Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S 37540, John Wheeler, Navy (N.H.)

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Navy (N. 16.)
Wheeler, John
8 375-40
CONTENTS

Inform me of July 17th 1821 that he could not be reinstated just R.C. Vose
July 20. 1821. to qualification sent Robert H. Rose
0094.
Maine
John Wheeler
(F. 2X) Mainers
Ship Ranger I.P. Jones. 15 mo
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
Subscribed on the Roll of the District of Maine at the rate of — 8. Dollars per month, to commence on the 22 of April 1810
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 of Jan'y 1819 and del d R.C. Vose
Arrears to 4th of Sep. 1810. 4 mo 13/30 35. 46 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4. March 1819 48. 00
$ 83. 46
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Wilton,
Not entitled

I John Wheeler of Wilton in the County of Kenne- beck and District of Maine, aged sixty eight years, a resident citizen of the United States, de- siring to obtain the provision made by the law of Congress entitled "An Act to provide for cer- tain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war," and to be placed on the pension list for the District of Maine, do on oath testify and say: That at Portsmouth in New Hampshire, about the month of September, 1777, I shipped as quartermaster on the continental Ship, or Sloop of War, Ranger, on the continental establishment, Paul Jones Commander, in the war of the re- volution. Before we sailed information arrived of the capture of Burgoyne, and we were de- tained to take dispatches of the intelligence to France. I was put on a prize brig, which we captured on our passage, and sent with her into Bordeaux, whence I joined the Ranger at L' Brest. We then cruised in the Bay of Biscay.

Afterward sailed with a French Frigate which left us near the Isle of Man. We captured a ship having on board furniture of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and sent her into Brest. We attempted to cut out of Carrick- fergus the British Ship Drake, of twenty guns, but failed by means of the wind. We cruised in the channel, sunk some vessels and took a light brig and carried into France, having set fire to the vessels in White Haven Harbour. At a subsequent day, the before the taking of the brig last mentioned, the Drake came out, and after a hard fight we took her and carried her into Brest. We returned to Portsmouth and were honorably dismissed with honour, having served about fifteen months, although we shipped for but six. I have not for seven or eight years seen any person who could testify to these services. If any exist they are distant and may possibly

be found in Portsmouth or the vicinity, and it is at present out of my power to search for them, or obtain their testimony. I am in feeble health, unfit for labour; and by reason of my reduced circumstances in life am in need of assistance from my country for support.
John Wheeling
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Second Eastern Circuit.
On the twenty second day of April A.D. 1818, the aforesaid John Wheeling, having been duly cautioned and examined, made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration by him signed: Before me,
Josiah Stebbins,
a Judge of the C.C.C.P.
for said Circuit.

No 44 John Wheeler Wilton
6 194
March 1817
not entitled
R. C. Fox august me.

State of Maine.
I William Allen, Esq. Clerk, for the County of Somerset of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the second Eastern Circuit, embracing the counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath and the Schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court; and that the original was exhibited in open Court; and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule, including debts due to the declarant therein stated, is three hundred & thirty two dollars and  cents ; and deducting therefrom the amount of what the declarant owes, as set forth in said Schedule, the value of said property in the opinion of said Court, is Nothing  dollars and  Cents.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this twenty ninth day of June 1820.
William Allen, Esq. Clerk of said Court for the County of Somerset
property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me: nor have I any income, other than what is

State of Maine.
Somerset
KENNEBEC COUNTY, ss.
ON this twenty seventh day of June, 1820, personally appeared before an open Court before Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset, being a Court of Record for said Counties, proceeding according to the course of the common law, having original jurisdiction, unlimited in amount, keeping a record of their proceedings, and having the power of fine and imprisonment, John Wheeler aged twenty years, resident in Wilton in the County of Kennebec within said Circuit, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows, viz. in the Company commanded by Captain and Regiment commanded by Colonel
of the line of the State of upon the Continental Establishment, for the period of fifteen months on board the ship Ranger, John Paul Jones Commander, and was in the battle with the enemy and captured the ship Drake a British 20 Gun ship, and several other prizes were captured during the cruise
that his original declaration was made before Judge Stebbins on the twenty second day of April 1818; that he is now on the Pension
Maine Roll, and that his pension certificate is numbered 6,094. And I, the said John Wheeler do further solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled, "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
John Wheeler
The following is a Schedule of my whole Estate and income, necessary clothing and bedding excepted, viz: Eleven acres of land and a small log hut thereon all of the value of three hundred dollars - One Cow & half of the value of fourteen dollars - 6 sheep & 3 lambs " " ten dollars - 1 swine " " three dollars - old house hold stuff (besides bedding) " " five dollars -
I owe upwards of four hundred dollars over and above what I have due to me; my trade is that of a Tailor but by reason of age and loss of my sight and a bad rupture I am unable to labour. The income derived from the above property does not exceed what I am obliged to pay yearly for interest upon the debts I owe, my family consists of myself, my wife Betsey fifty four years old, who enjoys very little health and Matthew Stickcock aged eleven
Except the above I have no estate or income whatever
John Wheeler
Somerset, ss. Subscribed sworn to and declared both oath and schedule this 27th day of June 1820 before me
Ebenezer Dole Judge of the C.C.C. Pleas L. S. Circuit C.

November 14, 1936
XXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/MCS John Wheeler, S. 37540
Mr. Harry E. Wheeler 116 Lafayette Street Salem, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your request for information relative to John Wheeler who served in the Revolutionary War and was pensioned while living in Wilton, Kennebec County, Maine.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, S. 37540, based upon the Revolutionary War service of John Wheeler.
He shipped at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, about September, 1777, as quartermaster on the United States sloop of war, Ranger, commanded by Captain John Paul Jones; he was placed on a prize brig which was designated to carry the news of the surrender of Burgoyne to Dr. Franklin who was then in France. After sailing to Bordeaux, his brig joined the Ranger at L'Orient. They captured the Drake and several other prizes. He was discharged at Portsmouth, having served fifteen months.
John Wheeler was allowed pension on his application executed April 22, 1818, at which time he was living in Wilton, Kennebec County, Maine, aged sixty-eight years. The date and place of his birth and the names of his parents were not given.
In 1821 John Wheeler was living in Wilton, Maine, and he then stated that his wife, Betsy, was fifty-five years of age. There are no further data relative to his family.
Very truly yours
Death not in Q. B.
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Schedule near this —
"11 acres of land and a small log hut thereon" $300
Personal prop. $32 $332
Age 70 — Served 15 months
Rupture, of the worst kind —
• Tailor by occupation, unable to work, nearly blind.
Wife 54 — Son 11.
(has paid but $50 for his house & that was pension money).

Invalid
WIDOW
Rev
37540 Navy
File No.
John Wheeler Mariner Ship Ranger Revolutionary
Act March 18, 1818
Index: Vol. _____, Page _____
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Dec. 3-1900- Chas. E. Wheeler Chesterville Me
Hist. to Mrs. Harriet P. Hayes. Mar. 9, 1906. History to 1908 Oct. 30 Mrs. Minnie B. Linscott 1936 Nov. 14. Hist. to Harry E. Wheeler - 1938 1939 June 26. Hist. to Leo Whittier - 1940

10. 25 March
For reconsideration
"Hon Mr Herrick" W D H R
2 d Sched: states that the real estate exhibited in 1 st Sched: has been relinquished, as applicant was not able to pay for it - = It was purchased on the faith of receiving pension money, $ 50 has been paid - but when his name was stricken from the roll, had to give up the property -
I believe that the applicant was not able to pay for it -

In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of John Wheeler , a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. Inv. 4. 375-40 Mar. 9 1906.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Sept. 1777 appointed Quartermaster aboard the U.S. Continental Ship Ranger under Commander John Paul Jones, and served 15 mos., during which time captured the Drake   Shiped at Portsmouth, N.H. Sept. 77 as 2nd on board Capt John Paul Jones' Continental Ship "Ranger" - he was put on board a prize brig sailed to Bordeaux and joined the "Ranger" at L'Orient after which they captured the "Drake" and several other prizes; served 15 mos. & was dis. Portsmouth aforesaid.  
Battles engaged in, as above.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Not stated.
Date of application for pension, April 22, 1818. His claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Milton, Kennebec Co., Me.
Age at date of application, 68 years.
Remarks: Wife Betsy aged 54 years in 1820.

8 Melville St. Augusta, Me May 1, 1939
Dear Sir,
Please send me as soon as possible all information concerning John Wheeler (1750-1840). He was on pension role of Kennebec county.
I should like also to know about Nathaniel Whittier .
Yours truly
George Whittier

To the Hon. Commissioner of Pensions. Washington D.C.
Sir —
My great grand- fathers John Whuler, gave some records that he was a "Revolutionary Soldier" and as we understand it served under Paul Jones. At any rate he drew a pension so I came to you to find my starting point. Will you be so kind as to give me any information your depart- ment can furnish?
Yours Chas. E. Whuler Chesterville, Ms.
Nov 27 1900 —

THE SPACE ABOVE IS RESERVED FOR POSTMARK.
POSTAL CARD.
THE SPACE BELOW IS FOR THE ADDRESS ONLY.
Pension Bureau Interior Dept. Washington D.C.

23 High St, Farmington, Maine, O. W. Dw. File 37540 Feb. 15, 1906. Cour. of Pensions, Dear Sir:
Will you do me the great favor to send me a statement of the service of John Wheeler late of Wilton, Maine, who served in the U. S. Navy under John Paul Jones and who in his muggers old age rec'd a pension for his services on The Ranger?
Very truly yours, (Mrs.) Harriet S. Keys.

Maine.
John H. Keeler. Private
Dated June 29. 1820 1 st Schedule runs thus:—
" Eleven acres of land and " a small house log hut thereon " " " " " $ 300 Personal property 32 $ 332.
Age 70 — served 15 mo on this — 778/10 a sailor's head to labor. Wife 54 — feeble. A child, aged 11 —
Application for restoration made, & rejected July 1821.
Dated 20. Dec. 1821 2 nd Schedule. $ 22. 6 —
The real estate mentioned in 1 st Schedule has been relinquished as the applicant was not able to pay for it. He stated in his last schedule, that the land was purchased on the faith of receiving pension money, 2 1/2 Gift Dollars had been paid but when his name was dropped from the roll, he had to give up the property — no deed was ever recorded. Unable to labor — nearly blind.
2, Augusta, Me.
Restored 4 th April, 1823.

Sir,
In relation to the case of Jabez Wright of

John Wheeler Wilton
Quarter master. Ship Ranger, J.P. Jones , - 1777. to 1778.
15 mo
April 22. 1818
Admitted

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
To the Honorable the Secretary of the Department of War of the United States.
I the subscriber, being a Judge of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Second Eastern Circuit of Massachusetts, comprising the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset, do hereby certify to your Honor, that John Wheeler , a citizen of the United States, now resident in Wilton , in the said County of Kennebec , in the District of Maine, on the twenty second day of April , A. D. 1818, made application to me to receive his declaration under oath, and such other evidence, as was in his power to produce; and to transmit the same, and the proceedings had thereon, to your Honor; that he might be placed on the pension list of the United States, agreeably to the provisions of an Act, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary war," passed March 18, A. D. 1818, which declaration, and the other evidence produced by said applicant are hereunto annexed.
And I do further certify to your Honor, that after a full examination of the said applicant, and a careful consideration of the evidence in the case, it appears to me that the said applicant did serve as a Mariner in the war of the revolution, against the common enemy, upon the continental establishment, for more than nine months, as stated in his declaration aforesaid; and that from his reduced circumstances he needs the assistance of his country for his support.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the Seal of the said Court to be hereunto affixed, this 27th day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
Josiah Stebbins.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
KENNEBEC, ss.
I THE Subscriber, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts, held within the said County of Kennebec, hereby certify that the Honorable JOSIAH STEBBINS , Esquire, before whom the annexed proceedings were held, is a Judge of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Second Eastern Circuit of Massachusetts, comprising the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset; and that by the direction of the said Judge, I have affixed unto this certificate bearing his signature, the seal of the said Court in which he presides.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand:—Dated at Augusta, in said County of Kennebec, this fourth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
John D. Sleeper

John Wheeler 4921
no property except a small lot building purchased spaid but 50% of his pension money - old and a rustler of the worst kind - as big as a Hat Crown - once a Tailor, but now nearly bland

War Department,
6096,
PENSION OFFICE,
July 20
182
SIR,
You are hereby informed that the Secretary of War does not, on account of the amount of your property, consider you entitled to a Pension under the Acts of the 18th March, 1818, and 1st May, 1820; and has, therefore, directed your name to be stricken from the Pension List.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. Edwards
To Mr.
John Wheeler, Wilton, Maine

June 26, 1939.
BA-J/ILL
Mr. George Whittier 8 Melville Street Augusta, Maine.
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Nathaniel Whittier and John Wheeler (1750-1840), who was a pensioner of Kennebec County.
A search of the Revolutionary War records of this office has been made and no claim for pension or bounty land found which was made to the United States based upon service of a Nathaniel Whittier, under any spelling of that surname. The record has been found on only one John Wheeler who received pension while a resident of Kennebec County, Maine. His record is furnished you herewith, pension claim-S. 37540.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

June 26, 1939
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/MCS John Wheeler, S.37540
Mr. George Whittier 8 Melville Street Augusta, Maine
Dear Sir:
The data which follow were taken from pension file in the pension claim, S.37540, based on the Revolutionary War service of John Wheeler.
John Wheeler shipped at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, about September, 1777, as quartermaster on the United States sloop of war, Ranger, commanded by Captain John Paul Jones; he was placed on a prize brig which was designated to carry the news of the surrender of Burgoyne to Dr. Franklin who was then in France. After sailing to Bordeaux, his brig joined the Ranger at L'Orient. They captured the Drake and several other prizes. He was discharged at Portsmouth, having served fifteen months.
John Wheeler was allowed pension on his application executed April 22, 1818, at which time he was living in Wilton, Kennebec County, Maine, aged sixty-eight years. The date and place of his birth and the names of his parents are not shown.
In 1821, John Wheeler was living in Wilton, Maine, and he then stated that his wife, Betsy, was fifty-five years of age. There are no further data relative to his family.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

October 7, 1936.
Custodian of Revolutionary War Pension Application Records, Pension Bureau, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
I should like very much to be provided with a copy of the data shown by the papers in the case of my great-great-great-grandfather, John Wheeler, of York, Chesterville and Wilton, Maine, who was placed on the pension roll of Kennebec County, Maine, in 1818.
He is supposed to have served as a seaman, and later as a boatswain, on the sloop "Republic", commanded by Captain John Foster Williams, to have been engaged June 13, 1776, and to have been discharged in Boston Nov. 18, 1776.
I am particularly interested in obtaining any information which the papers in John Wheeler's case may offer concerning his parentage, the full name of his wife, etc.
Respectfully yours,
Harry E. Wheeler Harry E. Wheeler
116 Lafayette Street, Salem, Mass.

S. K. LINSCOTT, PRESIDENT. MAX SARBACH, VICE PRESIDENT.
GEO. S. LINSCOTT, CASHIER. NO. 5041.
J. E. LITTLE, ASST CASH. J. L. LEHMAN, TELLER.
THE NATIONAL BANK OF HOLTON.
ESTABLISHED 1874. AS BANKING HOUSE OF S. K. LINSCOTT. NATIONALIZED MAY 14TH, 1896.
Horton, Kans., Oct 19 08
375-40
Department of the Interior: Bureau of Pensions: Record Division:
Dear Sir:
Please send me a copy of what your records show concerning William Pennington, who served in the Revolutionary Army, from Crab Orchard Kentucky or Richmond Virginia.
Also of John Wheeler, who enlisted at Portsmouth, N. H. (probably) and served under John Paul Jones on the ship "Ranger", enlisted Sept 1777 for 15 months - so I am informed.
Very truly
Mrs Minnie B. Linscott.

John Wheeler

State of New Hampshire
I Elijah Hall, of Portsmouth New Hampshire, late first Lieutenant, on board the United States Ship Ranger commanded by Cap. Jones - upon Oath certify and declare that I well knew John Wheeler, a Quarter Master on board the Ranger in the years 1777 and 1778 - the Ranger during this cruise was first commanded by Cap. Jones and afterward by Lt. Simpson - I served on board the Ranger, first in the capacity of Second Lieut. and afterwards as first lieutenant, and from Rolls & papers now in my possession, and from my own recollections - I fully believe that the said John Wheeler, did serve as Quarter Master on the board the Ship Ranger, more than the period of nine months upon the continental establishment - in the years 1777 & 1778 - I was commissioned by Congress July 15. 1777. - a Lieutenant in the United States Navy - and served until the close of the war -
Elijah Hall
State of New Hampshire
County of Rockingham ss
June 27. 1818 - Personally appeared the above named Elijah Hall Esq. and made Oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed
Sam l Humphreys Justice of Peace

John Wheeler.
No. Lee letter apt. 4. 1822

State of Maine
Wenatchee County Ys:
On this twentieth day of December 1821 personally appeared in open court before the Justices of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec, and Somerset, being a Court of Record for said Counties, proceeding according to the course of the common law, having original jurisdiction, unlimited in amount, keeping a Record of their proceedings, and having the power of fine and imprisonment, John Wheeler aged seventy one years, resident in Waltham in the County of Kennebec within said Circuit, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare, that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows, viz, upon the Continental establishment, for the period of fifteen months, on board the Ship Ranger, John Paul Jones, commander, and was in battle with the enemy and captured the ship Drake, a British 20 gun ship, and several other prizes were captured during the cruise, that his original Declaration was made before Judge Hettins on the twenty second day of April 1818; that he is now on the Maine Roll, and that his pension certificate is numbered 6094, and I, the said John Wheeler do further solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled, "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed. — John Wheeler.
The following is a Schedule of my whole estate and income, neusans clothing and bedding excepted, viz; "No real estate, and no personal property except one cow of the value of twelve dollars, one swine of the value of five dollars; Old house hold stuff (besides bedding) five dollars; I have no debts due me that can be collected; and owe upwards of thirty dollars, my trade and occupation has been that of a Tailor; but by reason of old age and loss of my sight, and a bad rupture, of the worst kind; I am unable to labor, my family consists of myself and my wife Betty aged fifty five years, who is Feeble

feeble and unable to labor; I did purchase a lot of eleven acres of land, but being unable to pay for it, relinquished it to the original owner, this is the land mentioned in my schedule taken in Somerset County on the 27 th June 1820 — John Kelheeler.
Subscribed and sworn to both the oath and schedule in open court this 20 th December 1821 —
Before Sanford Kingsbury { Justice of the C.C. J.C. Plaus. vacation term.
True copy
Attest John Davis Clk.
State of Maine
I the subscriber Town Clerk of Wilton in the County of Kennebec, do hereby certify that John Kelheeler of said Town, a United States Pensioner has no real estate in said Town or any where else to my knowledge, in the lot of land of eleven acres which he purchased as mentioned in his schedule he relinquished to the person he purchased it of, being unable to pay for the same, no deed of this land was ever Recorded; The said John Kelheeler is a very infirm man and unable to labor for his support, and his other property in my opinion, is not worth over one hundred dollars; from the best of my knowledge if he is deprived of his Pension he must depend on public or private charity for his support. Timothy Woodward.
Wennebec Jy: Nov. 27. 1821.
Subscribed and sworn to before me
G. Strickland Jut. Power.
This may certify that we the subscribers Selectmen of Wilton are acquainted with John Kelheeler named in the above statement of the Town Clerk of Wilton and believe the same to be just and true. —
Elisha Clark
Charles Morse
Wennebec Jy: Dec. 1. 1821.
Subscribed and sworn to before me
G. Strickland Jut. Power.
A true copy —
Attest John Davis Clk.

State of Maine
I John Davis clerk for the County of Kennebec, of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the second eastern Circuit embracing the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec, and Somerset, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court; and that the original was exhibited in open Court; and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is twenty two dollars.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this twenty fourth day of December Anno Domini 1821. —
John Davis
Clerk of the Court for said County of Kennebec.

Admitted
Hon. E. Whitman

John Wheeler a resident citizen of the United States and an inhabitant of the town of Wilton in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged sixty eight years being duly sworn do depose and say that in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven I was quarter master on board the Continental vessel called the Ranger, John Paul Jones Esq ui Commandant, mounting eighteen guns: that we sailed from Portsmouth N. Hampshire with despatches for Dr Franklin then in France, immediately after the capture of General Burgoyne's army, by order of the Continental Congress: that we afterwards cruised in the English Channel; landed at Whithaven and burnt the shipping at that place and afterwards went to Carrickfergus to destroy a twenty gun ship which came out afterwards and was taken by us & carried into France: That I served in said capacity on board said Ranger the prizes for the period of fifteen months when we landed at Portsmouth N. H. and were honorably discharged that by reason of my reduced circumstances in life I am in need of the assistance of my country for support: that I do not receive one am I entitled to receive any pension from the United States except by virtue of the Act of Congress passed the 10 th March 1818 making provision for Revolutionary services — John Wheeler
Subscribed and sworn to this thirteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen
Before me
Albion K. Parris
Judge of the United States in and for the District of Maine

I Obediah Donnell of York in the County of York in the District of Maine in the District of Maine, on oath depose & say, that in October 1777, I was a seaman on board the United States, Sloop of War Ranger, John Paul Jones commander, and served the United States against the Common Enemy more than one year, during which time said Ship went to France & into the Irish Sea - John Wheeler now of Wilton in said District, served the whole time on board said Ship as a quarter master, and was discharged at Portsmouth in the State of New Hampshire in the fall of 1778, after our arrival from France, the course for which we all entered having been completed Octr. 16 th 1810 - Obediah Donnell
I William Stacey of York aforesaid have heard & read the above deposition made & subscribed by Obediah Donnell and on oath declare that the facts therein stated are true, having served on Board said Ship Ranger during the course above mentioned - William Stacey

Commonwealth of Massachusetts - District of Maine -
County of York ss. On this sixteenth day of October 1810 personally appeared Obadiah Dorrill & William Statey, who are both well known to me, and are both men of truth & veracity and made solemn oath to the truth of the annexed Depositions by them respectively subscribed - - Before me Joel. Bradbury Justice of the Peace - & authorised by the annexed Dilemus Potestatem

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
MAINE DISTRICT, ss.
To Jeremiah Bradbury esq. r of York in said District and William Colagett esq. r of Portsmouth in the District of New Hampshire
GREETING.
WHEREAS, at a special District Court of said United States for the Maine District, holden at Portland in said District, on the thirteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen John Wheeler of Wilton " " " in said District presented an application to the Judge of said Court, setting forth that he served as a quartermaster in the naval service in the war of the revolution, on the continental establishment against the common enemy, and requesting that an enquiry may be instituted into the circumstances of his case, and that such further proceedings may be had touching the premises as are prescribed by An Act of Congress passed March 18, 1818, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war," in order that he may be placed on the Pension List of said United States:—And whereas in the course of the examination here had, it appears that the testimony of sundry persons, who served with the applicant in the revolutionary army, at present residing in or near the towns of York and Portsmouth aforesaid, is necessary and material in support of said application:—
THEREFORE, to the end that the testimony aforesaid may be had, and by virtue of the power vested in this Court by the laws of the United States, you or either of you are hereby appointed and authorized, at the proper expense of the applicant, to take the depositions of such persons as he may cause to come before you, touching the application aforesaid, and in particular as to the time when the applicant entered the service, the time and manner of his leaving it, the company, regiment and line to which he belonged, and whether the service was performed on the continental establishment or in the militia of either of the States; and such depositions, when taken, and your certificate of the administration of the usual oath and of the credibility of the deponents, together with this Dedimus Potestatem, you will certify and return to the Judge of said Court without unnecessary delay.
GIVEN under my hand and seal at Portland in said District, the day and year first mentioned.
Albion H. Parris
Judge of the United States in and for the District of Maine.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
MAINE DISTRICT, ss.
BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the thirteenth — day of October — in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, personally came John Wheeler of the District of Maine the applicant named in the papers hereunto annexed, and after being duly cautioned and examined, made oath that the several statements by him made in the annexed application, signed in my presence, are wholly true.
And the said applicant further offered in evidence the depositions of Obediah Dorr and William Stacey taken pursuant to a depositions pro testatem by me issued and hereunto annexed, stating that he the said John Wheeler served on board the United States Sloop of War Ranger in the capacity of Quarter Master for more than one year in continuation during the Revolutionary War —
And it appearing to me in the examination here had, that the several persons above named are credible witnesses, I do hereby admit the annexed declarations as evidence, and certify the same as being satisfactory proof to me that the said John Wheeler the applicant, served as a Quarter Master U. S. Navy in the revolutionary war, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months and upwards in continuation on the continental establishment. And I do further certify, that from the declaration of the applicant made before me, under oath as aforesaid, it does appear that in consequence of his reduced circumstances in life, he is in need of assistance from his country for support; all which I do hereby certify and transmit to the Secretary of the Department of War, agreeably to the provisions of an Act of Congress, passed March 18, 1818, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war."
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused my Official Seal to be affixed the day and year first mentioned.
Albion H. Pease
Judge of the United States in and for the District of Maine.
And I do further certify that the said Wheeler has produced proof sufficient to satisfy me that in consequence of his reduced circumstances in life, he is in need of assistance from his country for support —
Albion H. Pease U. S. Judge

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Wheeler, John GRADE Private LINE New York
WARRANT NUMBER 7945 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED February 21, 1791 To John Hageman, assignee
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.