Joseph Wheeler

Born September 10, 1836

Joseph Wheeler (September 10, 1836 – January 25, 1906) was an American military commander and politician. He had the rare distinction of serving as a general during war time for two opposing forces: first as a general in the Confederate States Army in the 1860s during the American Civil War, and later as a general in the United States Army during both the Spanish-American War and Philippine-American War near the turn of the century.

Between the Civil War and the Spanish-American War, Wheeler served multiple terms as a United States Representative from the state of Alabama.

At age 26, he became one of the youngest Confederate Generals, and rapidly rose from Brigadier to Major General during 1863. Although debate exists regarding whether he was officially confirmed as a Lieutenant General, Wheeler served in this capacity late in the war. He participated in more than 500 skirmishes and commanded in 127 battles.

In the 1870s, Wheeler studied law, and after passing the Alabama Bar Exam, became an attorney for the Tuscumbia, Courtland and Decatur Railroad (later Southern Railway).

He was first elected to Congress in 1880. Following his initial two-year service, he was defeated. Running again at the next opportunity two years later, he would serve continuously until taking leave from Congress in 1898, at the beginning of the Spanish-American War.

Subsequently, Wheeler was commissioned by President McKinley to serve as Major General of Volunteers in Cuba during the Spanish-American War.

Wheeler died in 1906 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.