Biography of Orlando D. Wheeler
from LANDMARKS OF STEUBEN COUNTY
by Hon. Harlo Hakes, 1896
by Hon. Harlo Hakes, 1896
Wheeler, Orlando D., was born in Wheeler in March, 1853. Silas Wheeler, his father, was also born in Wheeler in 1811, and died in 1855. He was an extensive lumberman and farmer, and at the time of his death owned 1,600 acres of land. He was a man of strong literary and scientific tastes, and possessed a fine library. He married Fidelia Frisbie, who was born in Middleburg, N.Y., in 1821, and died in Wheeler in 1883. Thier children were Don D., Myanda, William L., Grattan H., and Orlando D. Grattan H., grandfather of Orlando D., was actively identified with the early history of this town where he was an extensive lumberman and farmer, owning at one time a tract of 8,000 acres of land, a large portion of which he cleared of the timber which he manufactured into lumber. His father, Capt. Silas Wheeler, was the first settler, and for him the town was named. He was born in Concord, Mass., in March 1752. He was a captain in the Revolutionary war, and at one time was taken prisoner by the English and transferred to Kinsale, Ireland. He was aided in his escape by Lord Henry Grattan, who, when parting with Wheeler asked him to name his first son after him. Orlando D. Wheeler was educated at Hammondsport Academy, Franklin Academy, Prattsburgh, and Lima Seminary. At an early age he displayed unusual business ability. When but sixteen years of age he began business for himself, and has since been engaged in the various pursuits of railroad, merchant, and farm life. He has been in business in the West at two different times, once in Illinois and later in Kansas. From Kansas he returned to Wheeler and purchased part of the original Wheeler family estate, where he now resides. Mr. Wheeler is a man of sterling character and a disposition that endears him to all who know him well. His habits of life are above reproach. In politics he is a staunch Republican and has always voted according to Republican principles. In 1872 he married Minnie E., daughter of Richard Lewis, a well known resident of Prattsburg. They have one child, a daughter, Delia S., who graduated at sixteen years of age from Franklin Academy, Prattsburg, N.Y. In June, 1895, she graduated from Elmira College, receiving the degree of A.B. In accordince with the prominent traits of her family, she is a young lady of scholarly attainments and great strength of character.