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Shaw (HENRY WHEELER American)

HENRY WHEELER, American humorist; born in Lanesborough, Mass., April 21, 1818; early went West and tried his hand at various occupations, working on a steamboat on the Ohio river, farming, and engaging in auctioneering. In 1859 he began to write and in 1860 sent "An Essa on the Muel, bi Josh Billings" to a New York paper.

It was extensively copied. His most successful literary venture, however, was a travesty on the "Old Farmer's Almanac," 127,000 copies of which were sold in its second year. He began to lecture in 1863, and for 20 years previous to his death contributed regularly to the New York. "World." He also published "Josh Billings, His Sayings," "Josh Billings On Ice," "Everyboddy's Friend," "Josh Billing's Spice Box," etc. He died in Monterey, Cal., Oct. 14, 1885.