Martin Wheelock facts for kids
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| Carlisle Indians | |
|---|---|
| Position | Tackle |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | June 5, 1874 Oneida, Wisconsin |
| Died: | May 25, 1937 (aged 62) Belle Plaine, Wisconsin |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight | 185 lb (84 kg) |
| Career history | |
| College | Carlisle (1894–1902) |
Martin Frederick Wheelock (born June 5, 1874 – died May 25, 1937) was a famous American college football player. He became well-known while playing for the Carlisle Indian School from 1894 to 1902.
Martin Wheelock was the captain of the 1899 Carlisle Indians football team. He was chosen as a top player, called a first-team All-American, in 1899. He was also named a second-team All-American in 1901. Later in his life, he worked as a blacksmith and farmer.
In 1913, his coach, Pop Warner, picked Wheelock for his "All-Time American Indian Football Team." This team included other legendary players like Jim Thorpe. In 1980, Martin Wheelock was honored by being added to the American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame.
Early Life and Schooling
Martin Frederick Wheelock was born in 1874 in Oneida, Wisconsin. He was a member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin. As a young boy, he went to schools in his local area.
When he was 16, Martin was recruited to attend the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania. This school welcomed students from many different Native American tribes. He started at Carlisle in September 1890, along with other young people from the Oneida Nation.
In the late 1800s, the Carlisle school began to build a strong football team. By the early 1900s, their team was playing against some of the best college football teams in the country.
Football Career Highlights
Martin Wheelock played the position of tackle for the Carlisle Indians football team. He played for nine years, from 1894 to 1902. He was the team captain in 1899. The success of the Carlisle football team against college teams made Native Americans very proud.
In 1897, the school newspaper, Indian Helper, wrote about a special welcome for the team. This happened when they returned from a game against Yale University in New York City. The newspaper said the team was given a ride in a large carriage pulled by the whole student battalion. The band played music, and people cheered. The school was very proud of how well the boys played.
Wheelock was one of Carlisle's best players. He played on the famous Carlisle teams from 1899 to 1902. These teams were coached by the legendary Pop Warner. They often beat many of the top college teams in the United States.
Martin Wheelock was recognized as one of the best football players in the country. He was chosen as a first-team All-American in 1899. In 1901, he was named a second-team All-American. He was also picked for the All-University Team in 1902.
In 1897, Wheelock was one of the first football players to have an X-ray. This happened after he was hurt in a game against Brown University. Newspapers across the country reported on it. They said doctors used the X-ray to see the bones in his hand and his injured shoulder. The doctors were very impressed with him.
Life After Football
Martin Wheelock left the Carlisle Indian School in 1902 when he was 28 years old. He went back to the Oneida reservation. There, he worked as a blacksmith and a farmer.
He married Lena Webster, who was also Oneida and had attended Carlisle. They lived in Seymour, Wisconsin. Martin and Lena had four children: Eleanor, Elmer (who were twins), Ervin, and Martin. Their son, also named Martin Wheelock, later worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Honors and Legacy
In 1913, coach Pop Warner created his "All-Time American Indian Football Team." Martin Wheelock was chosen for this special team. Other famous players on the team included Jim Thorpe and Joe Guyon.
In 1980, Martin Wheelock was honored again. He was inducted into the American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame. This Hall of Fame is located at Haskell Indian Nations University.
