251. ADAM WHEELER, son of Ephraim (156) and Miriam (Martin) Wheeler. Born at Shrewsbury, Mass., April 29, 1732; died Aug. 24,1802. Married Nov. 17, 1763, Mercy Wheeler (No. 8247) of Rutland, Mass, who died July 10, 1808, aged 67, dau. of Isaac Wheeler and Sarah (Lawrence) Wheeler.
He lived in Rutland, Mass., for a time and about 1766 removed to Hubbardston, Mass., 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 Rebellion, 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 Capt. Wheeler with drawn sword." ...
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 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 Capt. Wheeler in the best and easiest manner possible."
