With the help of Abraham M. Bigelow, he became an apprentice at Taunton Locomotive works, and left with the highest honors and recommendations.

He soon joined with Charles A. Wheeler to begin manufacturing this invention, and ultimately sold the company in 1888.

[2] Wheelock invented several mechanisms to improve the steam engine, the most famous of which was his valve system.

In 1875, the American Institution awarded him the Great Gold medal of Progress, the only one given for a steam engine.

He also gave $100,000 to Harvard and Clark University to be held as the Jerome Wheelock fund.