The founder of this family in Canada was the late James Whale, who was b. in Wiltshire, Eng., 1800, d. 1861, age 61. He m. Jane Coles, in Eng., who d. in 1863, age 72. In 1845, they came to Canada and settled in Chinguacousy Tp., where they remained 3 years, coming to Peel Tp., in 1848, where he purchased 100 acres, on lot 9, con. 11.

He had just one English sovereign left on his arrival, with which to commence life in a new country but he was a man of great perseverence, and soon, with the help of his own son, became in easy circumstances. He was a local preacher, and class leader in the Methodist church, and in politics was a Liberal.

He had one son Thomas, who was b. in Wiltshire, in 1827, and d. in Peel Tp., in 1887. He purchased the east half of lot 10, con. 11, Peel, on which he later set. and cleared. Like his father, he was a man of strong personality and force of character, and became one of the most influential citizens of the community,, as well as one of the most prosperous. He was a local preacher in the Methodist church, and in fact, held all of the different offices of the church, from Steward to Sabbath School Supt. , and in his earlier years, preached in Wellesley, Maryborough, Minto, and other surrounding townships. He also took an active interest in the affairs of the township, being a Councillor for some years, and Deputy Reeve at the time of his death. He was progressive, and a liberal giver to all worthy objects. He was a member and a Director of the Peel and Maryborough Agricultural Society, and took a very active interest in the same. At the time of his death, he left 400 acres of land in Peel Tp., besides other property. He m. Ann Bettenson, dau, of Wm. Bettenson, in 1853, who d. 1901, age 64. Issue: William T., Eliza J. , James B. (d.); Mrs. William Sturtridge, Silas, Thomas H., John B., Arthur C., Mrs. Frederick F. Smith, and Mrs. Thomas Cooper, all b, on the Peel farm.

William T., b. 1855, was raised on Peel farm and owns 250 acres, lot 11, and part of lot 12, con. 10. He takers an active interest in affairs; has been Auditor, and is at present, Assessor. He is a Liberal in politics. He also takes an active interest in church matters, being a class leader, Trustee and Steward of the Methodist church. He m. Eliza Grose, in 1883. Issue: Irving, B., Stanley C., and Quincy D. Silas is also a prosperous farmer in Peel Tp., where he owns 100 acres, east foalf of lot 9, con. 10. He m. Elizabeth Whale, nee Longman. Thomas H. m. Sadie Peacock. He is a successful and leading merchant of Winnipogosis, Man., he also owns and operates a large store at Fork River.

John B., went to the N.W, with Thomas H. and d. there. He m. Isabella Longman. Issue : John R. Arthur C. m. Eliza Smith. He owns and lives on the old homestead of 150 acres. E.1/2 lot 10, con. 11. Issue: Russell. The Whale family are among the most successful and prominent in Peel Tp.