Frank Wheeler owns and cultivates a well improved farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 6, Coffins Grove township, and while he is engaged in general farming, he also gives special attention to dairying and the raising of hogs. He is a native of New York, born February 18, 1859, a son of Angus and Stiza Wheeler, who were likewise natives of the Empire state. The mother died in her native state, while the father, surviving her, passed away in Canada. Their family numbered ten children, but only seven survive.
      Frank Wheeler had not the advantages of a school education, but through reading and association he has acquired a fair knowledge, so that he can conduct his business in an able manner. He began to make his own way in the world at the early age of fifteen years, working for some time as a farm laborer. In 1882 he was married, having in the meantime made his way to Delaware county, and subsequent to his marriage he settled on a farm, which he rented for twenty one years. He then purchased his present home place, comprising one hundred and twenty acres on section 6, Coffins Grove township. He carries on his work according to modern methods and gives special attention to dairying and the raising of hogs, in which he is meeting with success.
       As above stated, Mr. Wheeler was married in 1882, the lady of his choice being Miss Ada Dighton, who was born in Delaware county, a daughter of B. F. and E. L. (Jackson) Dighton. Her father was a native of Erie, Pennsylvania, while her mother claimed the state of Ohio as the place of her birth. Mrs. Wheeler's grandfather journeyed from Pennsylvania to Dubuque, Iowa, in a covered wagon and shortly afterward continued the journey to Delaware county, Iowa, where he entered government land. He built the first gristmill in this county and erected the first dwelling house in Hopkinton. In 1847 Mrs. Wheeler's father purchased his father's old homestead at one dollar and sixty cents per acre and on this farm he and his wife made their home until death. He passed away in 1907. His wife died on the 24th of December of the same year and thus passed from this life two of the county's prominent pioneers. They had a family of seven children, of whom only the following are living: Byron, a resident of Whitten, Iowa; Elzina, the wife of Steven De Shaw, of Delaware county; and Ada, now Mrs. Wheeler. To Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler have been born five children: Adra, deceased; B. P., a resident of Hazel Green, Iowa; Grace, the wife of George Lane, of Masonville; Lawrence and Velma, at home.
       Mr. Wheeler is a republican in his political affiliation, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. His success has been by no means the result of fortunate circumstances. It has come to him through energy, labor and perseverance, directed by an evenly balanced mind and by honorable business principle.