Weekly journal-miner., 1910-02-02
DEATH SUMMONS
 PROMINENT ACTOR

for cremation, the last of the tragedy of a life's end, which seemed SO full of promise, will be over, and nothing but the memory of one whose chain of friendships reach from coast to coast, will remain, says the PhOe- nix Gazette.
 Forced to give up the stage, where his feet were already firmly placed upon the ladder of fame's ambitions, his fondest hopes blighted, the shad- ow of an early death constantly over shadowing him, he surmounted his disappointments, triumphed over the fear of the last great enemy, and with seemingly light hearted fellow ship and with a wit that was proverb- ial, "Jap" Wheeloek went about making friends, and won for himself a warm welcome from those who knew him and, by his broad-minded philosophy, helping all with whom he came in contact.
 "Put yourself in his place." was one of "Jap's" favorite motoos, and before eondemning he was always prone to look for the motive and find excuses for the erring. His heart was as broad as humanity and where his death was discussed today many remembered instances where he had sympathized with them in their troubles and helped them with cheer ing words.
 After weeks of suffering, to which those who were about him knew that there could be but one end, on Sat urday evening, at the home of Mrs. M. A. Ryan, at o'clock, the angel of the darker brink visited MT. Wheeloek, and he fell into the sleep that knows painful suffering no more. All that friends could do was done to make him comfortable, and with him during his list few weeks of his illness, was his mother, Mrs Joseph Wheelock, ST., who came here from New York. She will accom- pany the remains to Los Angeles for cremation and will take the ashes back to the eastern home. A guard of honor from among the members of the local order of Elks will accom- pany the body to the station.
 Seven or eight years ago, Joe Wheeloek, then a well-known actor, came to Phoenix, having been striek- en with a dreaded affection of the lungs. He spent the winter here, and one or two subsequent seasons, being benefited by the climate, alternating between Phoenix for rest and the stage for action. He was finally forced to desert stage life, and came here to reside permanently, so that he might lengthen his days, about three years ago. Since that time he has belonged to and has been regard ed as a part of Phoenix.
 During his residence here he tried always to help in public affairs that conditions permitted him to partiei- pate in. He was a valuable aid to the Elks in their local productions, staged "The Man From Mexieo,'' for the Country Club, played the principal part, and for a season or two had charge of the ehildren's amusement features at the Territorial fair. Af- ter the requirement of the local the ater by the Elks, of which order he was a member, the management Of the house was placed in his hands, and it was his ambition from the first to elevate the standard of attrae- tions presented in Phoenix. That he did is attested by all and during the single season during which he was in charge there. were. ereditable shows or none at all. Moreover, he arranged bookings of many of the at- fractions that have made the season notable, though he was not permit ted to present them under his own management on account of failing health.
 That he was highly esteemed by the members of his own profession IS evidenced by the fact that since he has been confined to his bed prom inent actors who visited the city have inquired solieitously about him, David Warfeld being among the number, and speaking of him in tendsE words of remembrance. Letters and mes sages have also been received from other well known theatrical lights.
 Joe Wheeloek was born in Chicago in April, 1871, and was the son of the late Joseph Wheeloek, ST., an actor of quite notable achievements on the eastern stage, who died very suddenly since the residence of the younger man in Phoenix. Joe early developed histrionie talent, and first appeared on the stage in professional work at the age of 19. During his career he has been associated with z 4ho