Wheeler, Allen C. bio

ALLEN C. WHEELER
Biography

transcribed by Sheryl McClure

from Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington, Clay and Riley Counties, Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1890

ALLEN C. WHEELER, a pioneer of two States, was one of the earliest settlers of Jefferson County, Neb., and later carne to Washington County, Kan., locating in Union Township, while it was considered the frontier, and of the latter he has since been a resident. He still retains possession of his quarter-section of land in Nebraska, which is now transformed into a good farm, while in Union Township, this State, he has 480 acres, which he has operated with fine results. He is largely interested in live stock and has effected first-class improvements on this farm, which is considered one of the most desirable estates in this part of the county. In addition to the interests already mentioned, he conducts a general store in Narka, Republic Co., Kan., and is in the enjoyment of a handsome income. He is looked upon as one of the most public-spirited and liberal citizens of the county, one who has contributed his full quota to its growth and prosperity.

A native of New York State, Mr. Wheeler was born near Stillwater, in what was then Chautauqua County, Sept. 17. 1839. Three years later his parents removed to Herkimer County, where the father engaged in saw-milling, and where Allen C. pursued his first studies in the common school. He was put to work at the age of ten years, making himself useful on the farm and in the mill. Finally the family removed to Lockport. N. Y., where they sojourned until 1851. That year they decided upon seeking the farther West, and they made their way by lake steamer to Chicago, thence by canal to Peoria, and from there overland by team to Fiatt, Fulton Co., Ill.

In the above-mentioned plate the elder Wheeler prosecuted saw-milling as before, and Allen C. attended school during the winter season until fifteen years old. He assisted in developing the new farm at a time when wild game was plentiful and the settlers were few and far between. He worked out considerably until twenty-two years old. Then, the Civil War being in progress, he felt called upon to assist in the preservation of the Union, and on the 7th of August, 1861, enlisted in Company A, 55th Illinois Infantry, being mustered into service at Camp Douglas. Four months later the regiment was sent south to St. Louis, and later was ordered to Paducah, Ky., where it operated as a guard three months. Next, going to Tennessee, it participated in the battles of Shiloh and Corinth, and thereafter engaged in many of the important battles of the war, during which Mr. Wheeler experienced many hairbreadth escapes, but was mustered out unharmed and received his honorable discharge, Nov. 4, 1864, after having been in the service three years and three months.

Upon leaving the army Mr. Wheeler rented a farm in Will County, Ill., which he operated one year. In the fall of 1865 he went to Faribault County, Minn., but that region being too cold to suit him he left there in the spring of 1866, proceeding to Gage County. Neb. overland by team, He crossed the Missouri River at Nebraska City and located in Blue Springs Township, when there were but three or four houses within its limits. He entered 160 acres of land and operated upon it four years, then in the spring of 1870 removed to Fairbury, Neb., being the fourth man to settle there. He then commenced operating a saw-mill, handling mostly cottonwood lumber, which was as much in demand as greenbacks. The following year he removed to his farm on Silver Creek, which he had purchased in I868 at $1.25 per acre. He improved this land and prosecuted farming and stock-raising there until 1881. In the meantime he had become the owner of 320 acres, which he now sold, and coming to Washington County, Kan., purchased a part of his present farm on section 1, Union Township. Later he added 120 acres on section 1, and 160 acres on section 11, which he improved. He now owns the west half of section 1, the northeast quarter of section 11, and his 160-acre farm in Nebraska. He was one of the first stock buyers in Washington County, and is probably among the largest.

Mr. Wheeler, in 1884, put up a stone store building in Reynolds, which he leased until 1887. Then, selling it, he established a lumber-yard in Narka, which he operated one year, then sold this likewise. Nothing suits him quite as well as dealing in cattle. Some years he feeds six carloads, and two carloads of swine. He is also interested in the breeding of draft horses. He put up his present store at Narka in 1888, and leased it until August, 1889. He then purchased the stock within it, added to this, and is now conducting a flourishing trade, carrying goods to the amount of $6,000. He has erected the largest dwelling in the town of Narka.

In Peoria, Ill., on the 12th of January, 1863, Mr. Wheeler was united in marriage with Miss Nancy J. Millard. This union resulted in the birth of seven children, viz: John (deceased}, Mary, Allen C., Lydia, Blanche, Eva and Amy. Mary is the wife of Joseph C. Broady and they live on the home farm; Allen C., Jr., is chief clerk in his father's store at Narka. The younger children are at home with their parents. Mr. Wheeler assisted in the organization of his school district in which he has been a Director many years. Politically, he is a stanch Republican, and has served as a delegate to the county and congressional conventions.

The father of our subject was Joseph Wheeler, a native of New York State and the son of George Wheeler, who carried on farming in Chautauqua County, and died there. The family traces its ancestry to Germany. Joseph Wheeler was a blacksmith by trade in his early manhood, but later operated a saw-mill. He was at one time a resident of Herkimer County, but in 1851 removed to Fulton County, Ill., locating near Cuba, or Centreville, where he was among the earliest pioneers. In 1870, seeking the farther West, he emigrated to Nebraska and operated a sawmill near Fairbury. Afterward he removed to the farm of his son, our subject, in Jefferson County, where his death took place in 1879, when he was sixty-five years old. He identified himself with the Republican party at its organization, and was a member of the Baptist Church.

The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Paulina Green. She likewise was a native of the Empire State, and the daughter of David Green. A New Yorker by birth and of English descent, the latter operated as a farmer, and lived in Chautauqua and Herkimer counties. N. Y. Mrs. Paulina Wheeler departed this life in Fulton County, Ill., in 1855, She was the mother of a large family, viz: Betsey, a resident of Jefferson County, Neb.: Jane, Mrs. Milliard. of Faribault County, Minn.; Cyrus, deceased; Allen C., our subject; Joseph, of Reynolds, Neb.; William, deceased; and Sarah, Mrs. Honeycutt, of Jefferson County. Neb.; James and William, during the Civil War served in the 55th Illinois Infantry, the former in Company G, and the latter in Company A; William, who was only sixteen years old when he enlisted, was discharged for disability in the fall of 1862 .

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