GEORGE W. WHATLEY is numbered among the representative citizens of Palo Pinto county, Texas, where he is now filling the position of county treasurer and also conducting private business interests as a stock farmer. He was born in Fayette county, Georgia, October 23, 1846, his parents being the Hon. William M. and Martha (Strong) Whatley. The father’s birth occurred in Fayette county, Georgia, in 1819, and he is still living there, being one of the oldest, most widely known and highly esteemed citizens of that party of the state. He has figured prominently in public life, wielding a wide influence and aiding largely in the molding of thought and opinion among the people of his locality. He served his county as assessor for many years and also represented his district in the state legislature. His wife, who is now deceased, was also a native of Georgia.
George W. Whatley continued a resident of Fayette county until his removal to Texas. He was reared upon his father’s farm and when only sixteen years of age, true to his love of southland, he enlisted in the Georgia State Troops, becoming a member of Company I, First Regiment Georgia Infantry. His company was the first placed on guard at Andersonville Prison, where they remained for about six months and later had charge of prisoners who were transferred to Florence, near Charleston, South Carolina. Subsequently the company was assigned to duty in regular service and Mr. Whatley took part in the heavy engagement of nine days which preceded the fall of Charleston.
Following the close of the war he returned to Fayette county, Georgia, where he was interested in agricultural pursuits until 1875, when he came to Western Texas, locating at his present home place, twelve miles west of Mineral Wells. Here he owns a good ranch of three hundred and twenty acres and is carrying on general stock farming with excellent success. He is a splendid judge of stock and is, therefore, able to make judicious purchases and profitable sales. He has also figured prominently in public affairs here, his worth and ability well entitling him to distinction in this regard. He was one of the men who reviewed the public road from Mineral Wells to Palo Pinto and in November, 1904, he was elected county treasurer, which position he is now filling with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents.
Mr. Whatley was married in Fayette county, Georgia, to Miss Indiana Price, and they have five children: Walter W., John S., Mrs. Georgie Lotsspeich, Mrs. Mary Dendy and Samuel. The parents hold membership in the Baptist church and have a wide acquaintance in Palo Pinto county, enjoying the hospitality of many of its best homes. Mr. Whatley is a typical American citizen, energetic and enterprising, watchful to and utilizing the advantages which have come to him in a manner that has resulted in making him one of the substantial residents of this part of the county.
Source: B. B. Paddock, History and Biographical Record of North and West Texas, Vol. II (Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1906), pp. 302-303.