Representative Loren Edgar Wheeler

Loren Edgar Wheeler served as a Representative from Illinois in the United States Congress from 1915 to 1927. A member of the Republican Party, Loren Edgar Wheeler contributed to the legislative process during 5 terms in office.

Loren Edgar Wheeler’s service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history. As a member of the House of Representatives, Loren Edgar Wheeler participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of constituents.

Loren Edgar Wheeler (October 7, 1862 – January 8, 1932) was a U.S. Representative from Illinois. Born in Havana, Illinois, Wheeler attended the public schools and Graylock Institute, South Williamstown, Massachusetts. He moved to Springfield, Illinois, in 1880 and engaged in the ice and coal business until 1910 when he became identified with the advertising business. He served as member of the board of aldermen from 1895 to 1897. He served as Mayor of Springfield from 1897 to 1901. He served as delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1900. He was Postmaster of Springfield from 1901 to 1913. Wheeler was elected as a Republican to the Sixty-fourth and to the three succeeding Congresses (March 4, 1915 – March 3, 1923). On April 5, 1917, he voted against declaring war on Germany. He served as chairman of the Committee on Railways and Canals (Sixty-sixth and Sixty-seventh Congresses). He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1922 to the Sixty-eighth Congress. Wheeler was again elected to the Sixty-ninth Congress (March 4, 1925 – March 3, 1927). He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1926 to the Seventieth Congress. He continued his former business activities in Springfield, Illinois, until his death there on January 8, 1932. He was interred in Oak Ridge Cemetery.