Hiram C. Whitley facts for kids

Colonel Hiram C. Whitley (August 6, 1834 – April 19, 1919) was the second Chief of the United States Secret Service. He played an important role in the early days of the Secret Service, helping to shape how it worked.

Quick facts for kids Hiram C. Whitley
2nd Chief of the U.S. Secret Service
In office 1869 (1869)–1875 (1875)
President	Ulysses S. Grant
Preceded by	William P. Wood
Succeeded by	Elmer Washburn
Personal details
Born	(1834-08-06)August 6, 1834 Camden, Maine, U.S.
Died	April 19, 1919(1919-04-19) (aged 84) Emporia, Kansas, U.S.

Early Life

Hiram C. Whitley was born in Camden, Maine, on August 6, 1834. His father, Dr. William Whitley, was a doctor from Scotland. His mother, Hannah D. McCoombs, was from Maine. In 1840, his family moved to Lake County, Ohio. There, he attended the Western Reserve Teachers' Seminary, a teaching school.

When he was fifteen, he left school. For two years, he worked as a drover, moving livestock. Later, he moved to Massachusetts and worked in the fishing industry with his uncle. In 1856, Whitley married Catherine Webster Bates, also known as Katie. They had two daughters, Katie and Sabra. The next year, the Whitleys moved to Lawrence, Kansas. Hiram worked in the grocery business there. In 1859, he sold his grocery business. He was interested in the Pike's Peak Gold Rush and moved to Colorado. However, he did not find gold. The Whitleys then settled in New Orleans. Hiram worked on the Red River as a steamboatman.

During the Civil War

When the Civil War began in April 1861, Whitley continued working on the Red River. He had some sympathy for the Confederacy. He even drilled with local groups, but he did not fight in battles. He was on a steamboat called the Starlight in Shreveport, Louisiana. This boat was taken by a Confederate group. They wanted to use it to block the river from the Union Army.

Whitley heard that the Union Army had captured New Orleans. He, along with another crew member, took the steamboat's small boat, called a yawl. They traveled mostly at night. After seven days, they reached New Orleans. There, Whitley reported to Major General Benjamin Butler. General Butler sent him to Colonel Jonas H. French. Colonel French then hired Whitley as a detective. Whitley later became a Major in the Seventh Louisiana Regiment.

Leading the Secret Service

In 1869, President Ulysses S. Grant chose Whitley to be the Chief of the United States Secret Service. This was only four years after the Secret Service started. Under Whitley's leadership, the Secret Service made important changes. They started keeping criminal files. They also created a written Code of Conduct for agents. Plus, they introduced an official badge for their agents.

Whitley was known for his skilled detectives. They were able to join and break up groups like the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) in North Carolina and Alabama. These actions helped to stop illegal activities. Although they faced challenges, Whitley's agents provided important information. This information helped the government take action against these groups.

Later, Whitley faced some accusations related to a case in 1874. He resigned as Chief and faced a trial. The trial ended without a clear decision. However, a court later found that the accusations against Whitley and others were based on a mistake. Because of this, the charges were dropped.

Later Years

After leaving the Secret Service, Hiram Whitley moved to Emporia, Kansas. There, he became a successful businessman. He passed away in Emporia on April 19, 1919, at the age of 84.

Works

• In It (1894)