Allen Wheeler was Civil War veteran and early landowner in Downers Grove.
Allen was born in Syracuse, New York and came to Illinois in 1844 when he was just 4 years old. One of nine children, he helped his father who was blind on the family farm. Allen enlisted in the 8th Illinois Cavalry fighting with the Army of the Potomac during the Civil War. Measles forced Allen to leave the fighting in 1864.
Allen married Elizabeth Bateman in 1864. She was born in England and came to America in 1852 when she was 6 years old. Together Allen and Elizabeth had 8 children. Educating them was a priority as Allen spent his early years helping on the farm and could not attend school as much as he would have liked.
In 1880 Allen and Elizabeth lost two of their daughters to scarlet fever. Nora was only 11 years old and Myrtle was only 3 years old. This disease caused heart problems in those who survived and their brother Schuyler suffered ill health until he died in 1891. Schuyler was remembered as honest, quiet in disposition, a great sufferer and a very religious person. A member of the Methodist Church, he often carried his bible with him. When he died an impressive funeral was held with these words said over his grave.
Welcome to the pearly portal, welcome by the angel band, welcome to life immortal in his blessed kingdom land. Home, home at last.
Alan and his wife are buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in Downers Grove township.
Contributed by Lois Sterba
