S. S. Wheeler
S. S. Wheeler, one of the eminent attorneys of Lima, senior member of the law firm Wheeler & Bentley and formerly president of the Ohio State Bar Association, was born in Bedford, Ohio, October 21, 1849, and is one of a family of five children born to Edwin and Sallie (Sanford) Wheeler.
Mr. Wheeler was reared on his father's farm. His early education was obtained in the district schools, where he prepared for Oberlin College, from which institution he was most creditably graduated in the class of 1876. He then prepared for the practice of the law under the supervision of Andrew Squire, a leading attorney of Cleveland, and was admitted to the bar in 1878.
In November, 1881, Mr. Wheeler came to Lima and opened a law office. In 1884 he formed a partnership with W. E. Hackedorn, which connection lasted until 1887. In 1888 he formed a partnership with Herbert L. Brice, which continued until the death of Mr. Brice in 1902. Since that year Mr. Wheeler and Mr. Bentley have formed the present strong combination, which handles a large part of the important litigation of Lima and vicinity.
In 1900 Mr. Wheeler was elected president of the Ohio State Bar Association, a just tribute to one who has proven himself eminent in his profession. A notable paper on "Law" was read by President Wheeler before the Ohio State Bar Association at its annual meeting in 1902, which for beauty of diction, originality of thought and comprehension of the great subject involved has scarcely been surpassed by any modern speaker. He is a valued member of the American Bar Association and of the county and city organizations. For two and a half years he was referee in bankruptcy, and preformed the duties of that responsible office according to the letter of the law and with the judgment which only years of legal training could have produced.
Mr. Wheeler has a beautiful home on the Spencerville road and a domestic circle made up o wife and two children. He married Laura E. Seaver, who is the daughter of Andrew Seaver, a well-known citizen. With his family he belongs to the Presbyterian Church.
Politically Mr. Wheeler is a Republican. Fraternally he is a Mason. His conveniently located offices are in the Holland Block.
From History of Allen County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Edited by Charles C. Miller. Richmond & Arnold, Publishers, Chicago, 1906