Andrew Jackson’s parents were Scotch-Irish. Andrew and Elizabeth Hutchinson Jackson came to America from north Ireland, in 1765. They had two sons, Hugh and Robert at this time. The oldest son was Jackson, took up farming in backwoods Waxhaw settlement on the border of north and south Carolina. Jackson died in 1767, a few days later a third son was born, Andrew. The window Jackson went to live with nearby relatives, James Crawford, where Andrew spent his boyhood. He attended frontier schools and was known for being fiery-tempered and willing to fight all comers. He learned to read, and was called on by the community to read aloud the news from the Philadelphia papers.

The American Revolution, begun in 1775, but it did not reach Carolinas until 1780.Andwer was only 13-years-old when the American Revolution reached Carolina, he became an orderly and messenger in the mounted militia of South Caroline. He took part in the Battle of Hanging Rock against the British. His brother Hugh was killed and when British came to Waxhaw, both he and Robert were captured. Jackson did not polish the boots of the British officer he was hit across the arm and face with a saber.

The two boys were put into prison in Camden, South Carolina, where smallpox were going around. Mrs. Jackson got her boys free, but Robert soon died. Mrs. Jackson helped other people with smallpox but soon died.

Andrew was 14-years-old with out any immediate family. With the war over he started work making saddle and school teaching. With $300 that he inheritance from his grandfather, he went to Charlestor, South Caroline and then to the biggest city in the South. There he cut a dashing figure in society until his money ran out.

In Nashville, Jackson a boarded at the home of widow of John Donelson, a founder of the city. Jackson soon fell in love with her daughter Mrs. Rachel Donelson Robards, who was apart from her husband. Believing that Mrs. Robards was divorce, they were married in 1791. Two years later they found out that the divorce had just became final. A second marriage ceremony was performed. The Jackson did not have any kids, adopted Rachel’s infant nephew who became Andrew Jackson Jr. They also raised three other of Rachel’s nephews.

Andrew Jackson was in office from 1829-1837. He was elected by Tennessee in 1828, he ran against Adams. Jackson received 178 electoral and Adams received 83.  Jackson was almost in Washington D.C, for his inauguration.

Old wounds and tubercular were causing him great pain, he was still deep in mourning over the death of his wife.In 1832, the election was centered on bank issue, and Jackson won a second term easily. He had 219 electoral votes to Clay’s 49.

Wiliam Wirt, received 7 votes and South Carolina gave all 11 of it’selectoral votes to it’s states rights candidate, John Floyd. The popular vote was 687, 502 for Jackson, 530, 189 for Clay, and 33, 108 for Wirt.

By 1836, Jackson was weak from tuberculosis and was not going to seek a third term. He continued with affairs of state and party.

The last day of Jackson presidency was as much a personal triumph as his first. Thousands came not to see the new president, but to say good-by to their hero.   Jackson spent his last eight years at the Hermitage. Although he had borrow money to keep the plantation going, he continued tosupport and kept a close watch on national affairs. In his will he left a nephew  "the elegant sword presented to me by the state of Tennessee, with the injunction that he fail not to use it when necessary in support and protection of our glorious union." On the deathbed he said, " My dear children, and friends, and servants, Ihope and trust to meet you all in Heaven, both white and black- both white and black.