Biography of Capt. Wheeler Hakes
Wheeler Hakes was born on October 23, 1832. Enrolled, Aug.16, 1862; Age, 29 years, nine months, and 24 days. He mustered into the 130th New York State Volunteers as captain, Co. E, to serve three years; discharged, Dec. 5, 1864, for disability; commissioned captain, Nov. 1, 1862, with rank from Aug. 16, 1862; brevet Major US Volunteers original.
RESEARCHER’S NOTE: Wheeler Hakes was the commanding officer of Levi and Marvin Green
This information is taken from the book “A History of the Town of Wellsville, 1795-1963″ by Martha Howe; Revised Edition, Christina Case Wightman/Benson Smythe Publishing; Wellsville, NY. (SOURCE website linked here)
I have further connected to the history of the Hakes Family and their family history written by Harry Hakes of Wilksberry, PA, printed in 1886. You can find that book here.
Researcher’s note: My grandmother Ethel M. Klimeck’s maiden name was Hakes. I have not researched a connection.)
“One of Wellsville’s outstanding veterans was Capt. Wheeler Hakes, grandfather of Mrs. Fay Muckey. He was one of six brothers who fought in the Civil War, two of whom paid the supreme sacrifice and are buried in unknown graves in the South.
Captain Hakes was mustered into U. S. service as captain at Portage, N.Y., on August 16, 1862. He belonged to the 130th Regiment, Co. E. New York Volunteers, which was later changed to 1st New York Dragoons. A fine, large monument in Letchworth Park is erected to the memory of the 1st New York Dragoons. This company mainly recruited from Allegany and Livingston counties and participated in the Battles of Deserted House and the Siege of Suffolk. The latter lasted from April 11 to May 4.
Captain Hakes was seriously injured by a shell, confined to a Baltimore hospital for some time, and compelled to resign from service. Heart disease developed, resulting in his sudden death at forty-nine.He is buried in Johnson Cemetery in Wellsville. He was a brave officer, kind to his men, and loved and honored by them all. A favorite in the regiment, he bore honored scars in the testimony of courage that never faltered under fire. He was commissioned major because of “gallant and meritorious services during the war. The commission was signed by President Andrew Johnson.”
Researcher’S note: The age of Hakes, as Martha Howe wrote, is in dispute. My research indicates that Hakes died on 9 Dec 1876 (aged 44 years, one month, and 16 days) and is buried in the Johnson Cemetery Wellsville, Allegany County, New York.
I am more inclined to accept the age of 44 over Howe’s age of 49 since the age of 44 is confirmed in two places. The first is from the Hakes family history linked above, and the second is from Wheeler’s headstone, captured in the photo below.
