He was named in his father's will as the main beneficiary; maybe he was the youngest child. He may have been born May 13, 1814 or May 5, 1808. Since his sister, Delilah was born in Jan 1814, maybe the 1808 date is correct.

He moved to Ark. in 1839 with his brothers, Thomas & Burris Jr.
In 1840, all three brothers were living in Lebanon twp, Lawrence County, Ark. (census p 17)
John Estes 20-30 [John 32]
woman 15-20 [Nancy 22]
1 girl 0-5 [Emaline 1]
1 boy 0-5 [Joseph 1]

In 1850 John was living in Union twp of Fulton Co, Ark. (next to Sharp).
1850 Fulton Co, Ark, Union twp, p 159 -
Estes, John - 36 NC
. . . . Nancy - 32 NC
. . . . Emaline - 15 Tn
. . . . Josiah G? - 11 Tn
. . . . William J. - 8 Ark
. . . . Martha Ann - 5 Ark
. . . . Susan Ann - 2 Ark
[next door was John?s sister, Martha Estes Morris]

1853 he moved to Oregon/Washington

Nicholas Tartar (grandson of Thomas Estes, John's brother) wrote in 1940: "John Estes married Nancy Jackson, and to them were born six children: Emeline (Estes) Orr; Martha (Estes) Orr; Joseph Estes; Susan (Estes) Sebring; Winsey (Estes) Rose; and Burris Estes, who was born in Oregon. The family came to Oregon with my father's family in 1853. John Estes was killed by the Indians during the Yakima Indian War of 1856, as I understand, a few miles above Wallula, Washington, on the Oregon side."
See: http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/e/s/t/Jim-Estes-California/FILE/0010page.html

Nicholas also said John married Jan "9" 1834.

Lieutenant John Estes was killed in the Yakama Indian War on July 15, 1856 in an ambush on the Burnt River on the east side of the Blue Mountains. He was 48 when he died. Following is a report of the incident from his commander:
"On the 15th, I moved down the east side of the Mountains and camped at half past 2 P.M. on Burnt River, as there was a very bad canyon to pass through, into which the trail led, there again were signs of a very large encampment. While the detachment was quietly here at this place, three men from Captain Goff's command, without my knowledge, went out of camp, for the purpose of ascending a hill on the east side of the canyon, to reconnoiter.
They were fired upon by a number of Indians, concealed by rocks: 2 fell mortally wounded, and one of them made his escape to camp unharmed.
Their names were Lieutenant Estes, of Company N and Private Smith of Company K. Mr. Richards of Company N returned unhurt.
As soon as a report of the guns were heard there were Indians to be seen in force on the hills. I then ordered the horses to be brought up and 30 men to be detailed and to charge the hills and go up to the bodies, which was quickly done.
On reaching the bodies we found them entirely naked: the body of Lieutenant Estes was not mutilated at all, but that of Smith was, a horrid sight to behold. They had taken nearly all his hair for scalp and skinned his mustache and whiskers. After which we skirmished the Indians until dark.
At noon of the 17th, the bodies of Estes and Smith were buried. The place was dedicated, and called Camp Estes and Smith Canyon, on Burnt River/Lieutenant John Estes and Daniel Smith."

Vancouver, W.T. Aug 8, 1857
Dear Sir, On examining the roll of Capt James Williams Co "N" W. T. Vols which had not been finally signed at the time I wrote you last week. I find "John Estes 2d Lieut. Mustered Jany 2d 1856. Killed in battle at Burnt River July 14, 1856. Bridle and saddle lost. - service 42 days- furnished his own horse- stoppage against his pay for clothing &c $16.42 - Pay allowance for self use of horse and loss of equipment, $230.92. Subtract stoppage leaving due and reflected in the roll in his favor $214.50. This I believe is all the information you desired although I have mislaid your letter after writing before. Very Truly Yours, L. F. (?)

John Estes Family Bible
John Estes and Nancy Jackson were married on the 9th day ofJanuary 1834 A.D.
John Estes was born on the 13th of May 1814
Nancy Estes was born on the 16th day of February 1818
Emeline Estes was born on the 24th day of September 1835
Thomas W. Estes was born on the 28th day of September 1837
Josiah G. Estes was born on the 15th day of September 1839
William J. Estes was born on the 17th day of June 1842
Martha Ann Estes was born on the 20th day of January 1845
Helena K. Estes was born on the 6th day of November 1846
Susan Ann Estes was born on the 29th day of August 1848
Wincy D. Estes was born on the 6th day of August 1851
Burrus Estes was born on the 25th day of October 1854

Deaths
John Estes died in battle with the Indians on the 15th day of July, 1856, by being shot threw the boddy.
Cerilda E. Simpson was born October 10, 1862
S.E. Simpson, a daughter of G.B. Simpson, was born the 12th of October 1864
James Orr was born October 25, 1860
Nancy Simpson died February 3, 1902 -- aged 84 years



Find A Grave Memorial# 38749114
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=38749114

• Married: 13 JAN 1834 in Henry Co, Tn.

1. Emaline ESTES b: 24 SEP 1835 in Tennessee
2. Joseph G? ESTES b: ABT 1839 in Tennessee
3. William J. ESTES b: ABT 1842 in Arkansas
4. Martha Ann ESTES b: ABT 1842 in Arkansas
5. Helena K. ESTES b: 1846
6. Susan Ann ESTES b: ABT 1848 in Arkansas
7. Wincey Drucilla ESTES b: 6 AUG 1851 in Little Rock, Pulaski Co, Ark
8. Burris Miles ESTES b: 1854 in Oregon