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Bell Carnall Hoolie Quesenbury Watie Wheeler

Obituary of William Watie Wheeler, Sallisaw, Oklahoma.

William Watie Wheeler answered the last roll call at Sallisaw, Okla., February 15, 1915, after a prolonged illness. On the following day his remains were taken to Fort Smith, Ark., and interred in Oak Cemetary, where rest the ashes of many others of his kindred. His funeral services at Sallisaw were largely attended, all the business houses of the town being closed, and there was a large concourse of friends and acquaintances at the final services in Fort Smith, which were conducted under the auspices of the B. P. O. E. He was a member of Joe Wheeler Camp, No. 1800, U. C. V., of Sallisaw, and the Knights of Honor, also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

William Wheeler was born in Fort Smith, Ark., in 1847. His father, Judge John F. Wheeler, was a native of Kentucky, who went to the old Cherokee Nation in Georgia early in the last century, emigrating westward when the Cherokees were driven from their homes in that country. His mother was Miss Nancy P. Watie, a sister of Brig. Gen. Stand Watie, the famous Cherokee soldier, who rendered the Confederate government such efficient service in the Indian Territory and Western Arkansas during the War between States. He was also a close kinsman of L. B. (Hoolie) and James Bell, both of whom rendered distinguished service in General Watie's Brigade.

William Wheeler's tender years prevented his entering the Confederate army when hostilities began, but two years later he joined the command of his uncle, General Watie, and served with it until the end. His brother, John C. Wheeler, also served with the same command. Upon his return from the army he followed various occupations for about ten years, when, at the instance of the people of Fort Smith, he entered the lists for political favors. In 1876 he was elected township constable, serving practically without opposition for four years. Later he was made chief of police and held that position for four years. He renedered efficient service in the conduct of both offices. About twenty years ago he removed to Sallisaw, Cherokee Nation, and became an important factor in the development of that city. He engaged for a number of years in fruit-growing and stock-raising, and at the time of his death he was interested in various enterprises.

In 1868 Mr. Wheeler was married to Miss Emma C. Carnall, daughter of John Carnall, one of the pioneers of Western Arkansas, who survives him with eight of the nine children born to this union, all of whom are respected citizens of Sallisaw. His sister, Mrs. Argyle Quesenbury, is the sole survivor of a family of eight, and her husband also served four years under the Stars and Bars.

Mr. Wheeler had a large circle of friends and acquaintances, and those who knew him best loved him most. His success in life was unusual, but his ambitions were unselfish and his modesty most admirable. As a man he was true, capable, and honorable, the highest type represented by that word of signal, simple praise-gentleman.


SOURCE: Confederate Veteran Magazine, January, 1916.


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