- ELIJAH O. WHEELOCK, a representative farmer of Rock County,
residing on section 6, Union
- Township, was born in the town of Tully, Onondago Co., N.Y.,
Oct. 8, 1817, and is a son of Luther and Nancy (ST. JOHN) WHEELOCK.
His mother was the first white child born in Fabius, Onondago
County, and was of English descent, her ancestors having emigrated
from England to America in 1632, only twelve years after the
landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock. Locating first in Massachusetts,
they later removed to Long Island, where the descendants of their
family are still numerous. The paternal grandmother conducted
John Hancock to the famous "Boston Tea Party," when
a company of Americans disguised as Indians threw the chests
of tea into Boston Harbor.
- Luther WHEELOCK was a farmer by occupation and removed with
his family to Pompey, N.Y.,
- where he became the owner of a good farm, upon which he resided
until his death in the year 1863. He was then seventy-six years
of age, and was a highly respected citizen. He and his wife were
the parents of nine children, four of whom are yet living - Fannie,
widow of W. H. DOUGLASS, who resided in Janesville, died May
3, 1889, after a short illness of a few days; Jennie, wife of
Arthur MERRILL, a resident of Syracuse, N.Y.; Nancy, who wedded
Edward NOBLE, and makes her home in Auburn, N.Y.; and Annie,
wife of a Mr. MANARD, an attorney at law, of Syracuse, N.Y. After
the death of her husband, Mrs. WHEELOCK removed to Syracuse,
where she died in 1872.
- The subject of this sketch received his education in the
schools of Pompey, Onondago County,
- which was the birthplace of some of the country's most prominent
citizens. After completing the common branches in the public
schools he entered the academy where his literary studies were
completed. After attaining to years of maturity, he was united
in marriage with Miss Maria E. HOWELL, their wedding being celebrated
on the 14th day of February, 1842. Mrs. WHEELOCK was a daughter
of Isaac and Bersheba (HOLLAND) HOWELL, the former descended
from ancestry who were natives of Long Island, while the latter
was born of English parentage, though her maternal grandmother
was a native of France. Many years have passed since Mr. and
Mrs. HOWELL departed this life. They were the parents of thirteen
children, but of that numerous family only three are yet living
- Maria, wife of our subject; Edwin whose home is in New York
City; and Althea, widow of the late William JOHNSON, of Evansville,
Wis.
- After their marriage, Mr. WHEELOCK and his young bride left
their Eastern home in September,
- 1842, and became residents of Racine County, Wis., where,
renting a farm, he engaged in agricultural pursuits. He soon,
however, removed to Burlington, where he engaged in carpenter
work in connection with his brother-in-law. He also worked at
various other occupations for four or five years, when purchasing
280 acres of land he again resumed farming in connection with
which he operated a livery stable, establishing business in that
line in 1850. Six years later, he sold his farm and stable and
came to Rock County, making his home in Beloit until 1860, when
he rented a farm in Newark Township. The following year he removed
to the BAILEY farm in Janesville Township, and in 1863, purchased
140 acres of land, lying on the border of Dane, Green and Rock
Counties. The land was then but partially improved. A small barn
had been built, but the work of cultivation was scarcely begun.
With characteristic energy, he began his labors and as the result
of his untiring industry, is the owner of a model farm. Its boundaries
have been extended until it now comprises 220 acres in one body,
which is highly cultivated. In 1884, he largely increased the
value of his farm by the erection of one of the finest barns
in Rock County, and probably in the State. It was planned by
Mr. WHEELOCK and his son, is 48x86 feet with 28 feet posts, and
measures 46 feet from the cone to the floor. A large cellar under
a portion of the building has a capacity of between 2,000 and
3,000 bushels, which each year he stores with carrots and beets
to feed his cattle. The barn has all the modern improvements,
including an arrangement for loading and unloading hay, and stands
as a monument to the industry and enterprise of the owner. The
farm is stocked with the best grades of horses, cattle and hogs,
and the buildings for their care and shelter are models of convenience.
The home with its entire surroundings indicate neatness and thrift,
indicative of the prominent characteristics of Mr. WHEELOCK.
In connection with general farming he operates a dairy, in which
he has been quite successful.
- The children of Mr. and Mrs. WHEELOCK were seven in number,
as follows: Edwin, who died
- in infancy; Julia, widow of Hiram BULLARD, who is now residing
in Evansville; Eldon A., at home; Eugene O., who is a leading
young farmer engaged in business with his father. He wedded Miss
Annie WHITELEY, and to them have been born two children, Ethel
and Mabel; Henry, the youngest son, married Miss Mary BASCOME,
and is engaged in farming in Union Township. Two twin boys died
in infancy.
- As a citizen, none stand higher in the community that Mr.
WHEELOCK, and he is acknowledged
- by all to be one of the leading farmers of the county. He
is financially a self-made man. Beginning life in Wisconsin on
a rented farm in Racine County, he has steadily worked his way
upward until he has now a comfortable competence, which will
enable him to pass his declining years in quiet and retirement.
Although his business interest are extensive, he has yet found
time to serve his fellow citizens in official positions, the
duties of which have been discharged in a prompt and faithful
manner. Since the organization of the Republican party, he has
been one of its ardent supporters, and is a staunch friend to
the temperance movement, giving his influence and support to
the suppression of the liquor traffic. We are pleased to record
the sketch of one who has been so prominently identified with
the history of Rock County, one who will while life lasts, maintain
a deep interest in her welfare.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 554-555.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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