Submitted by Lisa Hamilton Thanks Lisa!

Goodspeed, 1890
James J. Vest was born in Alabama, in 1821, and is a son of James and Sallie (Harvey) Vest, the former a native of Georgia, born in 1791, and to their union, which occurred 1809, a family of eight children were born: Albert, James, John, George, William, Lucy, Martha and Nancy. The mother of these children died in Alabama, in 1827, she having been a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years. Mr. Vest wedded his second wife, Margaret Canady, in 1828, she being a daughter of Felix Canady, and the following children were born to their union: Henry, Martin, Jonathan and Sarah.

Mr. Vest from earliest boyhood was reared to a farm life, and received his early education in the common schools of Georgia. He served as a captain in the Alabama State Guards, State Militia, and in 1833 was elected to the office of constable of Morgan County, Ala., and after remaining in office for several years he was (in 1838) elected sheriff of the same county, holding the position until 1840. Two years later, he was elected to represent Winston County, Ala., in the State legislature, and died in this county in 1868, followed by his wife two years later, and they lie side by side in the Old Mount Nebo Cemetery, Ala.

James J. Vest received his early instructions in farming from his father, and in 1857 removed to Izard County, Ark., from which state he enlisted in the Confederate Army in 1862, under Gen. Price, and after serving for a short time in the infantry, he joined the cavalry, and was a participant in all the principal battles which occurred west of the Mississippi River. He surrendered at Jacksonport on the 25th day of June, 1865.

When a young man in his native state, he studied for the ministry, and in 1838 was licensed to preach in the Methodist Church, and was a minister of that denomination for several years. In 1865 he was ordained to preach in the Baptist Church, and although he was the owner of a tract of land, he has divided it among his children, and devotes his time to the cause of Christianity. He is a stanch Democrat, a Royal Arch Mason, and also belongs to the I. O. O. F.

His wife, who was formerly a Miss Delaney Kent, and whom he married in 1840, was born in the state of Alabama, and she and Mr. Vest are the parents of the following family: Albert, James, William, Martha and Mary living, and John, Malviney and Sallie deceased.

Lisa Hamilton submitted the above data from Goodspeeds; she did so to help others, is not researching the above person or families mentioned therein.

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