Harrison H. Wheeler (March 22, 1839 – July 28, 1896) was a Democratic politician from the U.S. state of Michigan who served one term in the United States House of Representatives. His congressional service occurred during a significant period in American history, and he participated in the legislative process as a representative of Michigan’s 9th congressional district, contributing to the democratic process and representing the interests of his constituents.
Wheeler was born at Farmers Creek in Lapeer County, Michigan, on March 22, 1839. He attended the common schools of the area and, as a young man, became a schoolteacher. He taught in local schools until 1861 and the outbreak of the American Civil War, when his career path shifted from education to military service.
On November 1, 1861, Wheeler enlisted in the Union Army as a private in Company C of the Tenth Regiment, Michigan Volunteer Infantry. He advanced steadily through the ranks during the war, being promoted to second lieutenant in June 1862 and to first lieutenant of Company E in the same regiment in April 1863. In April 1865 he was commissioned captain of Company F of the Tenth Michigan Infantry. At the close of the Civil War, he returned to Michigan and settled in Bay City, where he began to build a civilian career grounded in public service and the law.
Wheeler entered local public office soon after the war. In 1866 he was elected clerk of Bay County, Michigan. During his tenure as county clerk he studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1868, and commenced the practice of law in Bay City. His growing prominence led to election to the Michigan Senate, where he represented the 27th District from 1871 to 1872. In 1873 he moved to Ludington, Michigan, and continued his state legislative career as a member of the Michigan Senate from the 24th District from 1873 to 1874.
In 1874 Wheeler was appointed circuit judge, reflecting his professional advancement in the legal field. He was subsequently elected to that judicial office but resigned in June 1878. Shortly before his resignation, he was appointed postmaster of Ludington on April 16, 1878, a federal position he held until April 26, 1882, when his successor was appointed. After leaving the postmastership, Wheeler resumed the practice of law in Ludington, maintaining his role as a prominent attorney and Democratic Party figure in western Michigan.
In the 1890 elections, Wheeler was elected as a Democrat from Michigan’s 9th congressional district to the Fifty-second United States Congress, defeating incumbent Republican Byron M. Cutcheon. He served one term in the U.S. House of Representatives from March 4, 1891, to March 3, 1893. As a member of the Democratic Party representing Michigan, Wheeler contributed to the legislative process during this single term in office, participating in national debates and representing the interests of his district during a time of economic and political transition. He sought reelection in 1892 but was defeated by Republican John W. Moon.
After his congressional service, Wheeler continued in federal public service. On February 8, 1894, he was appointed United States pension agent at Detroit, a position of considerable responsibility in the post–Civil War era, when the administration of veterans’ pensions was a major federal function. He served as pension agent from his appointment until his death.
Harrison H. Wheeler died on July 28, 1896, at Farmers Creek, near Lapeer, Michigan, the community where he had been born. He was interred in Lakeview Cemetery in Ludington, Michigan.
Congressional Record
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