William Almon Wheeler was born on June 30th, 1819, in Malone New York. Wheeler and served as the 19th Vice President of the United States from 1877 to 1881. Wheeler was favorably remembered for his integrity as well as ethical character and positive relationship with President Rutherford B. Hayes.
Early Life
Wheeler attended the University of Vermont until the financial burden compelled him to withdraw. Nevertheless, Wheeler later received an honorary degree from Dartmouth College and a doctorate-level academic degree in law from the University of Vermont.
Early Career
Wheeler served as an attorney in his hometown of Malone, and soon after that would commence his career in public service as a district attorney in Franklin County. From there, Wheeler transitioned into a political career by winning his election to the New York State Assembly in 1850. In 1858, Wheeler successfully ran for the New York State Senate where we would reach the height of his state political career.
Political Career & Vice Presidency
In 1861, Wheeler took his career national by winning his congressional race to become a` Congressman from 1861 to 1863. After his short stint in Washington, Wheeler returned to New York and chaired the state constitutional convention. During his time here, Wheeler developed a strong rapport with many of the New York elite. His manner of dealing with opposing views as chair of the constitutional convention built a reputation for Wheeler as an honorable yet quiet personality. It was at the New York convention, however, that Wheeler proclaimed his support for racial equality. Simply put, his across the board popularity handily won Wheeler back his congressional seat in 1869. Wheeler’s congressional career is perhaps best remembered for his objection to the salary increase passed by his peers in 1873. Wheeler famously rejected the salary increase of $2,500 that had passed with the Salary Grab Act. Wheeler stepped away from Congress in 1877 because, in 1876, he was triumphantly nominated to join Rutherford B. Hayes’ Presidential ticket as the Vice President. However, in a letter written from the Republican Candidate Hayes, Hayes did not know who Wheeler was. Despite their lack of introduction, on March 4th of 1877, Wheeler took the oath of office becoming the 19th Vice President of the United States, and from private letters written by Hayes, we are led to believe that their relationship was a friendly one.
Wheeler died at the age of 67 in his hometown of Malone, New York in 1887.
