Community Corner
February Dates in Wheaton’s History
Rediscover the historical events that happened in Wheaton
February
February 1, 1903
Death of Warren Lyon Wheaton, one of the original founders of Wheaton, in Wheaton. He is buried at Wheaton Cemetery.
February 4, 1992
Death of Norbert “Ned” Locke, actor, television personality and radio announcer. He was best known for the role of “Ringmaster Ned” On WGN Bozo’s Circus from 1961-1976.
February 14, 1857
The Wheaton Cemetery Association was formally incorporated by a special act of legislature.
February 16, 1967
Death of James Howard Monroe, U.S. Army Medal of Honor recipient. He was a graduate of Wheaton Central High School and namesake of James Howard Monroe Middle School. Monroe was drafted into the Army in 1966 and sent to Vietnam and served as a medic. He died while crossing “through enemy fire to treat wounded soldiers and smothered the blast of a grenade with his body, sacrificing his own life to protect those around him.” The medal is on display at the school. He is buried at Wheaton Cemetery.
February 14, 1877
Birth of William A. Gamon, Mayor of Wheaton 1917-1918 and 1943-1954.
February 21, 2018
Death of Billy Graham, Evangelist Leader graduate of Wheaton College, and former Wheaton resident
February 24, 1859
Wheaton was first incorporated and operated as an Illinois village with Warren Wheaton serving as its first President
February 24, 1918
Death of Norman James Tweedie at Camp Taylor, KY; Cause of death: influenza pneumonia. Norman, the son of Herbert J. Tweedie (one of Wheaton’s pioneer golf course designer and golfer) was the first Wheatonite to die in WWI. 500 men from Wheaton enlisted in WWI; 13 died. Norman’s obituary was carried on the front page of the newspaper with much public mourning. He is buried at Wheaton Cemetery.
February 25, 1895
Death of Jesse Childs Wheaton, one of the original founders of Wheaton, in Wheaton. He is buried in Wheaton Cemetery.
These dates were provided by the City of Wheaton Historic Commission. If you have any comments, corrections or additions to the list, please contact us at:
wheatonhistoriccommission@gmail.com. Thank you!
