Date: 22 February 2025
Location: Joe Wheeler State Park
Maj. Gen. Joseph Wheeler in Blue and Gray
Eleven Bookers ventured to Joe Wheeler State Park. The meeting was hosted by Linda B. in one of the cottages. With the backdrop of the Tennessee river and a nice fire in the cottage fireplace the bookers discussed General Joe Wheeler’s extraordinary life.
Most of the bookers at the meeting read at least the last two or three chapters of the book. Others read the entire book. The author, a Civil War historian, provides a detailed account of Wheeler’s Civil War experience. Most of the bookers thought the author was too detailed in this area. Other points of discussion included his career, a West Point graduate, finishing at the bottom of his class in academics but excelling in other areas. We shared quite a few comments on his small size, young age and tenacity.
During the war Wheeler spent a lot time fighting in north Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee. During his time in north Alabama he met a young widow Daniella Sherrod from Courtland, Alabama. Group members familiar with the area shared their stories.
Wheeler entered politics after the war and served eight terms in the US House of Representatives serving the people of North Alabama. We had a discussion on his efforts related to veterans benefits for all soldiers – northern and southern. It was a good discussion.
In 1898, at age 62, he was again in uniform. President McKinley accepted his offer to serve in the United States Army in the Spanish-American War. He was appointed major general and commanded a cavalry unit of volunteers in Cuba. He also led American Forces in the Philippine Insurrection of 1900 and retired from military duty shortly thereafter.
Wheeler died in 1906 after a brief illness, which the author commented he fought to the end.
— Pat