William Almon Wheeler's nomination to the vice presidency was apparently a joke enjoyed by members of his Republican Party--Wheeler included. When Rutherford B. Hayes, the president under whom he served, was notified of Wheeler's nomination, he remarked, "I am ashamed to say: Who is Wheeler?" As congressman representing New York State, Wheeler voted against a retroactive pay raise and returned his salary adjustment when the measure was nonetheless passed. He served as vice president from 1877-1881. (--)

Vice Presidents We Never Knew

William Almon Wheeler's nomination to the vice presidency was apparently a joke enjoyed by members of his Republican Party--Wheeler included. When Rutherford B. Hayes, the president under whom he served, was notified of Wheeler's nomination, he remarked, "I am ashamed to say: Who is Wheeler?" As congressman representing New York State, Wheeler voted against a retroactive pay raise and returned his salary adjustment when the measure was nonetheless passed. He served as vice president from 1877-1881.

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