Jesse Monroe Vinson was born on October 21, 1874 in Lonoke County, Arkansas. His parents, Henry Cullen Vinson and Mary Catherine Sumner had lived in Trigg County, Kentucky, but in the early 1870s had moved to Arkansas. His father, Henry was born in Stewart County, Tennessee, but his family moved to Trigg County when he was a youngster. Mary Catherine was born in Trigg County and married Henry on November 9, 1865.
Jesse had two siblings who were born in Trigg County before the family moved to Arkansas, a brother, Alfred Thomas Vinson who was born in 1866 and a sister, Alice Lula Vinson who was born in 1869. Jesse’s second brother, John Robert Vinson, was born in Arkansas in 1874. His third brother, Clyde Herman Vinson, was born in 1882 after the family had returned to Kentucky.
When Jesse was three years old, his family after spending seven years in Arkansas, returned to Trigg County, Kentucky and eventually settled on a farm located about three miles west of Cadiz. Jesse grew up on his father’s farm.
On November 13, 1895, at the age of 21, Jesse married Forrest May Thomas. Forrest was native of Trigg County having been born on December 27, 1876, the daughter of Jonathan Starkie Thomas and Julia Dyer. Jesse and Forrest were the parents of four children, but only one of their children grew to adulthood. Their first son, Clifton B., born on September 2, 1896 died the following day. Their second child, Carey Thomas Vinson was born on June 1, 1898 and grew to adulthood. Their third child, Mary Julia Vinson was born July 20, 1907 and died two months later on September 18. Their fourth child, Lula Vinson, born November 20, 1908 died at the age of 1½ on May 2, 1910.
Jesse and Forrest lived in the home of Jesse’s parents for about two years and then purchased an adjacent farm. Jesse continued to pursue a career as a farmer and was considered one of the most successful farmers in the community. He was also in the horse-trading business which he was also very successful. Jesse was known as a very compassionate man who was always willing to help his friends and neighbors. He was always the first to offer kindly assistance and loved to bring joy and relief to those in distress.
Forrest was a woman with an independent personality. She liked to visit her many relatives and would make her visits driving her own horse and buggy and often rode side saddle on her horses. She bought one of the first Model T Fords and learned to drive it on her own.
During the late winter and early spring months of 1916, Jesse complained of stomach problems. He consulted with local physicians and they referred him to a specialist in Nashville. It was determined that he was suffering from a form of cancer of the stomach. At that time, there were little treatments for his medical condition so Jesse returned to his family farm to continue about his business. As his life drew to a close, he arranged his business affairs and made plans for the welfare of his wife and son, who was only 18 at the time. Jesse died at his home at 5:30 a.m., on Friday, November 10, 1916. He was only 42 years old at his death.
His burial took place the following Saturday afternoon at the family cemetery located near his home. It was said that one of the largest crowds ever seen in the community was present to pay respects to one of the county’s foremost citizens.
His wife, Forrest, lived to the age of 76 and died on February 18, 1953 in Cadiz, Kentucky. She was buried next to her husband in the Vinson Cemetery near their home.
Jesse and Forrest Vinson Tombstone
(LINEAGE: Jesse Monroe Vinson was the son of Henry Cullen and Mary Catherine Sumner Vinson and the grandson of Thomas Allison and Emeline Thomas Vinson. Emeline was the fifth child of Cullen and Elizabeth Futrell Thomas. Cullen was the first child of James Thomas and Mary Standley Thomas.)
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