Wheeler, Homer, 1819-1878

Homer Wheeler was born on May 13, 1819 in Alexander, NY. His family moved to Indiana when he was a child. He attended Indiana University from 1844-1846, studying literature, law, and theology. As a student, he was a member of the Philomathean Society, a prominent literary society on campus from the mid to late 19th century.

Wheeler went on to work as a teacher and minister at St. John’s Parish in Bristol, Indiana, and later at St. Peter’s Church in Ashtabula, OH. He earned an A.M. degree at the Nashotah Theological Seminary in Wisconsin and eventually became a Professor of Mathematics, Greek and Latin Languages, and Chaplain at Racine College in Wisconsin. In 1876, he authored a historical sketch of Racine College.

Due to his failing health, Wheeler retired from Racine College and moved to San Francisco, but died on November 10, 1878, not long after his arrival in California.

From the guide to the Homer Wheeler correspondence, 1844-1846, (Indiana University Office of University Archives and Records Management http://www.libraries.iub.edu/archives)