Robert WHEATON of Rehoboth, MA & Alice BOWEN (16016-1696) Biography & Timeline

1. Robert¹ WHEATON¹ was born Bet. 1605 – 1606 in England, and died Bet. 1695 – 1696 in Rehoboth, Bristol, Massachusetts, USA Age 90 years or Providence, Rhode Island, USA^1,2,3. He married Alice BOWEN⁴ Abt. 1640 in Possibly Salem, Essex, Massachesetts, USA⁵. She was born Abt. 1622 in maybe (speculative, no proof) Swansea, Glamorganshire, and died Aft. 1696 in Providence, Rhode Island, USA^6,7.

Occupation: Tanner (See information in notes for Alice BOWEN, no room in Robert’s notes)¹¹

PLEASE SEE ALICE BOWEN NOTES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, no more room here!

The following is information received from a variety of sources organized in some sort of chronological order. Such an order has not always been possible, which suggest more investigation is needed. [Sources in brackets]. Also endeavors to include information on establishing of places, their naming, and the moving of the boundaries of places connected to Robert and his family.

ENGLAND TO SALEM

1605-1606     Robert was born in England. (Locale has not been established) In a Nathaniel WHEATON (Robert’s great-grandson) genealogy registered in vital records of Providence, Rhode Island, on 31 August 1775 is written “A Genealogy from Robert WHEATON the first of the Name of the WHEATONs that came over from England to Salem in New England AD 1636 about 30 Years of Age and there married Elce BOWEN Daughter of Richard BOWEN from thence Removed to Rehoboth AD  1645 and there Lived and Died AD 1696 about 90 years of Age. Their Offspring Joseph WHEATON, Samuel WHEATON & Jeremiah WHEATON Born at Salem, Obadiah WHEATON, John WHEATON, Bethia WHEATON, Hannah WHEATON, Mary WHEATON, Ephraim WHEATON & Benjamin WHEATON Born at Rehoboth…” [David J WHEATON 19 September 2004]

1636             Sailed to Salem (Nathaniel’s Genealogy)

1637             “The 16th of the 11th month 1636 (i.e.16 January on modern calendar) Robt WHEATO(N) refused to be an Inhabitant of Salem (i.e. rejected as an inhabitant); but he settled there anyway as the following indicates” [Documents held by Stephan PYENTA, Michigan, USA June 2001; Vicki EBEISHEISER 30 September 2001; Richard THOMAS 10 August 2003; R A BONSALL16 November 2003; David J WHEATON 19 September 2004; Photo copy of a page from William G HILL’s book “Family Records of Deacons James W CONVERSE and Elisha S CONVERSE sent by R A BONSALL from New England Historical Society web site]

Note: refused to be inhabitant has been erroneously used to suggest Robert was cantankerous or as William Hill writes in ‘Family Records of Deacons James W CONVERSE and Elisha S CONVERSE’: “That Robert Wheaton came from the pure, unmixed, native Welsh, or rather Cumry race…” This is demonstrable false. In research in the early records of Salem there are at least a dozen who were not ‘received as an inhabitant.’ There are several criteria that would make a man eligible to be an ‘inhabitant.” First they must be of sufficient age, second they most swear an oath, and third they must be free of indenture. This was the case for Geo Roaps (George Ropes) where they record states ‘cannot yet be recd because he hath a yr to serve (on his indenture). So the refusal was based on a set of criteria that Robert Wheaton failed to meet.  Here is the Salem Oath:

“At A Court holden att Boston,

 

1638             “At a Town Meeting on the 26th of the 9th month the several proportions of Land laid out at the Marblehead this 14th of the 9th month 1638 (i.e. 14th November 1638 on the modern calendar) being formerly granted…to Robert WHEADEN granted 10 acres of land” [From Richard THOMAS 10 August 2003; David J WHEATON 19 September 2004]

1640             “Married Alice (Alys, Elice etc.) BOWEN Salem, Massachusetts daughter of Richard BOWEN, who came to America about 1639” [Vicki EBELSHEISER 30 September 2001; Jbbullock@earthlink.net; “New England Families Genealogical and Memorial: Third Series” Author: CUTTER, William Richard Publication: 1913. Reprint Baltimore Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1996]

1641 – 1644   Birth of Joseph, Samuel WHEATON and Jeremiah WHEATON, Nathaniel WHEATON in his Genealogy, states that Robert’s first three sons, were born in Salem, Massachusetts before Robert arrived in Rehoboth in 1645. So, they must have been born between 1641 and 1644. However, I have been sent earlier and later dates. [Judy KNEE from Jarel WHEATON 14 March 2001; Jbbullock@earthlink.net; pcgallah@bellsouth.net; norsk@novell.com: Vicki EBELSHEISER 30 September 2001]

1644             On the 1st April 1644 (modern Calendar) Robert WHEADEN “desirteth some ground at ye great lotts” and was granted 20 acres of land “neere to the marsh at Mr BISHOPP’s farme to be layde out by the towne conditionallie that if hee depte (depart) from the towne before he improve it, it returne to the towne. (This suggests his departure from Salem was expected). [Documents held by Stephan PYENTA, Michigan, USA June 2001; David J WHEATON 19 September 2004]

WEYMOUTH, thence to SECONNET or SEEKONK, which became REHOBOTH. Happenings which have a bearing on what Robert did next. Religious Differences: “Rev Samuel NEWMAN came to Weymouth in 1639 and remained for four years but apparently, because of continuing religious difference he decided to emigrate”

Planning by the Rehoboth settlers:

1643           “The first meeting of original planters of Rehoboth to be found on record is dated at ‘Weimoth the 24th of the 8th month [October] 1643” [“History of Rehoboth” by BLISS sent be Richard THOMAS 5 June 2003; The 1918 History of Rehoboth by Rev. George H TILTON sent by R A BONSALL 16 Nov 2003]

Record is as follows: “At a general meeting of the planters of Seekonok: It is ordered that the planting lots not exceed the number sixty and five. It is agreed that the ground that is most fit to be planted and hopefull for corn for the present to be planted and fenced by those who possess the land It is agreed that if the lots are not fenced by the 20th day of April next then the land will be foreited

“The next meeting of the proprietors was held at Weymouth, ‘the 10th day of the 10th month (December), when regulations were made as to the planting of corn. The teacher to have certain portion from each settler. Servants after four years to be inhabitants and entitled to their privileges” [“History of Rehoboth” by BLISS sent by Richard THOMAS 5 June 2003; The 1918 History of Rehoboth by Rev. George H TILTON sent by R A BONNSALL 16 Nov 2003]

1643           “During the year 1643 and probably before any other division of land had been made other than for house lots, the proprietors were required to turn in the value of their estates, in order that allotment of land might be made accordingly.” [“History of Rehoboth” by BLISS sent be Richard THOMAS 5 June 2003]

Founding of Rehoboth: The first area which came to be known as Rehoboth was not purchased of Massasiot until 1641. It consisted of a tract ten miles square, comprising the present towns of Rehoboth, Seekonk, Pawtucket and East Providence, Rhode Island. The first settler in the original town was William BACKSTONE, in what is now Cumberland, Rhode Island. He was a non-conformist minister from England who fled from his native land and sought an asylum in the wilds of America. The next white settler was the famous Robert WILLIAMS. He had been ejected from Salem and later, even Rehoboth by the Massachusetts Bay Company, before establishing First Baptist Church of Rhode Island.” and becoming founder of Rhode Island. [Richard THOMAS from “History of Rehoboth” by Bliss 5 August 2003]

Now back to Robert:

The dates for these events cause problems.   However, perhaps Robert knew that he was going to have to leave Salem. He therefore made sure that in 1643 he was involved with the group of people planning to leave Weymouth for Seconnet or Seekonk as Rehoboth was then known. At the same time he was making sure, that if he did not have to leave Salem, there would be land for him there. This would explain why, in 1644 he was granted land in Salem on a provisional basis, and why he went to Weymouth after leaving Salem. Nathaniel WHEATON, his great grandson, says he arrived in Rehoboth in 1645 which could also suggest that Robert had been considering the move for some time.

1643/44/45?   Robert was a very strong Baptist, and it was because he would not or did not agree with the Puritan way that he was considered a rebel. He had landed in Salem, where “his independence of thought and speech made him enemies who finally drove him from the town as a “pestilential fellow.” It is said that from Salem Robert made his way to Weymouth and from there perhaps even to Boston where once again he was turned out of the settlement. However, it is agreed that “Soon afterwards he came, with Elder Samuel NEWMAN, and his people from Weymouth, to Seconnet or Seekonk” an area which had been granted to the people of HINGHAM. Some believe that Robert also met up with Odadiah HOLMES with whom Robert was in active sympathy, as he was with Roger WILLIAMS. The real founder of the original town of Rehoboth was the Rev. Samuel NEWMAN, who settled there in 1644. He renamed it Rehoboth, because, he said, “the Lord hath made room for us”. Thomas COOPER and Robert WHEATON were the two deacons of Elder NEWMAN’s church in Newman’s Colony. “Robert and his sons helped build the first Baptist Church in Massachusetts, USA” [Documents held by Stephan PYENTA, Michigan, USA June 2001]

“Mr WHEATON came to Rehoboth among the founders of the town. He drew land in various divisions of the town. (The first land was purchased of Massasoit in 1641, the second purchase in was called Wannomoiset, and the third purchase (about 1668) was known as the “North Purchase”. Through time the land was split up into different areas, some staying in Massachusetts and some going to Rhode Island. Robert WHEATON held a great deal of land in all three purchases. One of the areas split off from Rehoboth was Swansea.”)

“31st (?) day of April 1644 Lots were drawn for a division of the woodland between the plain and the town. Shares were drawn to the number of fifty-eight, the same names as were in the original proprietors list. [“History of Rehoboth” by BLISS sent be Richard THOMAS 5 June 2003]

A list of the original 58 proprietors or early settlers of Rehoboth in 1643 and 1644″ included Robert WHEATON. Ruth INGRAM headed the list, the Schoolmaster was number 5, Mr Samuel NEWMAN was no. 9, The Teacher No.21, at number 26 was Obadiah Holmes now Robert WHEATON, the pastor was no, 36, William CARPENTER no. 47 and Richard BOWEN no. 58. [Quoted in the 1923 History of Weymouth by George Walter CHAMBERLAIN et al citing BLISS ‘History of Rehoboth’ sent by R A BONSALL 16 November 2003]

Robert is also mentioned in the division of the new meadow in 1646, and in the Quit-Claim from King Phillip (Indian Chief) in 1668, as are Robert’s sons, Jeremiah and Ephraim WHEATON. On the 18th August 1683 Robert WHEATON gave deed of land in the North Purchase now the town of Attleboro to his son Benjamin. He was a quiet, useful Citizen, apparently prospering as a planter. [From “New England Families Genealogical and Memorial: Third Series” Author: CUTTER, William Richard Publication: 1913. Reprint Baltimore Genealogical publishing Co., Inc., 1996; Richard THOMAS 1 August 2003; The 1918 History of Rehoboth by Rev. George H TILTON sent by R A BONSALL 16 November 2003; 1923 History of Weymouth by George Walter CHAMBERLAIN et al sent by R A BONSALL 16 November 2003; “History of Rehoboth” by Bliss from Richard THOMAS 6 August 2003]

1645               “Thee 58 men considered themselves independent of any jurisdiction but their own, though they were afterwards claimed by both Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay Company. In 1645 these men submitted themselves to the jurisdiction of the Plymouth Court, or rather were assigned to that by the Commissioners of the United Colonies, and were incorporated by the scripture name of Rehoboth. [“History of Rehoboth” by BLISS sent be Richard THOMAS 5 June 2003]

1646               approximately – son Christopher born Rehoboth, Massachusetts [Various sources] However, no Christopher mentioned in Nathaniel’s Genealogy, nor below: “Children of Robert WHEATON: Joseph, Samuel and Jeremiah born at Salem;Odadiah, born at Rehoboth, January 20 1647; John April 20 1650; Bethia May 20 1642; Hannah, September 18 1654; Mary November 4 1656; Ephraim; Benjamin, in the last of February 1661” [“New England Families Genealogical and Memorial: Third Series” Author: CUTTER, William Richard Publication: 1913. Reprint Baltimore Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1996]

“The Will of Robert WHEATON, dated Oct 2 1687 …mentions his wife, Alice [BOWEN], his sons Joseph, Samuel, Obadiah, John and Jeremiah, and his three daughters Bethia, Hannah and Mary” (also Ephraim and Benjamin) [‘The New England Historic Genealogical Register’ from R A BONSALL 16 November 2003] Note from JKW – Christopher he died 20 March 1683/84 before his father. However, bequests were made to children of Samuel who had died previously, but not Christopher’s son, Christopher who was still living when his grandfather died)

1646             “10th day of December 1646 at a meeting of town it was agreed to draw lots for new meadow, and to be divided according to person and estate. Robert WHEATON drew #24 and William CARPENTER drew #42” [“History of Rehoboth” by BLISS sent be Richard THOMAS 5 June 2003, 1 Aug 2003]

1647/48         “20 January – son Obadiah WHEATON born Rehoboth, Massachusetts” [Judy KNEE from Jarel WHEATON 14 March 2001; Vital Record of Rehoboth, 1642-1896 Jim McEWEN 14 December 2001; Documents held by Stephan PYENTA, Michigan, USA June 2001; Jbbullock@earthlink.net; Nathaniel WHEATON’s Genealogy’]

1650             “20 April 1650 – son John born Rehoboth, Bristol, Massachusetts” [Judy KNEE from Jarel WHEATON 14 March 2001; Vital Record of Rehoboth, 1642- 1896; Jim McEWEN 14 December 2001; Jbbullock@earthlink.net; Nathaniel WHEATON’S Genealogy]

1652             “20 May – daughter Bethia WHEATON born Rehoboth, Bristol, Massachusetts” [Judy KNEE from Jarel WHEATON 14 March 2001; Vital Record of Rehoboth 1642- 1896 Jim McEWEN 14 December 2001; Jbbullock@earthlink.net; Nathaniel WHEATON’s Genealogy]

1653             “Plymouth Colony deed show that Robert WHEATON was one of the inhabitants of Rehoboth who petitioned Governor BRADFORD in 1653 for a settlement in a land dispute with Captain Miles STANDISH of Mayflower fame. [David J WHEATON 20 September 2004)

1654              “18 September – daughter Hannah/Ann WHEATON born Rehoboth, Bristol, Massachusetts” [Judy KNEE from Jarel WHEATON 14 March 2001; Vital Record of Rehoboth, 1642-1896 from Jim McEWEN 14 December 2001; Jbbullock@earthlink.net; Nathaniel WHEATON’s Genealogy)

1656             “4 November – daughter Mary WHEATON born Rehoboth, Bristol, Massachusetts” [Judy KNEE from Jarel WHEATON 14 March 2001; Vital Record of Rehoboth, 1642-1896 Jim McEWEN 14 December 2001; Nathaniel WHEATON’s Genealogy]

1657             “Robert WHEATON took the “oath of fidelity” Plymouth Colony Records. This is the oath he would not take in Salem) [Richard THOMAS from “History of Rehoboth” by Bliss 5 August 2003; David J WHEATON 19 September 2004)

1657             Robert WHEATON and two other men were fined five shillings each for cutting three loads of grass contrary to an order of the town. [David J WHEATON from Richard LeBaron BOWEN “Early Rehoboth” 19 September 2004]

1658             “The second land purchase was a tract called by the English, Wannomoiset, forming a part of Swansea and Barrington” [Richard THOMAS from “History of Rehoboth” by Bliss 5 August 2003]

1658             “Robert WHEATON admitted a freeman.” [Richard THOMAS from “History of Rehoboth” by BLISS 5 August 2003]

1658             Robert WHEATON served on a coroner’s jury that invegtigated the cause of death of Nathaniel West of Rhode Island who fell through the ice and drowned. [David J WHEATON 19 September 2004 from Plymouth Records)

1659             “20 October – son Ephraim WHEATON born Rehoboth, Bristol County, Massachusetts” (Judy KNEE from Jarel WHEATON 14/3/2001; Vital Record of Rehoboth, 1642-1896 Jim McEWEN 14 December 2001; Nathaniel WHEATON’s Genealogy]

1660             Robert’s land is mentioned in a 1660 Deed between Walter PALMER, John ALLIN and Jonah PALMER (David J WHEATON 19 September 2004]

1661/62       “28 February – son Benjamin WHEATON born Rehoboth, Bristol, Massachusetts” [Judy KNEE from Jarel WHEATON 14 March 2001; Vital Record of Rehoboth, 1642-1896 Jim McEWEN 14 December 2001; Jbbullock@earthlink.net; Nathaniel WHEATON’s Genealogy]

1662             Robert WHEATON served on a coroner’s jury that investing the cause of death of Robert ALLIN, who was found ded on his bed by his brother John ALLIN of Rehoboth. The verdict: Hee came by his death by laying violent hands upon himselfe.[David J WHEATON 19 September 2004]

1663             Robert WHEATON was a member of the grand jury, but he was listed as “absent” [David J WHEATON 19September 2004]

BAPTIST CHURCH IN MASSACHUSETTS

Details are mainly from Richard THOMAS. He has done much research concerning the Baptist Church in Massachusetts, visited Rehoboth and has written to the pastor of Swansea Baptist Church, Dr HARTMAN who sent much information. {Richard THOMAS May to August 2003]

“The Baptist church established in Rehoboth was the church where Obadiah Holmes was the pastor. The WHEATONs were probably part of this congregation as they were fined as part of the congregation when Obadiah Holmes was jailed and whipped for the practice of baptism which the other churches were against. Apparently the founding of the church in Swansea came about because some of the folks in Rehoboth were against the Baptist church and their beliefs and members of the church were fined and ordered to desist from holding their meetings which of course they did not do. Later on they were ordered to remove their “meetings” to some other place where they might not prejudice any other church. In 1667 the Plymouth court granted to these people “a grant of a town to be called Swansea, “That the Baptist might have a resting place.” The name Swansea was selected because that is where their first Baptist minister John Myles migrated from, Swansea, Wales in 1663″ (For more information see Ephraim)

1666             Robert WHEATON was a purchaser of one share in the Rehoboth North Purchase (now

ATTLEBORO [David J WHEATON 19 September 2003]

1667             “The town of Rehoboth retained its original area until 1667, when Swansea was incorporated, including besides Swansea, that of Somerset, Massachusetts, Cumberland, Rhode Island, and the greater part of Warren, Rhode Island. In 1694 Rehoboth was decreased by the incorporation of Attleborough and in 1812 Seekonok was set off [Richard THOMAS from “History of Rehoboth” by BLISS 5 August 2003]

1668             “The third and last land purchase was a tract embracing the present towns of Attleborough, Massachusetts and Cumberland, Rhode Island. This was known as the “North Purchase” [Richard THOMAS from “History of Rehoboth” by Bliss 5 August 2003]

1668             “A Quite-Claim Deed from King Phillip (Indian Chief) on the 20th March 1668  King Phillip, who had succeeded his brother, Alexander as Sachem of the Wampanoages or Pokanokets, as they are sometimes called, confirmed to the town the purchase of the “Ten Mile Square” made of Massasoit or Ossamequin, his father in 1641, and relinquished all claim and title to the land by giving the town Quit-Claim warrantee deed. Among the names on the deed are Robert, Jeremiah and Ephraim WHEATON” [Richard THOMAS from “History of Rehoboth” by Bliss]

1670/1         Robert appears on the Rehoboth Tax List (David J WHEATON 19 September 2004]

1674             Robert appears on the Rehoboth Tax List (David J WHEATON 19 September 2004]

1675             “King Phillip’s War – the first attack by the Indians was on Rehoboth. This attack was on a Sunday. The Indians surrounded original 1667 Church and six inside were killed and church burned. (Still feel I have the Rehoboth and Swansea churches mixed up-JKW) [ Massachesetts Archives, N.Y, Public Library Vicki EBELSHEISER 1 October 2001]

“During King Philip’s war, he (Robert) and other settlers had to abandon their homes, but he eventually returned [“New England Families Genealogical and Memorial: Third Series” Author: CUTTER, William Richard Publication: 1913. Reprint Baltimore Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1996]

1676/7         Robert on list of Rehoboth men who advanced money to the town to help defray the cost of King Philip’s War. Robert advanced £2. 04s. 10d.

1679             The second Swansea church was built near Tyler’s Point. (The third church was built at Tyler’s Point and then moved over the ice on the Palmer River to North Swansea in 1717 (the present site). This building, the one Ephraim would have known, was torn down in 1845 to build our fourth 1848 building.” [Dr HARTMAN to Richard THOMAS 15 April 2003]

1683             “18 August – Robert WHEATON gave deed of land in North Purchase, now town of Attleboro to his son Benjamin” (Richard THOMAS from “History of Rehoboth” by Bliss)

1683             John Wheaton appointed

1687             2 Oct Robert made his Will – See below

1688             After merger of Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay colonies in 1688, the old Plymouth Colony was divided into three counties, with Rehoboth in new Bristol County [David J WHEATON 19 September 2004]

1689            Appears on a list of land owners

1696             “Died Rehoboth, Bristol, Massachusetts, age 90 or Providence, Rhode Island [Judy KNEE from Jarel WHEATON 14 March 2001; Jbbullock@earthlink.net; pcgallah@bellsouth.net]

Buried “ancient burying ground near homestead farm near grave of son Ephraim” [Documents held by Stephan PYENTA, Michigan, USA June 2001)

1695/6         Probate granted 24 February. “The document was signed by a mark suggesting that Robert was not an educated man. The estate was inventoried at a modest £75.10s.08d and considered mostly of his house and lands (£51), household items, of furniture, and livestock. The inventory also included a gun and sword. [David J WHEATON 19 September 2004]

Homestead was in south part of town, lived in by consecutive generations of WHEATON until date of Commemorative Biographical Record (c1900?).

Divided property before making Will

Will of Robert WHEATON

Be it known unto all men by these presents, that I, Robert WHEATON of the Town of Rehoboth in ye county of Bristol, in his Majesties Territory and Dominion of New England, being weak & aged, yet through the goodness of god of a good competent memory and understanding, do this second day of October 1687, make this my last will and testament hereby revoking and disannulling and making void all former wills and testaments made by me.

I give and bequeath unto my eldest son Joseph and to the heirs of his body, Twenty acres of land that was laid out on the East side of Palmers River and a parcel of Salt Marsh at the hundred acres above the Dirth, and Ten pounds Estate of Commons in Rehoboth. And if it so happen that Joseph die without issuance then all the said lands given to my said son Joseph at his decease (allowing the thirds to his wife her lifetime,) shall descend to my son Samuel’s children.

I give and bequeath to my son Jeremiah my lot last laid out in Wachamoket Neck, and my Meadow at Busliy Meadow , and Ten Pounds Estate of Commons in Rehoboth to him & his heirs and assign forever.

I give and bequeath unto my son John and his heirs & assign forever Ten Pounds Estate of Commons in the Town of Rehoboth.

I give and bequeath unto my son Obadiah & his heirs assign forever all the rest of my lands in the North Purchase the lands which I have not given “to my sons Ephraim & Benjamin by Deed under my hand & seal.

I give unto my son Ephraim Twenty acres of land at Palmers River & a piece of meadow at Palmers River, being the upper piece joining to Rivo Leonards and a third part of the undivided land on the North side and Ten Pounds of Commons in Rehoboth all which is lands and meadow I have given his as appears by Deed and Gift.

I give unto my son Benjamin over half of my fifty acre lot on the North side and my share of Meadow on the North side and one third part of my Undivided land in the North Purchase all which I have formerly given a Deed and Gift.

I give to my son Samuel’s children Ten Pounds Estate of Commons in Rehoboth to them their heirs & assigns forever.

I give and bequeath unto my three Daughters, Berthia, Hannah & Mary Twelve Pounds apiece.

I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Alice my House & lands & Meadows Divided and Undivided and all my house-hold Goods & Stock of cut wood of all sorts which I have not before disposed of for her comfortable lively hood. And that at her deceased she shall leave Liberty & Authority to Dispose of it according to her disercression.

It is my Will & I do hereby ordain & appoint my Beloved Wife Alice to be my Sole Executor of this my last will.

It is likewise my will that if it please god by his providence so to order that if my beloved wife die before me that what housing lands or other Estate which I have given my wife by this will or what remains of it at my death shall be equally divided among my children both sons and daughters. And it is my will that my Son Joseph have my house & home lot Upon and Indifferent appraisal made by indifferent men paying the value so appraised to his brother & sisters. In witness hereof that this is my last Will & Testament, I have hereunto sell my hand and seal the day & year first written on this will.

Robert Wheaton, Signed, Sealed & Acknowledged in the presence of us. John Peck, William Carpenter, John Butterworth

Proved, the 24th Feb. 1695(6)               Ent March 2, 1695(6) John Carey, Reg’.

[The will is from “Robert Wheaton and some of his Descendants 1636-1888″ From: Genealogy of one line of the Converse, Wheaton, Edwards & Coolidge Families Gc 929.2 C7696h 1887 Boston” sent by Judy KNEE. Kneez@msn.com ]

Burial: Unknown, “ancient burying ground near homestead farm near grave of son Ephraim”⁸

Emigration: Abt. 1636, To America^9,10

Probate: February 24, 1695/96¹²

Will: October 2, 1687, Alice/Alace WHEATON executrix of Will¹³

Notes for Alice BOWEN:

Information from David J WHEATON 19 September 2004

Elce and Alce were variations of Alice

“(Richard BOWEN (father of Alice) was another of the founders of Rehoboth and he acquired large tracts of real estate along the river, “running under the bridge called “BOWEN’s bridge afterwards!. Richard BOWEN was admitted a freeman, June 5 1651; held various town offices. He married (first) Ann (???) who came from England with seven children; he married (second) in 1648, Elizabeth MARSH, widow of George MARSH)” From “New England Families Genealogical and Memorial: Third Series” Author: CUTTER, William Richard Publication: 1913. Reprint Baltimore Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1996

Information from David WHEATON 25/11/2004

There is evidence that Richard, Alice’s father, was born in Glamorganshire, Wales in about 1594. The name of Richard’s first wife, whom he probably marrid in Wales and is the mother of all of Richard’s children is unknown. She is frequently identified as Ann without documentation. Richard’s second wife was Elizabeth, widow of George MARSH of Weymouth, Massachusetts. Richard BOWEN is believed to have emigrated to America in 1640 and probably lived in Salem for a short time before moving to Weymouth and then to Rehoboth in 1643

Information from David J WHEATON 21/9/2005

In his article, “The Ancestry, Wives, and Children of Richard BOWEN of Weymouth and Rehoboth, Massachusetts”, Richard LeBaron BOWEN Jr. points out that the will of Richard BOWEN identifies Richard’s daughter Alice as the wife of Robert WHEATON. BOWEN also mentions that Robert WHEATON is often said to be from Wales based on the false assumption that he was a follower of Rev. John MYLES of Swansea, Wales. MYLES established a Baptist chapel at Rehoboth in 1666 as is believed to have brought over some of his following from his native Swansea. However, BOWEN produced several contemporary documents to show that Robert WHEATON came to Salem, Massachusetts, in 1636, thirty years prior to Rev. MYLES’ appearance in the New World. BOWEN also points to the 1775 declaration of Nathaniel WHEATON in Providence, Rhode Island, town records.

In a Nathaniel WHEATON (Robert’s great-grandson) genealogy registered in the vital records of Providence, Rhode Island, on 31 August 1775 is written: “A Genealogy from Robert WHEATON the first of the Name of the WHEATONs that came over from England to Salem in New England AD 1636 about 30 Years of Age and there married Elce BOWEN Daughter of Richard BOWEN from thence Removed to Rehoboth AD 1645 and there Lived and Died AD 1696 about 90 years of Age. Their Offspring Joseph WHEATON, Samuel WHEATON & Jeremiah WHEATON Born at Salem, Obadiah WHEATON, John WHEATON, Bethia WHEATON, Hannah WHEATON, Mary WHEATON, Ephraim WHEATON & Benjamin WHEATON Born at Rehoboth…”

This is obviously an important document for several reasons. Nathaniel WHEATON was apparently quoting from a record of the family that existed in the year 1775, 139 years after the family arrived in New England. It proves that Robert WHEATON was born about 1605/6 in England and not Wales, and that he was early at Salem before settling in Rehoboth. It also confirms that he married “Elce” BOWEN, daughter of Richard BOWEN. Elce and Alce were variations of Alice.

Richard LeBaron BOWEN states that Robert WHEATON first appears in Salem town records in 1636/7, which is consistent with Nathaniel WHEATON’s account of his great-grandfather. The marriage to Alice BOWEN appears to have occurred well before their migration to Rehoboth. This suggests that Richard BOWEN, Alice’s father, may have lived in the Massachusetts Bay prior to his settlement in Rehoboth. Three references to Robert WHEATON are found in the records of Salem. The original records are in old English script and difficult to read for the untrained eye (copies in both the original text and a nineteenth century transcript have been copied)

Information from Kelly WHEATON 23/1/2013 concerning the occupation of Robert WHEATON from the Book: Lincoln, Pearce, Porter & Related Families by William Ensign Lincoln 1930 Pittsburg, PA. More specifically the beginning of this section on Wheatons on page 200 ” Wheaton Genealogy

From the papers of the late Edward D. PEARCE, Jr., and from a genealogical tablet owned by the late Miss Mary RIVERS of Boston, 1878, which is recorded in the Records of the Town of Providence, Book 2, Folio 50, for Registering births, marriages, etc Aug. 31, 1775, by Theodore FOSTER, Clerk.”

(I believe some/ much of the information to be incorrect. However this statement I think likely to be correct:)

“He was a tanner and appearances of the tannery were still visible (date?) by Clayey Brook, so-called not far from Mr. WATSON’s house.”

The WATSON property was indeed adjacent the WHEATON Farm and ‘Clayey Brook’ is a ‘bound’ mentioned in early property transactions later referred to as ‘Cleary Brook.’

Children of Robert WHEATON and Alice BOWEN are:

2. i. Christopher² WHEATON, (probably not a son of Robert, highly speculative) b. Abt. 1646, Salem, Massachusetts, USA or Rehoboth, Massachusetts, USA (See Notes); d. March 20, 1683/84, Hull, Massachusetts, USA Age 39.
3. Joseph² WHEATON¹⁴, b. Abt. 1641, Salem, Essex, Massachusetts, USA¹⁵; d. September 15, 1692, Rehoboth, Bristol, Massachusetts, USA¹⁶.

All information from Judy KNEE sent via Jarel WHEATON 14/3/2001

Addresses

1669       Rehoboth, Massachusetts, USA

1669       Drew lands in Swansea

1670       Gave Deeds of lands to Thomas WOOD

1676       Trooper under Captain HUTCHENSON in King Philip’s War

Member of Baptist Church, Swansea

Information on Circular chart sent by Bonnie WHEATON 12/2004

Joseph was unmarried and died before his father Robert

Information from Kelly WHEATON 7/2012

It is assumed the first children were born in Salem as it is assumed that Robert and Alice were married there. However there is absolutely no proof. They could have been born in Weymouth or Marblehead. All we know is what scant record of Robert in Salem where he was NOT a member of the church there so his marriage and christenings were not recorded.

Information from a letter sent by Bart SAXBE to Kelly WHEATON 23/4/2013

The letter was from Nathaniel WHEATON to his cousin Isaac and written in 1785: “Joseph settled as far as I am informed in Old Higham, Plymouth County, Massachusetts near Boston Bay and a number of the (same) thereabouts.

3. iii. Samuel² WHEATON, b. October 13, 1643, Salem, Essex, Massachusetts, USA; d. February 2, 1683/84, Swansea, Plymouth Colony, Massachusetts, USA.
4. iv. Jeremiah² WHEATON, b. Abt. 1645, Salem, Essex, Massachusetts, USA or Providence, Rhode Island, USA; d. September 13, 1719, Rehoboth, Bristol, Massachusetts, USA.
5. v. Obadiah² WHEATON, b. January 20, 1647/48, Rehoboth, Bristol, Massachusetts, USA; d. Aft. 1710.
6. vi. John² WHEATON, b. April 20, 1650, Rehoboth, Bristol, Massachusetts, USA; d. July 25, 1737, Swansea, Bristol, Massachusetts, USA Age 88.
7. vii. Bethia² WHEATON, b. May 20, 1652, Rehoboth, Bristol, Massachusetts, USA; d. April 16, 1709, Rehoboth, Bristol, Massachusetts, USA.
8. viii. Hannah/Anna² WHEATON, b. September 18, 1654, Rehoboth, Bristol, Massachusetts, USA; d. October 7, 1724, Rehoboth, Bristol, Massachusetts, USA.
9. ix. Mary² WHEATON, b. November 4, 1656, Rehoboth, Bristol, Massachusetts, USA; d. Bet. 1746 – 1753.
10. x. Reverend, Elder Ephraim² WHEATON, b. October 20, 1659, Rehoboth, Bristol County, Massachusetts, USA; d. April 25, 1734, Rehoboth, Bristol, Massachusetts, USA or 22 November age 75.
11. xi. Benjamin² WHEATON, b. February 28, 1661/62, Rehoboth, Bristol, Massachusetts, USA; d. August 12, 1726, Mendon, Massachusetts, USA.