New-York tribune., 1899-07-25
OBITUARY..
HENRY z. WHEELER.

On Sunday, July g. died one Of Brooklyns best
II not most widely known citizens, who had lived
in Brooklyn since early in the ffties, watched its
growth been active in political. educational ana
church work. and had earned the sincere respect
and affection Of large circle Of friends Henry T..
Wheeler was born in the city Of New-York on De-
cember 25 1882 His father. Epenetus Wheeler. OF
Dutch extraction. had three sons. one OF whom.
Ogden Hoffman Wheeler, fell in his country's ser
vice at Missionary Ridge. Henry, when thirteen
years old. was apprenticed TO the old hrn OF Har-
per & Bro. with whom he spent eighteen years,
growing up in association with George William
Curtis and the galaxy Of contributors who gen
Grafton ago made "Harper's Magazine" so well
known through the country. He retired from the
service In 1863 TO form, with L. H Biglow' the
printing house Of L. H. Biglow & Co. Mr Wheeler
never had the advantage OF college educa0oii.
but from his boyhood he was close student, anu
was especially fond OF medicine. literature ana MS
tory. In 1855 he married Miss Ella A. Biglow, by
whom he had two children. His daughter. now the
wife OF Assistant District Attorney Tyler, ana MS
widow survive him.
In 1865 Mr. Wheeler united himself with the
Bedford Avenue Baptist Church OF Brooklyn FROM
1857 be had been the librarian OF its Sunday scnoo
and his wide knowledge Of books had enabled him
10 select for its library works OF standard authors
In fact that library under his supervision. was the
best Sunday school library in Brooklyn In 1900 ne
organized young ladies' Bible class, which ne con-
tinued until 1885 and for several years he taught
Saturday night adult Bible classes. Few men among
the aity-in fact. few clergymen-were better bloh-
cal scholars than he for his knowledge OF the
Scriptures was thorough. He became Interested III
astronomy about 1870 read widely upon the SUD
feet obtained a telescope. built a small opserNd
tory in the yard Of his old kent-ave mousse ana
then sought TO teach his Bible scholars tne ruuI-
ments OF this science. About this time ne was dP-
pointed a member OF the Brooklyn Board OF EuuTa-
ton upon which he served for several yeaIs, IlS
was also secretary Of the Brooklyn Bapust Soclai
by a student, and more than twenty-I,.s,s II. ),
years ago originated Shakespeare caLendar' WI VIII
the design Of familiarizng people WIN the great
thoughts Of Englands master poet. -, -
These facts constitute the bare record OF an
active busy useful life The best OF the man was
his character and intellect. With his rne taste ne
might In other circumstances have contr1outed
something to the literature OF his age he p VIII
long be remembered. especially among the Bap,
lists OF the borough Of Brooklyn. as a kind and
genial friend a sagacious adviser, a. close 6lpe
student with ideas in advance OF his time ana the
advocate. by example well as precept, Oh an
that tends toward the progress OF mankihd. IN
politics Mr.. Wheeler was a lifelong Republican, ne
was active years ago In the old seventh WARD
organization Of Brooklyn, and was several times
delegate to the State convention Of his party Upon
Senator Conkling who. although he had never seen
Mr. Wheeler, recognized his political discernment
and literary ability, and wrote an autograph letter
in reply
The funeral will be held this evening at o'clock
at his home The Rev. Drs. 5. Glnard Nelson and
W. c. p. Rhoades will oficiate The burial will
be IN Greenwood Cemetery tomorrow morning.