Edward L. Wheeler was an American author and journalist known for his contributions to the genre of dime novels in the late 19th century. He was born in 1854 and became a prominent figure in popular literature, particularly for his stories featuring Western themes and characters. His works often reflected the adventurous spirit of the American frontier. Wheeler's most famous creation is the character Deadwood Dick, a fictional cowboy who became a symbol of the Wild West. His stories were widely read and helped shape the public's perception of the American West during a time of significant cultural change.