William Wheaton

William Rufus Wheaton (May 7, 1814 – September 11, 1888) was an American lawyer and politician. He was also a baseball pioneer.

Personal life Wheaton was born in New York City on May 7, 1814. He practiced law in New York during the 1830s and 1840s. Wheaton also served as one of the sport's first umpires.

According to author Peter J. Nash, a strong argument could be made that Wheaton is worthy of enshrinement in the Baseball Hall of Fame. this is also the stated opinion of Major League Baseball's official historian, John Thorn.

California In 1849, Wheaton sailed to San Francisco, California, with a mining company. The mining venture did not last long, and Wheaton soon began practicing law again. In 1876, he was appointed by US president Ulysses S. Grant the Register of the General Land Office of the United States, a capacity in which he served until 1886.

Wheaton died on September 11, 1888, at the age of 74.