Born in Decatur, Nebraska, Whitacre attended the public schools, Hiram (Ohio) College, and the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.

He had a home built in Brown Township, Carroll County, Ohio.

During the 1920 presidential campaign, both candidates, Warren G Harding and James M. Cox visited his home.

He announced he would not run for a third term in 1914: All I've done since I've been in Washington has been to sit around and try to look wise, and that's what any man has to do who isn't willing to barter his convictions for political expediency.

This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress