The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-05-10

who knew him best realized that he was
not long for this world. Consequently they
were not surprised at the news of his
death.
Capt Wheaton's death removes from Sa-
vannah one who has been active in public
and municipal. affairs for nearly half cen
fury. Born in Bridgeport, Conn, he re
moved to Savannah in his young manhood,
in 1852, and at once became identified with
the city which was thenceforward to be his
nome Soon after he became a member of
the Chatham Artillery, a corps with which
he was so thoroughly identified that for
many years the mention of Capt Wheaton
naturally brought the artillery to mind and
vice versa, the mention of Capt Wheaton
brought the Chatham Artillery to- mind.
Up to his enforced retirement on account
OF Ill health two years ago, Capt. Wheaton
and the Chatham's were inseparable. 1t is
strange coincidence that his death should
occur on the day on which his old com
pany was to embark to engage in another
war. The man who SO bravely led them In
one war is no more, but If disembodied
spirits have access TO earth, his spirit will
Vicissitudes of the new war
Capt Wheaton became a member Of the
Chatham Artillery in 1856. When the COM
pany enlisted for the civil war. he went
with II as a sergeant. Although born
an the North, he had become by this time
thoroughly identified with the South and
was in sympathy with her institutions.
March IA, 1862 he was promoted to Or
derry sergeant. When the artillery reor-
ganlzed short while after Capt. Wheat
on was elected junior first lieutenant, Jo-
seph S. Claghorn being captain and
CHARLES c. Jones, Jr., first lieutenant.
Dec. IS, 1862, Capt. Claghorn having re-
signed and Lieut.. Jones having been pro-
NOTED to be lieutenant colonel of artillery
Lieut.. Wheaton was promoted 10 be cap
tain. Thomas A. Askew was made first
lieutenant, Samuel b. Palmer Junior first
and G. A. Whitehead second lieutenant.
Capt. Wheaton continued to command the
battery 10 the end of the war After his
election the battery participated in the
defense Of Battery Wagner near Charles
ton, and took part in the Florida cam
paign, being actively engaged in the bat
tie of Olustee. AS the fortunes Of the
Confederacy failed the battery was at
tached to Johnston's army and accom-
panied ii on his retreat through South
carolina and into North Carolina.
Capt. Wheatons soldierly conduct as
commander of the Chatham Artillery not
only won him the entire confidence of his
men, but gave him an established place in
the regard and confidence of the people of
savannah, which was fully justified by la
Ter events. When the period Of reconstruc-
uon drew to a close and the white people
OF the state recovered the control of their
own affairs Capt. Wheaton rallied the
members of his old command around him
and reorganized the Chatham Artillery,
and on Jan. 10, 1872, the battery made its
urst appearance on the streets OF SaVah-
nan after the war; in new uniforms.
The greatest public service which capt.
Wheaton ever rendered Savannah was
during the yellow fever epidemic of 1876
Like many another OF Savanpah's leading
citizens he showed his true colors by re-
naming to face the epidemic. He was es-
pecially active in relief work. The Savan-
nah Benevolent Association, Savannah's
time honored dependence IN times like
these, was practically in charge OF the af-
fairs of the city, receiving and disposing
of the supplies sent TO Savannah from eV-
cry direction. A vacancy occurring in the
presidency, Capt. Wheaton was placed at
the head Of the association and managed
ITS affairs with great ability, and IN such
manner as TO win for him the gratitude q
his fellow citizens. He did not escape the
fever, but suffered from a severe attack.
When the epidemic had passed ana the
citizens of Savannah who had fed return-
ed TO rebuild their wasted fortunes. they
testified to their appreciation OF Capt,
Wheaton's' distinguished services BY elect
ing him Mayor, to which Office he was sub
sequently twice reelected, serving SIX
Years in all. He was succeeded hy Hon.
Rufus Il. Lester
Capt. Wheaton's public worth was fur
Their recognized when he was appointed
collector Of the port by President Cleve-
land during his first term as PRESIDENT
Capt Wheaton always maintained mis-
hosSNupon the Chatham Artillery, the bat