DAVID WHEELER, who has been a resident of Richland County for
thirty-seven years, now follows farming on section 6, Olney Township. He is one
of the worthy citizens that Maryland has furnished to this community. He was
born in Baltimore County on the 14th of November, 1837, and is the tenth in
order of birth in a family of fifteen children, ten sons and five daughters.
With one exception, all grew to mature years, and eleven of the number still
survive. The parents were Wason and Anna (Samson) Wheeler. The former was born
in Maryland in 1798, and grew to manhood upon a farm in that State. Having
attained to mature years, he wedded Miss Samson, whose birth occurred December
1, 1803. Mr. Wheeler served in the Mexican War, and continued his farming
operations in his native State for several years after his marriage, when he
went to Richland County, Ohio. There he remained until 1853, when he came to
Richland County, Ill., and purchased a tract of wild timberland. Upon the farm
which he opened up he made his home until his death, January 8, 1877. His wife
died on the old homestead in December, 1892.
Our subject was a babe of a
year when the parents emigrated with their family to the Buckeye State. He then
lived in Ohio until fifteen years of age, when he came to Richland County, Ill.
No event of special importance occurred during the days of his boyhood and
youth, which were quietly passed at home. On arriving at years of maturity, he
commenced earning his own livelihood by working as a farm hand by the month.
After one year thus passed, he abandoned the plow for the rifle, and, donning
the blue, enlisted in Company B, Ninety-eighth Illinois Infantry, in July, 1862,
for three-years service. He was wounded in the right cheek by a ball from a
rebel gun, which broke his jaw and then came out of his ear. He did faithful
service and participated in a number of engagements.
When the war was
over, Mr. Wheeler was honorably discharged and returned to his home. Soon
afterward he purchased forty acres of timber land on section 6, Olney Township,
and, after clearing away the trees, plowed and planted it. In course of time the
once undeveloped tract yielded to him abundant harvests. Since that time he has
devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits, and now owns thirty-eight acres
of good land three miles west of Olney, which are under a high state of
cultivation and well improved. He also owns sixty-five acres of land in Noble
Township, twenty-five of which are under cultivation.
On the 4th of
November, 1866, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Wheeler and Miss Amanda
Madden. The lady is a native of Ohio, her birth having occurred July 10, 1844.
Unto them were born three children, but only one is now living. Willie C., the
eldest, died in early childhood, and Bennie is also deceased. Olivia Edith, born
February 16, 1880, is the only one now living. The mother died in Olney Township
January 23, 1891, and was buried in Baline Cemetery. Mr. Wheeler is a member of
the United Brethren Church, and in politics is a supporter of the Republican
party. During the long years of his residence here his life has been so
honorable and straightforward that he has won universal confidence and esteem,
and has the regard of a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
Extracted 11 Apr 2020 by Norma Hass from 1893 Portrait and Biographical Record of Effingham, Jasper and Richland Counties, Illinois, pages 222-223.
| Jasper | Crawford | |
| Clay |
 |
Lawrence |
| Wayne | Edwards | Wabash |
