Alfred N. Wheeler, clerk of the superior court and a prominent attorney at law of New Haven, was born in Southbury, Connecticut, January 2, 1855. His parents, Elisha and Elizabeth A. (Leavenworth) Wheeler, were also natives of this state, where their ancestors had lived for many generations. In fact the Wheelers were among the first of the colonists in Connecticut, and Moses Wheeler was one of the original settlers of New Haven, in 1638, and shortly afterward removed to Stratford. Elisha Wheeler, the father, was a well known citizen of New Haven county, where he spent his entire life, from June 16, 1816, to January 1, 1877. He was a prominent and representative citizen of Southbury; was a member of the legislature and senate, and held many offices of trust in the community. His wife, who was born February 29, 1816, died in Southbury, February 3, 1905, universally esteemed and sincerely mourned. She lived from the date of her marriage continuously in the family homestead in Southbury, for a period of sixty-five years. They had a family of seven children: James L., Frances E., Martha E., Mary S., Ralph E., Henry S. and Alfred N.

The last named became a pupil in General Russell's Preparatory School in 1869 and entered the Sheffield Scientific School in 1872, and was graduated in 1875 with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy. He next entered the Yale law department and won his professional degree in 1877. He then entered upon the practice of his profession in New Haven. He at once gained a good clientage and was recognized as one of the successful attorneys of the city, remaining in active practice until 1907, when he was appointed assistant clerk of the superior court, which position he occupied until April, 1912. At that time he was appointed clerk of the court and still remains in that office, and is ex-officio clerk of the supreme court of errors. His official term has been characterized by marked capability and faithfulness in the performance of his duties. He has filled various other public and private offices of trust. He served as assistant state attorney for New Haven county from 1896 to 1907. He has been a councilman of New Haven and a member of its board of health, and at all times he has been most faithful to the many duties which have devolved upon him.

On the 30th of September, 1891, Mr. Wheeler was married in New Haven to Miss Lillian E. Wilson, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elisha Wilson of Elizabeth, New Jersey. They have three children: Richard E., who was born in New Haven, August 15, 1893, is a graduate of the high school, of the Choate School of Wallingford and of the academic department of Yale University in 1915. He joined the United States Naval Coast Defense in May, 1917, was commissioned as an ensign in September and was then transferred to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, for further intensive training in naval warfare. Elizabeth C., born January 12, 1896, is a graduate of Miss Johnstone's School in New Haven and for three years was a student in the Westover School at Middlebury, Connecticut. She was married October 2, 1915, to William S. Innis of Providence, Rhode Island, and they have one child, William G. (II), born October 30, 1916. Alfred N. Wheeler, Jr., born July 30, 1899, at Woodmont, Connecticut, and graduated at the Choate School in 1917, prepared to enter the academic department of Yale University. However, he joined the Red Cross Ambulance Service and went to France and served there for a period of six months.

The parents and all the children are members of Trinity Episcopal church, and Mr. Wheeler for several years has been a vestryman and treasurer of the parish. He is a member of the County and State Bar Associations, of the Graduates Club, and other clubs and organizations. He is much interested in all those questions which have to do with good government and public progress and loyally supports men and measures adapted to accomplish these results.