."

Additionally, Dee has been summoned by farmers, contractors and other's who have needed his assistance and have been amazed by his accuracy.

Whitaker uses a green "forked switch" to detect elements underground.

"A dead stick won’t work," he said.

He prefers to use a switch from an elm tree -- it’s tough and won’t break. However, switches from peach and willow trees will also do the trick.

Outside the Robertson County Library, Dee grips a forked stick tightly and walks slowly over the ground. Suddenly, the stick begins to bend.

"Here’s something," he said as he stopped, his switch bowing completely over.

Next, Dee sits on the ground, near the spot where the switch pointed. He grasps the switch and watches it "nod" over the earth. It bobs up and down ever-so-slightly.

Whitaker counts the nods, which to him, represent feet.

"It’s about three-and-a-half feet down," he said, "whatever it is."

Whitaker guesses it is some sort of line running to or from the library.

Although he’s an ace at detecting elements beneath the surface, Whitaker said he can hold a fork over a river and it will never do a thing.

He can’t explain the phenomenon.

"You don’t know how you do these things," he said.

Dee did not always possess his unique ability.

It wasn't until his father passed away that Dee received the gift, which he believes was passed down from his father, also a "water witch."

In 1936, Dee’s father, Jeff, assisted well-diggers in locating vanes of water in a "very dry" Harrison County, the county in which Dee was born.

"I thought a lot of my dad," said Dee.

As a youngster, Dee would follow his father and try to imitate him, but he never could "get the switch to work." Even as an adult, Whitaker did not possess the gift.

"It never would work for me," said Dee.

It was not until after Whitaker began doing soil conservation work in Robertson County, after his father’s death, that he discovered his ability

"I wondered if that switch would work for me," said Dee, adding that it did.

"I think my dad had that gift and the Lord just gave it to me," he said, "Why? I don’t know."

Whitaker can also allegedly stop bleeding.

Robertson County Librarian Carol Mitchell said she was accidentally cut on the forehead by a chainsaw a few years ago and Dee came over and "did his thing."

Amazingly, the cut produced very little blood, even though the deep gash required 11 stitches.

"He’s amazing," said Mitchell.

Whitaker won’t give away his blood-stopping secret.

"I couldn’t do it anymore if I gave away my secret," he said.

He also possesses a special antidote, an old German home remedy for burns.

Whitaker collects snow water from the first snowfall in March to heal burns.

"It can’t be the second (snow)," he advises.

He has passed the special water to many friends, who he says are true-believers.

Mitchell asked Whitaker if he can heal warts.

"I can’t do warts," Whitaker said with a laugh.

Mitchell calls Whitaker one of Robertson County’s "unique citizens."

"He’s full of all kinds of wisdom," she said.

Whitaker has lived in Robertson County since 1954. He is a former Robertson County jailer and is currently a Robertson County magistrate.

He is also the preacher at the New Corinth Church of Christ on Oakland Road in Mt. Olivet. Whitaker asks locals to join the congregation in revival Sept. 28, 29 and 30 at 7 p.m.

Amazingly, Whitaker never asks for money to perform his special acts. He said he believes if he accepted money, he might not be able to retain his abilities.

"I believe God can give you gifts," he said

He simply believes he is sharing his gifts, granted by a higher power.