Father of twelve, nine of whom were by Alma McPeck, including Paul Wahlberg (aka Paul J. Wahlberg), Robert Wahlberg (aka Robert G. Wahlberg), Donnie Wahlberg (aka Donald E. Wahlberg) and Mark Wahlberg (aka Mark R. Wahlberg). Some of his children by Alma McPeck later adopted their mother's maiden name (Donnelly).