John A. Whalley

High on the list of Seattle’s honored dead is written the name of John A. Whalley, who won substantial success in the insurance business and also aided in framing the laws of the state, manifesting his public spirit by word and deed. He was born in Bradford, Yorkshire, England, October 24, 1863, and when a boy of seven came to the United States with his parents, Pickering and Emma (Ackroyd) Whalley, who established their home in San Francisco. His education was acquired in the public schools of that city and in 1883, when a young man of twenty, he allied his interests with those of Seattle. For a time he was private secretary to L. S. J. Hunt, owner and editor of the Post-Intelligencer, and was then promoted to the position of circulating manager. Afterward he was elected to the office of treasurer and ably managed the financial end of the business. In 1897 he severed his connection with the paper and opened a real estate and insurance office in Seattle, organizing the firm of John A. Whalley & Company. Energetic, methodical and capable, he prospered in the undertaking and acted as general agent for many corporations engaged in the surety, casualty and fire insurance business, while he also handled considerable property. About 1901 his brother, A. W. Whalley, entered the firm and they were associated in the administration of its affairs until the death of J. A. Whalley in March, 1912. Since that time A. W. Whalley has managed the business, instituting well devised plans for its growth and expansion.

In 1891 J. A. Whalley was united in marriage to Miss Clara H. Dickey and they became the parents of three daughters; Mabel Frances, Alice Maude and Emily; and a son, John A. Jr., who is deceased.

A stalwart republican, Mr. Whalley exerted considerable influence in the local councils of the party and in 1908 was chosen to represent his district in the general assembly of Washington. He was a prominent factor in the proceedings of the house and while a member of the committee on military affairs super- intended the investigation of the affairs of the Washington National Guard, which resulted in the introduction of needed reforms in that organization. He was also chairman of the insurance committee. Owing to his commendable record as a member of the house, he was elected to the senate from the thirty-sixth district in 1910. Mr. Whalley was again made chairman of the committee on insurance and the service which he rendered to the state in that connection was particularly important and valuable. He was one of the organizers of the Washington National Guard, with which he was connected for a number of years, and became first sergeant of the Seattle Rifles. He joined Arcana Lodge, No...