As you may know, I have been investigating a family story about an “outlaw” that the Vess family was supposedly involved with at one time. Thus far, I’ve explored possible connections with the outlaw, Lewis Redmond, who was “loved and respected” by the residents of the Dark Corners of South Carolina; however, there is no evidence of a direct connection with the Vess family. I’ve also explored a genetic allied-family connection with John “Redhead” Hodge; yet, there is no evidence suggesting he was an outlaw.

Perhaps, the Vess family has nothing to do with an outlaw (or particularly one with “red hair”), or perhaps I’ve been looking in the wrong place…

This weekend, I explored a series of newspaper articles (1835) that frequently mentioned the name “Vess.” The articles appear to be a continuing narrative of true events; however, without starting with the very first article, it is very difficult to tell who this “Vess” person is, in which, these articles are talking about; so I began to dig around…

John Andrew Murrell

After much research, I discovered that these newspaper articles are about the notorious outlaw, John Andrew Murrell.

John Andrew Murrell, according to family history sites, is strongly believed to have been just a horse thief whose notorious reputation as a legendary dangerous outlaw was the result of fabricated stories by Virgil A. Stewart and others.

Published Stories By Virgil A. Stewart

In 1835, Virgil A. Stewart wrote an “inflammatory pamphlet” under the name, Augustus Q. Walton called, “A History of the Detection, Conviction, Life, and Designs of John A. Murel, the great Western Land Pirate; together with his system of villainy, and plan of exciting a Negro Rebellion,” that was later published in a series of articles (under his real name) in numerous newspapers across the United States. It was supposedly his own personal detailed account on how he captured and exposed the Great Western Land Pirate, John A. Murrell.

In Stewart’s narrative, he often mentions his experiences dealing with Matthew Clanton and William Vess; in which he accuses them of damaging his reputation. In one article, he tells a story on how the Vess family tried to poison him and take his land.

I recommend reading, “The History of Virgil A. Stewart and his Adventure in Capturing and Exposing the Great Western Land Pirate and his Gang…,” compiled by H.R. Howard; a publication that includes the entire narrative that was published in the newspapers. [Pages 129-156, is the story about the Vess family.]

Later, by a petition of neighbors, Mathew Clanton’s side of the story was published, refuting the accusations against him and the Vess family that Stewart wrote about in his narrative. According to numerous websites, historians believe Virgil A. Stewart’s narrative was “overly-exagerated” and “fictitious.”

Who Was William Vess?

The short answer: I don’t know. But, the little information I was able to dig up, is intriguing!

According to FindAGrave.com, Virgil A. Stewart was involved in John A. Murrell’s gang and betrayed him in 1834, having him convicted for slave stealing. John A. Murrell was sentenced 10 years in prison at the Tennessee State Penitentiary.

Virgil A. Stewart came to the Choctaw Purchase (today known as Grenada County, Mississippi) for prospects of land. According to H.R. Howard, “The History of Virgil A. Stewart and his Adventure in Capturing and Exposing the Great Western Land Pirate and his Gang…,” Virgil was employed by Matthew Clanton, who owned a store, and was recommended to board with the Vess family, who were close friends of Matthew Clanton. The publication implies that Mathew Clanton and William Vess were “associates” of John Andrew Murrell.

I found Mississippi records for both William Vess and Matthew Clanton; however, they are dated 1840, five years after the publication of Virgil A. Stewart’s narrative. Were they all previously in Tennessee at one time?

According to Holcomb.org, the area in which the above events took place, known as Tuscahoma (Choctaw Purchase), no longer exists. Therefore, any early records pertaining to the residents living in the areas that was once part of the Choctaw Purchase are likely scattered among several different counties.

In 1840, there are numerous land records for both William Vess and Matthew Clanton. William Vess can be found on the 1840 census record in Yalobusha, Mississippi.

I also found records for a William “Voss.” There is an 1848 land record for a William Voss, with a “heir” named John Voss. In addition, I discovered an early Mississippi marriage record (1803) for a William T. “Voss” and a Mary Caroline “Willis.”

There might be a William Voss Sr. and Jr., for that there is an 1814 probate record for a William Voss in Adams County, Mississippi, where William and Mary were married. I do not know if William “Vess” and William “Voss” are of the same family.

I am not entirely sure how William Vess and Mathew Clanton are connected to John A. Murrell from Tennessee. However, Virgil A. Stewart’s published narrative, seems to suggest they were associates “protecting” John A. Murrell.

I wonder if this legend inspired our Vess family story, for that genealogical records not only reveal William Vess with records under the “Voss” surname, but also family descriptions that John A. Murrell was somewhat a red-head. According to FindAGrave.com, it mentions him having “curling auburn hair.”

Could this mysterious William Vess/Voss have any connection with the “William Vess” shown connected to Peter and Willis Vess of White County, Tennessee? AND how would our Vess family know that the William “Vess” published in newspapers, used the “Voss” name too.

Originally Published September 27, 2021 • Updated February 24, 2024