Free Church leader. Born out-of-wedlock in Kirriemuir, Whyte's mother struggled to bring him up. He became an apprentice shoemaker and was self-educated, fitting his studies between work. In 1854, he was lucky to obtain a position as school-master in Padanaram and the following year moved to another teaching position in Airlie. Here the Minister encouraged Whyte, teaching him Latin and Greek enabling him to enter King's College (Aberdeen) in 1858.
While in Aberdeen, he was asked to serve as temporary minister in Woodside Congregational Church. He went on to study divinity at New College (Edinburgh) under Prof. Robert Rainy (1826 - 1906). He preached at Free St. John's in Glasgow for three years, before returning to Edinburgh to serve as junior minister at Free St. George's under Rev. Dr. Robert Candlish (1806-73).
From 1909, Whyte served as Principal of New College. He retired to Buckinghamshire, where he died, but was buried in Edinburgh. Whyte is remembered as a powerful preacher.