Wheeler, Joseph. An American military officer. Born in Augusta, Georgia, September 10, 1836. Graduated at the United States Military Academy in 1859. Served in the cavalry until the outbreak of the Civil War, when he entered the Confederate army, in which he was commissioned major-general and senior commander of cavalry. Wheeler won great distinction during the Civil War as a raider. After the war he entered the law profession; held a seat in Congress in 1881-99, and was made major-general of volunteers in May, 1898. During the Santiago campaign in Cuba, he commanded the cavalry division, and participated in the battles of Las Guasimas and San Juan Hill. Was appointed senior member of the commission to make arrangements for the surrender of the Spanish army. Served in the Philippines from August, 1899, to January, 1900. Wheeler was appointed a brigadier-general, USA, June 16, 1900. Died 1906.

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