James A. Wheeler, secretary and assistant treasurer of the Iola Portland Cement Company, is a native of New York. He was born at Jamestown, July 12, 1864, and is a son of Aaron M. and Lucy (Fish) Wheeler, natives of New York. In 1867, the family removed to Michigan where the father engaged in farming. James A. Wheeler received his education in the district schools, and the high school at St. Louis, Mich. After finishing school he became a clerk in a bank at St. Louis, Mich., and later became assistant cashier of the bank and remained with that institution seven years. In 1891, he resigned to accept a position in the office of William L. Holmes, an extensive real estate dealer of Detroit, Mich. Later Mr. Holmes organized the American Construction Co. and Mr. Wheeler had charge of the office part, of both the real estate and construction business in Detroit, until July, 1899, when he came to Iola, Kans., to make arrangements for the construction of the Iola Portland Cement Company's plant at Bassett. This work was commenced in September, 1899, and Mr. Wheeler had charge of the financial end of the construction of that plant. When the plant was completed, he became secretary and assistant treasurer of the Iola Portland Cement Company, a position which he has since held. In the discharge of the duties of his office, in connection with this extensive industrial institution, Mr. Wheeler has demonstrated unusual business ability. In addition to his other duties, he has charge of a four hundred acre farm, near Iola, which his company operates. Mr. Wheeler takes an active part in the local affairs of Allen county, and has served as president of the Allen county Agricultural Association for eight years, and has been mayor of Bassett since the organization of that town. He was married September 8, 1887, to Miss Minnie M. Stebbins, daughter of W. L. and Margaret (Francisco) Stebbins, natives of New York. The Stebbins family removed to Michigan and located at St. Louis where Mrs. Wheeler was born. To Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler have been born two children: Florene and Louis J. The family are members of the Presbyterian church, and Mr. Wheeler is a Thirty-second Degree Scottish and York Rite Mason, and a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.