Harvey Whitley, a well known farmer owning a quarter section of land in Yorkville Township, was born in Brighton Township, Kenosha County, on the 19th of June, 1869, of the marriage of Thomas and Mary A. (Leach) Whitley. The former, born in Bingley, Yorkshire, England, on the 12th of March, 1821, came to the United States when twenty-two years old and located in Kenosha County, Wisconsin, where he became identified with agricultural interests. He was married in 1861 to Miss Mary Ann Leach, who was born in Keighley, Yorkshire, and by whom he had five children: Joseph E., born December 7, 1861; Sarah A., born December 29, 1862; Mary J., born January 19, 1866; Thomas W., born August 22, 1867; and Harvey.
The last named supplemented his common school education by attending the Oshkosh Normal School and as a boy and youth also became thoroughly familiar with practical methods of farming, through helping his father. He has continued to follow the occupation to which he was reared and has accumulated more than a competence. He resided in Brighton Township, Kenosha County, to 1900, when he came to Yorkville Township, Racine County, where he owns one hundred and sixty acres of well improved land. His residence is modern and attractive, the barns and outbuildings are substantial and he also has a large silo. He raises both grain and stock, also engages in dairying and his annual income in a gratifying one.
Mr. Whitley was married on the 14th of March, 1900, to Miss Sarah Stewart, who was born in Canada on the 25th of August, 1872, and is a daughter of William and Margaret (Mutter) Stewart, also natives of the Dominion. In 1874 the family came to Racine County where the father acquired title to two hundred and sixteen acres of land. He was recognized as a successful farmer and public-spirited citizen and his death was the occasion of much sincere regret. To Mr. and Mrs. Whitley have been born three children: Lula M, whose birth occurred on the 10th of April, 1902; Roy M., born November 7, 1904; and Everett R., born January 17, 1906.
Mr. Whitley refuses to follow the dictates of party leaders, voting for the man whom he deems hest fitted for the office in question, without regard to his political allegiance. He has served on the school board for fourteen years, his continuance in that position indicating, his ability and conscientiousness as an official. He has been a life-long resident of this section of the state and has thoroughly identified his interests with those of this community, being at all times willing to aid in advancing the general welfare in any way possible.