John "Ward" Wheeler
Col. Wheeler Hurt in Fall from Horse
CROWN POINT -- Col. John W. Wheeler, 62, prominent Calumet Region engineer who played a leading role in the construction of two world-famed World War II road projects, suffered a possible broken back when he was thrown from his horse Sunday while riding on his estate near here.He was reported in "fair" condition today at Methodist Hospital in Gary.
Col. Wheeler was the engineer in charge of operations during the construction of the Alcan Highway from Canada to Alaska and played a major role in the construction of the Lido Road in Burma.
HE CURRENTLY is assistant to the president of the Chicago Burlington and Quincy Railroad and consultant to the Association of American Railroads.
Col. Wheeler was thrown over the head of his horse Sunday when the horse stumbled after leaping a small ditch.
A native of Crown Point, Col. Wheeler graduated from Purdue University in 1916 with a degree of civil engineering. The university conferred upon him an honorary degree of doctor of philosophy after World War II for his work in the construction of the two supply highways.
He served as state highway commissioner under Gov. Paul V. MeNutt during the 1930s.
Col. John Wheeler Injured in Fall from Horse Sunday
Long Hospitalization Seen Likely But Slight Gain Is Noted in Condition Today
A slight gain gives Col. John W. Wheeler's family encouragement today (Thursday) as he, soldier-like, "faces up" to the long hospitalization necessary to effect recovery from serious injuries received early Sunday morning as he rode his horse, "Babe," on his country place west of Crown Point on Road 8. The mare's stumble, so sudden that it caught Colonel Wheeler off guard, threw him over her head to [the] ground near the front fence, a place that proved fortunate in that he was able, within minutes, to attract the attention necessary for immediate removal to Gary Methodist hospital. There he underwent emergency surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord caused by three crushed vertebrae.Conscious despite the damaging fall, Colonel Wheeler was able to draw the attention of Dirk Bos, on the way to his home on the Wheeler property after completing early morning chores on the Wheeler farm east of Crown Point, and to direct means for getting to the hospital.
The comfort of having members of his immediate family near was made complete Wednesday with the arrival of his oldest son, John P. Wheeler, who came from Arizona to stay for an indefinite length of time.
"John Ward" to all those in the community who have known him since little boyhood Colonel Wheeler served in both World Wars and was one of the builders of Alaska's Alcan highway. A graduate of Purdue's school of engineering, he is a former member of the Indiana State Highway commission and received commission as a colonel and command of the 113th Engineers shortly before the battalion was called into service during World War II. He is now assistant to the president of the Burlington Railroad. He cannot have visitors at the hospital for some time, Mrs. Wheeler said today.
The following newspaper article, hand-identified as being from the Oct. 1, 1954, Star, was found in a scrapbook owned by Town Historian Richard Schmal:
COL. JOHN WHEELER IS SHOWING GAIN
Steady improvement is noted in the condition of Col. John W. Wheeler, according to report today (Thursday). He continues under care for serious injury to his back September 26, when he was thrown from his horse on the grounds of his home west of town.Despite the continued gain Mrs. Wheeler said he will not be able to receive callers in his room at Gary Methodist hospital for quite some time.
The following newspaper article, hand-identified as being from the Oct. 22, 1954, Star, was found in a scrapbook owned by Town Historian Richard Schmal:
COL. JOHN WHEELER GAINS IN HOSIPTAL
Friends of Col. John W. Wheeler will find encouragement and comfort in the gain he is showing from the severe back injury received in a fall from his horse. He is able now to sit in a wheeled chair for short intervals and will be taken sometime next week to veterans' hospital at Hines for rehabilitation treatment.Although he is much better he is still unable to receive visitors outside the family circle, Mrs. Wheeler said today (Thursday).
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