Texas Historical Marker

Randolph (Uncle Ran) Vesey

Decatur · Wise County · placed 1979

Civil WarNative HistoryTexas Music

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Wise County, Texas

The story

(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

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