Adam Wheeler

Notes:

Adam Wheeler lived in Rutland, Massachusetts, for a time and about 1766 removed to Hubbardston, Massachusetts, where he was a prominent and highly esteemed citizen, and a deacon of the church. He served in the French and Indian War; and as Captain in the Revolutionary War, at Lexington, Charlestown, Bunker Hill, Newark, Stillwater, Albany, White Plains, etc. In the ill-fated Shay's Rebellian, he was next in prominence to Shay himself and figured almost as largely. Being of the opinion that the people were being done flagrant injustice, he raised a company of 100 men, and with 80 of them marched to Worcester and took possession of the court house, where his forces were increased by the townspeople, who were determined that no court should be held until they had obtained redress from their grievances. "On the steps were stationed a file of men with fixed bayonets, while in front stood Captain Wheeler with drawn sword."

When the High Sheriff arrived and sought to address the insurgents, Captain Wheeler informed him that he was one of their grievances, and that next to his person, were his fees, which were excessive and intolerable especially in
criminal executions. The following letter is a clear indication of their desire for redress without actual recourse to arms.

"The Honorable General Lincoln, Sir: As the officers of the people now convened in defense of their rights and privileges, have sent a petition to the General Court, for the sole purpose of accommodating our present unhappy affairs, we justly expect that hostilities may cease on both sides until we have a return from our legislature. Your honor will therefore be pleased to give us an answer. Per order of the Committee for reconciliation.
Francis Stone, Chairman
Dan'l Shays, Captain
Adam Wheeler

Pelham, '1-31-1787

To escape the penalty for his participation in that affair he fled to Canada and remained there four years. In 1791 he petitioned as follows:

"The petition of Adam Wheeler to the town of Hubbardston: Humbly showeth that your petr was at Pelham about 4 years ago, in the unhappy disturbance that happened in this country; and that Dr. Hinds has commenced an action against me which is gone to execution which is not in my power to discharge. Gentlemen, friends, fellow citizens, and neighbors: your petr prays for help to discharge said debt and costs, which is 9 pounds, 4 shillings, and 9 pennies, and your petr as in duty bound will ever pray.

Adam Wheeler.

The esteem in which he was still held by his townsmen is shown by this entry on the town records:
"Voted that the selectmen settle the debt of Captain Wheeler in the best and easiest manor possible."
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Reference:
"History of the Wheeler Family in America", 1914, Albert Gallatin Wheeler, Jr., p 39-40, 59, 501.
DAR Nos. 28402, 16079, 23356.

Adam married Mercy Wheeler 17 Nov 1763. Mercy (daughter of Isaac Wheeler and Sarah Lawrence) was born 26 Sep 1740, Medfield, Norfolk County, Massachusetts; died 10 Jul 1808. [Group Sheet]

1. Silas Wheeler was born 26 Jan 1763, Hubbardston, Worcester County, Massachusetts; died 3 Nov 1826.
2. Ede Wheeler was born 17 Oct 1766.
3. Asa Wheeler was born 12 Dec 1768, Hubbardston, Worcester County, Massachusetts; died 11 Nov 1831.
4. Joel Wheeler was born 5 Jun 1771, Hubbardston, Worcester County, Massachusetts; died 28 Mar 1851, Brattleboro, Windham County, Vermont; was buried Warwick Cemetery, Warwick, Franklin County, Massachusetts.
5. Rhoda Wheeler was born 1774.
6. Jacob Wheeler
7. Daniel Wheeler was born 19 Jan 1780; died 29 May 1810.

Notes:

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Reference:
"History of the Wheeler Family in America", 1914, Albert Gallatin Wheeler, Jr.,
p 25, 29, 39.

Ephraim married Miriam Martin 30 Dec 1729, Shrewsbury, Worcester County, Massachusetts. Miriam (daughter of Adam Martin and Mary Church) was born 7 Mar 1713, Marlborough, Middlesex County, Massachusetts; died 9 Jul 1756, Shrewsbury, Worcester County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Vital Records of Shrewsbury list surname as Marten.
----------
Reference:
"History of the Wheeler Family in America", 1914, Albert Gallatin Wheeler, Jr., p 29, 39.

Notes:

John Wheeler removed to Marlborough, Massachusetts about 1700.
----------
Reference:
"History of the Wheeler Family in America", 1914, Albert Gallatin Wheeler, Jr.,
p 24, 29, 39.

John married Elizabeth Wells 25 Apr 1684, Concord, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Elizabeth (daughter of Thomas Wells) was born 31 Jul 1666, Of Concord, Middlesex County, Massachusetts; died Aft 1689, Of Concord, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• AFN: 4C1B-K9

Notes:

----------
Reference:
"History of the Wheeler Family in America", 1914, Albert Gallatin Wheeler, Jr.,
p 29.

Other Events:

• AFN: 1L5D-NDC

Notes:

{England}

Adam married Mary Church 22 Feb 1707/1708, Marlborough, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Mary (daughter of David Church and Mary) was christened 7 Dec 1684, Little Saxham, Suffolk, England. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• AFN: 1L5D-NH0

Other Events:

• AFN: B22M-HV

Notes:

Thomas Wheeler was made tythingman at Concord, in 1680.
----------
Reference:
"History of the Wheeler Family in America", 1914, Albert Gallatin Wheeler, Jr.,
p 17, 20, 29.
"A Genealogical History of the Concord Harwoods...", Watson H. Harwood, 1912, p
6.

Thomas married Hannah Harwood 10 Oct 1657, Concord, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Hannah (daughter of John Harwood and Dorothy) was born Abt 1624/1625, London, Middlesex, England; died Aft 1697. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Reference Number: 8MMZ-NO

Notes:

Name was spelled Harrod. Hannah was granted letters of administration upon
husband Thomas Wheeler's estate on 21 September 1687.
----------
Reference:
"History of the Wheeler Family in America", 1914, Albert Gallatin Wheeler, Jr.,
p 20, 29.
"A Genealogical History of the Concord Harwoods...", Watson H. Harwood, 1912, p
6.

Other Events:

• AFN: T7K5-HC

Other Events:

• AFN: XTN9-00

Notes:

{Killingly, Windham, Connecticut}

David married Mary Bef 16 Jun 1687. Mary was born Abt 1666. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• AFN: 1L5D-NLL

Notes:

{England}