Wheeler was born in Virginia and moved to Ohio before completing his legal preparation.

[1] That same year, Wheeler was named the founding head of the first iteration of the Baylor Law School.

[3] Early graduates of the school included future Chief Justice of Texas Thomas J.

[5] In 1864, saddened by the impending defeat of the South in the Civil War, Wheeler committed suicide in Washington County, Texas.

[6] He was succeeded as Chief Justice by Oran Milo Roberts, who later became Governor of Texas.