Mr. Wheeler controls one of the leading industrial concerns of Marseilles, LaSalle county, having been engaged for a number of years in the manufacture of brick and tile at that place. His close application and strong determination, so necessary to a successful business career, have proved potent elements in securing to him a comfortable competence. He came to Illinois from New England, his birth having occurred in Hydeville, Rutland county, Vermont, on the 30th of June, 1853. He is a son of Nicholas and Nancy Ann (Thatcher) Wheeler, the former a native of Rutland county and the latter of Ticonderoga, New York. In their family were two sons and three daughters, namely: Mrs. Nancy Coleman, Julius H., Mrs. Harriet Powell, Mrs. Jennie Bull and Fred H. In 1864 the father removed to Illinois, and his last days were spent in Livingston county, this state, where his death occurred in 1866.
Julius H. Wheeler acquired his education in the public schools of that county, to which place he accompanied his parents when about nine years of age. There he grew to man's estate and in 1895 he took charge of the brick and tile factory in which he has since carried on an extensive business, his patronage steadily increasing. He finds a ready market for his products, awing to their excellent quality, and the output of the factory is now very large. The plant was established some twenty years ago, by Mr. Layman, and is now the best equipped factory in this part of Illinois. The annual returns are two thousand dollars each season, and the superior quality of the brick sold insures a continuous demand.
Mr. Wheeler entered the matrimonial state on the 22d of December, 1874, his bride being Miss Ida, daughter of S. M. Rodgers. Seven children have blessed their union, namely: Fred E.. born December 3, 1875; Elmer A., February 1, 1877; Ernest R., March 7, 1881; Lucy A., July 19, 1883; Ida May. who was born August 8, 1886, and died at the age of one year, eight months and nine days; Harry E., born April 23, 1893; and Elma E., born September 22, 1895.
Mr. Wheeler is a prominent member of Shabbona Camp, No. 258, Modern Woodmen of America. In his political adherency he is a Republican. He is one of the most enterprising business men of the county, and is public-spirited and liberal, contributing in many ways to the growth and upbuilding of the community.
Extracted by Norma Hass from Biographical and Genealogical Record of LaSalle County, Illinois published in 1900, volume 1, pages 369=370.
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Kendall |
| Putnam | Grundy | |
| Marshall | Woodford | Livingston |
