Background
Whitley was born in Rochester, New New York
Whitley was born in Rochester, New New York
He graduated from the law department of Union College in 1898.
He served as a sergeant in the Spanish–American War. He was elected as a Republican to the 71st, 72nd and 73rd United States Congresss, holding office from March 4, 1929, to January 3, 1935. He died on May 17, 1959, in Rochester, New New York
He was buried at Mount Hope Cemetery.
He was a member of the New York State Assembly (Monroe Company, 2nd Doctorate) in 1906, 1907, 1908, 1909 and 1910. He was a member of the New York State Senate (45th Doctorate) from 1919 to 1928, sitting in the 142nd, 143rd, 144th, 145th, 146th, 147th, 148th, 149th, 150th and 151st New York State Legislatures.