US Congressman. He moved to Altona, Illinois in 1850, and to Galesburg, in 1860, where he founded and operated the Galesburg Gas Light Company. He joined the Union Army for the Civil War, serving as a Paymaster with the rank of Major from 1862 until his 1866 discharge. Whiting became in several other businesses, including the Galesburg Free Democrat newspaper and farms in Illinois and Kansas. In 1870 he was appointed US Revenue Assessor for the Illinois fifth district, moving to Peoria to take up his duties, and serving until the office was abolished in 1873. In 1873 he was appointed US Collector of Internal Revenue for the same district, serving until he resigned in 1875 to take his seat in Congress. In 1874 he was the successful Republican nominee for the US House of Representatives and served one term, 1875 to 1877. He did not run for reelection in 1876 and returned to his business interests, also serving as a Delegate to the 1884 Republican national convention. His nephew Ira Clifton Copley also served as a Congressman from Illinois.
US Congressman. He moved to Altona, Illinois in 1850, and to Galesburg, in 1860, where he founded and operated the Galesburg Gas Light Company. He joined the Union Army for the Civil War, serving as a Paymaster with the rank of Major from 1862 until his 1866 discharge. Whiting became in several other businesses, including the Galesburg Free Democrat newspaper and farms in Illinois and Kansas. In 1870 he was appointed US Revenue Assessor for the Illinois fifth district, moving to Peoria to take up his duties, and serving until the office was abolished in 1873. In 1873 he was appointed US Collector of Internal Revenue for the same district, serving until he resigned in 1875 to take his seat in Congress. In 1874 he was the successful Republican nominee for the US House of Representatives and served one term, 1875 to 1877. He did not run for reelection in 1876 and returned to his business interests, also serving as a Delegate to the 1884 Republican national convention. His nephew Ira Clifton Copley also served as a Congressman from Illinois.
Bio by: Bill McKern
Family Members
Advertisement
