Elijah O. Wheelock
Surnames: Bailey, Bascome, Bullard, Douglass, Holland, Howell, Johnson,
Manard, Merrill, Noble, St. John, Whiteley
Regions: Fabius, Pompey and Tully, Onondaga Co., N.Y; Union Twsp., Rock Co., WI
From The Portrait and Biographical Album of Rock County, Wis., publ, 1889 - page 554, 555
ELIJAH O. WHEELOCK, a representative farmer of Rock County, residing on section 6, Union Township, was born in the town of Tully, Onondaga 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, Onondaga Co., 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.