James Wheeler was born in Knox County, Tennessee on February 24, 1833. He was the son of Allen Wheeler and Elizabeth Cowan. It is believed that he had at least one half-brother, Bartley Wheeler. About 1850, James Wheeler as a young man came with many other Wheeler relatives, to the area of Dallas County, Missouri. By the late 1850s, James was farming near the small community of Lead Mine, Dallas County, Missouri. In 1856, he married Nancy A. Hays, who was born on November 8, 1834 in Jefferson County, Illinois. James Wheeler joined the 14th Missouri State Militia Cavalry, USA on January 20, 1862. He was promoted to Corporal on March 24, 1862. At a later date, he was promoted to Sergeant. One document states that he became 1st Sergeant at a later date. When the 14th Missouri State Militia was disbanded, Wheeler became a member of the 4th Missouri State Militia Cavalry, Company L.

James and Nancy had the following children:

John Allen Wheeler, born November 30, 1857

Nancy Elizabeth Wheeler, born February 4, 1859

Marion F. Wheeler, born July 12, 1860

Marshel Wheeler, born October 5, 1861

Mary Polly Wheeler, born March 13, 1863

Jasper Daniel Wheeler, born July 28, 1864

James Harve Wheeler, born July 1, 1866

Rebecca Verona Wheeler, born December 1, 1868

Gale Ulysses Wheeler, born December 9, 1871

Sarah Wheeler, born July 20, 1876

     In the late 1870s, oldest son John A. Wheeler relocated to Oregon County, Missouri in the southern part of the state. James, Nancy and the rest of the family soon followed, locating near the small town of Garfield, Oregon County, Missouri. At least at one time James was a member of a GAR unit in the area and/or attended some meetings at a post. James passed away on January 10, 1899 and is buried in the Garfield Cemetery, about three miles north of the Arkansas state line. His wife, Nancy died on July 22, 1905 and is buried beside James. Only a few feet away from James' grave rests a confederate veteran. In fact, James was a neighbor to one Levi A. Hall, of the 3rd Missouri Cavalry, CSA. James' daughter, Nancy and Levi's son, Amos P. Hall courted and married in 1880. Certainly, some interesting dinner discussions ensued at the family table.

Additional documentation to follow at a later date.

Researcher of Sergeant James Wheeler.

Email address not available.
Kenneth "Ken" R. Spurgeon

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