John and Catherine built their log cabin home on a hill facing west (on present Rt. 602), overlooking Little River and the surrounding country. It was not far from the confluence of Brush Creek with Little River, and the Little River ford. A large bridge now spans the ford (present Rt. 617). (text obtained from Marguerite Tise - Nov 1996)

John was the second of nine children.

In 10 Oct 1774, John Lester was a soldier of the Fincastle County Militia in Co. Campbell's Company, and was paid 15 shillings for 10 days service. This part of Virginia, at that time was the Western Frontier and was under heavy attack by the Indians. It was a time of constant threat and stress for the settlers. Militia leaders in every community were called on by Governor Dunmore to enroll and equip their men preparatory to a march toward Point Pleasant. John Lester and his brother Samuel Lester fought in the Battle of Point Pleasant, called by historians as the first battle of the Revolution. Their names are inscribed on bronze tablets at the base of the Point Pleasant Battle Monument. (text obtained from Marguerite Tise - Nov 1996)

John served as a Private in Capt. Stephen Trigg's Company during the Revolutionary War. He took oath 9 Sep 1777 along with Abner and Samuel Lester, his two youngest brothers. (text obtained from Jerry Curtis Lester - Nov 1996)

Johns parents are listed as Peter and Joyce Lester, but this link is not substantiated adequately to be considered a fact. Also listed as a brother is a Peter Lester of Mayberry Co, SC, who was also a Revolutionary War soldier. Leonard G. Lester speculates that he may have been a brother of John, as he had sons, John, Abner, and Samuel and John probably had brothers, Abner and Samuel. John, himself, named sons John, Samuel and Abner. (text obtained from Jerry Curtis Lester - Nov 1996)

The Lester name is of English descent.