Wheeler was born in Chenango County, New York, on December 23, 1820. He received a liberal preparatory schooling and graduated from Union College in 1842. After moving to Berlin, Wisconsin, in 1849, Wheeler began studying law.
Following his tenure in Congress, Wheeler resumed practicing law in Berlin.
Personal life and death
Wheeler was married to Martha J. Ayers, with whom he had two children.
Due to ill health, Wheeler moved to Pueblo, Colorado, in 1870, where he was appointed register of the land office in Pueblo on June 27, 1871. He served until his death at the age of 50 on September 19, 1871. He was interred in Oakwood Cemetery, located in Berlin.[3]