Joseph F. Whelen was born at Fort Meade, SD, in December 1883 (his headstone shows 1890). He was a farm laborer in Montana when he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1904. Whelen served in Companies L and G, 24th Infantry, as a private then as a musician, until 1911. His service in the all-black 24th Infantry makes him a Buffalo Soldier—though by this time the regiment no longer patrolled the American West. Records note his good character, and posts at Fort Missoula, MT, and Fort Ontario, NY. After his third enlistment, he moved to Alexandria, VA, and worked as a laborer. About 1920, Whelen married Annie Lee under his assumed surname of Wheeler, and they lived at 400 N. Patrick St. He died April 4, 1926, of stomach cancer. Annie remained in Alexandria with their children and received a widow’s pension. She died in 1965 and was buried with Musician Whelen (Section B, Site 3606).

Photo of Under Secretary Quinn at gravesite of Joseph Whelen

Alexandria National Cemetery

National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico

Hello Mr. Joseph Whelen,

Honored to meet you virtually some 80 years later.  I immediately noticed your birthdate is December 25, 1890.  Many years later on  December 25, 1939, my father James Lambert was born.  He was a proud Marine as you were a proud and honorable Buffalo Soldier. 

Your birthdate iimmediately brought a smile to my face.  

Thank you for your service to our country.  

Sincerely,

James Theres 





As a native Montanan, I spent time with Joseph yesterday at Alexandria National Cemetery in Virginia.  Joseph enlisted in the US Army at Fort Missoula, in Missoula, MT, my home town.  His service in the 24th Infantry Regiment in Montana and later New York exemplifies honorable service and I was honored to be able to recognize Joseph, as well as his wife, Annie Lee by visiting their gravesite in our National Cemetery.  

Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Matt Quinn

JOSEPH F WHELEN

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