John Jouett | |
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Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from the Lincoln County district | |
In office October 16, 1786 – July 15, 1787 Serving with Benjamin Logan | |
Preceded by | John Edwards |
Succeeded by | Baker Ewing |
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from the Mercer County district | |
In office October 15, 1787 – June 22, 1788 Serving with William McDowell | |
Preceded by | N/A |
Succeeded by | Samuel Taylor |
In office October 18, 1790 – October 16, 1791 Serving with Anthony Crockett | |
Preceded by | Samuel Taylor |
Succeeded by | Samuel Taylor |
Member of the Kentucky House of Representatives from the Mercer County district | |
In office 1792–1792 | |
Member of the Kentucky House of Representatives from the Woodford County district | |
In office 1795–1797 | |
Personal details | |
Born | Albemarle County, Virginia | December 7, 1754
Died | March 1, 1822 Bath County, Kentucky | (aged 67)
Resting place | Bath County, Kentucky |
Nationality | American |
Occupation | farmer, officer, politician |
Military service | |
Allegiance | United Colonies (prior to 1776) United States of America (after 1776) |
Years of service | 1775–1780 |
Rank | Major |
Unit | 16th Virginia militia |
Battles/wars | American Revolutionary War |
John Jouett Jr. (December 7, 1754 – March 1, 1822) was an American farmer and politician in Virginia and Kentucky best known for his 40-mile (60 km) ride during the American Revolution. Sometimes called the "Paul Revere of the South", Jouett rode to warn Thomas Jefferson, then the outgoing governor of Virginia (and the Virginia legislature who had fled the new state's capitol before electing his successor) that British cavalry had been sent to capture them. After the war, Jouett moved across the Appalachian Mountains to what was then called Kentucky County.[1] He thrice served in the Virginia House of Delegates, first representing Lincoln County and later Mercer County before Kentucky's statehood (which occurred in 1792). Jouett also represented Mercer County at the Danville Separation Convention in 1788. He later served three terms in the Kentucky House of Representatives, first representing Mercer County, then adjoining Woodford County.