Biography

Waking up a little after midnight, Wheeler found his camp at Mt Sir Samuel in a blaze. He jumped out of bed and tried to push his way out through the canvas but could not do so, the material proving too strong. He then crawled underneath his bunk and managed to squeeze through an opening at the side of his camp and called out for help. A man named Cooper heard his call, went to his assistance and found that the unfortunate man was severely burnt about the head and body. He remained with him until the arrival of Constable Pearce, who conveyed Wheeler to the Lawlers Hospital where he later died. He had been working at the Bellevue Gold Mine since a little before last Christmas. Mr Wheeler was buried in Plot 19, Section D, north-east corner of the cemetery.