John Merry Jester

I discovered the Jester-L website last night & tore myself away after 4

a.m.,
as I had to work today! In one of the many messages around Nov. 99 you
mention having a good knowledge of the John Merry Jester of Chincoteague VA
line. Well, that is I, too. l am related to him through
Elijah--Ebe--Cap'n
Henry--and my wonderful late grandmother, Hallie Z. Jester Pettit. Her 2nd
oldest child, Agnes Pettit Coleman, is my Mom--all of whom were born on
Chincoteague. My research all took place in the late 70's--before the show
Roots--and much was gleaned from the Mormon Temple in West L.A., near my
home. I came to a grinding halt when it seemed I just could learn no more
from this coast, and had to get busy with something else--like a living!
So,
John Merry has never been far from my mind, but I have done little other
work
on him. Sadly, I did not record my sources well. So I don't know where
certain bits of info came from--although all of it is with some reasoning,
or
I would not use it. So, as you can see, I am an amateur--but very
interested. I came to my halt with John's first wife, whom I show as
a
Nellie (no last name), mother of Elijah, James, Rachel Jester Turlington &
Sarah Jester Wimbrow. 2nd wife: Mary Turlington was married in Accomack
Co:
1 June 1814, so Nellie clearly died before then. Do you have any
additional
info on John and Nellie? I would hope so. I know about John's 4 years in
the VA State Navy on board the Diligence & the parcel of 75 acres he was
awarded. My mom wonders if that was where her family all lived on Clark
St.
(She is going strong at 86 with a memory far better than mine.) Hope to
hear
from you. I have always wondered if John had once been: John, the merry
Jester. It does invite the question. Mary Jane Coleman (I see you,
too.
are in CA.)

The discussion has
been held many times on this about the John Jester who served in the Rev War in the Navy. He was John Merry Jester b. 1765 d. 1821 Chincoteague, Accomack Co., VA. His wife and children are clearly spelled out in his pension file and court records in Accomack Co. He had no connection with the Carolinas. There are several on this list descended from John Merry Jester and his descendants have been proven. We don't know who his parents were but he was closely associated with the children of Francis Jester b. 1732 so was probably a cousin of some sort. It would be easier to keep straight if he was referred to as John Merry Jester and the other John referred to as John Jester probable father of Nimrod.

Also, I have seen the original records of John Merry Jester and no place is it written John Gester. Whoever is transcribing these records is not familiar with the old style of writing a capital "J" which gives me little confidence that anything else in the information provided by that person is correct.

Cheers, Pat (Jester) Friesen -- XJester@aol.com