William A. Wheeler
William Almon Wheeler (1819–1887), the 19th Vice President of the United States, was a respected yet understated political figure whose career spanned decades of public service. Best remembered for his role alongside President Rutherford B. Hayes, Wheeler was a steadfast advocate for fiscal responsibility, civil service reform, and post-Civil War reconciliation.
Early Life and Education
William A. Wheeler was born on June 30, 1819, in Malone, New York, a small town near the Canadian border. He was the son of Almon Wheeler, a farmer, and Eliza Wood Wheeler. Tragically, his father died when Wheeler was just eight years old, leaving his family in financial difficulty. This early hardship instilled in Wheeler a strong sense of self-reliance and work ethic that would characterize his life and career (Risjord, 1993).
Wheeler pursued his education at the Franklin Academy in Malone, where he excelled academically. Despite limited resources, he attended the University of Vermont but was forced to withdraw due to financial constraints. Nevertheless, Wheeler continued his studies independently, eventually becoming a teacher and later a lawyer after being admitted to the New York bar in 1845 (Harris, 1967).
Entry into Politics
Wheeler’s political career began in the mid-1840s when he was appointed Franklin County District Attorney. Known for his integrity and commitment to the rule of law, Wheeler quickly gained a reputation as a capable and ethical public servant. In 1849, he was elected to the New York State Assembly, where he served for two terms and demonstrated a commitment to fiscal conservatism and government accountability (Risjord, 1993).
In 1850, Wheeler transitioned to the New York State Senate, where he represented the Fourth District. During his tenure, he advocated for infrastructure improvements and public education reform. Wheeler’s focus on pragmatic governance earned him respect across party lines and established him as a rising star in New York politics (Harris, 1967).
Congressman and National Political Career
After a brief hiatus from politics, Wheeler was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1860 as a member of the Republican Party. His tenure in Congress coincided with the Civil War and the beginning of Reconstruction. Wheeler was a staunch supporter of the Union and endorsed legislation to fund the war effort and rebuild the nation’s infrastructure (Coletta, 1973).
Wheeler served five non-consecutive terms in the House of Representatives (1861–1863 and 1869–1877). During this time, he emerged as an advocate for economic reform and the reduction of government corruption. He supported civil service reform, arguing that merit, rather than patronage, should dictate government appointments. His efforts to curb political corruption were highlighted by his role as chairman of the Committee on Pacific Railroads, where he worked to investigate fraudulent activities associated with the construction of the transcontinental railroad (Risjord, 1993).
The Wheeler Compromise
One of Wheeler’s most notable achievements in Congress was his role in resolving a contentious political dispute in Louisiana during Reconstruction. In the aftermath of the Civil War, Louisiana’s government was divided between two rival factions, each claiming legitimacy. Wheeler proposed a compromise that led to the establishment of a unified government. His diplomatic efforts earned him praise for promoting reconciliation and exemplified his commitment to national unity (Coletta, 1973).
This “Wheeler Compromise” demonstrated his ability to navigate complex political situations with fairness and integrity. It also positioned him as a figure capable of bridging divides in an era of intense sectional and political conflict (Harris, 1967).
Vice Presidency
In 1876, Wheeler was unexpectedly nominated as Rutherford B. Hayes’s running mate at the Republican National Convention. The decision to select Wheeler was driven by his reputation for honesty and reformist principles, which complemented Hayes’s image as a moderate and principled leader. The Hayes-Wheeler ticket ran on a platform emphasizing Reconstruction, civil service reform, and economic stability (Risjord, 1993).
The 1876 presidential election was one of the most contentious in American history. After a disputed vote count in several Southern states, the election was ultimately decided by the Electoral Commission, which awarded the presidency to Hayes. Wheeler became Vice President on March 4, 1877, in what many historians regard as the culmination of the Compromise of 1877, which effectively ended Reconstruction (Coletta, 1973).
As Vice President, Wheeler presided over the Senate, where he earned a reputation for impartiality and fairness. While the role of Vice President was largely ceremonial at the time, Wheeler’s integrity and commitment to democratic principles were evident in his conduct. He supported Hayes’s efforts to reform the civil service and reduce political corruption, aligning himself with the administration’s broader goals of reconciliation and governance reform (Harris, 1967).
Personal Life and Character
William A. Wheeler’s personal life was marked by modesty and a strong sense of duty. In 1842, he married Mary King, who supported him throughout his political career. The couple had no children, and Mary’s death in 1876 deeply affected Wheeler, leaving him to carry on his public responsibilities alone (Risjord, 1993).
Wheeler was known for his frugal lifestyle and aversion to ostentation. Despite his prominence in national politics, he continued to reside in his hometown of Malone, where he was regarded as a humble and approachable figure. His commitment to honesty and public service earned him the nickname “Honest Wheeler,” a reflection of the high regard in which he was held by colleagues and constituents alike (Harris, 1967).
Later Years and Legacy
After leaving office in 1881, Wheeler retired from public life and returned to Malone. He remained active in local civic affairs, contributing to educational and charitable initiatives. Wheeler’s later years were marked by declining health, and he passed away on June 4, 1887, at the age of 67 (Coletta, 1973).
Wheeler’s legacy is one of integrity, pragmatism, and dedication to public service. Although his tenure as Vice President is often overshadowed by the tumultuous events of the Hayes administration, Wheeler’s contributions to Reconstruction, economic reform, and national reconciliation were significant. His life exemplifies the values of honesty, humility, and a steadfast commitment to the principles of governance (Risjord, 1993).
Final Summary
William A. Wheeler’s life and career highlight the importance of integrity and pragmatism in public service. From his early days as a lawyer and local politician to his role as Vice President of the United States, Wheeler consistently demonstrated a commitment to honesty, fiscal responsibility, and national unity. His efforts to promote reconciliation during Reconstruction and his dedication to civil service reform underscore his contributions to an era of significant change in American history.
References
Coletta, P. E. (1973). The Presidency of Rutherford B. Hayes. Lawrence: University Press of Kansas.
Harris, W. C. (1967). The Era of Reconstruction, 1865–1877. New York: Oxford University Press.
Risjord, N. K. (1993). Representing the Republic: A History of American Legislators. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield.
Trefousse, H. L. (1989). Rutherford B. Hayes and His America. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press.
Woodward, C. V. (1951). Origins of the New South, 1877–1913. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press.