Author: J. V.

Belinda Vess: 1860 Marriage Rutherford Co. NC

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According to Vess family records and the 1850 census, we know Peter and Catherine Vess had 10 children: John, Josiah, Andrew, Alfred, Rachel, Eliza, Alexander, Elizabeth, Zephaniah, and Jasper.

So, who in the world is “Belinda” Vess on the Rutherford County, NC marriage record with Isaac M. Bradley Jr. in 1860?

In 1860, the Vess family have split ways.

John is divorced and lives out of state (whereabouts unknown), with his children living with their mother in Henderson Co. with Joshua Souther.

Alfred is also out of state, in Georgia, married to Mary McFarland from South Carolina.

Josiah is missing from census, but his family is still in Rutherford County, North Carolina.

Andrew is married to Lucy Halford and is living next to Josiahs brother-in-laws (James and Drury Early) in Broad River, Rutherford Co. NC.

Alexander is also missing from the 1860 census, but marriage records show he married Martha Wilkerson in December of 1860 in McDowell County.

Rachel, Eliza, and Jasper are living with Dempsey Sumners in Buncombe County. Rachel will stay with Dempsey until she is about 40 years old and Jasper will eventually inherit Dempsey’s property, taking in Eliza.

Zephaniah is living with Noah Whitesides in Buffalo Creek, Rutherford County, NC near Issac Conner (uncle of Andrew’s future wife, Synthia Conner).

However, we do not know what became of Elizabeth…

She may have passed away after 1850, or most likely she got married in between census and was lost due to a name change. It is also possible that she may have married Issac M. Bradley Jr., under a middle or nickname.

The bondsman listed on the marriage record between Issac M. Bradley Jr. and Belinda Vess is N. H. P. Whitesides. That is Noah H. Patterson Whitesides, who took in Zephaniah Vess on the 1860 Rutherford County census in Buffalo Creek.

There are several Bradley families on Buffalo Creek with Noah Whitesides. There is an Issac Bradley, son of Absalom Bradley, who would be the same age as Elizabeth; however, I do not see any “Belinda’s” on census nor any Elizabeth’s who would be around Elizabeth’s age (of course that doesn’t mean she isn’t there). Bradley family trees and history sites do not seem to mention a Bradley-Vess family (most sources focus on a Issac Bradley Jr. -Ledbetter family).

Hopefully, with a little more digging, we will be able to identify this mysterious “Belinda” Vess.






John “Vess” Families In South Carolina

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John and Alfred Vess, sons of Peter and Catherine Vess, both left the state of North Carolina after 1850. I am curious if they both went to South Carolina…

We do not know exactly where John Vess went to (other than he left the state of North Carolina), but Alfred Webb Vess settled in Georgia, whose in-laws came from Abbeville County, South Carolina where records during the same time period show several other “Vess” families. 

Did John and Alfred have Vess family in South Carolina?

James Marvin Vess:
Saluda, Abbeville County, South Carolina

In the 1850 South Carolina census, we find a John Vess (b. 1825 SC), with wife, Drucilla Turner, and son James Marion Vess in Saulda, Abbeville County, South Carolina. Records from the South Carolina Archives and History Digital Collections for “John Vess” reveal they are living in the Greenwood community (which will become its own county in 1897). 

This John Vess disappears after 1850 too. 

Interestingly, according to DNA research by Vincent Vess, descendants of James Marion Vess share DNA matches with both Vess and Crook cousins, which strongly suggests a connection to Peter and Catherine Vess from Rutherford County, North Carolina via possibly their son John Vess. 

In the 1850 Rutherford County, North Carolina census, we do find John Vess listed with his wife Elizabeth Taylor (and kids), living with Catherine and his younger siblings. Vincent points out that this is dated September 17th, 1850, whereas the 1850 Abbeville County, South Carolina census with John Vess and Drucilla Turner (Vess) is dated November 25th 1850; two months apart. Could they be the same person?

This John Vess (if not our John Vess) in South Carolina could also be a very close relative of Peter Vess (brother, father, half-brother, etc) who may also descend from a CROOK. Or, it may be a false lead, with DNA matches descending somewhere else on the CROOK branch (non-Vess related). 

BUT, Vincent also points out, that another VESS-CROOK lineage is not implausible, for that we have documentation of an older “John Vess” in Rutherford County, North Carolina, as a “John Vess” was a witness to a land record for Peter Vess in 1831. 

Peter’s son, John, was only 11 years old at the time, and not legally old enough to sign legal documents yet. I was told by a historian from the North Carolina Genealogical Society that the legal age would have been 16.

Even more interesting, is that Greenwood County is near Newberry County (South Carolina) where Catherine’s paternal grandfather, Andrew Crook may have come from (prior to obtaining land in Buncombe Co in 1804)… Could there be a connection?



Could “John Vess” in Abbeville County, South Carolina, be our “John Vess” from Rutherford County, North Carolina or is it possibly another lost “Vess-Crook” lineage.

Brothers John & William Vess:
Saluda Regiment, Abbeville County, South Carolina

In the 1850 census for Saluda “Regiment,” Abbeville County, South Carolina (separate census from the above Saluda, Abbeville County, SC census), there are two brothers (maybe cousins) living with a Brooks family: John and William “Vess.” 

Abbeville County was divided into 2 regiments, Savanah River Regiment (where we find Alfred’s in-laws) and Saluda Regiment (where we have John & William Vess). I have yet to determine the difference between Saluda Regiment census and just Saluda census records, as they are distinctly different (it does not include the John Vess & Turner family). 

What is intriguing about John and William Vess (if accurate) is that it is noted on census they were born in North Carolina, ruling out Peter and Nathaniel’s line. They were born about 1824 and 1826, ruling out Pryor, William, and Peter’s line from Wilkes county, who were in White County, TN by 1820. 

This leaves Absalom Vess and the briefly mentioned Johnathan Vess in Wilkes County, North Carolina.  Johnathan was only mentioned a couple of times between 1803-1805, with no indication as to where he went next; however, Absalom is a possible candidate as he remained in North Carolina with records between 1803-1820. His wife Hannah appears to have survived him. Census records (although mostly girls) did reveal they had at least 2 sons (but only 1 in the age range above). 

There is also the suspected older John Vess in Rutherford County, North Carolina (witness to Peter’s land) to also consider…

John Vess Age 51
Greenville, South Carolina

According to Civil War records, there is a “John Vess” (records also “Vest”) who enlisted from Greenville, South Carolina. Other than the 1830 census for Polly “Vess,” there are no “Vess” families on census or any other available records in Greenville, SC.  

Civil War records from Fold3.com, reveal correspondences asking to be dismissed from the military due to his age. He claimed to be 51 years of age (1864) with an estimated birthdate of 1813; unfortunately, he had no proof of his age. 

According to the records, John Vess was interviewed by a man, who declared in a written statement, that he believes (based on the interview) that John Vess is of 50 years old of age.

Unfortunately, none of these records indicated where John Vess was born.

What Are We Looking At?

Who are these “Vess” families? Are they Haplogroup R1a2, like us, or are they another family (unrelated to us) whose name eventually evolved into Vess?


*Note: Descendants of Nathaniel Vess have yet to complete a Y-DNA test or upload their Autosomal DNA results to the Vess Family DNA Project. At this time, we do not know if the Nathaniel Vess line is related to the Peter & Willis Vess family (Halpogroup R1a2).


John Vess from Greenville, South Carolina intrigues me, because his Civil War records are under the “Vess” and “Vest” name, which strongly suggests he may be a “Vess” relative for Peter and Willis Vess. Records alternating between the “Vest” and “Vess” name are often associated with the VESS family. 

Having shared DNA matches with the Vess/Turner family (Vess & Crook matches) in Abbeville County is fascinating; especially, since Greenwood is near Newberry County, where the Crook(s) family use to resided prior to 1800. 

And, what about the brothers/cousins also in Abbeville County, whose census states they were born in North Carolina? If true, do they come from Wilkes County, North Carolina?

The most fascinating thing to me, is that there is an off and on presence of “Vess” families in South Carolina between 1794 (Nathaniel’s birth) to 1870 whose origins and lineages are unknown! 

• 1794 Nathaniel Vess is believed to have been born in South Carolina.
• 1810 John “Beas” (not sure if Vess) appear on census (Spartanburg Co.) near families later associated with Nathaniel and Peter Vess.
• 1830 Polly Vess in Greenville County in the same census as the Plummley family seen near Nathaniel Vess in Rutherford Co. NC and Pryor Vest in White County, TN.
• 1850 John Vess (b. SC) / Drucilla Turner Saluda, Abbeville Co. shared DNA matches with VESS & CROOK descendants.
• 1850 John & William Vess Saluda Regiment, Abbeville Co., supposedly born in North Carolina.
• 1860 John Vess (age 51) from Greenville, Co. 

What is the connection (if any)? Very intriguing!











 












Peter & Peggy: A Look At Census Records

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It was exciting to find Peter and Margaret Vess from Patrick County, Virginia in church records between 1801-1803 as “Peter & Peggy West” and then later Peter “Vest” in Wilkes County, North Carolina.  Of course, I wanted to see if there were any more Vest records under the “West” name…

1810 Census: A West Not A Vest

To my surprise, I found a Peggy West in the 1810 Wilkes County, NC census, but I don’t think it could be that easy…

A Peggy West with 3 children under the age of 15 (2 girls, 1 boy). Unfortunately, this record has been claimed by the West family as John West & Margaret “Peggy” Whitherspoon. 

This appears to be accurate, as this Peggy West isn’t near any Vess DNA matches nor is she near any families that we’ve seen close to Vest families; and several families listed on this census are also on numerous West family trees. 

According to family sources, her husband John West died in Spartanburg, South Carolina in 1800. Whereas, Peter Vest in the 1820 White Co. TN census suggests there is a husband and wife (female & male over 45 years old). 

The Vest family appears to have left Wilkes County, NC prior to 1810. 


Peter Vest/West/Vess Census: Consistent Aging

Census records are not always accurate, but we do see consistent aging (in records) for Peter between Patrick Co. VA to White Co. TN, suggesting they are the same person.

Peter Vess and Pugnance Margaret Vaughn were married in 1785 (Henry Co). According to a 1787 Henry Co. tax list, Peter was under the age of 21, with an estimate birth year between 1766-1771. 

In the 1800 (Wilkes Co), Peter West is between 26-44, then in 1820 (White Co), Peter Vest is over 45 years old, and then in 1830 (White Co), he is between 50-59; all of which support a birth year between 1766-1771.


Sources:

Ancestry.com. 1810 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch.

Ancestry.com. 1820 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch.

Ancestry.com. 1830 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. 
Images reproduced by FamilySearch.

Exploring The Life of Alfred Webb Vess 1826-1882

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Alfred Webb Vess 1826-1882

Rutherford County, North Carolina

Alfred Webb Vess is the 4th son of Peter Vess and Catherine “Katie” Crook. He was born in 1826 in Rutherford County, North Carolina in the Knob Creek community. He had 9 siblings: John, Josiah (Joseph), Andrew Logan, Rachel, Elizabeth, Alexander, Eliza, Zephaniah, and Jasper. 

Alfred Webb Vess may have been named after Rev. Alfred Webb, who was a pastor at Bill’s Creek Baptist Church between 1827-1833. His parents were members of Bill’s Creek Baptist Church between 1829-1836, and his great-grandfather, William Pressley Haynes, is believed to have been one of the first pastors at Bill’s Creek Baptist Church.

In 1831, the Vess family moved to the Broad River Township of Rutherford County (now Buncombe County), on Cedar Creek in between Old Fort, McDowell County and Fairview, Buncombe County. However, the Vess family would eventually returned back to the Knob Creek community.

In 1846, Alfred and his brothers joined Bill’s Creek Baptist Church with their mother, Catherine (without Peter). In 1850, they are back in the Knob Creek community. Alfred (21 years old) was still living with his family, which included his mother and all his siblings, except for Andrew Logan Vess (who was living next to his Halford in-laws at the time). 

Franklin County, Georgia

In 1853, Alfred Webb Vess married Mary Elizabeth McFarlin in Franklin County, Georgia, daughter of Benjamin McFarlin and Nancy Stone from Abbeville County, South Carolina (Savannah River area). Together they had 5 children: Benjamin E. Vess, Albertina Vess, Alfred Webb Vess Jr. , Mary Jane Vess, and Lucy Lee Vess. 

It is not known as to why Alfred Webb Vess settled in Georgia, so far away from his Vess family in North Carolina. He may have followed his older brother John Vess out of state, as a divorce record for John, dated 1854, states he was an “out-of-state” resident. There is reason to believe John may have went to South Carolina, which maybe where Alfred met the McFarlin family. At this time, there is no evidence that Alfred went to South Carolina before settling in Georgia. 

If you have any information about why or how Alfred Webb Vess settled in Georgia, please leave a comment below.  🙂

Civil War

At the age of 36, on May 12, 1862, Alfred Webb Vess joined the military, having served as a Confederate solider (private rank) under the 34th Regiment, Georgia Infantry, Company G.

In May of 1864, he appears to have transferred to Company I. On December 16, 1864, he was captured in battle and imprisoned in Nashville, Tennessee. 

A few months later, Alfred contracted the Measles and was hospitalized in Richmond, VA on February 26, 1865. According to the Widow Pension files, Measles had settled in his lungs. He regained enough health to finish out his service in the army (as a musician,) but after returning home to Franklin County, GA, he struggled with poor health ever since. 

Athens, Clarke Co. ,Georgia

After the Civil War, Alfred and his family moved to Athens, Clarke County, Georgia, where census records indicate he was a “sewing machine agent.” According to the 1880 census, they were living at 307 Strong Street, which appears to be where the Hotel Indigo is now, located downtown Athens near the University of Georgia. 

Alfred Webb Vess appears to have been appointed as Constable, with a probate / bond record dated 1878, mentioning duties as Constable of the 216th District (more research is needed). 


Not much seems to be known or has been shared with me about his life in Georgia. If you have any information that you would like me to add to this article to share with others, please comment below or email me at vessgenealogy.com.

Death: Alfred Webb Vess and Mary E. Vess

Alfred Webb Vess died on October 27, 1882 in Athens, GA, due to Consumption (Tuberculosis), believed to have been brought on by the Measles contracted during the Civil War.

According to the Widow Pension files, it was clearly stated that Alfred Webb Vess did not die a pauper, despite having left no property or money to his wife, Mary. 

After Alfred’s death, Mary went to live with her son, Alfred Webb Vess Jr. She filed several pension applications, with a physicians statement detailing her poor health that prevented her from being able to work. According to the physician statements, she was confined to her bed due to Chronic Bronchial Catarrh (chronic bronchitis), with a severe cough. It was also noted that she suffered from neurological pain, anxiety, and frequent stomaches. Mary E. Vess, passed away on December 26, 1908. 

Unfortuantely, I have not been able to locate their burial sites. 

Sources:

Bill’s Creek Baptist Church: Two Hundred Year History 1782-1982, by Helen M. Lu. 

Ancestry.com: Historical Data Systems, Inc.; Duxbury, MA 02331; American Civil War Research Database

Ancestry.com. Georgia, U.S., Confederate Pension Applications, 1879-1960[database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2009.

Hunting For Bears, comp.. Georgia Marriages, 1699-1944 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004.

Notes: Bonds, Vol B, 1847-1876; Guardian, Administrators, and Executors, Vol F, 1877-1928

https://adp.ehistory.org/athens-ga/historic-street-address

Peter’s Parents: Getting Closer!

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Who are Peter’s parents? 
This is a question that family researchers have been wondering for generations! 

Perhaps, it’s a question that will only be answered with genetic genealogy…

ROSE, SPARKS, and PARKS

In 2021, Vincent Vess discovered DNA matches triangulating with the Sparks and Rose families in Wilkes County, North Carolina, and then later, a Parks family in Virginia, who came from Wilkes County, North Carolina. 

Aside from a mysterious William “Vest” with records dating between 1787-1790 on Kings Creek (far from any Rose, Sparks, or Parks families), there were no other signs of a potential Vess/Vest family in Wilkes County.

However, in 2022, I uncovered a pocket of Vest/Vess families in Wilkes County hiding in court and tax records dated between 1803-1820 which include William, Prior, Jonathan, Absalom, and Peter!

The presence of a multi-generational Vest/Vess family in Wilkes County is very promising! 

DNA Matches To Vess: Possible Maternal Ancestor

Families that match to VESS via DNA Triangulation (descendants sharing the same segment of chromosomes) appear to be the following:

Sparks
Rose
Parks
Holloway
Caudill
Bauguess
Butry

These families all appear to be connected to the John Sparks – Elizabeth Rose family, who are descendants of Emmanuel Rose & Mary Hancock/Hampton and Reuben Sparks & Keziah Butry (various spellings). DNA research strongly suggests that Peter Vess may have a maternal ancestor related to this family. 

Location For Possible Records: Wilkes / Surry County Border

The Sparks family is largely known to have settled on Hunting Creek (South of the Yadkin River), in Wilkes County, North Carolina. However, according to earlier Wilkes County records (which requires some digging), they appear to have been North of the Yadkin River with the Rose and Parks families.

All these families appear on the 1787 census in Captain Johnson and Captain Carrel’s Districts (shown below). The Sparks and Rose families, while documented on census in Wilkes county, also had records in Surry county.  

Note: Wilkes county used to be part of Surry County and Capt. Carrel’s District is on the border of Wilkes / Surry co. 

Brier Creek Baptist Church 1801-1803: Peter “West”

On Familysearch.org, you can access church records for Brier Creek Baptist Church (Roaring River). Reviewing pages covering from 1793-1810, I found the Parks, Sparks, and Rose families together. 

Church minutes mention Elizabeth Rose, Emmanuel Rose, Rebuin Sparks, and John Sparks; the same family in which DNA research is suggesting might have a family connection to Vess.  

In documented church minutes, I came across an entry, dated 1801, mentioning a Peter “West” and his wife “Peggy West.” They were received by experience and baptism on April 24th, 1801. 
Further entries describe incidents of Peter and Peggy West being accused of lying, which resulted in excommunication and repentance. 

“July 24th at church meeting Peggy West citing to meeting by Brother Rose for [illegible]. 

She was found guilty of lying and trying to make mischief in the settlement and was excommunicated.”

“February 27, 1803, Peter West accused of telling untruths and was found guilty and on his request it was laid over till next meeting – March.” (March 1803) “Peter West was restored to fellowship by repentance.”

Familysearch.org Church minutes, 1783-1955 Author:
Brier Creek Baptist Church (Wilkes County, North Carolina) pg. 13-14


There is no further mention of Peter “West” after 1803, but many members of Brier Creek Baptist Church bounced around between other churches in Wilkes County, as they were all part of the same church association, with the Three Forks Baptist Church (west of the Blue Ridge Mts) being the mother church. 

I cannot find any land records for a Peter “West” in Wilkes or Surry County, but I did find a Peter “West” listed on the 1800 Wilkes county, North Carolina census (alphabetical order). 

7 total Household members:
1 male between 26-44
1 female between 26-44
1 female under age 10
1 male between 10-15
2 males under age 10

We also have a record referencing a Peter “Vest” in 1805…

Thurmond District 1805: Peter “Vest”

Last year, I discovered a Peter “Vest” on an 1805 Wilkes County tax list. He is listed in the Willis Thurmond District, which is located near the Wilkes/Surry county border in the old Carrell District; same area that contains the Rose, Sparks, and Parks families. 

Interestingly, the Thurmond family were also members of Brier Creek Baptist Church (same time as Peter “West”). 

Peggy Is A Nickname For Margaret

When it comes to the Vess name, it has a history of being anything: “Vest,” “Vist,” “Best,” “Vert,” “Verl,” “Voss,” “Vass,” “Voss,” and even…”Post.“ So why not add “West” into the mix too? 

Peter “West” documented in Wilkes County, NC between 1801-1803 is likely Peter “Vest” documented in the same area in 1805, and ultimately, there is a 99.9% chance he is a “VESS;” more specifically, Peter Vess and Pugnance Margaret Vaughn from Patrick County, Virginia! 

In 1793, in the Patrick County, Virginia Deed records, it states a Peter “Vess” and his wife, “Margaret,” and John Duncan, sold land to John Spencer. Peter “Vess” then disappeared from records after 1797, suggesting he had left Patrick County, Virginia.

Then, in 1801, we see a “Peter West,” (later Peter “Vest”) in Wilkes County, North Carolina church records with wife “Peggy West.” “Peggy” is a nickname for Margaret!! 

We now have supporting documentation suggesting the Vess/Vest family from Patrick County, VA is the Vest/Vess family in Wilkes County, NC!!

Mysterious Parks Connection

The connection to the Parks family is unclear, as DNA matches are triangulating with a Parks-Martin family in Grayson Co., Virginia, who used to live in Wilkes County, NC prior to 1800. 

However, we do see Peter “Vest” in the Thurmond District (1805) with a Parks family and a William Martin; both of which I believe (at this time) have connections with the Parks-Martin family in Virginia through Benjamin Martin (Justice of the Peace) and member of Brier Creek Baptist Church with Peter “West” (1801-1803). 

Further research is needed. 

Absalom Vest DNA Matches

Descendants of Willis and Peter Vess appear to share matches with the descendants of Absalom Vest. Unfortunately, at this time, Vincent Vess is not able to compare chromosomes to determine how closely they match each other. If descendants from all three lines share the same segment of chromosomes, that would support a definitive “Vess” – “Vest” relationship to Wilkes County, North Carolina. 

Help Us Further Our Research

If you have any information that may assist us further in our research, please leave a comment below or email us at vessgenealogy.com. 

DNA genealogy has been the key to uncovering the lineages, history, and origins of the Vess family. Please help us further our research by joining and participating in our Vess Family DNA Project.

And, furthermore…don’t forget to subscribe to this blog to keep up with new discoveries! 

Plummley: Is There A Connection?

/ J. V. / 1 Comment

Last year, in my Fall 2023: Vess Genealogy Recap post, I mentioned the SOUTHER family and their intriguing close connections to the VESS family. I have yet to determine whether or not they are kin or just a bunch of coincidences. 

• Souther and Vest/Vess families in Brushy Mountain community in Wilkes County, North Carolina (1805 & 1830). 
• Souther family were members of Bill’s Creek Baptist Church same time as Peter and Catherine Vess (between 1828-1836).
• Souther family obtained Peter’s land (1842)
• Souther married Elizabeth Taylor, ex-wife of John Vess, son of Peter Vess (1854).
• Souther is listed next to Rachel Crook, Catherine’s mother on the Buncombe Co. census (1830). 

Fall 2023: Vess Genealogy Recap

When researching Vess genealogy, I read a lot of records (AND I MEAN A LOT) and PLUMMLEY is another name just as intriguing as SOUTHER….as it too seems to follow the VESS name! 


Plummley/Plumlee/Plumly Family: NC, SC, & TN

In 1824, Prior VEST in White County, TN obtained land on Caney Fork, joining the PLUMLEYS line. On the 1830 White County, Tennessee census, there is a Lucy VEST (believed to be the wife of Pryor Vest), listed on the same page as Joel and Denton PLUMMLEY (sons of Issac Plummley). 

In the 1830, Rutherford County, North Carolina census, Nathaniel VESS (NESS) and father-in-law John BELLEW, are listed next to Constant PLUMMLEY. 

Constant PLUMMLEY is the son of William PLUMMLEY Jr. & Hester O’NEAL. Wiliam’s parents are William PLUMLEE Sr. and Phoebe DENTON (remember Denton Plummley mentioned earlier). William’s brother is Issac Plummley, (Constant’s uncle) who settled in White County, Tennessee. 

William Plummley Jr. died in Glassy Mountain, Greenville County, South Carolina in 1830. Glassy Mountain is where I strongly believe Nathaniel Vess met Clarinda Bellew, as the Bellew and Gosnell families were prominent families in that area at that time.

Furthermore, on the 1830 census for Greenville, South Carolina (which also includes the Plummley family) is a mysterious “Polly Vess.” 

Interestingly, the wife of William Plummley Sr, Phoebe Denton, comes from Shenandoah County (once Dunmore Co.), Virginia. Her parents are Abraham Denton and Sarah O’Dell. 

Her father listed her (as Plumbly) in his 1774 will, made in the “County of Dunmore.” 

Interestingly, there are “VESS” records in Dunmore county, as early as 1775, via Samuel and William Vess. 

Now interestedly, according to family history published on Ancestry.com, posted 29 Feb 2012 titled, “Captain” Abraham Denton, 1700-1774,” the Denton family had issues with the law prior to moving to Dunmore County, VA. Would that consider them as “outlaws,” and if so… any connection to our family story about an O’Donnell & O’Neil outlaw? Could O’Donnell have been O’Dell and could O’Neil be referencing Hester O’Neils family? Or again, just all coincidence?

I look forward to researching this family further; maybe it will lead me to another “Vess” record!

Updated Map of “Vess” Records

/ J. V.



I’ve plotted all the locations and dates we find “Vess” records. We now have an interesting timeline which shows the VESS/VEST family starting in Loundoun Co./ Dunmore Co. Virginia, going straight through Rockbridge Co. Virginia to Henry/Partick County, Virginia (once Pittsylvania Co). then onto Wilkes County, North Carolina, where they then appear to split up after 1810. By 1830, there is a Vess family in Texas, Alabama, Tennessee, North and South Carolina. 

In all these areas where we have found VESS records, we also see the same family with records under the VEST name. Both names (VESS & VEST) were used interchangeably until 1830, with an occasional record of VOSS, VASS, and VERT in between. 

What seems to be a reasonable rule of thumb when trying to sort out VESS families from other families of similar surnames, is the presence of the VESS name and how frequently it is used by a specific group of VESS/VEST families. You may come across a VESS record for the VEST family, but it is very rare. However, please note that it has been documented that some (1-2) VEST lineages from the Chesterfield Co. Virginia VEST family, did take on the VESS name, which appears to have occurred after 1850. And, we still do not know if the Rockbridge County, VA VESS family is VEST, WEST, or maybe VERT. 

Y-DNA testing is the best way to help us further sort out the different VESS, VEST, VOSS, VASS, and VERT families. Y-DNA testing with family trees, can tell us their Haplogroup and the areas in which that Haplogroup once occupied. 

Time Line

Below, I have included a timeline, that includes the location, family, and source of their “Vess” record.

  • 1770-1774 Loundoun Co. VA (not on map)
    James and William Vess

    Virginia County Court Records Tithables Loudoun County Virginia 1770-1774

  • 1758-1786 Loundoun Co. VA (not on map)
    James and William Vess

    Conrad “VERT” listed in the same record. The son of Conrad Vert, is Adam Vert. Adam Vert later appears in Rockbridge County, VA tax records, prior to Samuel & Hiram Vess.  

    Index of Volume 2: LOUDOUN COUNTY, VIRGINIA TITHABLES, 1758-1786” by Marty Hiatt & Craig Roberts Scott. 1994,2011

  • 1777-1779 Dunmore County, VA / Frederick Co. VA
    Samuel (wife Ann), Peter, and William Vess

    Ancestry.com (Revolutionary War records)│Stewart Bell Jr. Archives Digital Collections (Vass record) *site deactivated Sept. 30, 2023

  • 1773 & 1782 -1800 Pittslyvania Co. into Henry Co into Patrick Co. VA
    Betty Vess, Samuel (wife Catherine), Jonathan (wife Elizabeth Heron), Peter (wife Pugnance Vaughn), Sarah, and William Vess

    Ancestry.com (marriage records), Familysearch.org (tax lists & land records)│UsGenWeb Archives (Patrick County, Deed List) │Descendants of Henry Mullins, by Charles Owens

  • 1810-1850+ Rockbridge Co. VA
    Samuel & Hiram Vess (origins unknown)

    Ancestry.com (census records)│Familysearch.org (tax lists)

  • 1790 & 1805-1810 Wilkes County, NC
    William, Pryor, Absalom, Jonathan, and Peter Vess

    Wilkes County, NC Pleas & Quarter Sessions Court Minutes 1795-1805 & 1805-1810, Transcribed by John A. McGreachy │Ancestry.com (1790 & 1810, 1820, & 1830 census, War of 1812 record) │Familysearch.org (court records & tax lists)

  • 1814-1840 White Co. & Van Buren Co. TN
    Pryor, William, Peter, and Willis Vess

    Ancestry.com (1820, 1830, 1840 census & land records)

  • 1820 -1850+ Rutherford Co. NC (including Burke & Haywood Co)
    Peter and Nathaniel Vess

    Ancestry.com (1820, 1830, 1840+ census, land records) │Familysearch.org (court records), North Carolina Land Grants & Images

  • 1820-1850+ Jackson County, TX
    Jonathan Vess

    Ancestry.com (census) │Texas Historical Association (Land grant, bios, Stephen F. Austin Register of Families)

  • 1830 -1850+ Franklin County, AL
    Willis, Peter, and John Vess

    Ancestry.com (census & land grants) │AlGenWeb (plat map)│Newspaper.com (Peter Vess) │Familysearch.org (1820 census)

  • 1830 Greenville, South Carolina
    Polly Vess

    Ancestry.com (census)

  • 1850 -1860 Abbeville County, Saulda, South Carolina
    John Vess (husband of Drucilla Turner, father of James Vess). 
    And, 1850 only, William Vess and John Vess, possible brothers.

    Ancestry.com (census)


Genealogy Goals 2024

/ J. V.

Happy New Year!!

I really look forward to making new discoveries in Vess genealogy this year! I got a fresh new blank notebook, an empty desktop, and a long list of new leads to explore!

And of course, what is a brand new year without setting a few new genealogy goals…  

Y-DNA Testing

This year, I hope more families are encouraged to participate in the Vess Family DNA Project!

This project was open to us by Marilyn Barton and actively managed by Michael Travers and Vincent Vess through Familytreedna.com. A HUGE thanks to them for making this family DNA project possible! As well as their continued interests in Vess/Travers genealogy and their valuable knowledge in genetic genealogy!

Genetic genealogy has become a valuable tool in furthering our research in Vess genealogy. It has allowed us to explore the origins of the VESS surname, discover a connection with the early Travers family, identify new Vess lines, sort between the different earlier Vess/Vest families, and it continues to help us piece together Vess family history!

An accurate lineage for Willis Vess

The fact that Willis Vess has a complicated line of descendants, suggests there might have been more than one earlier Vess family in Alabama (other than Willis and John P. Vess). Super exciting!

Research strongly suggests this to be true, with the mysterious find of a “Peter Vess” mentioned in the 1840 list of letters at the Russellville Post Office (newspaper.com) and a “William Vess” mentioned as “heir” in an 1854 land record for Willis Vess; both who are not known nor appear to be documented as children of Willis Vess or John P. Vess. 

I hope further research will lead to new discoveries!

The Travers Family

While we are still filling in the gaps of early Vess genealogy (post Revolutionary War), Y-DNA testing has provided us an even earlier timeline, connecting us to the early Travers family of Lancashire, England who are believed to have arrived in England with William the Conquerer in 1066 from Normandy.

I would love to research and post more about the different Travers families in America and their history prior to arriving to America. 

Genealogy in General

I enjoy genealogy and I would love to expand this blog into sharing my passion for the world of genealogy, as well as some of my favorite researching tools, tips and tricks to researching stubborn ancestors. 

Follow & Join The Vess Genealogy Adventure

New discoveries in Vess Genealogy happen all the time, so please be sure to follow & subscribe to this blog to have new posts sent directly to your inbox!

Also, please join the Vess Family -Genealogy Facebook Group and the Vess Family DNA Project! 

I absolutely welcome other researchers to join in on the adventure! If you have any information that may assist in this research, please email me at vessgenealogy@gmail.com. 

Exploring The CROOK Family

/ J. V. / 2 Comments

Peter VESS married Catherine “Katie” CROOK, daughter of John Emmanuel CROOK and Rachel HAYNES of Rutherford County, North Carolina.

The Haynes Family: Catherine’s Maternal Side

Catherine’s maternal grandparents are William Presley HAYNES and Sarah Emma GIBBS. Together they had 10 children: John, Mary, Sarah, William Jr., Hezekiah, Rachel (Catherine’s mother), Henry, Eli, and Levi.

William Presley Haynes was the first pastor at Bill’s Creek Baptist Church, which is believed to have been established in 1785. William is believed to have died in 1788 per his probate record. His 300 acres of land on Cove Creek near Broad River was split among his wife and younger sons. Several of his older children relocated to Kentucky. The last bit of William’s land was later sold to John Ledbetter in 1805, after Sarah’s death.

The Crook Family: Catherine’s Paternal Side

Catherine’s paternal grandparents are Andrew CROOK and Sarah BABER, daughter of James BABER and Mildred ARTHUR. Only two children are named in Andrew Crook’s 1814 Rutherford County, North Carolina probate record: Mildred Arthur Creighton Crook and “illegitamate” son, John Emmanuel Crook.

The Crook family is of Irish and Scottish descent, according to a biological sketch for Ira FOSTER, second husband of Mildred Arthur Creighton Crook (Catherine’s aunt). It further states that “Andrew Crook was born in Ireland and his mother was a Creighton.”

Mildred Arthur Creighton Crook
Ancestry.com


I strongly believe that SARAH “COOK”, listed as a member of Bill’s Creek Baptist Church, between 1829-1835 with Peter and Catherine VEST is actually Sarah CROOK (Baber), Catherine’s grandmother, wife of Andrew Crook. According to Peter’s 1830 census, they had an elderly woman living with them, which I strongly believe is also Sarah.

John Emmanuel Crook married Rachel Haynes, daughter of William Haynes and Sarah Gibbs. Together they had 7 children: Zephaniah, William, Susannah, Mary Polly, David, Catherine, and Melinda. Marriage records for several children are witnessed by an Issac Creaton (which may be Creighton), a possible relative of Andrew Crook.

Crook Meets Haynes: Bill’s Creek Community

Andrew Crook, Catherine’s grandfather, obtained land in Buncombe County, North Carolina in 1804 on Gap Creek, which deed records suggest he turned around and sold it. In 1810, he is listed on the Rutherford County, North Carolina census (slave owner), but there doesn’t seem to be any (existing) land records for him in that county. However, his son, John Crook, is also listed on the 1810 census with a land record showing he obtained land in Rutherford County, North Carolina in 1804.

According to the 1804 land record, John Crook obtained land on Cove Creek joining William Haynes (Sr.) original property on Cove Creek near Broad River; not too far from Bill’s Creek Baptist Church.

Crook Family of South Carolina: Possible Connections

Although the Biological Sketch of Ira Foster states Andrew Crook, Catherine’s grandfather, was born in Ireland, many family trees on Ancestry.com believe he is the son of Andrew Crooks and Janne (believed to be Creighton) of Newberry County, South Carolina, whose children (per probate records) are Samuel, John, Nancy, Elizabeth, and Andrew (Jr.).

Andrew Crooks Sr. and his sons, owned land between the Enoree and Broad Rivers in Newberry County, South Carolina (records kept in Abbeville Co.) prior to 1800. If related, could this possible give light to the mysterious Vess family living in Greenwood (once part of Newberry County) during the 1850’s??

A Pre-Revolutionary War “VESS” Record

/ J. V.

Loudoun County, Virginia 1770

The earliest “Vess” record I have discovered thus far is dated 1770 from the Loudoun county, Virginia Lists of Tithables, 1758-1799, available on familysearch.org. William and James Vess are not listed on any earlier or later lists for Loudoun County, VA.

James Vess is new…I haven’t come across any early Vess records for a James. However, I have come across early Vess records for William, Samuel, and Peter; but they were associated with Dunmore County, Virginia (Now Shenandoah County) – which isn’t too far from Loudoun county, VA.