William A. Wheeler

William A. Wheeler, born on June thirtieth, eighteen nineteen, in Malone, New York, was a distinguished American politician, banker, and lawyer. He pursued his legal education at the University of Vermont, which laid the foundation for a career marked by integrity and public service. After holding various local positions, he was elected to the New York State Legislature, where he began to make a name for himself in politics.

Wheeler's political career advanced as he served as a United States representative from New York in two non-consecutive terms, from eighteen sixty-one to eighteen sixty-three and again from eighteen sixty-nine to eighteen seventy-seven. He was a member of the Republican Party and was known for his principled stance, notably refusing a salary increase after Congress passed a pay raise in eighteen seventy-three, which he opposed.

In eighteen seventy-six, after a protracted nomination process at the Republican National Convention, Wheeler was selected as the vice presidential candidate alongside Rutherford B. Hayes. His nomination was largely due to his popularity among colleagues and his ability to maintain amicable relationships in Congress. As a resident of New York, he provided essential geographical balance to the ticket, complementing Hayes's Midwestern roots.

The Republican ticket won the contentious presidential election of eighteen seventy-six, despite losing the popular vote. Wheeler and Hayes, who had not previously known each other, developed a cordial working relationship during their time in office. Choosing not to seek re-election, Wheeler returned to Malone after his term ended in eighteen eighty-one. He passed away in eighteen eighty-seven and was laid to rest at Morningside Cemetery in his hometown.