Jacob Eason was a resident of Chowan County. In 1777 he served as a grand juror in the fall session of the Bertie County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions during a period when the State was investigating various members of the Gourd Patch Conspiracy. Later in 1778 after initially refusing, he ultimately signed an oath swearing his allegiance to the State of North Carolina and promising to report any treasonous conspiracies that might threaten North Carolina's independence. He continued to support the cause for independence, and in 1782 he received compensation from the state government for services rendered.