MR. & MRS. HENRY WHEELER
SIXTY YEARS OF MARRIED LIFE
(photo of "Mr. & Mrs. Henry Wheeler of Franklin, who will celebrate their sixtieth anniversary today")
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Wheeler, two of Morgan County's most highly respected citizens, will celebrate their sixtieth wedding anniversary today in Franklin. Saturday, however was the day of the anniversary.
Henry Wheeler and Minerva S. Steely were married in Jefferson City, Mo., Oct. 22, 1850. Mr. Wheeler was then only nineteen years of age and since he did not have the consent of his parents, it was necessary for him and his bride-to-be to steal away without the knowledge of parents or friends. They eloped from their homes near Scottville in Macoupin county to the capital of Missouri, where they were quietly married. They are the parents of fourteen children, only five of whom are now living: Isaiah Wheeler, who lives four miles south of Waverly; Minerva Brewer, wife of Porter Brewer, who lives near Loami in Sangamon county; Martha F. Dowell, wife of G. J. Dowell of Franklin, and Rose B. Seymour, wife of Samuel B. Seymour, near Franklin. Five children died in infancy and four died after reaching majority. Besides the children, twenty two grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren are now living. Henry Wheeler was born in Sangamon county, Ill., July 29, 1831 and was the son of Joshua Wheeler and Sarah Wheeler nee Van Bibber. His wife was born in Whitley county, Kentucky, April 5, 1830, and moved with her parents, Isaiah Steely and Sarah Steeley, nee Dodson, to Macoupin County when she was sixteen years of age. Practically all of their life, therefore, has been spent in Morgan and Macoupin counties. Both are members of the Baptist church, and in politics, "Uncle Henry" is and always has been a Democrat of the "rock ribbed" variety. These old citizens are loved and respected by all who know them and it is the wish of their many friends and acquaintances that they may live many more years to bless the community in which they reside.
Submitted by Juli Claussen