Author: J. V.

Andrew L. Vest: 1789 VS 1849 Marriage Records

/ J. V.


Circulating on numerous genealogy sites is a marriage record dated “1789” for an “Andrew L. Vest and Linnia Holferd.”

This has become extremely controversial, for that many strongly argue that there are 2 generations with ancestors named Andrew Logan Vess, whereas others strongly argue there is only just the one Andrew Logan Vess (1825-1907) who is the son of Peter Vess.

Is there another Andrew Logan Vess? Probably… It’s not entirely unheard of to have multiple generations with the same name; however, are there two generations of “Andrew Logan Vess and Linnia Halford”? Probably not.

This post is about the controversial 1789 record for Andrew L. Vest and Linnia Holferd, my thoughts and opinions with supportive documentation as to why I do not think this record is accurate. The conclusions, however, are up to the individual reader/researcher.

The Record In Question

Pictured below is a marriage record for an “Andrew L. Vest” and a “Linna Holferd” dated 1789 and is being used to suggest that Peter’s parents were Andrew L. Vest (Vess) and Linna Holferd.

About Andrew Logan Vess

Andrew Logan Vess
1825-1907


Andrew Logan Vess and Lucy “Linnia” Malinda Halford have numerous records supporting his existence, which include:
● His picture (above).
● Census Records of him and Linnia (Lucy Malinda Halford).
● Numerous written family records (below)
● Tombstone in Davistown Cemetery (below).
● Marriage Record dated 1849
● Civil War and Pension records
● DNA – The Halford family has extensive well-researched family tree.

It is important to note that Andrew Logan Vess was married twice. His second wife is Cynthia Conner.

Furthermore, we recently discovered that his maternal grandfather was named Andrew, and that many of children of Peter were named after Catherine’s side of the family. Andrew Crook (Abt. 1750-1814) of Rutherford County, North Carolina.

To learn more about the life Andrew Logan Vess, click here.

The family lineage of Andrew Logan Vess written in old-english.
Andrew Logan Vess:
Davistown Cemetery in McDowell County, NC
This is likely a replacement of the original tombstone in which the birthdate was likely the only legible date left from the previous weathered tombstone.

1789 Marriage Record

There is a 1789 marriage record for an “Andrew L. Vest” and a “Linna Holferd,” that is being used to suggest that Peter’s father was Andrew Vest (Vess).

To further suggest the idea of an “older” Andrew Logan Vess, the same record seems to show 2 different Andrew Logan Vess’s, with marriages separated by 78 years.

A Different Record: Marriage Date 1849

But wait, there is a different publication of these marriage records that shows Andrew L. Vest and Linna Holferd married in 1849!
Perhaps this is a typo?

Comparing Two Different Publications

I decided to investigate further by comparing both records, published by two separate entities. As shown below, you can see the only discrepancy between the two different records is the year in which the marriage took place (everything else is the same).

R. O. Ledbetter: Who Is He?

Both publications state R. O. Ledbetter as the bondsman; so perhaps by learning a little bit more about him, we can determine what period of time the marriage between Andrew L. Vest and Linna Holferd actually took place.

The thing is, the Ledbetter family is quite extensive with many family members named Richard. In fact, my 7th great-grandfather is a Richard Ledbetter! So, how can I possibly pin-point the correct Ledbetter?

Interestingly, at the same time that I came across this discrepancy between marriage records, I had just bought the book: Bill’s Creek Baptist Church: Two Hundred Year History, by Helen M. Lu. AND guess who is in it! R. O. Ledbetter!


The earliest account in which R. O. Ledbetter (Richard Overton Ledbetter) is mentioned, is dated 1842, when him and his wife (Elizabeth Harris) was received by the Bill’s Creek Baptist Church. He was an active member from 1842-1854. Within that period of time, he could have certainly been a bondsman for Andrew L. Vest and Linna Holferd whose marriage is dated 1849. He served on several important committees and for several years, was an Assistant Clerk for the church.

His brother Brazilla Ledbetter also attended the church too, in which allowed me to further research R. O. Ledbetter’s birthdate: 1811, in which makes him too young to have been a bondsman for Andrew L. Vest and Linna Holferd in 1789. And, I have not found any older family members named Richard “Overton” Ledbetter, especially, in Rutherford County, North Carolina.

Also, if you review the marriage record for A. L. Vess and Cynthia Conner whose marriage is dated 1867 (Andrew Logan’s second wife), you will find that the bondsman is Wm. Flynn, who also served the church during the same time period as R. O. Ledbetter.

Furthermore, according to the book, Bill’s Creek Baptist Church: Two Hundred Year History, Andrew Logan Vess (son of Peter and Catherine Vess) was received by Bill’s Creek Baptist Church in 1846. The earliest account in which Linnia Halford (his first wife) is mentioned, is dated 1848 (member list). Also note, that Andrew Logan Vess is mentioned in the book under the following names: Andrew L. Vess, Andy Vest, A. L. Vest, Andrew Vest. After thoroughly reading this book, it is clear that there is only one Andrew Logan Vess (Vest).

Conclusion: A Transcription Typo

In my opinion, I strongly believe the marriage date of 1789 in the publication complied by Brent H. Holcomb, to be a transcription typo. It happens.

However, such typos are notorious for making incorrect connections; especially, if one does not know that Andrew Logan Vess (son of Peter and Catherine Vess) was married twice!

I have had many researchers strongly argue that Peter’s father is (in fact) an Andrew Vess; however, it is something they’ve only heard, perhaps by others who were mislead by this widely circulated typo. But, who knows! Maybe Peter’s father is named Andrew; but if so, it may be best to look for other records as evidence to prove it.


Sources:

Lu, H., 1984. Bill’s Creek Baptist Church. Dallas, Tex.: H.M. Lu.



















VESS: A Lost TRAVERS Family

/ J. V. / 1 Comment

The North Carolina VESS family are related to the early TRAVERS family of Lancashire, England (left) and Cork, Ireland (right).

Early Travers Family History

The earliest known TRAVERS family originated from Normandy.  They arrived in England with William the Conqueror in 1066. 

According to legend, they took over “Tulketh’s castle” in Lancashire, England and fought along side William the Conquerer himself. 

Tulketh’s Castle, known as Tulketh’s Hall, was originally a monastery.  It became Ashton Manor, prior to becoming Tulketh’s Hall.  Several researchers claim that the Traver’s family never actually owned Tulketh Hall directly; however, had owned land in the Ashton area (now known as Preston) near Tulketh Hall.

Tulketh Hall in Preston, Lancashire, England

Travers Genealogy 

Descendants of the Norman Travers family later moved to Scotland and Ireland, before eventually, making their way across the Atlantic to America. Unfortunately, the Travers family has a lot of gaps in their family tree. It was only until just recently with Y-DNA testing that it was discovered that the Travers families of Ireland and England are related; which has been long debated among researchers. 

During the 1800’s, Samuel Smith Travers went about documenting the different Travers families and their lineages in an effort to create a complete family tree. His work was published in 1864, titled, A Collection of Pedigrees of the Family of Travers, Abstracts of Documents, Collected by S.S. Travers, Arranged by H. J. Sides.

Unfortunately, a collection of different pedigrees was the best he was able to do and researchers are still trying to piece them together. Hopefully, further Y-DNA testing among the different Travers/Travis families will help complete this ancient family tree. 

Travers Families in America 

There are several known early Travers families in America.  Y-DNA testing suggests they are related, yet arrived and settled in America at different times.

Travers from Lancashire, England Settled in Maryland

William Travers (act 1650-1701) settled in Maryland on what is known as Taylor Island in Dorchester, County, founded by his cousin Thomas Taylor. It is believed that he married Elizabeth Chapline.

Current Y-DNA testing shows that the North Carolina Vess family come from an earlier branch that contains the Travers who emigrated to Dorchester County, Maryland and those that stayed in Lancashire, England.

Travers (TRAVIS) From Cork, Ireland Settled In North Carolina

William Travers Jr. was born in Bandon Bridge County, Cork, Ireland. It is believed that his father, William Travers Sr., was born in Lancashire, England.

William Travers, Jr. settled in Pasquotank County, North Carolina. This line of Travers changed their surname to TRAVIS.  

William’s son Daniel Travis (1669) is the father of Dr. Edward Travis who settled on Goose Creek. Dr. Edward had 3 sons, John, William, and Thomas (it is believed he had a son named Charles too). John, born in 1715, established what is known as Travers Creek in Orange County, North Carolina. Descendants of this North Carolina lineage then moved to South Carolina before moving westward. 

The famous William Barret Travis, commander of the Republic of Texas during the Battle of the Alamo is a direct descendant of this Travers line.

William Barret Travis 1809-1836
WikiTree.com

Travers of Jamestown Island, Related to Travers (Travis) In North Carolina

Edward Champion Travers (Travis) of Jonestown Island was born in Lancashire, England. He had a tobacco plantation (Travis Plantation) on Jamestown Island and exported tobacco to his brother William Travers (Travis) who lived in Bandon Bridge, Cork, Ireland. Jamestown Island was largely owned by the Travis and Ambler families. The site of their early settlement is still being excavated by archeologists today. Edward Champion Travers (Travis) is believed to be the uncle of William Travis Jr. who settled in Pasquotank County, North Carolina.

Y-DNA Testing

More Y-DNA testing from different Travers/Travis and Vess families are needed to uncover more information about how all these families are related to one another.

If you are a direct male descendant with the Travers, Travis, or Vess surname and would like to help us further our research, please check out our Vess Family Y-DNA project.



Fall 2023: Vess Genealogy Recap

/ J. V. / 1 Comment

So, where are we at with VESS Genealogy in 2023! Here’s a recap:

Jonathan, Peter, and Nathaniel Vess: Getting Closer!

Sadly, the ultimate question about who the parents are for Jonathan, Peter, and Nathaniel Vess have yet to be answered…but, I think we are getting closer; as we continue to dig up new records and analyze new DNA information.

A New VESS Line Via Y-DNA Testing: Willis Vess of Alabama

With Y-DNA and autosomal DNA testing, we have discovered another VESS line: Willis Vess of Franklin (Colbert), Alabama.

We have 1 unknown Y-DNA tester who claims to be a descendant of Willis Vess and their results match with a descendant of Peter Vess, revealing that both lineages are of the same VESS family who are descendants of the earlier TRAVERS family (Haplogroup R1a2). However, to further confirm this, we are currently seeking another Y-DNA tester from the Willis Vess line.

According to available records, Willis Vess was born in 1810 in North Carolina and Peter Vess was born in 1791 in North Carolina. It is strongly believed that Willis and Peter Vess share an older ancestor in North Carolina…

VEST vs VEST: Untangling The VEST / VESS Web of Families

Early records of the VESS family are often found under the name VESS (oftentimes alternating between VEST, VOSS, & VESS). Even our earliest known ancestor, Peter Vess, has early records under the name VEST (later VESS). This is often confused with the early VEST family in Stokes County, North Carolina who are from Chesterfield County, Virginia.

Fortunately, the VEST family in Stokes County, North Carolina is well-documented (as well as it can be) and Y-DNA testing reveals that they are an entirely different Haplogroup than VESS; which allows us to better identify and sort out the different VESS/VEST families in Virginia & North Carolina (which is still an on-going project).

The VEST family is Haplogroup I, whereas the VESS family is Haplogroup R1a2.

The VEST family (Haplogroup I) are from Chesterfield County, Virginia, descendants of John Daniel Vest. We can follow a good portion of their lineage through probate and court records. William Tunwell Vest, son of John Daniel Vest, settled in North Carolina, creating confusion between VESS and VEST families. However, records show the VEST family settled in Winston-Salem area in Stokes County, North Carolina and Guilford County, North Carolina.

The father of Willis Vess in Franklin County, Alabama is said to be “John Vess,” and because records state Willis Vess was born in 1810 in North Carolina, he is often confused as the son of John Vest, son of William Tunwell Vest in Stokes County, NC. This is largely because census records between 1790-1810 only show one VEST family in North Carolina, and that is the VEST family in Stokes County. However, John Vest (Haplogroup I) never left North Carolina.

So, if Willis Vess is from North Carolina, but not related to the VEST (Halplogroup I) family, then where is this earlier VESS family in North Carolina?

Vess/Vest Family Hiding In Wilkes County, North Carolina Records

Between 1803-1810, we’ve uncovered a VESS/VEST family hiding in the Wilkes County, North Carolina court & tax records (they do not appear on census records): William, Pryor, Jonathan, Peter, and Absalom Vess/Vest.

*Records alternate between Vest & Vess; strongly suggesting they are VESS in origin, not VEST.

Absalom Vest married Hannah Raymond in 1808 in Wilkes County, North Carolina. Hannah is listed on the 1830 census as “Vess.” This Vest/Vess family left Wilkes County, North Carolina after 1810. In 1820, is when we start seeing records of our earliest known ancestors: Jonathan, Peter, Willis, and Nathaniel Vess.

White County, Tennessee: Pryor, William, Peter, & Willis

Pryor, William, and Peter Vest from Wilkes County, North Carolina settled in White County, Tennessee on Caney Fork River. Later land records include a Willis Vess.

This Vess/Vest family were part of a community known as Sparkmantown (later Van Buren County), which included the Dodson, Medley, Plummley, and Simmons families. Records show them as close neighbors and autosomal DNA data & family trees reveal them to be related to each other.

Earlier White County, TN census records show that the Vest family lived near the Hodge family from Patrick County, Virginia when it was Henry County (prior to 1791). They are listed near Samuel Vest (Vess) on tax records. The Hodge and Dodson families also appear in earlier Wilkes County, North Carolina records, suggesting they may have all traveled together (but this is not confirmed).

Signs of A Tennesse – Alabama Connection

Early records in Alabama are scarce due to a court-house fire.

Willis Vess comes into existence, like all the other earliest known Vess ancestors, after the 1820 census and later census records reveal that he was born in 1810 in North Carolina.

Later records also reveal a John P. Vess born in 1822 (related via autosomal DNA testing) whose birthplace alternates between North Carolina and Tennessee. Interestingly, John P. Vess married Mary Louise Simmons, a descendant of the Simmons family in White County, TN.

Other Tennessee hints, include a land record for Willis Vess referencing a William Vess as his “heir.” The question is, who is William Vess?

Also, in 1840, there is a “Peter Vess” listed in the newspaper for unclaimed mail at the Russellville post-office (post office used by the Willis Vess family). Could this be Peter Vess from White County, TN, whose last known record was dated 1830?

There is no evidence to prove Willis Vess in White County, TN is Willis Vess in Franklin County, Alabama; but there is circumstantial evidence to strongly suggest they are of the same Vess family.

An Even Earlier VESS family: Virginia

Tax and land records reveal a VESS (sometimes Vest/Voss) family in Patrick County, Virginia between 1782-1796. This Vess family includes Samuel, William, Peter, and Jonathan Vess.

Land records reveal that Samuel’s wife’s name was Catherine. Samuel, William, and Peter lived near the Mayo River (Patrick County/ Henry County border) near the Penn and Hairston plantations. Samuel and William obtained land from Abraham Penn’s property, suggesting they might have been indentured servants (but not confirmed).

Marriage records show that Peter married Pugnance Vaughn and Jonathan married Elizabeth Heron. It is listed on the marriage record, that Elizabeth’s father is named Andrew.

Samuel, William, and an earlier Peter Vess are believed to have earlier roots in Dunmore County, Virginia (Augusta Co.), according to Revolutionary War Records, whose name alternates between VESS and VASS. Research into Revolutionary War records has confirmed that the Samuel Vess from Dunmore County, VA is not the same Samuel Vest in Stoke County, North Carolina from Chesterfield Co. VA. They fought under different commands during the Revolutionary War.

Rockbridge County, Virginia Vess Family

If Samuel, William, and Peter Vess of Dunmore Co. VA (Augusta Co.) are all related as one Vess family, it is possible, that one line branched off to Rockbridge County, Virginia whose Y-DNA haplogroup has yet to be determined.

The Rockbridge Co. Vess Family believe they are descendants of the West family; however, early records do not show any WEST families in Rockbridge. There is, however, an Adam Vert, who came from Loundoun Co. (near Dunmore Co.), whose father is Conrad Vert. An early census record for Conrad Vert also shows a James and William Vess too.

Peter Vess: Pauper, Orphan, and a CROOK

During the 1840’s, Peter’s land was sold to the Souther family to resolve a $50 debt, suggesting Peter did die a pauper, as told as family history.

Vince Vess, family researcher, recently discovered that Catherine (Peter’s wife) is not a COOK but a CROOK!

We are still researching the CROOK and HAYNES families (Catherine’s lineage) for clues to Peter’s family and so far, I’ve come across some intriguing information suggesting Peter may have been an orphan:

1. Peter and Catherine’s children are predominately named after members of the CROOK and HAYNES family. They do not follow the traditional naming pattern during that time period, suggesting Peter probably didn’t know his family.

2. The CROOK family is from Ireland and has Ireland and Scottish ancestry. Stories that the VESS family is from Ireland, may have actually been the CROOK family.

3. Recent Y-DNA results now show that we are part of the TRAVERS family from England (not Ireland).

4. We also have stories that the VESS family had high respect for an “outlaw,” which could have been the CROOK family. During the 1830’s, the name CROOK took on the meaning “criminal,” and could have been misinterpreted as an “outlaw” in later generations. And, having Scottish ancestry, Catherine’s grandfather, Andrew CROOK, might have had red-hair, as described in the family story. Furthermore, the VESS family must have had a lot of respect for the CROOK and HAYNES family, to name their children after them.

The discovery of the CROOK and Haynes families has opened an entirely new chapter to VESS genealogy, as records show they all came together in 1804 in Rutherford County, North Carolina. It reveals our connection to families in Buncombe County, North Carolina and how our family came to be part of the Bill’s Creek community. Catherine’s grandfather, William Haynes, was the first pastor of Bill’s Creek Baptist Church and her father, John Crook, bought land joining William Haynes property in 1804.

Look for future posts regarding the CROOK and HAYNES families!

SOUTHER Family Connection

During my research, I noticed we keep running into the SOUTHER family from Wilkes County, North Carolina.

1. Hannah Vess (wife of Absalom Vest) is listed next to a Souther in Wilkes County, NC in 1830 (they are next to the Smoot family, where Jonathan Vess was a witness on a land record between Nathan Duncan and John Smoot (Brushy Mountain area).

2. A Souther is a member of Bill’s Creek Baptist Church during the same time as Peter Vess.

3. A Souther married the ex-wife of John Vess (Peter’s son), Elizabeth Taylor.

4. A Souther obtained Peter’s land, before his death.

5. A Souther is living next to Catherine’s mom in Buncombe County, NC in 1830.

6. I have autosomal DNA matches with direct descendants of the Souther family.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Peter Vess came to Rutherford County, NC with the Souther family. I am currently researching guardianship, bastardy bonds, and indentured servant records.

South Carolina Connections

Research at the moment suggests that Andrew Crook (Catherine’s grandfather) might be from Newberry South Carolina (now Abbeyville Co.). Some records mention a TURNER family, which is intriguing, because 1850 census records show a John Vess and Drucilla Turner in Abbeyville County, SC, whose origins are unknown. We also have a Turner connection in Patrick County, Virginia (Henry Co.) with Samuel Vess 1782. (More research is needed).

We know there is a VESS- South Carolina connection somewhere, because Nathaniel Vess is from South Carolina. Records strongly suggest that Nathaniel Vess came from Glassy Mountain, Greenville Co. South Carolina (The Dark Corners), as records show that the Bellew and Gosnell families predominantly lived in that area.

However, there are no records of a Vess family in South Carolina prior to 1850; except for an 1830 census for a “Polly Vess” in Greenville County, South Carolina.

Interestingly, Polly Vess is listed next to a William Plummley on the 1830 Greenville County, South Carolina census. His son Contsant Plummley is listed next to Nathaniel Vess and John Bellew on the 1830 Rutherford County, North Carolina census. Constant Plummley is also related to the Plummley family in White County, TN next to the Peter, Pryor, William, and Willis Vest/Vess family. Is there a connection?

Conclusion: Just An Opinion

I strongly recommend that readers and researchers come to their own conclusions and theories about Vess family genealogy. However, if you were to ask my thoughts, I would say the following:

I strongly believe, based on the available records and DNA information at this time, that the VESS family comes from Lancashire, England (not Ireland). At some point, our name was shortened from TRAVERS to VESS, likely through a series of different misspellings (VOSS, VISS, VEST, etc) over numerous generations.

During the Revolutionary War, the VESS family may have lived in Augusta County, Virginia and then later settled in Patrick County, Virginia (Pittsylvania Co), before making their way to Wilkes County, North Carolina. I strongly believe the VESS family then split ways after 1810, going to Texas, Tennessee, Alabama, North and South Carolina.

Information To Share Or Interested In Y-DNA Testing: Let’s Talk!

If you have any family stories to share or any information to add to Vess Genealogy, please email me at vessgenealogy@gmail.com.

If you are interested in participating in Y-DNA testing, please email vessgenealogy@gmail.com or reach out to us via Facebook!

We are currently seeking the following Y-DNA testers:

  • Direct VESS Male Descendant of unknown VESS origins
  • Direct VESS Male Descendant of Willis Vess (Alabama line)
  • Direct VESS Male Descendant of John P. Vess (Alabama line)
  • Direct VESS Male Descendant of Nathaniel Vess (South Carolina line)
  • Direct VESS Male Descendant of Jonathan Vess (Texas line)
  • Direct VEST Male Descendant of Absalom Vest (Wilkes / Iredell line)
  • Direct TRAVIS and TRAVERS Male Descendants of all TRAVERS/TRAVIS lines

    VEST, VOSS, and VASS families are welcome to test too!













Death of Pryor Vest (1831 Tennessee)

/ J. V. / 1 Comment

According to Sparta Recorder & Law Journal (Jan. 7, 1832), Pryor Vest died on December 29, 1831 in the Warren County jail from Typhus Fever.

Details of his death was published with reassurance his cause of death was not due to mistreatment of prisoners.

Why Pryor Vest was in prison, is unknown. Earlier Warren county records have been lost due to a court-house fire in 1852.

We do know that Pryor Vest was charged with assault in 1807 in Wilkes County, North Carolina, but was found not guilty. Wilkes County, NC, Pleas & Quarter Sessions Court Minutes 1805-1810
Transcribed by John A. McGeachy.

Pryor, William, and Peter Vest (unsure of their relation), settled in White County, Tennessee after 1810, with Pryor Vest obtaining land on Caney Fork in 1814 in an area later to be known as Sparkmantown in Van Burren County, which included the Dodson, Medley, Sparkman, Vest, and Simmon families.

You can see the Vess/Vest record history below.

YEARName Record Location
1814Pryor Vest Land RecordCaney Fork
1815Pryor Vest Land RecordCaney Fork
1815Pryor and William VestTax ListCaney Fork
1816Pryor and William VestTax ListCaney Fork
1817Pryor and William VestTax ListCaney Fork
1818Pryor and William VestTax ListCaney Fork
1819
1820Peter Vest Census RecordCaney Fork
1821
1822
1823Pryor and William VestTax List Caney Fork
1824Prior Vasse and William VassTax List Caney Fork
1825William Vest Tax List Caney Fork
1826William Vist and Willis Vist Tax List Caney Fork
1827
1829
1830Peter VestCensus RecordCaney Fork
1831Pryor Vest Death Warren County Jail (next to White Co)
Sources: Ancestry.com, Familysearch.org, and Newspapers.com Sparta Recorder & Law Journal Jan. 7, 1832

*There is no evidence to suggest Willis Vest of Tennessee is the same as Willis Vess of Alabama; however, there is circumstantial evidence (see previous posts) to strongly suggest they are both of the same Vess/Vest family.

Early Samuel and William Vess in Pittsylvania, Virginia

/ J. V. / Leave a comment

Pittsylvania, Virginia had many county changes. It includes Franklin, Henry, and Patrick Counties, making it difficult to locate records and follow families.

On Ancestry.com, I stumbled upon an incomplete family tree that led me to the early Pittsylvania records on Familysearch.org.

According to the family tree on Ancestry.com, Samuel Vess married a Mary Doss. It was noted on the family tree that this was concluded by their close proximity to each other on the tax list (above). It was also noted on the family tree that the tax record (not sure where) indicated that Samuel Vess did not reside in that county; which if true, could suggest this Samuel Vess is the same Samuel Vess in Henry/Patrick County, Virginia.

According to a land record that I recently discovered, indicated that the wife of Samuel Vess (in Patrick Co.) is Catherine. While I cannot confirm a Vess-Doss connection, I did find some other interesting things on this tax list above…

Listed is a Vaughn family. We have discovered a marriage record for Peter Vess (Henry co. – which was once Pittsylavania co.) married a Pugnance Vaughn. Also listed is an Alford family, which Betty Vess is mentioned as a witness with an Alford family for David Owen’s property in Pittsylvania Co.

A William Vess is also listed in this record, but on the next page.

It is possible (not yet confirmed though) that Samuel and William Vess from Dunmore County, Virginia ended up in Pittsylvania County, Virginia before the county split off to Henry and Patrick County.

Samuel, William, and Peter Vess: Revolutionary War Records of Dunmore Co. Virginia

/ J. V.


I’ve found the VESS name in records dating back to 1777 in Dunmore County, Virginia.

According to Revolutionary War records (below), Samuel, William, and Peter “Vess” served under Captain Joseph Bowman of Dunmore County, Virginia.

The record for Peter Vess is dated 1777 (Artillery). Samuel and William Vess come later, in 1778, with Samuel Vess serving the longest 1778-1779.

Dunmore County, Virginia

Dunmore County (1772-1778) was a temporary county in Virginia, which was formed from parts of Frederick County, now known as Shenandoah County.

Samuel Vess of Dunmore County, VA

Samuel Vess has numerous Revolutionary War records between 1778-1779 under the name “Vess” and “Vest” for the Continental Army, 2nd Virginia State Regiment (suggesting same person).

There is also a VASS record, which I believe belongs to Samuel “Vess.” The “VASS” record (pictured above), is for Samuel “Vass” of Frederick County, Virginia whose wife is Ann, and states they have 2 children.

There is also a 1775 census record for Dunmore County, Virginia for Samuel and William “Vess.”

Samuel Vess/Vass can also be found in books pertaining to the Scot-Irish communities in Augusta, Frederick, and Dunmore county. When it comes to county boundaries, Dunmore county used to be part of Frederick county that was once Augusta county; which is probably why Samuel VESS is indexed under different counties during the same time period, even though he probably resided in an area located in Dunmore County (or possibly on a county border).

This is not Samuel Vess and Ann McPherson of Rockbridge County, Virginia, as records indicate they were married much later (1833). This also doesn’t seem to be Samuel Vess in Patrick County, Virginia, whose wife is Catherine (1790). Nor is it Samuel Vest, the son of William Tunwell Vest in North Carolina. Therefore, this could be an older generation of VESS.

Not Samuel Vest, son of William Tunwell Vest

Samuel Vest, the son of William Tunwell Vest and Lucy Alford (Stokes Co., NC), filed a Revolutionary War pension application in 1833, in Washington County, Indiana.

Many family trees on Ancestry.com have linked the Revolutionary War records of “Samuel Vest of the 2nd Virginia State Regiment,” to him, which actually belongs to Samuel “Vess” of Dunmore County, VA.

Samuel Vest, the son of William Tunwell Vest (Vest family of Chesterfield, VA) was enlisted in Bedford Co. Virginia in 1779 and served under Capt. James Adams, whereas Samuel Vess of the 2nd Virginia State Regiment from Dunmore County, served under Jospeh Bowman and later Machen Boswell (who later commanded the 2nd Virginia State Regiment).

Rockbridge and Patrick County Vess Families: Could They Be Related?

The Vess family from Rockbridge County, Virginia has not completed any Y-DNA testing, so at this time, we do not know if they are VESS, WEST (per oral tradition), BESS, or VEST.

But, if the Rockbridge County Vess family is related to the North Carolina and Alabama Vess family, this older Samuel and Ann Vess generation, could be the connection, with their children splitting in different directions, one settling in Rockbridge County and the other settling in Patrick County (once Henry Co.).

It is important to note that the Great Wagon Road intercepted through both Rockbridge County and Henry County. It would also explain why the two VESS families do not appear as Autosomal DNA matches, (if related), as this shared ancestor (if true) would be too distant to detect, making both Vess families very distant cousins. Only Y-DNA testing can provide further insight into this theory.

Samuel Vess Henry/ Patrick County, Virginia

According to Fold3 , Certificate of compensation for Samuel Vess was signed off by Samuel Staples.

Samuel Staples was a clerk in Henry County, Virginia per a 1787 poll record shared on the Combs & families of Henry County genweb website regarding Abraham Penn, with familiar families like Penn, Duncan, Pigg, Dodson, Hairston, etc.

Is this evidence that the family of Samuel Vess of Dunmore Co. Virginia made their way to Henry County, Virginia? Is Samuel Vess, husband of Catherine Vess, a son of Samuel Vess of Dunmore Co. Virginia?

Further research is needed…

Resources:

  • Ancestry.com
  • Fold3
  • Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783; Microfilm Publication M246, 138 rolls; NAID: 602384; War Department Collection of Revolutionary War Records, Record Group 93; The National Archives in Washington, D.C.
  • “Colonial and Revolutionary Soldiers_page 153.” CONTENTdm, John Walter Wayland Papers, cdm17303.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p17303coll5/id/2100. Accessed 17 July 2023. 
  • “Shenandoah County Virginia GenWeb Project: Dunmore County Revolutionary War Soldiers
    Captain Joseph Bowman’s list of men living in the lower district of Dunmore County and under his command    .” 9 Nov 1999. Jackie and Warren.  Www.vagenweb.org, http://www.vagenweb.org/shenandoah/wars/rwbowmanlist.html. Accessed 17 July 2023.
  • Roster of Soldiers and Patriots of the American Revolution Buried in Indiana[database on-line].







William Voss: Surry County, North Carolina

/ J. V. / Leave a comment

Just recently, I found Peter Vess on an 1805 Wilkes County, North Carolina tax list in an area bordering Surry County, North Carolina, consisting of families who appear to have a genetic connection with VESS (Sparks, Rose, and Parks).

Between 1812-1814, there is a War of 1812 Muster Roll record with William and Peter Vest, whom of which are not seen on any VEST family trees. Could they be Vess?

While trying to dig up more information, I discovered an 1812 tax list (Thomason District) in Surry County, North Carolina, for a William VOSS. It is noted that he did not turn in his “list according to law.” Perhaps, because he was enlisted in the War of 1812.

The earliest known VOSS record near this county is Reverend Thomas VOSS who lived in Stokes County, North Carolina; appearing on Stokes County census records as early as 1800 near the VEST family in Winston-Salem area. His son William Voss, was born in Stokes Co. (not Surry), with his earliest record being the 1820 Stokes County census record. I do not believe the family of Thomas Voss ever lived in Surry County, NC.

Is This William Voss a Vest?

It’s not unusual for the VESS name to be transcribed as VOSS or VEST.

VEST and BRAY are listed in the War of 1812 record for Surry County (below). Thomas Bray is William Bray’s son (mentioned in the above tax record). The Bray family lived near Fisher River, close to the Wilkes county line.

Upon further investigation, the Sparks family (Benjamin Sparks) had properties along Little Fisher River too, as well as owning a property (Swan Pond) that specifically mentions being next to the Wilkes County line. Benjamin Sparks is the son of Reuben Sparks, whose family might have a maternal connection to VESS.

Peter Vest is later listed on the War of 1812 muster roll (2nd Regiment of Surry County) in 1814, with families who are also closely associated with the area close to the Wilkes County border (if not on the border).


I have not found any more VOSS records in Surry County, strongly suggesting this off-the wall Voss on the 1812 tax list maybe actually be a Vest/Vess.

The tax list suggests William Voss had land. He may not have a land record, but he might be mentioned in a neighbors land record. The task now is to pinpoint where this William Voss had land and who his possible neighbors might have been.

There is still a lot of exploring to do, but I feel like we are certainly on the right track!








Catherine Vess in Patrick County, VA 1790

/ J. V. / Leave a comment

The Patrick County Vess family is getting bigger! Samuel, William, Peter & Pugnance, Jonathan & Elizabeth (father Andrew Heron), Sarah, and now Catherine!

In the Henry County, Virginia land records [Deed books, v. 4-6 1788-1805 Familysearch.org], I discovered three “Vess” records. The remarkable part of this, is that the records are “Vess,” not “Vest.”

Two of the land records are between Samuel and Peter Vess and the other is between Samuel Vess and John Duncan. I still do not know if John Duncan is related to the Duncan family in Wilkes County, North Carolina.

One of the records, between Samuel and Peter Vess, (pg. 114-115), reveal that Samuel’s wife is named Catherine.

This is an amazing find, as it’s rare to find early genealogical records about spouses. It also confirms that Samuel Vess in Patrick County, Virginia in 1790 is not Samuel Vess in Rockbridge County, Virginia in 1800. Samuel Vess in Rockbridge County, Virginia was married to Mary Lyons/ Lenior.

The last record for Samuel Vess is dated 1795 in Patrick County, Virginia. So, what happened to Samuel and Catherine after that? And, what could Catherine’s maiden name be??





Peter Vest In Wilkes Co. North Carolina

/ J. V.

Who is Peter Vest listed on the War of 1812-1814 military record for Surry County, North Carolina??

Many believe this is Peter Vess of Rutherford County, North Carolina, husband of Catherine “Katie” Cook (CROOK). Others suggest he is related to William Tunwell Vest of Stokes County, North Carolina. But, I strongly believe it is Peter Vess of Patrick County, Virginia…

Peter Vest 1805

I’ve been trying to locate this Peter Vest for years! And then finally, he appeared on the 1805 Wilkes County Tax List- Capt. Thurmond District.

Looking at land records for those listed on this tax list, we find families that fall in line with DNA research by Vincent Vess (PARKS, SPARKS, & ROSE).

Capt. Thurmounds District is located near the Surry county border. They were probably close enough to the border that they probably often crossed into Surry County for business and thus, enlisted in Surry County during the War of 1812. Interestingly, several other men listed in the War of 1812 record can be found in Wilkes County too.

We can officially confirm that this is not Peter Vess of Rutherford County, North Carolina, for that Peter in Rutherford County, would have only been between 11-14 years old in 1805 (not old enough to be listed on a tax list).

Absalom Vest 1805

During the same year, listed in a tax list for a different district, we find Absalom Vest. Which I nearly missed, as it’s scribbled in Old English (below).

Absalom is listed on the same list as Reuben Parks, Joseph Souther, and Fletcher families. Which is really intriguing for several reasons…

Reuben Parks is also on the same tax list as Peter Vest. Like many residents in Wilkes County, he had many properties, which makes it difficult to pinpoint their exact homesteads. Did he live near the Surry County border or did he live in the Brushy Mountain area?

Even more intriguing is Joseph Souther. This Souther family is related to the Souther family who later attended Bill’s Creek Baptist Church in Rutherford County, NC with Peter Vess (1829), acquired land in Rutherford County, NC from Peter Vess to settle a debt (1846), married the ex-wife of John Vess (1854), and has a couple of direct descendants who appear to share autosomal DNA matches with Vess relatives.

The Souther family in Wilkes County may have connections with Absalom Vest too, as Hannah Vess is listed near them on the 1830 census records, which also includes John Smoot, who is mentioned in the 1805 land record in Brushy Mountain between the Fletcher brothers, where Jonathan Vess is listed as a witness.

We also see the Fletchers listed on the above tax list too, but they were prominent land owners in Wilkes County and largely involved in the local government, so it’s difficult to say what relationship the Vess and Fletcher families had, if any.

There Might Be More Hidden Vest Families

Vincent Vess sent me more DNA research which suggests some of the Vest’s listed on the William Tunwell Vest family tree, might actually be part of the Wilkes County Vess/Vest family. Inetrestingly, none of the Surry County Vest’s are listed on the William Tunwell Vest family tree – so who are they??

For example, this marriage record below.
Who is Anne and Issac Vest in Surry County and is Phililp Williams related to the William’s family that Absalom and Hannah Vest are always listed near on census? Could this Phillip William’s be the same Phillip Williams who died in Wilkes County in 1816?

Hopefully, further DNA and genealogical research will start to reveal more answers!

Sources

Familysearch.org, Tax records (Wilkes County, North Carolina), 1778-1908, 1805 List.

Ancestry.com. North Carolina, U.S., Marriage Records, 1741-2011 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015.
Original data:North Carolina County Registers of Deeds. Microfilm. Record Group 048. North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, NC.

Ancestry.com. North Carolina, U.S., Compiled Census and Census Substitutes Index, 1790-1890 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 1999. War of 1812.









June 2023 Updates

/ J. V. / Leave a comment

Hi Everyone!

Research in Vess Genealogy is on-going and with summer here, I hope to have more time to dig further into a bunch of new leads I have compiled since last summer!

I am at a point where research is slower than usual, because I am now digging through records that are not indexed. I am having to read every record in hopes to find a VESS or VEST. So far, leads from DNA research and other records have led me to some incredible records.

Wilkes County, North Carolina: Current Research

DNA research from Vincent Vess has led me mostly to Wilkes County, North Carolina where I continue to dig up more evidence of VESS/VEST families hiding in the shadows.

I discovered more evidence suggesting the Wilkes County, NC Vess/Vest family are the same families in White County, Tennessee and Patrick County, Virginia.

Also, in addition to Jonathan, Absalom, and William Vess/Vest, I have just recently discovered a Peter Vest too! While Jonathan and Absalom seem to have connections to the Brushy Mountain area, Peter appears to be in an area (on the Wilkes County border with Surry County) with families that fall in line with DNA research. Also in the area, is a well respected man known for his “red hair” (as mentioned in one of our oral traditions) and includes the Souther family who later has interactions with the Peter Vess family and may also have connections with Absalom.

The plot seems to thicken as research continues!

Recent Posted Discoveries

Crook Family: With the amazing DNA research done by Vincent Vess, we discovered and confirmed that Catherine “Katie” Cook is actually Catherine “Katie” CROOK.

This discovery has opened an entirely new chapter to Vess genealogy! There are a lot of new families and new stories to uncover on Catherine’s side!

Peter Vess in Alabama: While we still do not have solid evidence that Willis Vess is related to the Vess/Vest family in White County, TN, circumstantial evidence that they are related continues to pile up!

A Peter Vess appears in an 1842 newspaper article, on a list of letters at the Russellville post office, in Franklin County, Alabama! The only VESS we know of in the area at that time is Willis Vess. And, Simon Peter Vess hadn’t been born yet, so mail left at the post office is certainly not his!

Our Facebook Group

Be sure to invite those who may be interested in Vess genealogy to our Facebook Group!

I do my best to post updates about Y-DNA results, recent discoveries, newspaper clippings, pictures, and stories.

Please feel free to post and share any families stories and pictures, as we would all love to learn more about Vess family history!

DNA Testing

We are breaking through genealogy barriers with DNA testing! I wouldn’t have found the VESS/VEST family in Wilkes County, had it not been for DNA research pointing us in that direction!

We recommend Y-DNA and Autosomal DNA testing through FamilyTreeDNA . Autosomal DNA testing through FamilyTreeDNA helps us create a list of related families that we can use to help us locate earlier shared ancestors leading us to specific locations to dig for genealogical records.

We also have an active Y-DNA project that allows us to explore the very early origins of the VESS family and identify new family lines. This is how we discovered the Willis Vess line!

We still do not have any Y-DNA or autosomal DNA testers for the Jonathan Vess or Nathaniel Vess line.

If anyone knows a male TRAVIS, TRAVERS, or VESS of unknown origin, please check their autosomal results with cladefinder.yseq.net and let us know if it shows R1a or even better YP4141! This can help us identify and connect more Vess/Travers families.

Click here to visit Clade Finder.

Please email vessgenealogy@gmail.com with any questions about DNA testing.

Summer Goals: Introducing Travers Family History

This summer I hope to update the website with more information about the Travers family, our earlier “Vess” ancestors!

Although we do not know our exact lineage from the Travers family, we do have Y-DNA testing that confirms the North Carolina Vess families are in fact descendants of the early Travers family.

I would love to explore and post more about the early Travers family!

Wishing Everyone A Terrific Summer!