Joseph Wheelock
For this Blog we arrive at South Africa and his elder brother Joseph Wheelock,
Joseph Wheelock was the elder brother by 18 months and named after his Maternal Grandfather hence where the Joseph Name comes from, He was an eminent Attorney (Solicitor), who had offices in Gray’s Inn even though he was not a Barrister.
Attorneys (forerunners of modern solicitors) could join an Inn of Court up to the first quarter or so of the nineteenth century but they did not have to, and many did not.
Joseph was admitted to the roll of attorneys in Michaelmas Term 1836 and was working for Messrs. Clowes and Wedlake’s at 10 King’s Bench Walk in the Inner Temple. Records of attorneys are held by the National Archives (www.nationalarchives.gov.uk)
From 1837-1839 he was at Messrs Clowes and Wedlake’s at 10 King’s Bench Walk in the Temple.
From 1840-1849 he was at 10 Chancery Lane [WC2], with a second address at 3 Suffolk Place, Islington.
From 1850-1855 his offices remained at 10 Chancery Lane but the second address changed to 22 St Mary’s Road, Canonbury [Islington] where he stayed up to 1878.
From 1856-1884 his office address was 13 Gray’s Inn Square – which will be why he described himself as being of Gray’s Inn – though, a stated above, he was not actually a member of the Society.
He had a long career in law up until the time of his death in 1884.
From his family there are two branches, one in England where one of his grandsons is known to have served in the great war and three of his Great-grandson’s served in WWII.
In the UK the Female line remains.
One of his youngest grandchildren went to South Africa, his name was Arthur Wheelock grandson and a former member of the Royal Artillery who served in the Boer War and was twice decorated for actions in the field. Following his resignation from the British Army he decided to stay in South Africa and joined the Transvaal Mounted police.
This branch has diversified into engineering and diamond industry. There are currently 2 known lines: A Female line in South Africa and a Male line in New Zealand.
Next week South Africa connection – Arthur Wheelock War Record.
Documents of the Joseph Wheelock Line
Will of Joseph Wheelock:
