DAR #A061791

Jonathan Jaquess Jr was born 28 April 1753 in Middlesex County, New Jersey. It is believed that his father, Jonathon, was born in France circa 1720. At a young age Jonathan serviced as a cabin boy and sailor, and then ship owner. When the American Revolutionary War broke out Jonathan enlisted in the navy. He was a Private in the 2nd NJ Regt, commanded by Col Sheldon, a mounted unit called the Light Horse Brigade. He served from 1776‐1781, on land and sea. Responding to letters of marquee to ship owners, from colonial governors, Jonathan and others attacked and scuttled enemy vessels, filling the holds of vessels with stones. Together they filled 205 ships with stones, blocking the North River and preventing the British fleet from passing. Jonathan fought in the battles of Long Island, White Plains, Kingsbridge and others. It is recorded that he carried detailed massages to and from General Washington and his officers. At the battle of White Plains he received a saber cut on his face that would remain for the rest of his life.

Following his service during the Revolutionary War Jonathan returned to New Jersey. He was the owner of a sloop and traded along the coast. Jonathan also married, twice. Sally Jacquess, his first cousin who died a year after the marriage, leaving no children. Esther E Koy, Sally’s first cousin would be his second wife. They had Sarah, Grace, Christina, and John. Jonathon, Esther and their children moved to Harrison Kentucky in 1798. A short time after arrival Esther died of consumption. His third wife was Rebecca, widow of James Rankin. She brought James and Mary to the marriage and together they had Jonathan Garrison, Elizabeth, George F, Rebecca, Pamela, John Wesley, Uzall Ogden J, William Fletcher, and Asbury Cloud.

In 1810, Jonathan was again on the move. He and two brothers purchased a large tract of land, jointly, in the Indiana territory. They lived near each other practicing their shared believes. By 1819 they had purchased an additional 2,000 acres from the land office for $4,OOO, gold and silver. They created their own community, surveying and dividing the land, building cabins for their families and planting crops and orchards. They consciously chose to settle in Indiana as they objected to the practice of slavery by Christians in Kentucky. Their families grew to forty four members, all related by birth or marriage.

Jonathan died on 29 January 1843. He is buried on the Jacques Homestead, one mile from Poseyville, Posey County, Indiana. His will, naming wife Rebecca, was probated 2 Mary 1842, Posey, Indiana.