Henry Wheeler (governor)


Sir Henry Wheeler, was the Governor of Bihar and Orissa from 12 April 1922 to 6 April 1927. He was a member of the Imperial Civil Service appointed in 1889 and served in Bengal. He was also a member of Council of India from 1927 to 1937.

Early life and education

Wheeler was born to Dr. Henry Wheeler on 2 June 1870 in Clifton. He received his early education at Priory House, Clapham Common and Private. He then went on to complete his higher education from Christ's College, Cambridge.

Civil service career

Wheeler joined the Imperial Civil Service in 1889 and served in Bengal. He was posted as Under Secretary in the Government of Bengal from 1897 to 1898. He was Junior Secretary, Board of Revenue from 1901 to 1903. He was Secretary of the Salt Committee from 1903 to 1904. From 1907 to 1908 he was posted as Deputy Secretary in the Finance Department of Government of India. He worked as the Secretary of the Royal Commission on Decentralisation from 1908-1909. He was posted as Financial Secretary to the Government of Bengal from 1909-1912. He then went on to serve as Home Secretary in the Government of India from 1912 to 1916.

Governor of Bihar and Orissa

Wheeler was appointed as Governor of Bihar and Orissa on 12 April 1922 and was in this position till 6 April 1927. During his tenure as Governor, a number of educational and public institutions were founded or declared opened in the state of Bihar and Orissa. Some significant institutions opened during his tenure were Bihar Veterinary College, Patna Medical College and Hospital, Sinha Library, Wheeler Senate Hall of Patna University.

Other positions held

Wheeler was a member of Executive Council of Bengal from 1917 to 1922 and a member of Council of India from 1927 to 1937. He also worked as Chairman of Committee to examine procedures of Government of India's secretariat under the new constitution in 1935.

Awards and honours

Sir Henry Wheeler was awarded Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire in 1910, Companion of the Order of the Star of India in 1914, Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire in 1918 and Knight Commander of the Order of the Star of India in 1921.

Personal life

Sir Wheeler was married to Marjory, daughter of Sir Harold Stuart, at Simla on 12 April 1909. They had one daughter.