He was the uncle of Rep. Ira Clifton Copley, and the grandfather of composer Richard A. Whiting.

Born in West Hartford, Connecticut, Whiting attended the common schools.

He was appointed assessor of internal revenue for the fifth district of Illinois in February 1870, serving until May 20, 1873, when the office was abolished.

He was appointed collector of internal revenue for the same district May 20, 1873, with office at Peoria, Illinois, and served until his resignation on March 4, 1875, having been elected to Congress.

Richard H. Whiting in Kansas: a cyclopedia This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress