Moses WHEELER

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Name:
Moses Wheeler, 1st, was born in England, probably in the County of Kent in 1598, where the Wheeler family had resided for over four hundred years. He left London in 1638 and, coming to America, joined the New Haven Colony, and was among the first to receive an allotment of land in that Colony. He married Miriam Hawley, a sister of Joseph Hawley, one of the first and most influential settlers in this Colony. Here he resided until 1648, when he was expelled from the Colony, because of a slight infringement of one of the Blue Laws, for which this Colony was so noted. According to tradition, he had been absent from home for several months. The day upon which he returned from his long journey was Sunday. The happiness which he naturally felt on being united to his family once more completely banished from his remembrance all idea of the Blue Laws, and he accordingly kissed his wife and children. This act coming to the knowledge of the authorities, he was immediately expelled from the Colony. He then joined the little settlement of Stratford. Here he purchased his home lot from the Indians on the shore, near what is now known as Sandy Hollow. He afterwards bought a vast tract of land near the Ferry. He was allowed by the General Court to keep the Ferry. He built a stone house on his property, which descended to his son, Moses 2d, who about the year 1670 built a wooden house very near the old stone one, which remained standing until May 12, 1891, when the old ruin was blown up with dynamite. Ten years previous to his death, Moses Wheeler 1st disposed of most of his property to his son - Moses 2nd, to whom the homestead descended; Samuel, and his son-in-law, Joseph Walker, receiving land he had bought of the Indians as far north as Derby.
"The Indians living on the golden Hill, Bridgeport, reservation when all but four of the tribe had departed to the happy hunting grounds, in 1659 gave their first deed to the whites, and Moses Wheeler was the lucky man." --From Bridgeport Telegram.
Moses Wheeler 1st, besides being one of the largest land owners, was one of the leading and most influential men in the town. He was a strong, powerful man, of whom the Indians stood in mortal terror. No wonder, if tradition is true. One day several Indians called at his house. He understood that their purpose was to kill him. He was engaged in making soap. it was boiling in a huge kettle and was very hot. He invited his guests to take a drink of cider, and while they were partaking, he took the paddle with which he was stirring it and covered them with the scalding soap. He died on the 15th of January, 1698, aged 100 years, and enjoys the distinction of being the first centenarian white man in New England. He is buried in the old Congregational Church yard at Stratford. A rough stone, cut from the rocks at the homestead, marks his gave. Moses Wheeler 2d died Jan. 30, 1724, in the 74th year of his age. He is buried at the side of his father, and a similar stone marks his grave. He left a large estate, making him among the wealthy men of Stratford. His son Elnathan occupied the homestead. Stephen Wheeler, a descendant, was the last of the family to live there.

Family/Spouse: Miriam HAWLEY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Mary WHEELER was born on 13 Sep 1655 in Stratford, Fairfield, Connecticut, USA.
2. Joanna WHEELER was born on 05 Mar 1658/9 in Stratford, Fairfield, Connecticut, USA; died in young.
3. Elizabeth WHEELER was born on 06 Aug 1642 in Stratford, Fairfield, Connecticut, USA.
4. Samuel WHEELER was born on 28 Apr 1649 in Stratford, Fairfield Co., Connecticut; died in 1699 in Stratford, Fairfield Co., Connecticut.
5. Miriam WHEELER was born on 28 Mar 1647 in Stratford, Fairfield, Connecticut, USA.
6. Moses WHEELER was born on 05 Jul 1651 in Stratford, Fairfield, Connecticut, USA; died on 30 Jan 1724 in Stratford, Fairfield, Connecticut, USA.