Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1882-12-11
Jsseph wheeIer, q .AIabama.

NdehNliio AmoTlcau, D.
Joseph Wheeler, who was yesterday
nominated at Decatur 10 fill out the
unexpired term of Hon. w. NJ. Lowe.
from the Eighth district Of Alabama,
was born in Augusta, Ca, September
Ia, 1886. His ancestors, both 10 this
country and England, we're of the
highest respeotability. His early
education included a course of study
at the Seabury College Of Cheshire,
'onn., aud other schools in New
England and New York. Graduating
at the Military Academy at West
Point, in 1859, he was promoted to a
Li%eutenancy in the cavalry service Of
the United States, and served 10
various Indian scouting expeditions in
Kansas aud New Mexico. In 1861
he went with his native State and re-
signed his commission in the United
States army, became appointed First
Lieutenant of the corps Of artillery.
He was commissioned Colonel in Sep
TENDER, and at the bloody battle Of
Shiloh won fresh laurels. He was
afterwards transferred to the cavalry
aud served with honor throughoutthe
war. He was in the battles Of
Shiloh, bennington, Miss, the fights
around Corinth, Perryville, MUIR
freesboro, Chickamauga, the first
eight days of the siege Of Knox
vile, Ringgold, Rocky Face, Dalton
Resaca, Oassville, New Hope, battles
around Kenesaw mountain, battle Of
Peach Tree creek, Decatur. battles
around Atlanta, siege Of Savannah,
battles of Averysboro and BentonvilIe.
Besides being under fire in over eight
hundred skirmishes. General Wheeler
commanded in more than two hundred
battles, many of which, considering
the numbers engaged, were among the
most severe and successful recorded
in the history of cavalry.
In these battles not less than fifty
officers. killed or wounded, fell by his
side. He is also said to have had
sixteen horses killed under him, and
many others wounded.
After the surrender of the Confed-
crate armies, with the example Of
Gen. Lee before him Gen. Wheeler
quietly accepted the result Of the un-
successful appeal to the sword, and at
once went to work to rebuild and re.
store the shattered fortunes Of the
war. Without vain ambition, andlfull
of energy and hopefulness, his modest
aspiration and earnest efforts were
crowned with success. AT Wheeler.
Lawrence county, Alabama, he has
made a delightful homo for himself
and family, and, in his partial retire.
ment from the busy stir Of city life, he
there finds ample time to crafty the
desires OF a we'll trained and
richly stored mind. Having a
law Office at both Wheeler and
Courtland, General Wheeler spends
considerable time in the practice OF
his profession. Free from political
aspirations, yet mindful of his duty to
his people, he has recently given i'm
portant services to the Democratic
party in their State conventions and
on the stump. As chairman of the
Committee on Resolutions in one Of
these, General Wheeler presented an
able report that was received with the
greatest favor. In company with
General l.. Pope Walker, at one time
Secretary Of War Of the Confederate
States, be delivered some Of the ablest
aud most eloquent speeches made
during the campaign Of 1880 in the
State.
That he will be valuable in public
life has already been illustrated.
During his stay in Congress he has
won the highest esteem Of the Demo
cratic side, and his assiduous atten-
tion to all duties gave him the respect
Of the entire House, without regard to
party.
His election is generally conceded
throughout this District.