The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1915-10-28
NJ. |. WHEELER DEAD
Prominent Princeton Business Man
Succumbs to Pneumonia After
Illness of Two Weeks.
Business Places Close While Funeral
Services Are Conducted at the
Armory This Morning.

L. Wheeler, which occurred at the
Northwestern hospital on Monday
night at 10 O'Clock, following a two
weeks illness with pneumonia. Mr..
Wheeler was taken sick with pneu-
monia en- Tuesday, October II, and
his condition was critical from the
first He had undergone an opera
tion for appendicitis on August 30,
last, and while he had recovered
from it he was still weak when
stricken with pneumonia. The pa
tient was removed to the Northwest
ern hospital on the 18th inst, and
during the first few days thereafter
slight hopes were entertained for re-
covery. A change for the better
finally came, however, and up to
half an hour before the end came
the patient appeared to be improv-
ing. Monday night at $3.50 o'clock
sinking spell set in: and shortly
thereafter Mr.. Wheeler breathed
his last DR.. Cooney, who had
charge of the case, left Princeton
last Friday morning for the east to
attend surgical clinic, and since
that time DR.. Armitage had cared
for the patient.
The funeral services were con-
Quoted this morning at the armory
and all business activities in the viii
lage suspended from o'clock to 10,
as mark of respect. The spacious
auditorium of the armory was filed
with friends and relatives of the
deceased, who congregated there to
pay a last tribute of respect to the
departed one. The floral tributes
were exceptionally beautiful and in
cluded fine wreathes from several
lodges. The Princeton I. O. 0. F.
lodge had charge Of the services. and
the impressive ritualistic work of
that order was carried out. but prior
thereto Rev. S. Johnson delivered
brief but eloquent sermon, and
Rev. e. B. Service, gave a prayer.
A quartet composed of Mesdames
Gibson and Cowles and Messrs.
Grover and Charles Umberhocker,
sang several touching selections, and
Mrs. Gibson also contributed beau
tiful vocal solo. Mrs. BENZ. Soule
presided at the piano. The remains
we're taken to Stewartville this
morning to be laid at rest beside two
children of the deceased who are
buried there.
Martin Leon Wheeler was born in
Lenawee county, Michigan, October
3, 1872, so at the time Of his death
was 43 years and p days old. He
accompanied his parents: Mr.. and
Mrs. Israel Wheeler, to Minnesota
when four years of age, and they
located on a farm in Blue Hill,
Sherburne county, Mr.. Wheeler
was united in marriage to Miss
Estella Burgan, February IS, 1894,
and four children blessed the union,
two of whom are living, viz: Har-
old, aged IS, and Gordon, aged 4.
Besides the widow and two children
deceased is survived by his mother,
Mrs. E. f. Griffith, one sister, Mrs.
M. O. Harvey. of San Diego. Cali
fornia, and brother, George, of St.
Paul.
Deceased was one of the promi-
nent young business men of Prince
ton, being associated with F. w.
Manke in the wholesale potato bust
ness. He ever displayed a whole
some interest in public affairs and
at the time Of his demise was serv-
ing his second term as president of
the village council, and had also
served on the common council. Mr..
Wheeler took a keen and active in
terest in fraternal affairs at all times
and will he sorely missed in the
lodge rooms of the I. 0. 0. F. and K.
of P. organizations-being Past
Grand in the former, and Chancellor
Commander of the latter. He was
also affiliated with the Modern
Woodmen of America and the Mod
ern Samaritans.
Leon Wheeler, as deceased was
known among his intimates, was
good citizen, and the numerous ex-
pressions of sincere grief which
greeted the news of his untimely de-
mise amply attest to the esteem in
which he was held by those who
knew him. That he was removed
from earthly scenes and loved ones in
the prime of life is indeed sad. A
large circle of friends will carry only
the kindliest reco]lections of him in
the years to come.