During the War of 1812, John Avent enlisted in Jeff Thomas' 2nd regiment, Georgia Militia. Jett Thomas was captain of an artillery company under Gen. Floyd in 1813-1814, was engaged in the Battle of Autossee (on the Tallapoosa River, in AL) and distinguished himself in the Battle of Calabee Creek on 27 Jan 1814.

John Avent and Mary "Polly" Burt appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 19 September 1850 in Choctaw County, Mississippi. The household was listed as John Avant, a 65 year old farmer, born South Carolina. He had real estate valued $600. His wife Mary Avant was 35 years old and born in North Carolina. Their daughter Mary was 16 and born in Georgia. Living next door was a possible son, John Avant, a 20 year old farmer born in Georgia, Susan Avent, 19, Georgia, and Henry Avant, one year old.