John, the patriarch of his Texas family, originated in Walpole, New Hampshire, then moved to Charleston, S. C. about 1811. It was there that he and Martha Milner were united in marriage by the Rev. Dr. Hollingshead. In 1818 John moved his family to Lincoln County, Tennessee. There the family grew to a total of ten children. In 1835, they moved to Madisonville, Mississippi. Although the town disappeared into history long ago, it was located in one of the richest farming areas in the state and for a time was the county seat of Madison County. It was there that John's wife, Martha, died in 1836, apparently from complications with the birth of their last child, Charles Marcos. Martha's Find a Grave memorial is #57509731. The infant also passed away approximately two months later. According to Texas land records, John moved his family to Matagorda County, Texas in 1840. He lived there until 1847, then moved to San Antonio. It was about 1858 that John moved to Wilson County on the Cibolo River, near Stockdale. One son, Daniel, remained in Matagorda County, farming, ranching, and raising a family of his own. During his lifetime, John had several occupations including that of school teacher, surveyor, brick maker, and Justice of the Peace. While serving as Justice of the Peace in Matagorda County, he presided over the marriages of some of his children, Daniel to Lavinia Hunter in 1842, Martha Ann to James W. Keller in 1843, and Emeline to James Pirie in 1844. His burial site is on what was once the farm of his eldest son, David Thwing Wheeler. It is located in Wilson County, approximately five miles South of Stockdale. It was near here that he spent his later years, working around the family farm and living with various family members. He was buried with the customary Masonic honors of the Brahan Lodge of Lavernia. In 1858 and 1859, John had served as the very first tiler of the lodge while his son in law, John Rhodes King, served as Worshipful Master. At the time of his death, John was reported to be the oldest Mason in Texas. (Ref. "A Century of Light - History of the Brahan Lodge #226 by D. L. Vest.)