J. Irving Whalley
John Irving Whalley | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Barnesboro, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | March 8, 1980 (aged 77) |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, businessman |
| Years active | 1930s–1972 |
| Known for | U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania, automobile dealership owner |
John Irving Whalley (September 14, 1902 – March 8, 1980) served as a Republican representative in the U.S. House of Representatives for the state of Pennsylvania.
Early life and business career
Whalley was born in Barnesboro, Pennsylvania to parents who had immigrated from England. He began working at a grocery store when he was just 10 years old and later, at 14, took a job at a local Ford garage. Through various positions including mechanic, salesman, bookkeeper, delivery driver, and driving instructor, he eventually acquired ownership of the dealership by age 26. Three years afterward, he expanded his operations by purchasing an additional dealership and ultimately developed a network of 13 automobile dealerships throughout central and western Pennsylvania prior to World War II.
Public service
Whalley concentrated on matters affecting the automotive sector, actively opposing taxes he considered unjust toward new car purchasers and promoting enhancements to the Pennsylvania turnpike as well as other state highways. He held several leadership posts such as chairman of the Somerset County Redevelopment Authority and the Windber Planning Commission. Additionally, he was a member of the Windber School Board from 1935 until 1947. In terms of political office, Whalley represented Somerset County in the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives between 1951 and 1954 and later served in the Pennsylvania State Senate representing the 36th district from 1955 to 1960. In 1969, President Richard Nixon appointed him as a delegate to the United Nations.
U.S. House of Representatives
Whalley won a special election to join the Eighty-sixth Congress, filling the seat left vacant by the passing of Representative Doug Elliott. He secured reelection for five additional terms and became a senior member of the House Foreign Relations Committee before stepping down in 1972.
The year following his retirement, Whalley faced allegations regarding kickbacks from staff salaries; however, he maintained that these funds were allocated for office-related expenses. Ultimately, he pled guilty to one charge of mail fraud along with two counts of obstruction of justice. He received an $11,000 fine and was placed on probation for three years.
Later years
In 1981, Whalley was honored with induction into the Automotive Hall of Fame. He passed away at age 77 and was interred at Grandview Cemetery, Johnstown.