Biographical Sketch of
Chandler B. Wheelock
Transcribed by Suzanne Folk for the Marquette Co WI Pages
Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Page 384 - 385 Chandler B Wheelock, a retired merchant of Marquette, who for thirty-two years was one of the leading business men of that village, was born on the 6th of March, 1816, in Cavendish, Windsor Co., Vt., and is of English origin. Two brothers of the name of Wheelock came to America during the early Colonial days and settled in Massachusetts. From them the family sprung. The father of our subject, Amariah Wheelock, was born in the Bay State in 1780, and married Betsy Olds, a native of New Hampshire, born in 1781. They became parents of twelve children, of whom these lived to mature years-Betsy became the wife of Silas Walker and settled on Honey Creek, Erie Co., Pa.; Ruth became the wife of Lyman Anjer, who opened the first hotel in Marquette County; Jesse, who was born in Windsor County, Vt., in 1800, is thought to be living, yet it is not certainly known that he will survive; Lydia married Benjamin Tracy and settled in Erie County where both died; Chandler B., completes the family. In 1816, when our subject was but a babe, his parents removed to Genesee County, N.Y., where they resided for six years. They then became residents of Erie County, Pa., where Mr. Wheelock died in 1849. His wife afterward became a resident of Ashtabula County, Ohio, where she passed away in 1852. She was a faithful member of the Baptist Church. The husband supported the Whig party and served his country in the War of 1812. Chandler Wheelock of whom we write in his youth received liberal educational advantages supplementing the knowledge acquired in the common schools by a course in Waterford Academy in Erie County, Pa. He was first married in 1837, when Miss Lydia Lawrence became his wife. Unto them were born eight children, five of whom are yet living-Orin N., who offered his services to his country during the late war but was refused on account of his health, is now living in Beatrice, Neb.; Amariah B., makes his home in the same city; Alden E., enlisted in the 31st Wisconsin Regiment is living in Minneapolis, Minn,; Frank is located at Stevens Point, Mo.; Elton D., is in Beatrice, Neb. The death of the mother occurred in 1864, and Mr. Wheelock married for his second wife Mrs. Harris, whose maiden name was Eliza J. Wilson. She died on the 1st day of January, 1875. He was a third time married, his union being with Mrs. Cahoon, widow of Joel K Cahoon. Her maiden name was Mary Randall, and by her former marriage she had four children-James, who is now living in Minnesota; Mary, wife of Amos Bosley of Green Lake County; Caroline, wife of Lewis Bosley of this county, and Herbert, who is living in the same county. With the hope of bettering his financial condition Mr. Wheelock came to Green Lake County, and immediately thereafter embarked in the mercantile business in Marquette, which then consisted of only a few buildings. He met with splendid success in his undertaking and building up a good trade became one of the prosperous merchants of the county. Earnest in trying to please his customers he won their patronage and good will. Ever courteous and treating all alike he made his store one of the most popular in this section and it was with deep regret that many saw him retire to private life. He was thrown upon his own resources when a young man and having acquired, without assistance, a handsome competency, he determined to lay aside all business cares and spend the remainder of his life in the enjoyment of the possessions which he had acquired. He is spoken of by all as one of the most prominent and valued citizens of Marquette. He casts his ballot with the Republican party and has held the office of Justice of the Peace buy prefers to devote his attention to the pleasures of home rather than spend his time amid the tumultuous scenes of political life.
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