Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1862-04-18
DEATH or DIR. WHEELER,

Died this morning "wednesday, April l6ih,)
Rev. John Wheeler. ;. I. d.
Thus has terminated, after Il long, patient
and maniul struggle with disease which
allowed no hope Of final recovery, the lie Of
one who was, perhaps, with one or two ez-
ceptions, more widely and iayor4bly known
both in this country ana abroad. than any
other man in our State. The announce
ment Of the event will be received with none
the less SORROW because it was not unexpect-
ed. We shall all feel that the removal from
US Of such man as DR.. Wheeler Is i public
loss. OF the greatness OF the calamity
which BIS family and more private friends
are called to deplore, in the removal Of one
who commanded and deserved as much res
pect and affection as can fall to the lot Of
any man, it does not become Us to speak here.
But the deep interest be ever took in all
public concerns, those Of his town, Of his
State, and Of his Country, his incessant acti
witty, the determination and sagacity with
which he carried out his plans,-Qualities
for which he was widely known and trusted
will cluse his death to be lamented as a
great loss not only to his hllQw-townsmen
but to the community at large.
We have time to note down at present only
the following few particulars OF his life. lie
was born in Oxford, NH, IN the year 1898,
and entered Dartmouth College at the age of
II or Is, where be graduated in 1916 After
leaving College he Immediately entered the
Theological Seminary at Andoyer, where he
spent three years. Even at this early period
be had some symptoms Of the disease Of
which he finally died IN consequences Of
which he was led to begin his active life. in
the service Of the gospel to which be had de-
voted himself, IN Southern climate, and
preached for some months in the State OF
Georgia. Soon after returning home to the
North. he settled as pastor over the congre-
gational Church IN Windsor, in this State.
where he remained until he was called to
preside over the University in this town.
Dr., Wheeler was twice elected President
Of the University, first in ls2S. when he de-
clined the appointment in compliance with
the earnest wishes Of his Church and the ad-
vice Of an ecclesiastical council. He accented
the second appointment, which was extended
to him in 1888, after the resignation of
President Marsh. lie was in one way or |
another officially connected with the Univer- |
sity OF Vermont for longer period than any
other individual has ever been connected with
it in any capacity. In IS25 he was elected
a member Of the Corporation which Office he
held uninterruptedly until his death. We
shall not attempt 70 speak here Of his actiyi- |
ty and usefulness in the cause Of education
generally. and his connection with the Uni
versi,y in particular. During the latter
part of his presilantship, which terminated |
in 1859, he experienced great domestic az |
Elections. which partially interrupted hIs Ia |
bors, and made X necessary Tor him to inter /
NIT them wholly for time, and 10 visit for /
eisn parts, m the hope Of benefttins the I
health Of those nearest and deares. 10 him. |
After leaving the presidential chair, DR..
Wheeler continued to take the doepes, inter
est in the welfare Of the College over which
be presided for siIiesl years,-a longer period
han that for which any other President has
Ieid the Office since the establishment Of the
luiyersity-aud he retained it to the last.
lne Of his last acts OF public interas, being
generous donation Of money and valuable
luds, to the funds Of the University. His
lie, ever since he lett the presidency Of the
'olie-a, las been one Of constant and active
abor, as long Us his health permitted. for
be mos, part in behalf Of objects Of public
Utility. We hope the time will not he long
ef)re some worthier pen will be employed
q giyinga full account of his lite and labors. !
nd a satisfactory delinea,iou Of hi- chsrac i
,r.