Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1892-02-11
THE LATE REV. o. q. WHEELER.
Sketch OF the Long and Useful Career of
Man who was Respected Wherever

In the death of Rev. o. G.. Wheeler clos
ed one OF the most eminently successful and
useful lives in the Christian ministry, and
the longest continued pastorate in the Con-
gregational denomination in our State. Mr..
Wheeler was the youngest and last surviv-
ing child of the late Sheldon and Abigail
Foote Wheeler, OF Charlotte, in which town
he was born Aug. 10th, 1871 Largely
the through influence of his eldest brother,
the late Deacon f. II. Wheeler OF Charlotte,
he YVES persuaded to enter the academy at
llinesburgh, and later, the class Of 1857, of
the University Of Vermont After gradual
ing he studied theology with the late Rev.
James Buckhem, OF Chelsea. He began his
work in the ministry at Underhili, III tbis
county, in 1883, whore he remained six
MONTHS and until April, 1Sf0' when he be-
gan his ministry with the church OF South
Hero and Grand Isle, immediately follow
ing the venerable Asa Lyon, who, though
not installed, had mnistered since i9j to
the church he had there organized. Mr..
Wheeler was ordained and installed as pas
tor of this church Nov. 5, 1910, and
| though his active work closed in the fall of
1856, on account of failing health, the pas
toral relation continued until his death.
For nearly forty-seven years, with scarcely
vacation, he preached in the two towns
VI pOuLu heIO anu 6Tanu Isle, anu most oil
the time one sermon each Sabbath in each
town. For many years he taught a select
school or academy at South Hero, in which
a considerable number OF young mon were
prepared for college, June j. 1910, he
married Miss Amelia NJ. Sanford, OF Will
liston, who with three children, Frances
NJ, Rev. S. II. Wheeler, CT Water bury,
and ii. q. Wheeler, superintendent of
schools OF this city, survive him. He
died Feb. LIST, 1892, at Burlington,
where he had been about year
and half, and was buried at South Hero
February 3. His work was in the broadest
sen e that OF a minister of the gospel of
Christ Though ne was thoroughly devoted
to his chosen calling, he was deeply interest
ed in everything that concerned humanity,
and especially the island his home, to which
he was devotely attached. He instituted
the movement for the construction of the
Sand Bar BRIDGE and was active in procur-
Ing subscriptions and forwarding the work.
In later years. he was greatly interested in
the new road from the island to the city,
and in the Lamoille Bridge, aud in fact
there was no enterprise for the good of the
people which did not find in him an active
supporter. Very eatly in life he espoused
the cause of the slave and one OF his eari-
est public addresses was an ant-slavery
speech delivered when young man in a
school house in Ferrisburgh, the churches
being refused for the purpose. From that
time forward he pleaded with all the inten-
sity of his nature for the slave till the
shackles were broken lie was senator
from Grand Isle county in 1860 and 1861,
and represented tn, town Of South Hero ia
the House of Representatives in 1864.
While member of the Legis ature, Mr.
Wheeler took an active part IN :he import
ent legislation OF that period. October =
! lc6., lie introduced tho following joint reso-
luton, Resolved by tue senate and House
OF Representatives, that the governor is
hereby iiected to inform the president of
the United States, that in responding to the
call of the government to furnish troops for
its defence and for the suppression of the
rebellion, now menaclng the integrity of
the republic, it is no part of tho purpose OF
the State Of Vermont, to furnish in the per
sons OF It's soldiers force to be employed
III the arrest or return of fugitive slaves to
their masters, and that to employ them
for such IL purpose i, highly offensive to the
honor and dignity Ok the State. Passed
October "a, 1851, Mr.. Wheeler intro.
duced bill by which the soldiers
from this State received the extra State
pay Of s. per month. He was especially
interested in promoting all measures looking
to the relief and advantage of the soldiers
and in aid OF the government, in the i'm
provement of the common school system, in
equalization of taxation and in enlargement
OF the rights OF married women. For many
years he was a frequent contributor in prose
and verse to the Vermont Chronicle Bur-
llnGton FREE PRESS and st. Adams Mes
senger and an occasional contributor to
I,.fl a- rtN.lf, Al,
was published and many of his funeral dis
courses. lie delivered the poem at the semi
centennial celebration OF the University of
} Vermont in 1854 and also before the ssso-
clate alumni in 1873. But it was ia the
chosen profession Of his life, the ministry,
that his chief work was done and to this
work he brought rare combination of
, qualities of head and heart. He was in the
truest sense both pastor and preacher, and
to an extent seldom equaled, did he carry
the gospel OF peace and love to all about MIN.
/, AS preacher LIE stood high III the estima-
, ton of the churches and the clergymen OF
the state. he was in the highest sense an
: independent and original thinker and the
novel setting in which he often placed his
thoughts, aud the strong light which ne cast
upon these made lasting impression OF
/, truth, when more finished and rhetorical
utterances would have been wholly lost.
Possessed of refined and broad literary
taste and an ardent love for the natural
world about him, he drew from the books
OF men and nature to enforce the truths he
would present. he always held the atten
ton of his hearers. Whether people were
pleased or displeased they listened. lie was
preacher, the impress OF whose mind and
style was permanent, a man never to be for
gotten by those who came under his in
struction and influence. Indeed it would
be difficult to find one OF greater energy
of purpose, OF more purity Of intention
Of sounder judgment and of greater ability
to influence others. he often received fiat
tering offers from larger and stronger
churches, but never once did he waver il
his devotion to the little church on thu
l island. The result Of such ministry wal
, a church always selt-sustaining, and strong
in spiritual power, which in spite of thu
drain OF emigration still continues to send
, forth Christian men and women for the
o upbuilding of churcnes In other lands. A
a pastor Mr.. Wheeler EXCEPTIONAL,
2 strong. His GROWING glory was his un
4 quenchable goodness. The sincere and &C
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