Whitney, Fred C. (1861–1930), producer. Born and raised in Detroit, where his father, Clark J. Whitney (1832–1903), was a prominent theatre manager, he went on to mount a number of plays, including a 1900 dramatization of Quo Vadis? But Whitney was best known for his musical productions, such as The Fencing Master (1892), The Algerian (1893), Rob Roy (1894), Brian Boru (1896), A Normandy Wedding (1898), Dolly Varden (1902), When Johnny Comes Marching Home (1902), Love's Lottery (1904), The Chocolate Soldier (1909), and The Spring Maid (1910). His brother was Bert C. Whitney (d. 1929), who operated theatres and presented productions in Chicago, Toronto, Montreal, and other cities.

For more information on William Collins Whitney, visit Britannica.com.

1841–1904, American financier and political leader, b. Conway, Mass. After attending (1863–64) Harvard law school, he moved to New York City, became successful as a corporation lawyer, and was associated with various public utility companies and transportation interests. He helped lead the fight that brought about the downfall of William Marcy Tweed and the election (1874) of Samuel J. Tilden as governor. As city corporation counsel (1875–82) he helped save New York City much money. Whitney, important in Democratic politics, served (1885–89) as Secretary of the Navy under President Cleveland and secured legislation for the making of armor-plated war vessels. In 1892 he supported Cleveland for the presidency, but in 1896 he refused to support the candidacy of William Jennings Bryan. He was a society leader and an outstanding sportsman.

Bibliography

See biography by M. D. Hirsch (1948, repr. 1969).