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Note: 14, 1890 in San Diego, California. His mother was Rachel Pye, born in England (1850 census). In New York City he was associated with the Firm of Thomas Whaley, Mfrs. of Engineers & Surveyors Instruments at 126 William Street. It is believed that this Firm belonged to his father for he was only 26 years of age when he left New York City in 1849 to go west. It is believed that this Thomas Whaley was descended from James Whaley and Margaret Goffe who came from Coleraine,Londonderry, Ireland to Plymouth, Massachusetts circa 1722. The 1880 census of San Diego County, California confirms the Ireland birthplace for his father. At a later date they moved to New London and thence to Montville, Connecticut. By his wife Margaret, they had issue of Alexander, Thomas of New York, Samuel, Jonathan, Humphrey of New York, and James. James Whaley, the elder was the grandson of Henry Whaley who was a brother to Edward Whaley the regicide.(Researched by Media Research Bureau, Washington, D.C)
Thomas Whaley went to California during the Gold Rush days aboard the "Sutton", arriving in San Francisco July 22, 1849 after a hazardous 204 day trip around Cape Horn. After two years in San Francisco he moved to San Diego and established a business in what is now called Old Town. He returned to New York City and on August 4, 1853 married Anna Eloise de Launay. She was daughter of Victoria Elizabeth (Salve) de Launay, born June 7, 1803 in Rouen, France. Four months later, Thomas Whaley was back in San Diego with his bride, Anna Eloise, She was also born in 1823 in New York City. She died February 24, 1913 in San Diego, California. Both are buried in Mt. Hope Cemetery, San Diego.
The Whaley House in Old Town, San Diego was built by Thomas Whaley in 1857. Original construction began May 6, 1856 and completed May 10, 1857. Bricks, used in the construction came from a clay-bed and kiln_ the first brick-yard in San Diego, which Thomas Whaley established 300 yards to the southwest of his projected home. The house was located on what is now San Diego Avenue and Harney Street on a 150 by 217 foot lot, part of an 8-1/2 acre parcel he purchased September 25, 1855. The north room was originally a granuary without flooring, but was remodeled when it became the County, Courthouse August 12, 1869. Later it was used as a theater for a traveling company, "The Tanner Troupe". The last Whaley to live in the Whaley House was Corrine Lillian Whaley, next to youngest daughter of Thomas Whaley's six children. She died at age 89 in 1953.
Note: Thomas Whaley was born October 5, 1823 in New York City and died December
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