Andrew Jackson Wheeler was born in 1815 in Spartanburg District, South Carolina, the son, of David and Elizabeth Courson (McMakin) Wheeler. He was undoubtedly named after the general of the same name who won the Battle of New Orleans in January of 1815, though Andrew was also a (McMakin) family name. He grew to manhood, on the Wheeler farm which was located on both sides of the Middle Tyger River near the line which served as the border between the Spartanburg and Greenville Districts. The nearest villages >were Greer and Lyman.
He undoubtedly attended the Holly Springs Baptist Church with his family, and he remained a member of the Baptist Church throughout, his life. He married Achsah Smith, daughter of Edward and Jane Smith who resided as near neighbors of the Wheelers. Their wedding probably occured; around the latter part of the year 1835, but most assuredly by early 1836. Achsah was several years older than he, having been born about 1809 in the Spartanburg District.

Achsah's older brother, Amos married Andrew's older sister Rachel Adeline, and both families moved with others to Fayette County, Alabama, arriving no later than 28 January 1837 when Andrew Purchased land; (S2 T16 R15W).
After their arrival in Fayette County, they united themselves with the South Carolina Baptist Church, so named because a large number of the congregation had previously resided in South Carolina. They transferred their membership to Mount Zion Missionary Baptist, when that congregation was formed later, and many members of the family were laid to rest in the Mount Zion cemetery, adjacent to the church. They were enumerated in the 1840 census of Fayette County, at which time they had one son, David Newton, born 11 September 1837, and one daughter, Mary, born 11 March 1838.7
The next three children, Edward S. (b. 1842); John P. (b. 1844) and Andrew J. (b. 1846) died before they reached maturity.
Due to advancing age, Andy did not enter into military service until 15 June 1864, when he, with his brother Peter Carr Wheeler enlisted at Fayette Courthouse as Privates in Captain Palmer's Company of Alabama States Reserves, a home guard unit. The period of enlistment was the "remainder of the war." At his enlistment, a physical description was given as follows: Age 49, height, 5'10", blue eyes, dark hair, dark complexion, occupation, farmer.
He and Peter were noted as having furnished their own horses, which implies that they were cavalry. Andy was granted a furlough 24 December 1864, which coincided not only with the Christmas season, but also roughly with an injury suffered by Peter, 20 December 1864. The length of Andy's furlough is unknown, but Peter was still in the hospital 31 December.
Captain Palmer's Company, and other home guard units were undoubtedly sorely tested, as Cavalry under the command of General J. Wilson, (USA) swept through the County in late March and early April of 1865, leaving a path of destruction. County histories refer to them as "Wilson's Raiders."
In early May, Andy was among troops surrendered by Lieutenant R. Taylor, (CSA) to General E. R. S. Canby (USA). He was also listed on a roll of prisoners 19 May 1865 at Columbus, Mississippi. He was paroled later that same month.
He was enumerated with his wife, Achsah, in the 1880 census of Lamar County, Alabama, but had married Malinda Roberts on 29 December 1881, in Fayette County, which indicates that Achsah passed away between about June 1880, and that date.
He apparently retired from his commercial interests by the year 1889 as the following two notices in the Vernon Courier would indicate.

Andrew Jackson Wheeler passed away 8 August 1899 in Lamar County, Alabama and was laid to rest at the family plot 9 August 1899. The location of that plot is unknown to this writer. He died intestate and his son, David Newton Wheeler was executor of the estate. The following notice was carried in the Lamar Democrat of 9 August 1899:


Uncle Andy Wheeler died yesterday evening about 2 o'clock. He had been quite feeble for some days and his death was not unexpected. He will be laid to rest in the family cemetery this morning.

The Children of Andrew Jackson Wheeler and Achsah Smith Wheeler were:

1. David Newton Wheeler born 11 Sep 1837 died 5 May 1913. Married 1st Amy Willis married 2nd Elva Caroline McDaniel.
2. Mary A. Wheeler born 11 Mar 1838 died 1919 in Maryland. Married John Jay Seay.
Edward 1842 Jun 1859 Not married
3. John P. Wheeler born 1844 died Jun 1859 not married.
4. Andrew Jackson Wheeler born 1846 died July 1849, not married.
5. Perry F. Wheeler born Jan 1850 died circa 1870, not married.
Elizabeth Jo Wheeler born 1853 died 1891, married William C. Dees.

Blair Wheeler 6718 Susan Drive Loveland, OH 45140