According to a paper prepared by Farris N. Wheeler of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (now deceased), who was a great-grandson of Nathan Wheeler and grandson of Drummond Wheeler (John Wheeler's brother and therefore John D. Wheeler's uncle), John Wheeler was believed to be the eldest son of Nathan Wheeler based on the order of those heirs signing papers relinquishing their share of the widow's dower so that their mother, Ann C. Wheeler, might sell her home place to Joseph Phillips for $365.00 on 5 February 1827 (Wilson Count Deed Book "V", page 526); however, subsequent research indicates a high probability that John Wheeler was the son of Nathan's oldest brother, Edward Wheeler, who died before 1791 and that John was then raised by his uncle Nathan Wheeler.

Farris N. Wheeler indicates John Wheeler fought in the War of 1812 or the "war with the Creeks" as it was called locally. He enlisted 24 September 1813 for three months in Captain John Harpole's Company of Mounted Gunman, Regiment of Tennessee Militia, commanded by Colonel Newton Cannon. He was discharged on 7 January 1814.

(Alice Wheeler Rebotham reports that her father, William Vick Wheeler, son of John Deskin Wheeler, was told in about 1900 that a canteen which "Newton" Wheeler [supposed to be John D.'s father] used in a war, was in the possession of a Mrs. Gill of Grant, TN. [This was probably Emma Gill Thompson with whom Alice subsequently corresponded; but Emma did not mention the canteen in her letters to Alice.]

He was the first heir identified in the previously mentioned deed on 5 February 1827 where the heirs of Nathan Wheeler relinquished their rights to shares of the widow's dower, so Ann C. Wheeler could sell the dower to Joseph Phillips.

Also recorded in Wilson County Court minutes for the September term 1827 was the appointment of George Clark as Guardian of Nathan Wheeler (John's minor son). (George Clark is probably either the father or brother of John's first wife, Anne Clark, deceased, mother of Nathan Wheeler).

Affidavits by his brother, Edward B. Wheeler, and his son, John D. Wheeler, made 5 December 1851 in DeKalb County, state that the heirs of John Wheeler are: John D. Wheeler, Nathan Wheeler, Mary D. Wheeler, and Henry Wheeler. (This affidavit is mentioned in Farris N. Wheeler's papers on the Wheeler family, but a copy of the affidavit has not been located.)

John Wheeler fought in the War of 1812 or the "War with the Creeks" as it was called locally. He enlisted 24 September 1813 for three months in Captain John Harpole's Company of Mounted Gunman, Regiment of Tennessee Militia, commanded by Colonel Newton Cannon. He was discharged on 7 January 1814. (No records of this service have yet been uncovered.)

Alice Wheeler Robotham reports that her father, William Vick Wheeler, son of John Deskin Wheeler, was told in about 1900 that a canteen which "Newton" Wheeler [supposed to be John D.'s father] used in a war, was in the possession of a Mrs. Gill of Grant, TN. [This was probably Emma GILL Thompson with whom Alice subsequently corresponded; but Emma did not mention the canteen in her letters to Alice.]

• Married: 8 JUN 1811 in Wilson County, Tennessee
• Event: Marriage bond in A. J. Jennings bondsman

1. Nathan T. Wheeler b: 28 JAN 1817 in Wilson County, Tennessee

• Married: 21 JUL 1823 in Fauquier County, Virginia
• Marriage License: 21 JUL 1823 in Fauquier County, Virginia
• Note: Know all men by these presents that we John Wheeler and John Q. Morehead are held and firmly bound unto James Pleasants, Jr. Esq. Governor of Virginia in the just and full sum of $150.00 to ... this 21st day of July 1823. The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas a license hath this day been issued by the Clerk of the County Court of Fauquier for the intermarriage of the above bound John Wheeler with Matilda Doughty, daughter of Robert Doughty of the said County ... To the clerk of Fauquier County this is to certify that I am willing that John Wheeler should get a license to marry my daughter Matildy Doughty given under my hand and seal this 17th day of July 1823. Robert Doughty.

1. George Henry Wheeler b: 14 MAR 1824 in Tennessee
2. Mary D. Wheeler b: ABT. 1825 in Tennessee
3. John Deskin Wheeler b: 27 APR 1827 in Tennessee