Lloyd Garrison Wheeler

Lloyd Garrison Wheeler, Sr. (1848-1909) was an African-American attorney, businessman, philanthropist, and political leader. Wheeler was the first black American to practice law in the state of Illinois and was influential in the establishment of Provident Hospital of Cook County — a medical facility still extant in the 21st century. Biography Early years Lloyd Garrison Wheeler was born May 29, 1848, in Mansfield, Ohio, and was named after the great abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison. His father was active in the underground railroad movement, providing secret accommodations for escaping slaves from the Southern United States en route to freedom in Canada. After the illegalization of underground railroad activity the family moved to Chatham, Ontario, Canada, and it was there that Wheeler attended school.