Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1896-02-13
Hon. A. o. wheeler.

40 WIuk ckcOSu W 4sV"' a. -
which will be read with interest, ~
his prominency a. u gul'ernator'a'
becomes more marked;
Amoug the most intelligent, active
and successful business men ofMani'-
tee is its popular citizen. Senator A.
O. Wheeler. Tie senator IL from the
well-known stalwart New England
Puritan stock, having been Graded
nearly dirty years ago among the
granite hills uf Massachusetts,, where
they build men on true lines and solid
foundations. At very early age he
recognized the truth Of s A. Douglas
saying that New England was a great
country to emlgrate from, and fol-
lowed the little Giant to the fertile
fields Of Illinois. He also recognized
the power of the press at an early
age. and when thirteen years old
commenced to earn his living by sell
ing newspapers on a Rock Island
train. The officials OF the road were
quick to recognize the lads sterling
qualities, and 10 few years he was
conductor of one of their crack ex-
press trains running out from CHI
cago. Among his playmates and
early railroad associates was manager
Van Horne, the present powerful
magnate of the Canadian Pacific
system. But the Rock Island officials
were not the only ones who had an
eye on the rising young conductor.
His wealthy brother Ia law, John
Garfield, OF Manistce, wanted help In
managing his extensive business In
terests. AS thoroughly PRACTICAL
man, he made no experiments in Sc
lecting partners, but believed in
helping those, who showed the ability
to help themselves.
While yet in his early fwenties
young Wheeler was given the con-
trolling ownership and sole manage
ment of Mr.. Canfeld's large fleet Of
wrecking and towing boats, with
headquarters at Manistee. This
business he has been successfully con-
Quoting up to the present time.
Throughout the state he Is known as
an intelligent, energetic, reliable and
successful business man.
He has q beautiful home, and the
charming hospitality dispensed by the
senator and his cultivated family Is
we'll recognized far beyond the limits
OF Manistee. Like most good New
Englanders, the senator Is a member
and active worker in the Congrega-
tional Church Society Of his city. One
has but to look over the records OF
all worthy charities in Manistee and
vicinity to learn what his characters.
tics arc In that respect. He was
never known to turn a deaf ear to a
honest case of want, while his public
spirit and liberality In promoting all
public measures for the benefit of his
city are thoroughly recognized and
appreciated by her citizens.
Politically, Senator Wheeler ha.
ever been a staunch, active Repub-
lican, FULLY believing in the principles
of the party, and always ready te
work by all honorable methods for it,
success, yet he has never been recog
nized as apolitican, except In broad
sense Of the word, when applied Il
workers for the public good. In 1896
he was elected TO the state senate
and Is now serving his second two
years term In that position, having
been elected In 1894 by the largest
ma orlty ever given a senatorial can
didate In his district In the legis
lature Mr.. Wheeler is an able and
faithful! but broad and progressiv W
senator, always on the side of honest
land economical legislation. He give.
to state affairs the same careful, con
slant and intelligent attention tina,
has made his record as a successful
business man. At Lansing his IN,
social qualities made him one of tn,
most popular and influential men II
the state capitol. Even his politica
Opponents, who controlled the senat,
in 1891, favored him with a YER.
complimentary resolution on the oc
casiOn of his forty-tifth birthday.