Randolph (Uncle Ran) Vesey
(1832-1908) Born a slave near Savannah, GA., Randolph Vesey was body servant to Confederate General William Lewis Cabell during the Civil War. In 1868, while living on the Montague-Wise County line, Vesey was captured by Indians and taken to Kansas. Black scout Brit Johnson ransomed Vesey with horses contributed by friends in Texas. A natural musician, Vesey often played the violin at dances in this area. He married Missouri (Zoe) Light and had two children. Recorded - 1979
33.2583° N, 97.5745° W
Where to Find It
Oak Lawn Cemetery, Cemetery Road -North Decatur; enter at main gate, turn left at first paved road; drive past gazebo, marker on left near telephone pole.
Nearby Markers
- 0.1 mi SW Oak Lawn Cemetery Decatur
- 1.2 mi NW Battle of the Knobs Decatur
- 1.3 mi S St. John Missionary Baptist Church Decatur
- 1.3 mi S East Side Elementary School Decatur
- 1.5 mi NE Oak Grove United Methodist Church Decatur
- 1.7 mi S El Castile (Old Waggoner Home) Decatur