William Pinkney Whyte - Early Life and Education

Early Life and Education

Whyte was born in Baltimore, Maryland, the son of Joseph and Isabella White (he later changed his surname to Whyte following a family disagreement). His grandfather, William Pinkney, had been a famous United States politician, administrator, and diplomat.

Whyte's early education involved instruction by a private tutor, who had been personal secretary to Napoleon Bonaparte. From 1842-1844, Whyte was unable to attend college as a result of his family's poor financial situation, and began work at the banking firm of Peabody, Riggs and Co. in Baltimore. He began to study law in Baltimore at the law office of Brown and Brune for one year before being admitted to the law school of Harvard University in 1844. Whyte returned to Baltimore in 1845 for further study, and was admitted to the Bar soon after in 1846.

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