John Vannatta was born about 1748. He passed away about 1831.
In 1781/2 he has an assault and battery charge relating to an expedition against the British and Indians in Sandusky and Detriot. John was part of a Virginia militia charged with raising a troop for the expedition. However, previous agreements had placed Washington County under the jurisdiction of Pennsylvania and the men of the region disputed the authority of the militia, resulting in the use of force.[1] This is the earliest known record for John Vanatta.
The efforts of Dorsey Pentecost as county lieutenant of Yohogania County, Virginia, to draft militia for General Clark's expedition in 1781, had a sequel in the second term of the Quarter Sessions Court of Washington County, held on January 1, 1782, when Col. Gabriel Cox, Isaac Gibson, Richard Parkinson, Hugh Sterling, John Vanata and Michael Tygart were charged with assault and battery as a result of the compulsory measures used to draw out the militia for General Clark. Colonel Cox was acquitted and a nol-pros was entered in the other cases.[2]
Census and Tax Records
In 1788 John paid taxes on 80 acres in Nottingham, Washington, Pennsylvania[3] * Additional tax records from Nottingham exist for the years 1781 through 1789 *
1790 United States Census, Washington County, Pennsylvania. John Vanatters, 2 males sixteen or older, 3 males under sixteen, 5 females[4]
1800 Pennsylvania Septennial Census, Fayette Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. John Vanata is listed as a blacksmith.[5]
1810 United States Census, South Beaver, Beaver County, Pennsylvania. John Vanatta is recorded with one female 45 and older, one female 16-26, two males 16-25, and one male 10-15. Also on the census are three sons (listed age categories correspond with being sons of John) who have their own families: Daniel, James, and Benjamin.[6]
1820 United States Census, North Beaver, Beaver County, Pennsylvania. Column headers are missing so not sure what the categories are for the numbers. The name on the census is Jno. Van Natta. Also on the census for North Beaver are Danl Van Natta and Benjn Van Natta. [7]
Other Records
1783 deed: John Vanater of Wash. Co., Pa. to Sam. Irwin 80a on a Branch of Mingo Cr. Oct 8 1783. [8]
1784 deed: John Vaneter of Washington Twp., Wash. Co., Pa. to Andrew Walker 20 a. on Mingo Cr. June 11 1784[9]
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Vannatta-30
