Over two centuries ago a family of this name settled at Tunbridge Wells, England. The London directories of recent date show the name to be not an infrequent one in that city, being borne chiefly by members of the Episcopal clergy and retired army officers.
(I) The American branch of the family came to the United States in 1830. John Whish, with his wife Julia Munz, settled in Albany, New York, in that year. He purchased an extensive tract of land and resided thereon until his death. His home is now a part of the city of Albany. Here he had extensive orchards and gardens. He had six sons and six daughters, all born in the United States, the eldest shortly after his arrival in New York.
(II) George Alexander, eldest child of John and Julia (Munz) Whish, was born in New York City. He grew up in Albany, where he was educated in the public schools. He learned the trade of pattern maker and became head of that department for the Boston & Albany Railroad. He was a member of the Episcopal church, and a Republican. He married Adeline M., daughter of David Denham Palmer, a descendant of the old Palmer family of Plymouth, Massachusetts, and his wife, Elizabeth Martin. Children:
- John David, see forward.
- Julia Elizabeth, married Lewis N. Relyea, died October 29, 1888.
- George Alexander (2), became an engineer, married Mary A. Severence.
- Addie P., married Alfred Whittle.
- Edward Denham, died in infancy.
- Lilly Etta, married Ira G. Knapp.
- Ruth, married Thomas Dolan.
(III) John David, son of George Alexander and Adeline M. (Palmer) Whish, was born at the home of his maternal grandfather in the town of Berne (East Berne), Albany county, New York, July 9, 1868. His early life was passed in Albany, where he was educated in the intermediate and high schools. He decided upon the profession of medicine, and took a course of lectures at Albany Medical College, but did not finish, leaving to enter the field of journalism. He began his newspaper work under George Dawson, then editor of the Albany Evening Journal. From the Journal he went to the Albany Argus, and became a member of the editorial staff during the incumbency of St. Clair McKelway of the editor's chair. He was also a member of the staff of the Albany Evening Times under Theophilus C. Collicot. For seventeen years Mr. Whish was the Albany correspondent of the New York Herald, and reported the proceedings of the state legislature each year. He traveled extensively all over New York state, writing up political matters. He became widely known as a ready, interesting writer of both prose and verse. He did not confine his work to political subjects, but covered a much wider range. He was the author of A History of Ancient City Lodge No. 452, Free and Accepted Masons, and published the Albany Guide Book. During the administration of Theodore Roosevelt as governor of New York, he was appointed secretary of the Forest, Fish and Game Commission, on the recommendation of Governor Roosevelt. This position he now holds (1910). He is a capable official, and brings to his work wide knowledge gained by extensive travel all over the United States, to which is added the enthusiasm of his nature and a genuine love of the particular work of the commission. He is a member of many fraternal organizations, and a charter member of the Legislative Reporters Association. His social club is the Aurania, of Albany. He is a member of the Episcopal church, and a Republican. He married, in 1887, Lillian O., youngest daughter of John James Martin, a retired business man of Albany, of Scotch descent. Children:
- Robert Martin, born June 13, 1888; died October 18, 1895.
- Mary Elizabeth, a graduate of Albany high school, class 1911; she is preparing to enter Vassar College, class of 1915.