YOUR SILENT NEIGHBORS
John E. Wheelock, Builder and Merchant
by David K. Leff
Town Poet Laureate & Deputy Town Historian  

A talented carpenter and builder, John E. Wheelock (1836-1916) built several houses in Collinsville and Simsbury, and Collinsville’s Trinity Church.  Born in Monterey, Massachusetts, he came to Collinsville at age 21. 

Wheelock ran a grocery store in the Beehive Block, a large wood-frame structure which burned in 1919, and stood where the town hall parking lot is today.  He also served for a decade as deputy sheriff.  He was an active thirty-second degree Mason and a member and past master of the Village Lodge.  He belonged to many other Masonic organizations, and was a member of Trinity Church in Collinsville. 

Wheelock was in ill health for a long time and died of a combination of diseases.  He also suffered from rheumatism for many years.  He was survived by his wife Julia, whom he married in 1860. 

Funeral services were held at the Wheelock home with Reverend Louis I. Belden of Trinity Church presiding. 

John E. Wheelock is buried in the Village Cemetery, Collinsville. 

“Your Silent Neighbors” introduces readers to people out of Canton’s past.  Readers are encouraged to visit these gravesites and pay their respects to the people who have helped make our community what it is today.