[1] The son of W. H. Whiteley and Louisa Thompson, he was born in Bonne-Espérance, Quebec and was educated at the Methodist College and at Saint Bonaventure's College.
He began sealing in 1890 and became master of the schooner Poppy in 1898, going on to captain several other ships.
He was also involved in the management of the family business based in Bonne-Espérance, Quebec.
He ran unsuccessfully to represent St. Barbe at the Newfoundland National Convention of 1946.
Whiteley served as chairman of the International Grenfell Association for a number of years.