Lawyer.

Immigrated to Maryland (1720). Apprenticed to the clerk of Baltimore County. Practiced law; also owned lands for tobacco culture and iron production. Deputy surveyor of Baltimore County (c. 1734). Colonel of Maryland militia. Moved to Philadelphia (c. 1745) but retained Maryland property. Trustee of the college at Philadelphia (1749-79). Justice of the peace (1752).

Son of William and Elizabeth (Leigh) White of London. Married (1) Sophia Hall (c. 1730); three daughters; (2) Esther (Hewlings) Newman (1747); two children: William, who became an Episcopalian bishop, and Mary, who married the financier Robert Morris.