Wheeler, Edward

WHEELER, CHASE, CHAPMAN, GROW

Posted By: Volunteer Subscribers
Date: 2/17/2003 at 14:33:11

PORTRAIT & BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM OF CLINTON COUNTY, IOWA 1886 (CHAPMAN BROS.) 
Containing full page portraits & biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county. (Also available on FHL film 1036331 Item 9)
EDWARD WHEELER. There were some who came here at an early day, pitched their tent upon the broad, uncultivated prairie, and who were closely identified with the agricultural development of the county until the day rolled around when their work on earth was completed and they were called to that better home above. Among this number and one who has left behind him the monument of his labor, a finely improved farm, and a richer heritage, a good name, is Edward Wheeler.

Mr. Wheeler was born in Faystown, Washington Co., Vt., Feb. 16, 1821. His father, Silas Wheeler, was a native of the same county, and our subject’s grandfather, William Wheeler, was born in New Hampshire and became a pioneer of Washington County, Vt. Our subject’s father died in his native State in September, 1883, aged ninety years. He was a farmer by calling and followed that vocation until his demise; the maiden name of his wife was Rachel Chase, a native of the Green Mountain State, and the issue of their union was five children.

Edward Wheeler was the second child in order of birth in his parents’ family. He grew to manhood in his native town, received an education in the public schools and was reared to agricultural pursuits. After he had attained the age of manhood, he went to Essex County, N. Y., where he continued laboring at his calling, and where he was married, April 22, 1819, to Miss Laura E. Chapman. She was born in Maria, Essex Co., N. Y., Feb. 21, 1830. her father, John Chapman, was a native of Green Mountain State, but was reared in New Hampshire and married Sally Chapman, also a native of Vermont. From New Hampshire he moved to York State, settling in Maria, where he died, aged thirty-two years. His wife subsequently removed to this State and died in Eden Township at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Wheeler.

At the time of our subject’s marriage he located in Maria Township, Essex Co., N. Y., and engaged in farming summers and in lumbering during the winter seasons, and was thus occupied until 1853. he then, in company with his family, came to this county and purchased land on section 18, Eden Township. His purchase was all wild land and he at first rented land that was improved and for two years farmed in this manner. During this time, however, he broke a portion of his own land and otherwise improved the place, and in 1855 settled on it and there lived and labored until his demise, Sept. 17, 1872. By that time he had greatly improved his place, planted fruit and shade trees, erected a good residence, and since his death Mrs. Wheeler has continued to reside upon the farm and manage it, with the assistance of her children. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler was blest by the birth of seven children—Edward H., married and resides in Easton, Union Co., Iowa; Sarah E.; Harriet L.; Florence M., wife of John H. Grow, and they reside in Sac County, Iowa; Charles S., Frances R. and Laura S.

In politics Mr. Wheeler was a staunch Republican. Religiously he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, having joined it in early life, but did not unite with any congregation while a resident here. He was nevertheless a true and consistent Christian gentleman, and respected for his straightforward and manly dealings with his fellowman. Mrs. Wheeler joined the Baptist Church when she was twelve years of age and has remained.