Early Memories of Saugatuck, Michigan : 1830-1930
Author: Heath, May Francis
Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Grand Rapids, Mich: 1930

JOHN WHEELER

John Wheeler, a pioneer violinist in Saugatuck and Singapore, was born at Ballyhaise Castle, Ireland, in 1843, the youngest of five sons. He came to New York with his violin which was his constant companion and in 1863 returned to Ireland, returning with his bride, Anna.

They lived at Singapore in the heyday of its flourishing mill days, later moving to Saugatuck, and here for many years he was the ferryman at the old chain ferry.

They were the parents of five children, Letitia, Martha, Hattie and Abigle and one son, Johnnie, who as a young boy was drowned in the Kalamazoo. All are now deceased, the father dying in 1910.

He was a veritable character—filled with the Irish charm of music and story-telling, maker of violins and beautiful handicraft in wood. The family were among the first to open their home to summer tourists in 1893.