Among the many prominent foreign born citizens, and leading farmers of Macoupin county, stands the name of Robert Whiteley. He was born in Yorkshire, England, on the river Ouse, fifteen miles from the city of York, in August, 1819. The Whiteleys are an old family in England. The homestead has been in their name for over five hundred years, and still continues in their name. Robert Whiteley, his father, was twice married. The mother of Robert died while he was quite young. By the first marriage there were two children, and by the last three. Ann, the sister of Robert, is married to William Thompson, and is a resident of Marysville, California. Robert is the oldest son. In 1844 he came to America, and landed in New Orleans, and came up the river to St. Louis, and from there to Alton, and then to Chesterfield, where he stopped with Captain Gelder. He stayed with the captain from spring until the following fall, when he hired to Mr. Rocklington, with whom he remained for two years, receiving one hundred dollars per year. After this he went to New Orleans, and spent the winter in draying. During the hot summer months he came north, and worked upon a farm, returning in the fall to New Orleans. He continued thus for seven years. He found the draying business in New Orleans very lucrative. In 1852 he went to work upon his farm that he had purchased the year before. He put in a crop that year, and in the spring of 1853 he was united in marriage to Miss Adelaide Morris. She was a native of Macoupin county. Ten children were born to them, three of whom are now living. His wife died December, 1869. The place he purchased in 1851 originally contained two hundred and sixty-five acres, to which he has added two hundred more, making in all over four hundred acres of as fine improved land as there is in Macoupin county. He also raises stock, and has been very successful in his dealings in that direction. He was raised in the Presbyterian faith. He is a republican in politics. In the community where he has long resided, none are more respected than Robert Whiteley. He is a large hearted, free handed English gentleman, whose acquaintance it is a genuine pleasure to make, as the writer of this article can testify.