BIOGRAPHIES: Thomas A. WHALEN, Ettrick, Trempealeau Co., WI ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor, or the legal representative of the contributor, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Nance Sampson, Trempealeau Co. WIGenWeb Coordinator, 1 June 2001 ==================================================================== Thomas A. Whalen, proprietor of a fine dairy farm of 200 acres in section 32, Ettrick Township, was born on his present farm, Sept. 3, 1866, son of Darby and Ann (Riley) Whalen. Darby Whalen was born in Connaught, Ireland, Jan. 13, 1824, and came to America with his parents in 1833, they being among the early settlers of Ettrick Township, this county. Here in time he became an extensive land owner and farmer, spending his life in cultivation of the soil, raising stock and other farm work. He was a prominent citizen of the township and was at various times called upon to serve in public office, being a member of the township board and school board and also serving as justice of the peace. His death occurred in 1894. His wife, who was born in Fall River, Wis., Jan. 13, 1824, is still living and resides on the farm with her son Thomas. She was the mother of two children, Thomas and Mary, Mary being a resident of the home farm. Her education in part was obtained at the Winona Normal School, where she made good progress in advanced studies. Thomas A. Whalen in his boyhood attended District School No. 8 in Ettrick Township, where he completed the education afforded the boy of those days. At an early age he learned the rudiments of farming and assisted his father until the latter's death, becoming its manager a number of years previous to that event. Subsequently becoming the proprietor, he has continued to develop and improve the property until it now ranks as one of the best dairy farms in the township. The buildings are substantial and include a barn, 90 by 34 feet in dimensions, with a 9-foot basement and 14-foot stockboards and cement floor. Both the barn and residence are lighted with electricity and the latter with other modern conveniences desirable for a comfortable home. On the farm there is also a first-class silo, with an ample supply of machinery and implements necessary for up-to-date dairy farming. Mr. Whalen is also a stockholder in the Ettrick & Northern Railroad. Jan. 10, 1906, Mr. Whalen was married to Bridget Harmon, who was born in Ettrick Township, about a mile from the Whalen farm. She attended the district schools, the Galesville High School and completed her studies with a term at the Gale College, after which she became a proficient teacher, teaching four years in Wisconsin and five years in Illinois. Her parents were Thomas and Julia (Rafter) Harmon. Mr. and Mrs. Whalen have one child, Thomas Harold, who was born Feb. 21, 1907. The family are member of the Catholic church. In politics Mr. Whalen is independent. He is now serving as president of the school board and is a man whose interests and sympathies are not confined to the limits of his own family circle, but who is always ready to do his part as a good citizen, and render aid when necessary to promote some worthy cause with the object of bettering the community at large. --From the "History of Trempealeau County Wisconsin, 1917," pages 426 - 427.