CHARLES W. WHEELER, of Cairo, Ill., was born in Stratford, Fairfield Co., Conn., on the 10th of October, 1840. His parents, Levi Wheeler and Elvina Booth, were both natives of Connecticut, though of English origin. They reared a family of six children, of whom Charles W. is the fifth. Levi Wheeler died in Connecticut in 1873, and his wife in the same State in 1882, both in advanced age. Charles W. was educated in his native county, and at the age of eighteen left the parental home, coming West. He located at Olney, Richland Co., Ill., where, until 1861, he was in the employ of the Ohio & Mississippi Railway Company. In April, 1861, he enlisted in the thirty days' service, and at the expiration of that time re-enlisted for three years, but on account of physical disability was discharged in June of the following year. In the fall of 1862, having sufficiently regained his health, he again engaged with the Ohio & Mississippi Railway Company at Olney, Ill. Early in 1863, he was employed by the Adams Express Company as messenger on the road between Olney and Cairo, Ill., continuing, however, but about six months, when he was placed in their office at the last-named place. He remained in this office until the fall of 1866. For six years subsequent to this date, he was in the employ of Cairo City Coal Company, in the management of their business. In 1873, in connection with J. C. Stiers, he established a retail wood and coal yard, from which is supplied a large portion of the fuel of the city of Cairo. Their partnership continued until October, 1879, when it terminated by the retirement of Mr. Stiers. Mr. Wheeler still conducts the business in his own interest, and besides owns and operates a farm of 160 acres in Pulaski County, Ill. In June, 1863, in Wisconsin, he was married to Miss Amanda Bragg, daughter of Samuel G. and Lorinda Bragg, of Wisconsin, where they are now living, and where Mrs. Wheeler was born on the 6 th of December, 1840. Their family consists of Sarah A., Ella, Josie and Charles F. Wheeler.
Extracted 31 Mar 2017 by Norma Hass from 1883 History of Alexander, Union, and Pulaski Counties, Illinois, Part V, page 50.
| Cape Girardeau MO |
Union | |
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Pulaski | |
| Scott MO | Mississippi MO | Ballard KY |
