Wheat, Elias A., was born in the town of Barre, Orleans County, N. Y., October 20, 1818, son of Joseph and Caroline (Andrews) Wheat; the latter were among the pioneers of that County. Elias A. Wheat obtained his education in Chautauqua County, and in 1839 was ordained as a minister in the Methodist Protestant church. He was a member of the Genesee Conference for nearly sixty years, and served as pastor in the cities of Rochester and Buffalo, and in several other fields in Monroe, Livingston Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties, and for fourteen years was pastor of the church in Elba. Mr. Wheat was a good man in every sense of the word, and his gentleness and piety left a lasting impression upon his associates. Faithful and earnest in his labors, sympathetic and tender in his temperament; he formed deep friendships and incurred no enmities; "his works do follow him." In 1847 Mr. Wheat married Hannah M., daughter of Josiah and Polly M. Rich. Two children were born to them-Frank W. and Mrs. Mary L. Blood. Mr. Wheat died in April, 1895, and was universally mourned by the many to whom he had proved the good friend, safe counselor and worthy example.