I am always saying it! Just when I think there is nothing more to discover, I end up stumbling across something new!

This record is great, as it further supports a Vess-Crook connection.

In 2023, it was discovered, via genetic genealogy methods, that the maiden name of Peter’s wife, Catherine, is CROOK, instead of Cook. An incredible discovery that has opened the door to potential discoveries of Peter and Catherine’s earlier lives and family history.

Catherine Crook is the daughter of John E. Crook and Rachel Haynes of Rutherford County, North Carolina, with the Crook family also having ties to Buncombe County, North Carolina.

During the early 1800’s, John E. Crook, obtained land in Rutherford County, North Carolina, joining his in-laws property (Haynes) on Cove Creek near Broad River, close to Bill’s Creek Baptist Church.


In 1830, Zephaniah Crook, (son of John E. Crook, Catherine’s brother) obtained land joining his father’s land in Buncombe County, North Carolina (on the Swannanoa River), with the land record indicating that John E. Crook is deceased. I haven’t found any records as to what happened to his land; maybe it eventually transferred to Zephaniah.

In 1831, Peter Vess obtains land on Cedar Creek in Rutherford County, North Carolina (later to become Buncombe County). Although Peter lived in Rutherford County, NC, he appears to have a connection to Burke County, North Carolina (later McDowell County), with his children having connections to both Burke and Buncombe County, suggesting possible early family ties to both counties.

Some of the earlier families of Burke County, NC eventually settled in the same general area as the Crook family, in Buncombe County (including the Souther family). There is a family relationship between Peter and these earlier families, but those specific relationships have yet to reveal itself. We also find Peter’s youngest children in Buncombe County, after Catherine’s death.

In 1835, Zephaniah Crook sells his property on Swannanoa River to Frederick Burnett. Peter Vess is listed as a witness. I had to do a double take, because the document is titled, Buncombe Deeds 1890, yet, the land record itself, is specifically dated 1835, not 1890. This isn’t entirely surprising, as I’ve uncovered records from much weirder places.

By researching Catherine’s family, we might be able to find clues to Peter’s past, as I would think they would have met through mutual families.