SOURCE: History of the upper peninsula of Michigan : containing a full account of its early settlement, its growth, development, and resources, an extended description of its iron and copper mines : also, accurate sketches of its counties, cities, towns, and villages ... biographical sketches, portraits of prominent men and early settlers.
Collection: Michigan County Histories Pages 505

W. A. WHITTLESEY, of the Merrick Lumber Company, was born at Danbury, Conn., February 1, 1849. At the age of fourteen, he entered the Marietta College, Marietta,. Ohio, finishing his studies in 1869. He was engaged in business with a wholesale woolen house of Detroit for three years, and in charge of a large printing house in New Lebanon, N. Y., for four years, run by Messrs. Tilden -& Co. In 1876, returned to Detroit, Mich., and was engaged in business for himself for three years. From close attention to business, Mr. Whittlesey lost his health, and by advice of friends came to Wisconsin in 1880, and associated himself with Messrs. M. F. Merrick and James Tobin, under the firm name of the Merrick Lumber Company, assuming the management and the duties of Secretary and Treasurer. He was married to Miss Cora B. Tilden, daughter of H. A. Tilden, of Lebanon, N. Y. Mr. Whittlesey is a member of the Presbyterian Church, a Prelate of the Order of Knights of Pythias, and County Superintendent of Public Schools, receiving his appointment from the Governor of Wisconsin.