Thomas Joseph Whelan (also Whalen) was born in Wheeling, Ohio County, West Virginia to Michael Joseph Whelan (1862-1918), a Freight Clerk on the Railroad, and Ella (also Ellen) Meehan. The parents were married in Wheeling in June 1889. Thomas' siblings were Raymond and Mary.

In 1910, the family was living on 24th Street in Wheeling. Thomas, 19, was employed as a newspaper collector.

According to his World War I Draft Registration Card, at that time - May 1917 - he was employed as a tally clerk for National Tube Company, Pittburgh. His birth date is stated as June 29, 1890. He was described as tall (5' 10"), slender (140 pounds), with light hair and blue eyes. He said he resided at 67-24th Street, Wheeling.

His father, Michael Joseph Whelan, died in 1918 and he returned to Wheeling. The family was still residing on 24th Street in Wheeling in 1924, and Thomas is listed as a clerk in the Wheeling City Directory.

In 1930, Thomas Whalen, a nurse, born in West Virginia, was working in New York City.

His World War II Draft Registration states his birthdate as June 29, 1892 at Wheeling. At the time of the registration, April 27, 1942, he was living at 200 Gross St., Pittsburgh with his mother, Ellen, and his sister, Mary V. Rolf, the widow of August Joseph Rolf. Thomas was employed at St. Francis Hospital. The mother died on August 4, 1942 and she is buried at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Wheeling.

Nurse Thomas Joseph Whalen/Whalen, single, died January 13, 1957 of a coronary occlusion at Shadyside Hospital, Pittsburgh; his death record states his birth year as 1895. He is buried at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Wheeling. His parents are buried there, as well.