Benjamin Wheat

The first of the Wheat family to come to the Orleans area was a Benjamin Wheat of Conway, Mass. who, in 1795/96

purhased 160 acres of land from Pheips and Gorham at $1.25 per acre. This was wilderness in those days and in 1814 Mr. Wheat built the first brick house in this section of the country with brick made on the farm. The home remained in the family for several generations and still stands proudly on the top of what was called Prospect Hill, just north of Orleans. It cornrnands a wide view of surrounding land and was farmed by tbe family for many yeavs following their first arrival. During the anti-Masonic agitation, caused by the disappearance of a man named' Mor­gan, the north room of the old homestead was used as a secret lodge meeting place and the floor bears evidence of the painting made to resemble a temple floor. A hand made desk used to be in possession of the family that had a Masonic "square and compass" carved in it. Benjamin is supposed to have served in the Revolutionary War as it is noted in the book "Mass. Soldiers and sailors of the Revolutionary War" of his having received pay.