B. E. Wheeler

B. E. Wheeler
Board of Alderman, Third Ward
Mayor
Preceded by	H. G. Haden
Biographical Information

Benjamin Ernest Wheeler (1870 – ) was Mayor of Charlottesville and a leading real estate dealer in the early 20th century.

Benjamin was born on May 24, 1870 to David Hening Wheeler and Mary Frances Foster in the Crozet section of Albemarle County. His father having died when Benjamin was in his 13th year, leaving him the oldest of a number of children. He worked on the family farm, attended the local county schools and later took on the nursery and fruit-tree business. Wheeler removed to the city in about 1915 and opened the firm of B. E. Wheeler & Company - handling homes, farms and city property.

Wheeler was elected to the City Council’s Board of Alderman from the Third Ward at the June election in 1918. He was elected at-large to serve a four year term as Mayor on June 9, 1920.

His children included: Roy Wheeler, Benjamin Ernest Wheeler, Jr. and Harry W. Wheeler.

Quotes

“I feel that the time has come when the administration of the city’s affairs should b conducted along the lines of progressiveness, common sense and fairness. I am committed to this program and on this basis solicit the votes and support of the citizens of Charlottesville.” Source: Candidacy announcement card of May 8, 1920. According to the 1940 census, he lived at 702 Ridge Street. [[Image:|right|thumb|200px|]]