Background
Wheeler, Homer Webster was born on May 13, 1848 in Montgomery, Vermont, United States. Son of Augustus Choto and Lucretia (Babcock) Wheeler.
Wheeler, Homer Webster was born on May 13, 1848 in Montgomery, Vermont, United States. Son of Augustus Choto and Lucretia (Babcock) Wheeler.
Educated Vermont Academy (Franklin, Vermont), New Hampton Institute (Fairfax, Vermont), Eastman’s Business College (Poughkeepsie, New York). Graduate Infantry and Cavalry School, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, 1883.
Went to Fort Wallace, Kansas, 1868, and became connected with the post trader’s store. Guide to Captain Bankhead’s expedition to the rescue of Major George Forsyth’s command, besieged for 9 days, at Arickaree fork of Republican River, Kansas, September 1868. Appointed post trader, 1870, and later engaged in cattle raising, owning the only herd in Western Kansas for a number of years.
Appointed Second lieutenant 5th Cavalry, United States of America, October 15, 1875, “for bravery and efficiency” in guiding Lieutenant Austin Henely, 6th Cavalry, in attacking a hostile Indian camp on Sappa Creek, Kansas, April 1875. Promoted through grades to colonel, March 11, 1911. Retired September 24, 1911.
Organizer company of Indian scouts, and commander for 3 years. In frequent combats with Indians through Sioux War of 1876. Served with regiment in Puerto Rico, Spanish-American War.
In Philippines, 1902-1904, Cuba, 1906-1909, Hawaiian Islands, 1910-1911. Medal as marksman and sharpshooter.
Mason.
Married Isabella Dougherty, August 10, 1886 (died 1888).