Shaver, F. A., Arthur P. Rose, R. F. Steele, and A. E. Adams, compilers.  "An
Illustrated History of Central Oregon." ("Embracing Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam,
Wheeler, Crook, Lake, & Klamath Counties")  Spokane, WA: Western Historical
Publishing Co., 1905.  p. 1052.
 
JAMES HENRY WHEELER

     one of the leading citizens of Fort Klamath and a well known business man,
was born in McHenry county, Illinois, on May 1, 1863. His father, James Wheeler,
was a native of Vermont and a veteran of the Civil war, dying in the service of
his country when our subject was an infant. He had married a Mrs. Anna Holda
Whiteman and after her husband's death she married Dr. Wentworth and resided in
Kansas until her death, which occurred in 1877. James Henry had a very poor
opportunity to gain and education but made the very best of his chance and was
largely thrown on his own resources, being but nine years, of age when he left
home. He worked his passage to Wadsworth, Nevada, at such things as washing
dishes, herding cattle and anything that he could find to do. Finally, he
desired to see the country on west and in company with some companions , of the
same mind, journeyed from Wadsworth to Tule Lake, Oregon, where they embarked in
stock-raising. He has been in Klamath county since and has met good success in
his labors, being now one of the substantial property owners of the county. He
has considerable property in the town of Fort Klamath and one of the finest
residences there. He has just completed a large hall which is used for lodge
purposes and also owns considerable other property.
     On March 4, 1896, occurred the marriage of Mr. Wheeler and Miss Gesine
Janssen, the daughter of Cornelius and Marie(Olfs) Janssen, natives of Germany.
Mrs. Wheeler was born April 6, 1878. Her father died in Germany in 1882 and she
came to the United States with her mother, making settlement first in Iowa.
Later, they came to Klamath county and the mother is residing here. Mr. and Mrs.
Wheeler have one child, Grace Marie, who was born January 6, 1897.
     Fraternally Mr. Wheeler is a member of the A. 0. U. W. and the Foresters.
He is past chief ranger of the latter order and is now director of the same. He
is also deputy grand master for this district. Politically, he is a very strong
and active Republican always taking a keen and very lively interest in the
campaigns as well as in everything that is for the building up of the community.
Owing to the fact that Mr. Wheeler had little opportunity to gain an education,
he is greatly interested in educational matters and not only is providing the
best means for the education of his daughter but is an ardent worker for the
betterment of all school facilities. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler are highly esteemed
people and have very many friends in the country.


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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in June 2011 by Diana Smith.  Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.