Person Page - 136

REV. ELISHA T. WHEELER.

Elisha T. Wheeler was born in Athens, Pa., June 25, 1820. His parents were devoted Christians, and members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In his thirteenth year he was awakened to see his need of salvation, and soon found pardon and peace through faith in God. For some time he lived in the constant enjoyment of acceptance in Christ, then partially lost the power though retaining the forms of godliness, until in 1839 he was aroused, renewed his covenant with God, and his peace and religious joy were restored. From this time he felt it his duty to preach the gospel. This impression deepened, until he promised the Lord that if the way opened he would go. He was granted license to exhort in 1845, and to preach in 1847. In 1849 he was admitted on trial in the Erie Conference, of which he was a member till the formation of the East Ohio Conference, in whose bounds he then lived, and of which he was a member the rest of his life. During his effective years his work was blessed with some remarkable revivals. But lung trouble, threatening consumption, compelled him to give up the active ministry, though he was still eager to do all the work his health would permit. He was married in 1851 to Miss Mary Cole, who died August 18, 1879. To them were born nine children, only the oldest and youngstest (sic) of whom are living. He died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John Shidler, near Anthony, Kansas, March 5, 1902, after a short illness of pneumonia. His pastor there writes of him: "His cheerful spirit, exemplary life and Christian labors were an inspiration to all who knew him. His last moments, though filled with intense suffering, were peaceful. He longed for the end. 'He rests from his labors, and his works do follow him!²' "