Nathaniel Wheeler

     Nathaniel was born in Milford, New Haven County, Connecticut. He was christened there on 20 February 1642/43 in the First Church.² He was the son of Thomas Wheeler and Joanna (?) Nathaniel married Ester Botsford on 21 June 1676 in Essex County, New Jersey. Nathaniel & Ester had children: Nathaniel [b. 1677], Samuel, Hannah [d. 13 Nov 1719 & m. Amos Williams - son David], Elizabeth [m. John Ogden], Ester. They removed to Newark, New Jersey in 1666. He was one of the founders of Newark and was a signee to the "Fundelmental Agreement" at the founding. He was a witness to his Uncle William Wheeler's will in 1667. Later he moved to Orange, Essex County, New Jersey where donated land there for a burial ground and was later buried there. Nathaniel made his will on 21 August 1724 at Orange, Essex County, New Jersey. He mentions his wife Ester, sons: Nathaniel, Samuel, Grandson: David Williams, children of daughter Ester Williams deceased, children of daughter Hannah Williams deceased. Nathaniel departed this life on Friday, 4 October 1726 in Orange, Essex County, New Jersey. He was buried there in the First Presbeterian Churchyard. The inscription on his tombstone reads: Here lies the Body of Nathanael Wheler Who Departed this Life October the 4th Anno Domini 1726 And in the 87th year of his Age.³ His will was probated on 24 February 1726/27.