EDWIN WHEELER
It is not often, in a town of Marne's size that one finds so complete a stock as that carried by Edwin Wheeler. Open- a grocery, July 1, 1875, he was the pioneer merchant, in his line, of the town. His first move was to erect a building, 18x28 feet in dimensions. Into this he placed a complete stock of groceries, opening business in June. His trade rapidly increased, and before long more room was wanted for the extension of his business. In accordance with this demand for extended facilities, he added eighteen feet in length to his main building, making 18x46, and also put up a warehouse in the rear of his store, 18x16. On making these improvements, he added other lines to his business, and in each he carries an assorted stock. He handles a fine line of staple and fancy groceries, canned goods, queensware, glassware, etc., boots and shoes, slippers, etc., besides notions and fancy goods. Some idea of the importance of this establishment to Marne may be gleaned, when it is stated that he carries a stock valued at $3,500, and that his business amounts to $20,000 a year.
Edwin Wheeler, the pioneer grocer of Marne, is a native of Bradford county, Pennsylvania, and was born November 3, 1831. His parents, Rollin and Phoebe (Bull) Wheeler, are both Americans by birth, and both natives of Vermont. Their country residence, Edwin's birthplace was a beautiful place on the banks of the Susquehanna river, and here he spent his boyhood days, until the family removed to Luzerne county. There he remained till the spring of 1853, when, recognizing the superior opportunities afforded by the West, he determined to remove to Illinois, selecting Dixon, Lee county, as his stopping place, and there for one year was engaged in the butchering business, but not having formed a liking for the business, he then went on a farm in Carroll county. After one year spent in the pursuit of agriculture, he formed a partnership with his father and brother, and they entered into the mercantile business in Milledgeville. After this business had continued two years, Mr. Wheeler again retired to the farm. In 1862 he removed to Hardin county, Iowa, with whose interests he was identified until coming to Marne, in 1876. He was married in Milledgeville, Carroll county, Illinois, May 10, 1855, to Deborah Stewart, whose parents had removed to Illinois from Steuben county, New York, in 1853. Three children have blest their union: Columbus C., William L. and Edwin. The elder of these now makes his residence in Shelby county. Since coming to Marne, Mr. Wheeler has won the confidence and esteem of her people, and of those of the township in general. He is a wide-awake and shrewd business man, a leader in society, and a credit to the town. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
Transcribed by Gloria Goltiani from "History of Cass County, Iowa. Together With Sketches of its Towns, Villages and Townships, Educational, Civil, Military and Political History: Portraits of Prominent Persons, and Biographies of Old Settlers and Representative Citizens." Springfield, Ill.: Continental Historical Company, 1884, pg. 609-610.
The first meat market in Marne, was opened in March, 1876, by Edwin Wheeler, near where his grocery store now stands. He sold the building to M. M. W. Maddy, and the business to two Danes, who ran it a short time, and then disposed of it to H. Simonsen. In 1881 he sold the business to C. Kroll, who erected a building one block north, and is now running the shop.
Transcribed by Gloria Goltiani from "History of Cass County, Iowa. Together With Sketches of its Towns, Villages and Townships, Educational, Civil, Military and Political History: Portraits of Prominent Persons, and Biographies of Old Settlers and Representative Citizens." Springfield, Ill.: Continental Historical Company, 1884, pg. 611-612.
