William Fairfield Whiting

William Fairfield Whiting (July 20, 1864 – August 31, 1936) was United States secretary of commerce from August 22, 1928, to March 4, 1929, during the last months of the administration of Calvin Coolidge.

Early life and career Whiting was born on July 20, 1864, in Holyoke, Massachusetts. He was the son of William Whiting II, a politician and businessman, and Anna Morgan (née Fairfield). He attended Amherst College and graduated in the class of 1896 alongside future Secretary of State Robert Lansing. When his father died, Whiting became president of the Whiting Paper Company and his brother Samuel Raynor Whiting became treasurer. Later, Whiting and Frank Stearns were the first two "Coolidge Men" who advocated their friend as a serious presidential candidate. At the 1920 Republican National Convention, Whiting voted for Coolidge for president on every ballot, the sole delegate to do so after Warren G. Harding had sewed up the votes to win the nomination. Former Senator William Butler of Massachusetts turned down the post before Coolidge offered it to Whiting.

During his first press interview after his appointment, Whiting stated, "My policies will be Mr. Hoover's policies."

Personal life Whiting married the former Anne H. Chapin, daughter of Judge Edward Whitman Chapin, on October 19, 1892.

He died of a long illness at his Holyoke home on August 31, 1936.