WHEELER, Orlando Belina, civil engineer, born in Lodi, Michigan, 29 November, 1835. He was graduated at the University of Michigan in 1862, after taking both the scientific and classical courses, and in 1861-'2 was acting assistant in the astronomical observatory of that institution under Dr. Francis Brunnow. After his graduation he entered the service of the United States lake survey as assistant engineer, which office he held until 1882. Meanwhile he was detailed to serve as assistant astronomer under Professor Asaph Hall in 1874, on the expedition to Siberia to observe the transit of Venus, and in 1878 he served similarly with the total eclipse expedition in Colorado, and in 1882 he accompanied the party under Lieutenant Samuel M. Very, United States navy, that was sent to Patagonia to observe the transit of Venus. The degree of C. E. was conferred on him by the University of Michigan in 1879, and he is a member of scientific societies. Since 1884 he has been United States assistant engineer under the Missouri river commission. His writings, principally reports, have appeared in the annual volumes of the chief of engineers of the United States army, and of the superintendent of the United States naval observatory.