Born in Seale, Russell County, Alabama on April 25, 1851 to Thomas McDonough Grant and Mary J. Benton Grant. He married Kate L. Weagley on October 8, 1878. He lived in Davenport, Scott County, Iowa and served on the Iowa State House of Representatives in 1884 and 1885. He later moved to Sitka, Alaska Territory where he was appointed United States Attorney in 1887-1889. In 1893 he moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It did not take long for him to get involved in the political scene and business affairs of Oklahoma City. He was a member of the Democratic National Committee from Oklahoma. He was elected as the first Mayor under the Commission form of government that was established in March of 1911. He took office on June 8, 1911. He promised strict law enforcement. He served as Mayor of Oklahoma City until April 13, 1915. He along with his wife Kate remained in Oklahoma City. Whit died on December 10, 1927 and was buried at Fairlawn cemetery.