John J. Wheeler, the original owner of the well-known Wheeler house at Eatontown, died on Saturday, November 12th. In early life he was somewhat of a sportsman, having held the reins behind amny a famous trotting horse, and rode many runners to victory. It is said the sporting men, with whom he was a great favorite, advanced the money with which the large brick hotel was erected. he managed the hotel successfully for several years, when he was stricken with paralysis and was compelled to dispose of his business. Since that time he had lived at Long Branch. He was 62 years of age and leaves a wife and two children.

Source: Red Bank Register November 24, 1886