| 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.
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1732 - 1802 (70 years)
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